Some warships are listed with their own unit and again when detached to another

 

 

NORTH ATLANTIC COMMAND

Vice Adm Sir G Frederick B Edward-Collins KCB, KCVO

 

Base ship, Gibraltar - CORMORANT

 

Battleship - RESOLUTION (Capt A R Halfhide CBE) arr Gibraltar 16 Dec from Freetown.

 

Heavy cruiser - BERWICK (Capt G L Warren) arr Gibraltar 31 Dec

 

13th Destroyer Flotilla

25th Division - DUNCAN (Capt A D B James Actg, Lt Cdr A N Rowell from 13 Feb) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, ENCOUNTER (Lt Cdr E V St J Morgan) arr Freetown 31 Dec, ISIS (Cdr C S B Swinley DSC) arr Freetown 31 Dec

26th Division - VIDETTE (Lt E N Walmsley) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, VELOX (Lt Cdr E G Roper DSC) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, WISHART (Cdr E T Cooper) arr Gibraltar 29 Dec, WRESTLER (Lt E L Jones DSC) at Portsmouth repairing to comp 30 Jan.

 

8th Submarine Flotilla - shore establishment PIGMY (Cdr G B H Fawkes) at Gibraltar, submarines OLYMPUS (Lt Cdr H G Dymott) arr Gibraltar 29 Dec, OTUS (Lt Cdr E C F Nicolay) arr Gibraltar 4 Jan, PANDORA (Lt Cdr J W Linton) arr Gibraltar 14 Jan.

 

7th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine trawlers ARCTIC RANGER (SO, Cdr J H Young Rtd), ERIN (Actg Cdr J O Davies RNR), HAARLEM (Ty Lt L B Merrick RNVR), KINGSTON CHRYSOLITE (Ty Lt R L Green, RVR) dep 29 Dec for Liverpool, LEYLAND (Lt Cdr A Wilkinson RNR), LORD HOTHAM (Sk J W Morris RNR), all at or dep Gibraltar

 

92nd Minesweeping Group - minesweeping trawlers CLYNE CASTLE (Lt T Fraser RNR), HONJU (Ch Sk J Bowie RNR), both at Gibraltar

 

Contraband Control Service - armed boarding vessels ACHROITE (Sk G W H Mortlock RNR), ALOUETTE (Lt Lord Churston RNVR), ANGLIA (Lt R McCready RNR), CHARLES McIVER (Lt B T R Russell RNR), FEASIBLE (Sk C C Findlay RNR), IMPERIALIST (Pbty Ty Lt P E Kitto RNR), KINGSTON JACINTH (Lt Cdr A Ayre Rtd) dep 29 Dec for Liverpool, KINGSTON TOPAZ (Cdr W L Smith RNR), KINGSTON TURQUOISE (Lt L A White RNR) dep 29 Dec for Liverpool, LOCH OSKAIG (Lt Cdr S Darling RANR), LORNA (Actg Lt R Atkinson RNR), ROSABELLE (Lt H H Brown RNR), SAYONARA (Cdr H Hamilton Rtd), SCOTTISH (Cdr S A Brooks OBE Rtd), TIERCEL (Lt R R L Rosoman RNR Rtd) at Greenock, otherwise all at or dep Gibraltar

 

Tugs - ST DAY (Lt Cdr J Sharples RNR Rtd), ST OMAR (no CO listed), both at Gibraltar

 

 

FORCE H

Vice Adm Sir James F Somerville KCB, DSO

 

Battlecruiser - RENOWN (Flag, Somerville, Capt C E B Simeon, Capt R R McGrigor from 23 Jan) arr Gibraltar 30 Dec

 

Battleship - MALAYA (Capt A F E Palliser DSC) arr Gibraltar 24 Dec

 

Aircraft carrier - ARK ROYAL (Capt C S Holland) at Gibraltar on eight hours notice.

 

Light cruiser - SHEFFIELD (Capt C A A Larcom) arr Gibraltar 30 Dec

 

8th Destroyer Flotilla (Capt A F de Salis) - FAULKNOR (de Salis) arr Gibraltar 30 Dec, FEARLESS (Cdr A F Pugsley) Troon, FIREDRAKE (Lt Cdr S H Norris DSO, DSC) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, FORESIGHT (Lt Cdr G T Lambert, Cdr J S C Salter from 14 Jan) at Liverpool, FORESTER (Lt Cdr E B Tancock DSC) arr Gibraltar 31 Dec, FORTUNE (Lt Cdr E N Sinclair) arr Gibraltar 29 Dec, FOXHOUND (Lt Cdr G H Peters DSC) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, FURY (Lt Cdr T C Robinson) arr Gibraltar 31 Dec

 

 

MEDITERRANEAN FLEET

 Vice Adm Sir Andrew B Cunningham KCB, DSO on WARSPITE,

promoted to Admiral 3 Jan 1941

 

Base ship - NILE (Rear Adm F Elliott OBE Rtd, Actg Rear Adm G H Creswell DSO, DSC from 5 Feb)

 

1st Battle Squadron (Rear Adm H B Rawlings OBE on BARHAM) - battleships BARHAM (Capt G C Cooke), VALIANT (Capt C E Morgan DSO) arr 24 Dec, WARSPITE (Capt D B Fisher CBE) arr 24 Dec, all arr or at Alexandria

 

Aircraft carriers (Rear Adm A L St G Lyster CB, CVO, DSO on ILLUSTRIOUS) - EAGLE (Capt A R M Bridge CBE) at Alexandria, ILLUSTRIOUS (Capt D W Boyd CBE, DSC) arr Alexandria 24 Dec

 

3rd Cruiser Squadron (Rear Adm R de F Renouf DSO) - heavy cruiser YORK (Capt R H Portal DSC) dep Suda Bay 30 Dec, light cruisers GLASGOW (Capt J W Cuthbert Actg) at Alexandria undergoing temporary repairs. GLOUCESTER (Flag, Capt H A Rowley) dep Suda Bay 30 Dec

 

7th Cruiser Squadron (Rear Adm Light Forces, Rear Adm H D Pridham-Wippell CB, CVO, promoted to Vice Adm on 3 Jan 1941) - light cruisers AJAX (Capt E D B McCarthy) arr Suda Bay 1 Jan, LIVERPOOL (Capt A L Poland DSO, DSC) at Alexandria undergoing temporary repairs, ORION (Flag, Capt G R B Back) arr Alexandria 23 Dec, Australian PERTH (Capt Sir Philip W Bowyer-Smith Bt) arr Suda Bay 1 Jan, SYDNEY (Capt J A Collins CB RAN) at Malta

 

Attached cruiser - light cruiser SOUTHAMPTON (Capt B C B Brooke) dep Aden on 25 Dec, arr Alexandria 30 Dec

 

Anti-aircraft ships - anti-aircraft cruiser CALCUTTA (Capt D M Lees DSO) dep Suda Bay 30 Dec, COVENTRY (Capt D Gilmour) at Alexandria, damaged, repairs comp 20 Jan, destroyer WRYNECK (Lt Cdr R H D Lane) arr Alexandria 23 Dec

 

2nd Destroyer Flotilla (Capt H St L Nicolson DSO) - HASTY (Lt Cdr L R K Tyrwhitt) arr Gibraltar 24 Dec, HAVOCK (Cdr R E Courage DSO, DSC) at Malta, HEREWARD (Cdr C W Greening) dep Gibraltar 25 Dec, HERO (Cdr H W Biggs DSO) dep Gibraltar 31 Dec, HOTSPUR (Cdr H F H Layman DSO) at Malta, ILEX (Nicolson) arr Alexandria 24 Dec, IMPERIAL (Lt Cdr C A De W Kitcat) at Malta

 

10th Destroyer Flotilla (Capt H M L Waller DSO)

Division 19 - Australian destroyers STUART (Capt Waller RAN) at Malta to comp 31 Dec, VAMPIRE (temporarily Waller while STUART repairing, Cdr J A Walsh RAN) arr Alexandria 20 Dec, VENDETTA (Lt Cdr R Rhoades RAN) dep Alexandria 23 Dec, VOYAGER (Cdr J C Morrow DSO RAN) arr Alexandria 22 Dec with WATERHEN, WATERHEN (Lt Cdr J H Swain) arr Alexandria 1 Jan damaged

Division 20 - DAINTY (Cdr M S Thomas DSO) dep Alexandria 31 Dec, DECOY (Cdr E G McGregor DSO) at Malta, DEFENDER (Lt Cdr G L Farnfield) dep Suda Bay 24 Dec, DIAMOND (Lt Cdr P A Cartwright) arr Alexandria 31 Dec

 

14th Destroyer Flotilla (Capt P J Mack DSO)

Division 27 - JANUS (Cdr J A W Tothill) arr Alexandria 24 Dec, JERVIS (Mack) arr Alexandria 30 Dec, JUNO (Cdr St J R J Tyrwhitt) arr Alexandria 24 Dec, MOHAWK (Cdr J W M Eaton) arr Alexandria 1 Jan, escorting WATERHEN, NUBIAN (Cdr R W Ravenhill) arr Alexandria 30 Dec with MOHAWK

Division 28 - GALLANT (Lt Cdr C P F Brown DSC) dep Port Said 31 Dec, GREYHOUND (Cdr W R Marshall A'Deane DSC) arr Alexandria 30 Dec, GRIFFIN (Lt Cdr J Lee-Barber DSO) dep Suda Bay 30 Dec

 

1st Submarine Flotilla (Capt S M Raw) - depot ship MEDWAY (Raw) at Alexandria, submarines OSIRIS (Lt Cdr J R G Harvey) dep Alexandria 22 Dec for Gibraltar, arr Malta 29 Dec, OTUS (Lt Cdr E C F Nicolay) dep Alexandria 21 Dec for Gibraltar, arr Malta 29 Dec, PANDORA (Lt Cdr J W Linton) arr Alexandria 28 Dec, PARTHIAN (Cdr M G Rimington DSO) dep Malta 29 Dec, PERSEUS (Lt Cdr P J H Bartlett) at Malta repairing to comp 18 Mar, REGENT (Lt Cdr H C Browne) arr Malta 25 Dec, RORQUAL (Cdr R H Dewhurst DSO) arr Alexandria 17 Dec, ROVER (Lt Cdr H A L Marsham) arr Alexandria 22 Dec, TETRARCH (Lt Cdr R M T Peacock) dep Malta 28 Dec, TRIUMPH (Lt Cdr W J W Woods) dep Gibraltar 27 Dec, TRUANT (Lt Cdr H A V Haggard) dep Malta 28 Dec, UNIQUE (Lt A F Collett) dep Gibraltar 27 Dec on patrol, UPHOLDER (Lt M D Wanklyn) dep Gibraltar 27 Dec on patrol, arr Malta 14 Jan, UPRIGHT (Lt E D Norman) arr Malta 24 Dec, URSULA (Lt A J MacKenzie) at Gibraltar repairing to comp 16 Jan, USK (Lt P R Ward) arr Gibraltar 23 Dec, UTMOST (Lt Cdr J H Eaden DSC, Lt R D Cayley on 31 Jan) at Malta repairing to comp 2 Feb

On 8 Jan, Cdr G W G Simpson arrived at Malta to command the U-class submarines, designated 10th Submarine Flotilla on 1 September and based at Malta

Corvettes - GLOXINIA (Lt Cdr A J C Pomeroy RNVR) at Malta repairing, HYACINTH (Actg Lt Cdr F C Hopkins RNR), PEONY (Lt Cdr M B Sherwood DSO Rtd), SALVIA (Lt Cdr J I Miller DSO RNR), all but one arr Alexandria 31 Dec

 

4th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine trawlers BERYL (Cdr J C Bird Rtd), CORAL (Mid F H Walton RNR), JADE (Btswn J Hughes), all at Malta

 

5th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine trawlers BANDOLERO (SO, Lt Cdr F M W Harris RNR) lost 30 Dec, LOCH MELFORT (Pbty Ty Lt F Graham-Browne RNR) dep Haifa 17 Dec, LYDIARD (Lt D M Gibb RNR) arr Alexandria 25 Dec, SINDONIS (Ch Sk G Rawding RNR) at Alexandria, VICTORIAN (Ch Sk M A Smith RNR) arr Suez 21 Dec

 

16th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine whalers KOS.19 (Lt I H Davis RNR), KOS.21 (Ty Lt Cdr I F H Wilson RNVR), KOS.22 (Lt H D Foxon RNR), KOS.23 (Lt Cdr J J Reid RNVR), SYVERN (Lt Cdr R E Clarke RNR), all at Durban fitting ASDICs

 

28th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine trawlers KINGSTON CORAL (Sk W Kirman RNR) arr Alexandria 27 Nov from Suda Bay, KINGSTON CRYSTAL (Lt Cdr G H P James RNR) dep Alexandria 14 Dec, KINGSTON CYANITE (Sk F A Yeomans RNR) arr Alexandria 6 Nov, WOLBOROUGH (SO, Lt F A W Ramsey Rtd) dep Alexandria on 20 Dec

 

Minesweeping Flotilla - minesweepers ABINGDON (Lt G A Simmers RNR) at Malta, BAGSHOT (Lt Cdr J F B Cage RNVR) dep Alexandria 7 Dec, DERBY (Lt F C V Brightman) arr Alexandria 19 Dec, FAREHAM (SO, Lt W J P Church) at Piraeus, FERMOY (Lt Cdr J G D Wetherfield) at Malta, HUNTLEY (Lt Cdr H R A King RNR) arr Alexandria 27 Dec, STOKE (Cdr C J P Hill Rtd) at Alexandria.

 

91st Minesweeping Group - minesweeping trawlers ARTHUR CAVANAGH (Ty Sk T W Kirby RNR), MILFORD COUNTESS (Ty Sk E W Oxborough RNR), both at Alexandria, MUROTO (Ty Sk J Willis RNR), RAGLAN CASTLE (Sk G Buchan RNR) both at Port Said

 

109th Minesweeping Group - minesweeping whalers SKUDD III (Lt A F Harkness RNR), SKUDD IV (Ty Lt (E) T Holm RNR), SKUDD V (S/Lt R A N Cox RNR), SWONA (Lt W F Duffy RCNVR) all dep Freetown 21 Dec for Simonstown via St Helena

 

142nd Minesweeping Group - minesweeping whalers SARNA (Ty Sk W T Allen RNR), SOIKA (Ty Lt (E) L Olsen RNR), SOTRA (Actg Lt J M Davies RCNVR), SVANA (Ty Lt (E) T Olsen RNR) all arr Durban 22 Dec

 

Minesweeping trawlers - EMPYREAN (Pbty Ty Sk W F Salenius RNR), RETURNO (Ty Lt E R Crane RNVR), both at Gibraltar

 

Minesweeping drifters - GIRL MARGARET, PLOUGH BOY (no COs listed) both at Malta

 

Auxiliary minesweepers - BLUE DANUBE (Lt Cdr N D Watts-Russell Rtd) at Port Said, No.1 and No.2 (no COs listed), both at Haifa

 

Gunboats (administered by Captain Submarines, Med) - APHIS (Lt Cdr J O Campbell DSO Rtd) dep Alexandria 31 Dec for Sollum, CRICKET (Lt Cdr E B Carnduff from 11 Jan) at Bombay, LADYBIRD (Lt Cdr J F Blackburn Rtd) dep Alexandria 31 Dec for Sollum

 

Motor Anti-Submarine Boats - MA/SB.2 (Lt Cdr R M Prior DSC Emgcy) at Alexandria, MA/SB.3 (Lt J C LaPage) at Alexandria

 

Supply ship - RELIANT (Master C H Noel) at Alexandria

 

Repair ship - RESOURCE (Capt D B O'Connell Rtd) at Alexandria

 

Monitor - TERROR (Cdr H J Haynes DSC) dep Alexandria 22 Dec

 

Controlled minelayer - MEDUSA (Btswn F Farmer) at Malta

 

Netlayer - PROTECTOR (Cdr R J Gardner) arr Alexandria 20 Dec

 

Fleet Target Service - tugs MOY (Lt V G Palmer), OUSE (LR J E Grice), ST ISSEY (Lt J H W Howe RNR), all at Alexandria

 

Drifters - CRESCENT MOON (no CO listed) at Port Said, EDDY (Ch Sk J Carnie RNR) at Malta, FELLOWSHIP (Ty S/Lt S Barrie RNR) at Suda Bay, LANDFALL (Actg S/Lt M F B Williams RNVR) at Port Said, LANNER (Sk W Stewart RNR) at Suda Bay, SUNSET (Ch Sk R Cowie RNR) at Malta

 

Contraband Control Service – armed boarding vessels ARPHA (Cdr F M Smith RD RNR) at Port Said, CHAKLA (Cdr L C Bach RD RNR) dep Alexandria 21 Dec, FIONA (Lt J B Shillitoe RNR) arr Alexandria 24 Dec, ROSAURA (Capt R Spencer RD RNR) arr Suda Bay 16 Dec, SURF (Ty Lt D C Wilson RNVR) at Port Said

 

Tugs - EMILY, WEST COCKER (no COs listed) both at Malta

 

Boom defence vessels - BARBETTE (Ty Lt E J P Webster RNR) dep Colombo 26 Dec for Port Said, BURGONET (Ty Lt C T Grantley RNR) arr Port Said 22 Dec, MAGNET (Ty Boom Sk J W Hogarth RNR) at Alexandria, WESTGATE (Ty Boom Sk A Stewart RNR) at Malta

 

Supply ships - BRECONSHIRE (Capt C A G Hutchenson Rtd) arr Alexandria 23 Dec, KNIGHT OF MALTA, arr Alexandria 22 Dec, ULSTER PRINCE (Cdr F A Bond RD RNR Rtd) dep Piraeus 24 Dec

 

Red Sea Force

Rear Adm A J L Murray DSO, OBE

 

Depot ship - LUCIA (Flag, Cdr C R de B L Townsend Actg, Rtd)

 

Light cruisers - CALEDON (Capt C P Clarke) dep Aden 29 Dec, LEANDER (Capt R H Bevan) dep Bombay 27 Dec

 

Anti-aircraft cruiser - CARLISLE (Capt G M B Langley OBE, Capt T C Hampton in Jan) arr Aden 29 Dec

 

Destroyers (Cdr W G A Robson) - KANDAHAR (SO, Robson) arr Suez 28 Dec, KIMBERLEY (Lt Cdr J S M Richardson) arr Aden 29 Dec, KINGSTON (Lt Cdr P Somerville DSO) dep Aden 30 Dec for Bombay.

 

Sloops - AUCKLAND (Cdr J G Hewitt DSO) dep Aden 29 Dec, FLAMINGO (Cdr J H Huntley) arr Aden 26 Dec, GRIMSBY (Cdr K J D'Arcy) arr Suez 25 Dec, SHOREHAM (Cdr G P Claridge) dep Aden 29 Dec, Australian PARRAMATTA (Lt Cdr J H Walker MVO RAN) dep Aden 30 Dec, YARRA (Lt Cdr W H Harrington RAN) arr Port Sudan 27 Dec, Indian CLIVE (Cdr H R Inigo-Jones RIN) dep Port Sudan 27 Dec, Indian HINDUSTAN (Cdr I B W Heanly RIN) arr Aden 30 Dec, Indian INDUS (Cdr E G G Hunt RIN) dep Aden 29 Dec

 

Indian anti-submarine vessels - NETRAVATI (Lt G P Ranson RIN) dep 20 Dec for Aden, PARVATI (Pbty S/Lt H A Romer RINVR) dep 31 Dec, RATNAGIRI (Lt H M Clark RIN) dep 24 Dec, all dep Bombay

 

 

SOUTH ATLANTIC COMMAND

Vice Adm R H T Raikes CB, CVO, DSO

 

Base and Accomodation ship - EDINBURGH CASTLE (Capt E M Palmer OBE Rtd) at Freetown

 

Force K

 Rear Adm W F Wake-Walker CB, OBE

 

Aircraft carrier - FORMIDABLE (Capt A W La T Bisset) dep Scapa Flow 18 Dec

 

Heavy cruisers - DORSETSHIRE (Capt B C S Martin) dep Freetown 27 Dec, NORFOLK (Flag, Wake-Walker, Capt A J L Phillips) dep Scapa Flow 18 Dec

 

Force L

 

Aircraft carrier - HERMES (Capt R F J Onslow MVO, DSC) dep Freetown on patrol 3 Dec

 

Light cruiser - DRAGON (Capt R J Shaw MBE) dep Freetown 3 Dec on patrol.

____________________

 

Seaplane carrier - ALBATROSS (Actg Capt W G Britain) at Freetown

 

Attached cruisers - heavy cruisers CORNWALL (Capt P C W Manwaring) arr Simonstown 28 Dec for refitting, comp 22 Feb, dep 28 Feb, CUMBERLAND (Capt Hon. C H E Russell) dep Freetown 1 Dec, DEVONSHIRE (Capt R D Oliver DSC) arr Simonstown 26 Dec, cruiser HAWKINS (Capt H P K Oram) arr Freetown 30 Dec, light cruisers DELHI (Capt A S Russell) dep Lagos 23 Dec for Manoca, DUNEDIN (Capt R S Lovatt) dep Gibraltar 29 Dec, ENTERPRISE (Capt J C Annesley DSO) dep Montevideo 15 Dec, NEPTUNE (Capt R C O'Conor) dep Freetown 28 Dec, NEWCASTLE (Capt E A Aylmer DSC) dep Freetown 10 Dec

 

Sloops - BRIDGEWATER (Cdr H F C Leftwich Rtd) arr Freetown 28 Dec, MILFORD (Capt S K Smyth Rtd) arr Freetown 20 Dec, French sloop SAVORGNAN DE BRAZZA (CC Roux) at Durban refitting to comp 17 Jan, French patrol boat PRESIDENT HOUDUCE at Duala

 

Corvettes - ASPHODEL (Lt Cdr K W Stewart Rtd) dep Freetown 29 Dec, CALENDULA (Lt Cdr A D Bruford RNVR) at Freetown repairing, CLEMATIS (Cdr Y M Cleeves DSO, DSC, RD RNR), CYCLAMEN (Lt H N Lawson RNR), GERANIUM (Lt Cdr A Foxall RNR Actg), JONQUIL (Lt Cdr R E H Partington RNR), last four dep Ponta Delgada 29 Dec

 

Armed merchant cruisers - ALCANTARA (Capt J G P Ingham DSO Rtd) at Southampton repairing, ASTURIAS (Capt H Ardill Rtd) dep Capetown 13 Dec, QUEEN OF BERMUDA (Capt G A B Hawkins MVO, DSC, Capt A T G C Peachey from 1 Feb) arr Montevideo 18 Dec

 

Freetown Convoy Escort Force – armed merchant cruisers ARAWA (Actg Capt G R Deverell Rtd) at Belfast repairing to comp 3 Jan, BULOLO (Capt R L Hamer DSO Rtd) arr Freetown 28 Dec, CANTON (Capt C P Frend) at Freetown, CARNARVON CASTLE (Capt H N M Hardy DSO Rtd) arr Capetown 20 Dec, CATHAY (Capt C McC Merewether Rtd) dep Freetown 16 Dec for Clyde, CORFU (Capt J P Landon Rtd) at Freetown in damaged state, ESPERANCE BAY (Capt G S Holder Rtd) dep Freetown 22 Dec, MOOLtAN (Capt C G Sutclif Rtd) at Tyne repairing, MORETON BAY (Actg Capt E M Haes, Capt C C Bell Rtd from 5 Jan) at Tyne repairing to comp end of Feb, PRETORIA CASTLE (Capt E J Shelley Rtd) dep Simonstown 14 Dec

 

Free French Patrol vessels - VIKINGS dep Freetown 29 Dec for Duala, VAILLANT arr Clyde 29 Nov (French crews)

 

6th Anti-Submarine Group - anti-submarine trawlers BENGALI (Ty Sk E E Barnes RNVR) repairing, KELT (Sk W Mc K Smith RNR), PICT (Lt Cdr W N M Faichney RNR), SPANIARD (Lt Cdr F J Webster RNR), TURCOMAN (Ty S/Lt W T Hodson RNVR) all at Freetown

 

Norwegian anti-submarine whalers - FALK, HEKTOR VI, KLO, THORBRYN, THORGRIM, TORDONN (no COs listed), all at Capetown

 

93rd Minesweeping Group - minesweeping sloops COMMMANDANT DUBOC (French crew) at Duala, COMMANDANT DOMINE (French crew) at Lagos, minesweeping trawlers GENERAL BIRDWOOD (Sk W J Taylor RNR) at Freetown, MAPLE (Ty Lt E S Phillips RNR) at Freetown repairing, REDWOOD (Sk T H Kay RNR) at Freetown, ST MINVER (Ch Sk J Duthie RNR) at Freetown

 

154th Minesweeping Group - minesweeping trawler POLAR V (Ty Lt K Hendriksen RNR), SKUDD VI (Ty Lt (E) O M Amundsen RNR), both arr Ponta Delgada 31 Dec

 

Controlled minelayer - SNAKEFLY (Lt O H Pullman RNR) at Freetown

 

Minesweeping trawler - WILLIAM SCORESBY (Cdr H Petit-Dann Rtd) at Port Stanley

 

Minesweeping drifter (tender to HAWKINS) - ROYDUR (Ty F R Jakeman RNVR) at Port Stanley

 

Auxiliary minesweeping vessels - ARUM, NERINE, tug NGUVU, all at Capetown

 

Base repair ship - VINDICTIVE (Actg Capt J B Heath) arr Freetown 31 Dec

 

Boom defence vessels - BARBROOK (Ty Lt S Wardell RNR), BARCASTLE (Actg Ty Warrant Mech A Burchell RNR), QUANNET (Ty Lt W P Jones RNR), all at Freetown

 

 

AMERICA AND WEST INDIES STATION

 

Base ships - BUZZARD (Cdr (A) J F W C Hawkins) at Jamaica, GOSHAWK (Capt (A) R de H Burton) at Trinidad, MALABAR (Vice Adm Charles E Kennedy-Purvis KCB) at Bermuda, PURSUIVANT (Cdr R B Martin Rtd) at Port Stanley

 

8th Cruiser Squadron - light cruisers CARADOC (Capt J S Bethell) arr Bermuda 27 Dec, DESPATCH (Capt C E Douglas-Pennant DSC, Cdre 2/c) arr Nassau 30 Dec, DIOMEDE (Capt J W Farquhar) dep Kingston 20 Dec, DUNEDIN (Capt R S Lovatt) det to South Atlantic Command (q.v.)

 

Submarine - PORPOISE (Lt Cdr J G Hopkins) dep Halifax 26 Dec

 

Attached Dutch sloop - VAN KINSBERGEN (Dutch crew) dep Nassau 9 Dec

 

Ocean boarding vessel - LADY SOMERS (Cdr G L Dunbar RNR) fitting out Quebec

 

Halifax Escort Force

 

Depot ship - trawler SEABORN (Rear Adm S S Bonham-Carter CB, CVO, DSO) at Halifax

 

Battleships - REVENGE (Capt E R Archer) arr 26 Dec, ROYAL SOVEREIGN (Capt H B Jacomb) arr 28 Dec, both arr Halifax

 

Canadian destroyers - ASSINIBOINE (Capt G C Jones, Cdre 2/c RCN), RESTIGOUCHE (Cdr H N Lay RCN), both arr Halifax 26 Dec

 

Dutch submarine – O.15 (Lt H M L F E van Oostrom Soede) at Halifax

 

Armed Merchant Cruisers - ALAUNIA (Capt H J Woodward DSO Rtd) dep Halifax 26 Dec, ASCANIA (Capt C H Ringrose-Wharton Rtd) arr Halifax 12 Dec, AURANIA (Actg Capt L W Whiteborn) arr Bermuda 21 Dec, AUSONIA (Capt G H Freyberg CBE Rtd) dep Halifax 10 Dec, CORMORIN (Capt J L Hallett Rtd) arr Halifax 24 Dec, LACONIA (Capt G G P Hewett Rtd) dep Halifax 1 Jan, MALOJA (Actg Capt V Hammersley-Heenan Rtd) dep Halifax 23 Dec, MONTCLARE (Capt H M Spreckley Rtd) dep Bermuda 31 Dec, RAJPUTANA (Capt F H Taylor DSC Rtd) dep Halifax 30 Dec RANPURA (Actg Capt H T W Pawsey) arr Halifax 31 Dec, VOLtAIRE (Actg Capt J A P Blackburn Rtd) dep Bermuda 21 Dec

 

 

EAST INDIES COMMAND

Vice Adm R Adm Leatham

 

Base ship, Ceylon - LANKA

 

Heavy cruiser - SHROPSHIRE (Capt J H Edelsten) arr Mombasa 31 Dec

 

Light cruisers - CAPETOWN (Capt P H G James) dep Colombo 29 Dec, CERES (Capt E G Abbott AM, Capt D M L Neame DSO from Feb) dep Mombasa 2 Jan, COLOMBO (Capt C A E Stanfield) dep Mombasa 2 Jan.

 

Armed Merchant Cruisers - ANTENOR (Capt D I McGillewie Rtd) arr Colombo on 29 Dec, CARTHAGE (Capt H L I Kirkpatrick OBE Rtd) arr Colombo 2 Jan and Bombay on 6 Jan, HECTOR (Capt F Howard DSC Rtd) at Colombo refitting to comp 6 Jan, KANIMBLA (Capt F E Getting) dep Mauritius 26 Dec, RANCHI (Capt C T A Bunbury OBE Rtd) dep Durban 31 Dec

 

Sloops - FALMOUTH (Cdr C C Hardy, Cdr U H R James from 15 Jan) on patrol in Straits of Hormuz, Indian sloops CORNWALLIS (Cdr H C Beauchamp RIN) at Khor Kuwai, Oman, LAWRENCE (Lt A T J Cole RIN) dep Karachi 21 Dec

 

Submarine - X.2 (captured Italian GALILEO GALILEI, Lt Cdr P E H Heathfield Rtd) at Suez

 

Gunboats - COCKCHAFER (Lt Cdr A F Roberton-Aikman) at Basra, GNAT (Lt Cdr S R H Davenport) arr Alexandria 28 Dec, TARANTULA (Cdr R C Creer RAN Rtd at Colombo

 

Anti-submarine trawlers - AMBER (Actg S/Lt P Le M Andrews RNR) at Aden, MOONSTONE (Lt Cdr P G Britten RNR Rtd) at Bombay refitting to comp 10 Jan.

 

Minesweepers – minesweeper WIDNES (Lt Cdr R B Chandler), minesweeping trawler OVERDALE WYKE (Ty Lt N M Waldman RNR), both at Colombo

 

Contraband Control Service vessels - CHAKDINA (Lt Cdr W R Hickey RNR) arr Aden 24 Dec, CHANTALA (Lt Cdr C E I Gibbs Rtd) dep Aden 18 Dec, PERRONELLE (no CO listed) at Aden, SAGITTA (Cdr J O Dunn RD RNR) arr Aden 24 Dec

 

Boom Defence Vessels - BARNET (Sk W Thompson RNR) dep Colombo 30 Dec, PLANET (Ty Boom Sk D Cowie RNR) at Aden, SANDGATE, SOUTHGATE (no COs listed), both at Trincomalee

 

Boom Defence Tender - MAJESTIC (no CO listed) at Trincomalee

 

Boom Carrier - LAOMEDON (Cdr J J E Barclay RD RNR) at Aden

 

 

CHINA STATION

Vice Adm Sir Geoffrey Layton

 

Base ships - SULTAN (Rear Adm T B Drew OBE), TAMAR (Cdre A C Collinson)

 

5th Cruiser Squadron - light cruisers DANAE (Capt F J Butler MBE Actg) at Hong Kong repairing, DAUNTLESS (Capt G D Moore RAN) arr Penang 21 Dec, DURBAN (Capt J A S Eccles) at Singapore

 

Destroyers - SCOUT (Lt Cdr D H Harper Rtd, Lt Cdr H Lambton from Feb) at Hong Kong, STRONGHOLD (Lt Cdr R Alexander, Lt Cdr G R Pretor-Pinney Rtd from 18 Mar), TENEDOS (Lt Cdr J O'B Milner Barry), both at Singapore, THANET (Lt Cdr J Mowlam), THRACIAN (Cdr A L Pears Rtd), both at Hong Kong

 

Yangzte gunboats (Administered by Commodore Hong Kong) - GANNET (Cdr A F St. G Orphen) at Chungking laid up, FALCON (Lt Cdr R S Abram) at Wushan, MANTIS, at Shanghai awaiting scrapping, PETEREL (SNO Shanghai, Actg Cdr H V Creer RAN Rtd) at Shanghai, SANDPIPER (Pbty Ty S/Lt J H Taylor RNVR) at Changsha laid up, SCARAB (Lt Cdr J A Agnew) at Singapore, SCORPION (Ty Lt Cdr L J Hegarty DSC RNR) at Singapore, TERN (Lt Cdr M H R Crichton) at Hong Kong

 

West River gunboats (under orders of Commodore Hong Kong) - CICALA (Lt Cdr G H Gandy Rtd), MOTH (Ty Lt J Douglas RNR), both at Hong Kong, SEAMEW (Lt Cdr N R Murch) at Canton

 

Gunboats - DRAGONFLY (Lt A H Diack), GRASSHOPPER (Cdr J S Hoffman Rtd), both at Singapore

 

Auxiliary anti-submarine vessels - KEDAH (Lt Cdr E Neville) at Singapore, SHU KWANG (Cdr A D Thomson DSC RNR Rtd), TIEN KWANG (Ty Lt W G Briggs RNR), both at Trengganu

 

2nd Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla - MTB.7 (Lt R R W Ashby HgKgNVF), MTB.8 (Lt L D Kilbee HgKgNVF), MTB.9 (Actg S/Lt A Kennedy RNVR), MTB.10 (SO, Lt Cdr J C Boldero DSC Rtd), MTB.11 (Lt C J Collingwood), MTB.12 (S/Lt W E Richards RNVR), MTB.26 (Lt M J de C Carey), MTB.27 (S/Lt T M Parsons HgKgNVF), all at Hong Kong

 

Minesweepers - ABERDARE (Lt Cdr G Nelson Rtd) refitting, HARROW (Lt G C Hocart Rtd), both at Singapore

 

Survey ships - ENDEAVOUR (no CO listed), HERALD (Pbty Ty E R Maples RNR), both at Singapore

 

Controlled minelayer - REDSTART (Lt Cdr H C S C Selby Rtd) at Hong Kong

 

Boom defence vessels - ALDGATE (Ch Sk J H Cowling DSM RNR), BARLANE (Ch Sk F Bremner RNR) BARLIGHT (Ty Lt A w. Skelly RNR), all at Hong Kong, BARRICADE (Ty Lt H W Clouston RNR), BARRIER (Ch Sk R E Souter RNR), DOWGATE (Ty Boom Eng R P W Tonkin RNR), FASTNET (Ch Sk R Thompson RNR), LUDGATE (no CO listed), all at Singapore, WATERGATE (Ch Sk J W Cowling RNR) at Hong Kong

 

 

 

3. DOMINION and INDIAN NAVIES

 

 

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Rear Adm J G Crace

 

Only Australian units deployed in Australian Home Waters are listed here,

Overseas deployments are shown in their respective commands

 

Heavy cruiser - CANBERRA (Flag, Capt H B Farncomb MVO RAN) dep Sydney 30 Dec

 

Light cruisers - ADELAIDE (Capt H A Showers RAN) arr Noumea 29 Dec, HOBART (Capt H L Howden OBE RAN) dep Fremantle 29 Dec for Sydney.

 

Armed merchant cruisers - MANOORA (Actg Capt A H Spurgeon RAN) dep Samarai 29 Dec for Ocean Island, WESTRALIA (Capt H V Hudson OBE Emgcy RAN) dep Colombo 23 Dec

 

20th Minesweeping Flotilla - sloop SWAN (Lt Cdr A J Travis RAN), minesweeping vessel ORARA (Lt J G S Fyfe RANR), both arr Port Phillip Bay 26 Dec

 

Sloop - WARREGO (Cdr R V Wheatley RAN) arr Port Phillip Bay 26 Dec

 

Anti-submarine patrol vessels - BINGERA (Lt Cdr E W Livingstone RANR (S) at Fremantle, BONTHORPE (Lt Cdr F W Blaydon, RANR) location not given, MORESBY (Cdr W H Martin RAN) arr Cairns 22 Dec

 

Auxiliary anti-submarine vessels - BATHURST (Lt Cdr A V Bunyan RANR (S) at Port Phillip Bay, BERYL II (Ty WO J D Lawrie RANR (S) at Victoria, COOLEBAR (Lt Cdr R A Nettlefold RANR) at Sydney, GOOLGWAI (Lt Cdr J P Tonkin Emgcy RAN) at Sydney, GUNBAR (Lt N H Muzzell RANR (S) at West Australia, HEROS (Ty Lt C H Brown RANR (S) at Sydney, KOROWA (Ty Comm Officer from WO rank J H Reynolds DSC RANR (S) at West Australia, KYBRA (Lt Cdr G L Cant) at Sydney, OLIVE CAM (Ty Comm Officer from WO rank S Armstrong RANR (S) at West Australia, ST GILES (Ty Lt H A Litchfiled RANR (S) at Sydney, TAMBAR (Lt J H P Dixon RANR) at West Australia, TOLGA (Lt Cdr J H Malley Emgcy RAN) at Sydney, TONGKOL (Ty WO W J Edmonds RANR (S) at Sydney, WYRALLAH (Lt Cdr G D Tancred RAN) at Fremantle, YANDRA (Lt J A Tapin RANR (S) at Fremantle

 

Auxiliary minesweeping trawlers - ALFIE CAM (Lt Cdr N J Trace RANR), DURAWEEN (Lt Cdr C W J Patterson RANR), GOONAMBEE (Lt Cdr E W Andrewartha RANR), SAMUEL BENBOW (Lt Cdr K M Levy RANR), no locations given

 

Boom defence vessels - KANGAROO (Pbty Ty Lt L C Parnell RANR (S), KOALA (Btswn E D Wilder RAN), both at Sydney, KOOKABURRA (Lt H R Gaskill RANVR) at Darwin

 

 

ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY

 

Base ships - NADEN (Capt V G Brodeur RCN) at Esquimalt, STADACONA (Capt H E Reid RCN) at Halifax

 

Armed merchant cruisers - PRINCE DAVID (Ty Cdr W B Armit RD RCNR) at Halifax refitting, PRINCE HENRY (Capt J C I Edwards RCN) fitting out, PRINCE ROBERT (Ty Cdr F G Hart RCN) dep Callao 15 Dec

 

Destroyers - ANNAPOLIS (Cdr C D Donald RCN), COLUMBIA (Lt Cdr S W Davis Rtd) dep 26 Dec, ST CROIX (Cdr H Kingsley RCN), ST FRANCIS (A/Cdr H F Pullen RCN) arr 25 Dec, all arr, at or dep Halifax

 

Auxiliary anti-submarine vessels - ACADIA (Lt Cdr H G Shadforth RCNR), FRENCH (Lt J W Bonner RCNR), SANS PEUR (Actg Lt Cdr W C Halliday RCNR), all at Halifax, WOLF (Lt G A Gow RCNR) at Esquimalt

 

Minesweeping trawlers - ARMENTIERES (Lt T MacDuff RCNR) at Esquimalt, COMOX (Lt R R Kenney RCNR), FUNDY (Actg Lt Cdr A G Stanley RCNR), GASPE (Actg Lt Cdr H D Mackay RCNR), NOOTKA (Lt Cdr W J Fricker RCN), all but one at Halifax

 

Armed yachts - ELK (Lt Cdr N V Clark RCNR), HUSKY (Lt H Freeland RCNR), both arr Bermuda 23 Dec, REINDEER (Lt Cdr E G Skinner RCNR), SKY (no CO listed), both at Halifax

 

Patrol vessel - LAURIER (Lt R A S MacNeil RCNR) at Halifax

 

Boom defence vessels - FESTUBERT at Halifax

 

 

ROYAL INDIAN NAVY

See also Red Sea Force and East Indies Command for operational warships

 

Depot ship - DALHOUSIE (Cdr A R Rattray RIN) at Bombay

 

Training ship - DUFFERIN (no CO listed) at Bombay

 

Survey ship - INVESTIGATOR (Lt Cdr W J C Hughes RIN, Cdr H C Beauchamp RIN from 11 Jan) at Bombay

 

Trawler - MADRAS (S/Lt R Williams RIN)

 

 

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY
Only New Zealand units deployed in New Zealand Home Waters are listed here,

Overseas deployments are shown in their respective commands

 

Depot and training ship - PHILOMEL (Capt E Rotherham) at Auckland

 

Light cruiser - ACHILLES (Capt H M Barnes) dep Sydney 29 Dec for Auckland.

 

Armed merchant cruiser - MONOWAI (Actg Capt H V P McClintock) dep Auckland 31 Dec

 

25th Minesweeping Flotilla - minesweeping trawlers GALE, MATAI (SO), MURITAI (Ty S/Lt R Matheson NZRNVR), PURIRI, RATA (only one CO listed), all at Auckland

 

Auxiliary Minesweepers

Group I - DUCHESS (no CO listed), HUMPHREY (Ty Lt J Holt NZRNVR), WAKAKURA (Actg Cdr A D Holden NZRNVR) all at Auckland

Group II - FUTURIST, SOUTH SEAS (no COs listed), both at Wellington

Group III - JAMES COSGROVE (Lt Cdr H H Jones NZRNR), THOMAS CURREL (Ty Lt A G Nilsson NZRNVR), both at Lyttelton

 

 

UNION GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

 

Auxiliary anti-submarine trawlers - BLOOMVLEI (Sk S B Petzer SARNVR), MOOIVLEI (Sk H A Crons SARNVR), RONDEVLEI (Lt R P Dryden Dymond RNVR (SA), SMALVLEI (Lt J Leask SDF) all at Simonstown

 

Anti-submarine trawlers - SOUTHERN FLOE (Ty Lt J E J Lewis SARNVR), SOUTHERN ISLE (Ty Lt A C Matson SARNVR), SOUTHERN MAID (SO, Ty Lt Cdr A F Trew SARNVR), SOUTHERN SEA (Ty Lt A Thomas SARNVR), all dep Durban 15 Dec for Alexandria.

on to British Construction Programmes, January 1941
or back to RN Day-by-Day Homepage

revised 7/4/12