A Class AMC convoys continued

HMS Ausonia was escort for the following convoys (Public Records Office, Kew):

 

Convoy HX 12 Cruising Order
Departed Halifax on 12^th December 1939 and arrived Liverpool on 27^th December (35 ships).

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Dunaff Head      British             Grain / General Destination Dublin	21 Scottish Star      British            Refrig / General        Destination Liverpool	31 Scholar               British              Cotton & Carb             Destination;     Liverpool	41 Corabella       British          Wheat   Destination Liverpool	51 San Diego         French          Foodstuffs        Destination   London	61 Pacific Exporter   British           Fresh Fruit        Destination London	71 Medon    British       Can Salmon Destination  London	81 Athelprincess    British         Crude Oil Destination  Dunkirk	91 British Science    British          Gas Oil Destination  London
12 Bengore Head British       General         Destination Belfast	22 Caledonian Monarch                 British Grain   Destination Liverpool	32 Domby British       Iron Ore         Destination   Cardiff	42 Elona      British  Petroleum  Destination Liverpool	52 Riley    British   Wheat  Destination Cardiff	62 Barrgrove   British            Wheat        Destination  Hull	72 King James   British            Wheat        Destination  Hull	82 Rockpool   British            Grain        Destination  London	92 Niceto de Larrinaga   British            Flour        Destination  London
13 Baron Maclay British       Scrap Steel         Destination Glasgow	23 Botwey                 British Flour   Destination Glasgow	33 Temple Yard British       Wheat         Destination   Avonmouth	43 Merchant Royal      British    Flour / Wheat  Destination Falmouth	53 Geo H Jones    American   Crude Oil  Destination Soton	63 Montrolite   British            Crude Oil        Destination  Soton	73 San Felix   British            Fuel Oil        Destination  Shell Haven	83 C.V. Doornum   British            Pulpwood        Destination  London	93 Nailsea Moor   British            Grain        Destination  Liverpool
14 Sirikishna British       Iron Ore         Destination Glasgow	24 Box Hill                 British Wheat   Destination Hull	34 Arndale British                Destination   Clyde	44	54 Sandsend    British   Grain  Destination Soton	64 F.S. Fales               Crude Oil        Destination   Le Havre	74 Mactra    British            Crude Oil        Destination  Le Harve	84 James Magee   American            Crude Oil        Destination  Le Harve	94 Athelchief   British            Crude Oil        Destination  Le Harve

 

Convoy Commodore was in Pacific Exporter, station 61. Vice Commodore was in Scholar, station 31.

Ocean Escorts were HMS Ausonia and S/MV Pasteur.

 

Convoy HX 23 Cruising Order

Departed Halifax on 26^th February 1940 and arrived Liverpool on 12^th March (26 ships).

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Manchester Division      British              General Destination Manchester	21 Manchester Brigade      British             General        Destination Manchester	31 Tekoa               British              Refrig Food / Wool             Destination     Milford Haven	41 Pacific Grove       British          General   Destination London	51 HMS Ausonia         Escort	61 Pacific Enterprise   British           General        Destination London	71 Loch Dee    British       Grain Destination  Hull	81 Port Fairy    British         Refrig Food Destination  London	91 Benvenue    British          Wool Destination  London
12 Prince Rupert City British       Maize         Destination Liverpool	22 Iroquois                 British Diesel Oil   Destination Manchester	32 Gregalia British       General         Destination   Avonmouth	42 Hartlebury      British    Grain Destination Falmouth	52	62 Vancouver   British            Gasoline        Destination  London	72 Karabagh   British            Benzine        Destination  London	82 Dover Hill   British            General       Destination  London	92 Langleetarn   British            Grain        Destination  Hull
13 Niceto de Larrinaga British       Flour         Destination Glasgow	23 Cliona                 British  Fuel Oil  Destination Liverpool	33 Norwegian British       Metal / General         Destination   Avonmouth	43 Bolton Castle      British     Wheat  Destination Falmouth	53	63	73 Ruperra   British            Grain        Destination  Leith	83 San Casimiro   British            Fuel Oil        Destination  London	93
14	24 King Robert                 British    Destination Liverpool	34 Silverelm British    General            Destination   Liverpool	44 Ferncourt   Norwegian  Destination  Dunkirk	54	64 Eleni               Greek    General        Destination   Le Havre	74 Oilfield    British            Gasoline        Destination  London	84 San Arcadio   British                    Destination  Dunkirk	94

Port Fairy was in collision with Loch Dee. Both vessels returned to Halifax.

Ruperra lost touch during fog on the 27-02-1940 and did not rejoin the convoy.

 

 

 

 

Convoy HX 29 Cruising Order

Departed Halifax on 21^st March 1940 and arrived Liverpool on 4^th April (29 ships).

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Melmore Head      British              General Destination Dublin	21 Pacific Star      British             Refrig / General        Destination Liverpool	31 Invershannon               British                           Destination     Scapa	41 Sulairia       British          General   Destination Glasgow	51 HMS Ausonia         Escort	61 Pontfield   British           Gasoline        Destination Scotstown	71 Beaverford    British       General Destination  London	81 Hopecrest    British         Wheat / Lumber Destination  London	91 Ganges    British          Sugar Destination  London
12 Wayfarer British       General         Destination Liverpool	22 Georgios Potamianos                 Greek General   Destination Liverpool	32 Conus   British       Fuel Oil         Destination   Scapa	42 Pecten      British    Admiralty Fuel Destination Clyde	52	62 Rudby   British            Sugar        Destination  Greenock	72 Gold Shell   British            Lube Oil        Destination  Falmouth	82 Adula   British            Gas / Oil       Destination  London	92 Wray Castle   British            Grain        Destination  Liverpool
13 Caledonia Monarch British                Destination Liverpool	23 Adelfoi Chandri                Greek   Lead / Lumber  Destination Liverpool	33 Amakura British       General         Destination   Liverpool	43 Coryton      British     Scrap Steel  Destination Glasgow	53	63 Mactra     British      Fuel Oil   Destination  Milford Haven	73 Hartbridge   British            Wheat        Destination  London	83 British Chivalry   British            Fuel Oil        Destination  Sheerness	93 Point Arena  American   Copper / Trucks    Destination Le Harve
14	24	34 Suderholm Norwegian    General            Destination   Liverpool	44 Virgilia   British  Destination  Milford Haven	54	64 Condylis               Greek    General        Destination   Le Havre	74 Cadillac    British                    Destination  Falmouth	84 Harberton   British        Scrap Steel              Destination  Grangemouth	94 Nellie               Greek    General        Destination   Le Havre

 

 

Suderholm, Adula and Point Arena lost touch with the convoy on 22^nd 23^rd March.

Conus did not sail – instead she went out with the next convoy, HX 30.

Commodore was in Sulairia, Vice Commodore in Beaverford, and Rear Commodore in Pacific Star.

Ocean Escorts: HMS Ausonia and S/M Beveziers.

 

Convoy HX 44 Cruising Order

Departed Halifax on 20^th May 1940 and arrived Liverpool on 3^rd June (33 ships).

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Stanwell      British              Scrap Destination Glasgow	21 Beckenham      British             Wheat        Destination Liverpool	31 Newfounland             British                           General  Destination     Liverpool	41 San Fabian       British          Crude Oil   Destination Liverpool	51 Langleetarn  British        Scrap Steel  Destination Swansea	61 Blairmore   British           Pit Props        Destination Falmouth	71 San Gerdo    British       Crude Oil Destination  Downs	81 Nailsea Moor    British         Grain Destination  Hull	91 Mahronda    British          General Destination  London
12 Corner Brook British       Paper / Steel         Destination Dublin	22 Grainton                 British Wheat   Destination Belfast	32 Llanishen   British          Wheat         Destination   Liverpool	42 Olev          Lumber Destination Mersey	52 Blairesk   British            Pit Wood        Destination  Falmouth	62 Baron Yarborough  British            Pit Props        Destination  Falmouth	72 Malayan Prince   British            General        Destination  London	82 Geo H. Jones   American            Crude Oil       Destination  Southampton	92 Hollinsid   British            Scrap Metal        Destination  Hull
14 Norman Monarch British    Scrap Iron            Destination Birkenhead	24 Cordelia                British   Fuel Oil  Destination Scapa	34 Dramatist British       General         Destination   Manchester	44 Araka      British     General  Destination Liverpool	54 Pontfield   British            Gasoline        Destination  London	64 Port Melbourne     British      Refrig   Destination  London	74 Acavus   British            Crude Oil       Destination  Paulliac	84 H.H. Rogers   American            Crude Oil        Destination  Le Harve	94
15 Inver shannon   British  Fuel Oil Destination  Scapa	25 San Ernesto   British   Gasoline Destination  Milford Haven	35 San Arcadio British    Crude Oil            Destination   Ardrossan	45 Charles Racine   Norwegian  Crude Oil  Destination  Liverpool	55 Goldmouth   British  Destination  Falmouth	65 Polarsol               Norwegian    Benzine        Destination   Falmouth	75 Europe    Norwegian Crude Oil                    Destination  Bordeaux	85	95

 

 

Commodore was in Newfoundland, Vice Commodore in Malayan Prince and Rear Commodore in Arakaka (from Bermuda).

Ocean Escort: HMS Ausonia.

 

 

 

Convoy HX 56 Cruising Order

Departed Halifax on 7^th July 1940 and arrived Liverpool on 22^nd July (48 ships).

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Celtic Monarch      British              Pit Props Destination Hartlepool	21 Donacilla     British             Lube Oil        Destination London	31 Beechwood             British                           Pit Props  Destination     Hull	41 Pacific Grove       British          General   Destination London	51 Sulairia  British        General  Destination Glasgow	61 Europa   British           General        Destination Liverpool	71 Dalcairn    British       Grain Destination  Liverpool	81 Bayano    British         General Destination  Liverpool	91 Queen City    British          General Destination  Manchester
12 Brynymore British       Grain         Destination Hull	22 Inger Toft                 British    Pit Props   Destination Tyne	32 Vancouver   British          Kerosene         Destination   London	42 Tricula          British Fuel Oil Destination Thames	52 Granby  * British            Timber        Destination  Clyde	62 Eastern Trader  American            General        Destination  Liverpool	72 British Ardour   British            Benzine        Destination  Belfast	82 Montreal City   British            General       Destination  Milford Haven	92 Shirak   British            Benzine        Destination  Belfast
13 Warkworth British                Destination London	23 Uffington Court                British   Grain  Destination London	33 Kirnwood British       Timber         Destination   London	43 King Robert      British     Steel / Pit Props  Destination Hartlepool	53 Brockley Hill   British            Timber        Destination  Clyde	63 Thyra     Norwegian      Pulp Wood   Destination  Manchester	73 Kelet  *  Hungarian            Iron Ore       Destination  Milford Haven	83 Bengore Head    British            General        Destination  Belfast	93 Dosinia    British            Gasoline        Destination  Belfast
14	24	34	44 Gunborg   Swedish    Destination  Clyde	54	64 Forbes Hauptmann               American            Destination   Birkenhead	74 Silverelm    British                    Destination  Liverpool	84 Barrgrove    British      Steel               Destination  Hull	94 Everleigh    British                    Destination  Avonmouth
15 Hopepeak British       Wheat         Destination Hull	25 Alexia  *               British  Fuel Oil   Destination Scapa	35 Ahamo   British          Fuel Oil         Destination   Scapa	45 Craftsman          British Explosives Destination Liverpool	55 Speybank   British            Nitrates        Destination  Liverpool	65 Empire Confidence  British            Explosives        Destination  Clyde	75 Ruahine   British            Wool / Dairy        Destination  Liverpool	85 Atheltemplar   British            Fuel Oil       Destination  Clyde	95 Beemsterdijk   Dutch            General        Destination  Belfast
16	26 Western Prince                 British	36 Auris    British          Crude Oil         Destination   Clyde	46 Iroquois          British Gas Oil Destination London	56 San Conrado   British            Gasoline        Destination  Clyde	66 Flowergate  British            Sugar         Destination  Methil	76 Athelviking   British            Admiralty Fuel        Destination  Clyde	86 Rancher   British            Explosives       Destination  Liverpool	96 Port Wellington   British                    Destination  Avonmouth
17	27	37 British Courage   British          Fuel Oil         Destination   Clyde	47 Bruxelless          Belgian       Sugar Destination Liverpool	57 Storaas   Norwegian            Fuel Oil        Destination	67 Sea Giant  * British            Salvage Tug	77	87

 

 

Commodore, Rear Admiral Peyne was in Europa, Vice Commodore H. S. Pearley was in Pacific Grove and Rear Commodore in Sulairia.

Ships in row 5 through row 7 (except Western Prince) joined from Bermuda, escorted by HMS Ausonia. Western Prince joined at 20:00 on the 19th in 56 30N 13 44W – reason for delay unknown.

The ships denoted * were unable to maintain pre-arranged convoy speed. They are crossed out on the form, having dropped out of the convoy, Sea Giant already while in the Bermuda section. Granby dropped out on the 7th due to engine failure and was sent back to Halifax, while Kelet dropped out at 05:00 on the 8th.

The Commodore is not impressed with the ships’ ability to keep their stations, saying it was the worst he had ever experienced, and is equally critical with regard to visual and W/T signalling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convoy HX 60 Cruising Order

Departed Halifax on 23^rd July 1940 and arrived Liverpool on 7^th August (60 ships).

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Beaverhill      British              General Destination London	21 Maasdam     Dutch             General        Destination London	31 British General             British                           Fuel Oil  Destination     London	41 Daphnella       British          Benzine   Destination Clyde	51 Moveria  British        General  Destination Glasgow	61 Manchester Citizen   British           General        Destination Manchester	71 Bassano    British       General Destination  Liverpool	81 Clumberhall    British         Steel / Lumber Destination  Cardiff	91 Empire Springbuck    British          Scrap Iron Destination  Milford Haven
12 Uganda British       Pit Props        Destination Methil	22 Belcrest                 British    Grain   Destination Methil	32 Dalblair   British          Grain         Destination   Methil	42 Tafelberg          British       Fuel Oil Destination Clyde	52 Ringstad Norwegian           General        Destination  Glasgow	62 Dromore  British            General        Destination  Liverpool	72 Geraldine Mary   British            Newsprint        Destination  Manchester	82 King Idwal   British            Pig Iron       Destination  Milford Haven	92 British City   British            General        Destination  Milford Haven
13 King Alfred British Pit Props               Destination Methil    Sunk 7 Dead	23 Llanishen                British   Maize  Destination Leith	33 Loch Lomond British       Steel / Lumber         Destination   Hull	43 Andrea Brovig      Norwegian     Fuel Oil  Destination Clyde	53 Margarita Chandri   Greek            Grain        Destination  Glasgow	63 Manchester Exporter     British      General   Destination  Liverpool	73 San Marcos   American            General       Destination  Liverpool	83 Nestos    Greek            Scrap Iron        Destination  Milford Haven	93 W. Hendrik   British            Iron Ore        Destination  Cardiff
14 Saturmus Dutch       Pulp Wood         Destination   Methil	24 Beatus British       Pit Props         Destination   Hartlepool	34 Mabriton British       Steel / Lumber         Destination   Hartlepool	44 Cape Nelson   British    Destination  Glasgow	54 Olaf Bergh Norwegian       Scrap Iron         Destination   Manchester	64 American Oriole               American  Newsprint Destination   Manchester	74 Porjus   Swedish    Pit Props   Destination  Manchester	84 Erviken    Norwegian    Steel               Destination  Swansea	94 Simonburn    British       Wheat        Destination  Milford Haven
A14 Gogovale British       Flour         Destination Methil    Sunk 3 Dead	A24 Winterswijk              Dutch     Pit Props   Destination Hartlepool	A34 Sea Giant   British          Ballast         Destination   Glasgow	A44 Heron          British  Ballast Destination Glasgow	A54 San Felix   British            Fuel Oil        Destination  Liverpool	A64 Llangleetarn  British            Steel Powder        Destination  Birkenhead	A74 Baron Minto   British            Pig Iron        Destination  Mersey	A84 Thala   British            Iron Ore       Destination  Newport	A94 Thornlea   British            Grain        Destination  Belfast
B14	B24	B34	B44	B54 Lewant   Polish            General        Destination  Manchester	B64 Lyras     Greek            Timber         Destination  Methil	B74 Papalemos   Greek            Timber        Destination  Cardiff	B84 Bilderijk   Dutch            General       Destination  Belfast	B94 Graigwen   British     Grain               Destination  Belfast
15 Catrine   British          Lumber         Destination   Methil	25 Clea   British          Diesel & Gas         Destination   Methil	35 Scottish Heather   British          Admiralty Fuel         Destination   Invergordon	45 Explorer          American       General Destination Manchester	55 Amastra   British             Oil Fuel        Destination    Clyde	65 Rosewood British            Fuel Oil       Destination   Clyde	75 Indora   British          General         Destination   Liverpool	85 Cusodian   British          General         Destination   Liverpool	95
16 Athel Viscount British       Admiralty Fuel         Destination Scapa	26 Anglo Peruvian              British     Lumber / Wheat    Destination Methil	36 Boka     Yugoslavian          General         Destination   Methil	46	56 Solfonn   Norwegian            Fuel Oil        Destination  Clyde	66 Dalfonn  Norwegian           Admiralty Fuel        Destination  Clyde	76 Davila   British            Fuel Oil        Destination  Milford Haven	86 El Mirlo   British            Gasoline       Destination  Manchester	96

 
The ships in the last 2 rows joined from Bermuda (Convoy BHX 60), escorted by HMS Alaunia.

Commodore, Vice Admiral R. A. Hornell was in Manchester Citizen, Vice Commodore; Vice Admiral Austin was in British General, and Rear Commodore in Explorer (from the Bermuda section).

The Commodore says the convoy had 59 ships, 54 of which were still present at rendezvous with local escort – however, there are more that 59 listed on the form.

Gogovale, King Alfred and Geraldine Mary were sunk by U 52 on Aug. 4.

Britain and Greece both had a ship named Heron; the former was 2374 gt, the latter 1516 gt. The commodore says in his comments that this was a small ship which was unable to maintain convoy speed, so perhaps this was the Greek one?
Sea Giant (British salvage tug, ex USN Contocook 1940) was also unable to maintain speed.
Papalemos, Mabriton, Porjus and Lewant became stragglers (the latter 2 rejoined at rendezvous) – time and position of departure unknown.

The Commodore states that visual and W/T signalling was poor with the exception of Bassano, Geraldine Mary, Dromore and Ringstad. As for ability to keep the stations, the column leaders are judged to be excellent, with Dromore particularly good, as well as Explorer from the Bermuda section.

Ocean Escort: HMS Ausonia sailed with the convoy from Halifax until rendezvous with local escort at 05:45 GMT on Aug. 4.
Local Escort: Canadian destroyer HMCS St. Laurent, British destroyers HMS Fortune, HMS Vanoc, HMS Winchelsea, the sloop HMS Sandwich and 1 corvette.

Convoy HX66 August 1940

Departed Halifax on Aug. 16-1940 and arrived Liverpool on the 31st. (51 ships in this convoy)

Commodore was in Bassa, Vice Commodore Rear Admiral H. C. Allen in Cairnesk. The Commodore says the convoy had 51 ships. Empire Scout fell out of the convoy during the night of Aug. 20/21 due to engine trouble, rejoined on the 29th. Helgøy fell out during the night of Aug. 24/25. Merchant Royal was missing when the Bermuda section (BHX) joined Halifax portion on Aug. 20. Yorkmoor was sent back to Sydney Aug. 18 – unable to keep up with convoy speed

Escorts: HMS Ausonia, until 14:00 on Aug. 27, 55 45N 23W, HMCS Assiniboine, HMCS Ottawa, HMS Mackay (destroyer), HMS Jason, HMS Hibiscus and HMS Heartsease (both corvettes).

The Commodore seems happy with the ships’ ability to keep their stations, in particular Gregalia, Empire Tiger and Vaalaren. Similarly, he brags about Gregalia, Esmond, Karamea, Empire Penguin and Coultarn for their visual and W/T signalling.

Commodore of HX 66A (after HX 66 had split at rendezvous point on Aug. 28) was H. C. Allen in Cairnesk, and Vice Commodore was Captain J. Davitt in Esmond. Escorts were HMS Jason and HMS Hibiscus, from “split position to arrival Firth of Forth (Methil)”. Air escort was present during “daylight hours Thursday 29th August and periodically during 30th and 31st August 1940.” This part of the convoy consisted of 19 ships, 16 were still present upon arrival, 3 ships having been sunk as follows:

Commodore Allen’s notes for HX 66A – dated Aug. 31-1940:
British S.S. Mill Hill, British Chelsea and Norwegian Norne, all torpedoed and sunk between 01:25 and 01:40 on Friday 30th August 1940 in approximate position 58 48N 06 50W.

Commodore’s notes on station keeping and signalling – HX 66A:
Station keeping “very good indeed, except Queen Maud who was generally astern of station. Signalling was “very good except Norwegian Grado who was very slow in answering signals.” Esmond (Captain Davitt), Gregalia (Captain Bankiers), Dornoch (Captain Davies) and Thistlegorm (name of Master unknown) were column leaders and were “magnificently handled, and particularly helpful and smart in signalling. They were a great help to me.”

Commodore Allen adds: “Commodores should be informed as far as possible (especially when approaching focal points such as North Channel and Pentland Firth) of the presence of other convoys.

Report of Commander T. A. Powell R.N. of an interview with the Commanding Officer, HMS Mackay, on his return from escorting Convoy HX 66 (dated Sept.-1940):

There were two incidents, one before the convoy had “split” into its two portions, and one after.

First incident:
At 19:58/28th August, convoy HX 66, consisting of 53 ships in 8 columns was in position 58 06N 13 ?6W. The escort consisted of Mackay, Jason, Hibiscus and Heartsease. Heartsease was chasing stragglers (there’s a diagram here, showing Mackay in a location at the front and to the right of the convoy, Jason at the front middle of convoy, and Heartsease at the rear, while the merchant Kyno is noted at the very front in the left column, in other words, station 11).

It was broad daylight; visibility was good; there was a biggish sea which made asdic conditions bad for sloops and corvettes; one in four of Mackay‘s impulses quenched and Heartsease‘s impulses quenched almost continuously.

The convoy was due to “split” when the Commanding Officer of Mackay heard an explosion; there was very little concussion, “it sounded almost like a gun.” Mackay and the Commodore of the convoy agreed that the explosion was not like a torpedo and the possibility of a mine occurred to both. The escorting vessels proceeded as shown in the diagram (the diagram shows Mackay still in position to the front right of convoy, Jason in the front middle and Hibiscus to the front left of the convoy, with arrows drawn from Jason and Mackay towards the left of convoy and the word “search”). Mackay and Jason carried out a search in the direction shown up to 6 miles from the convoy without results, they then rejoined the convoy which had now “split”.

Second Incident:
At 12:30/29th August, convoy HX 66 B consisting of about 28 ships in 5 columns was being escorted by Mackay and Heartsease, when Mackay received a signal from Heartsease “Torpedo passed 20 ft. astern of me.” (Heartsease subsequently reported that this torpedo, which passed her 20 ft away, showed a twin line of bubbles, with a mist of fumes or spray between them; it was getting very near the end of its run).

The mean course of the convoy was 127°; it had just started on a “zig” to port. Mackay considers that the torpedo passed down the port side of the first or second ship of the starboard column, which was just saved by the zigzag. On receipt of this signal Mackay turned to join Heartsease on the starboard side of the convoy. A signal was then received from Heartsease “course of torpedo 250°”, indicating that the torpedo had been fired from the port side. Mackay therefore turned back towards the port bow of the convoy.

Meanwhile the Commodore ordered a large emergency turn to starboard to clear the “field of search”. Heartsease cut through the rear of the convoy to join Mackay, who organised a search on the reciprocal of the torpedo’s course. Shortly after joining, Heartsease obtained one echo at 500 yards and dropped one depth charge; thereafter she was a spectator owing to quenching. This was a very lucky echo and was useful to Mackay, who almost immediately confirmed it and started attacking course 270°, on a firm echo. Contact was lost at the normal time and one pattern was dropped.

On turning to attack again, Mackay found the target on his starboard bow instead of to port which showed that the U-boat had reversed its course. After turning, Mackay noticed a disturbing phenomenon namely: – “a cone of disturbed water, proceeding slowly, as if indicating that something was at the end of its run.” It stopped 15 yards from his starboard side still whirling. The object was “5 or 6 ins. high, 5 ins. in diameter and conical with a hole in the top.”

Mackay continued his attack and, during the second run in, a Sunderland Flying Boat confirmed his contact by dropping 3 250 lb. A/S bombs and 1 depth charge, which caused Mackay to lose contact prematurely on his way to drop his second pattern. A patch of oil appeared and Mackay carried out a third attack, the aircraft by this time having withdrawn. This attack appeared to be a good one but there were no indications of success except oil. There was a qualified A/S Officer in Mackay. The Commanding Officer of Mackay considers that the U-boat fired from the port bow of the convoy, at long range, so as to be outside Mackay‘s asdic range.

Suggestions and Observations by the Commanding Officer of Mackay:

1. a) A/S vessels escorting convoys on dark nights should not make asdic transmissions unless a U-boat is known to be in the vicinity.
2. b) The use of destroyers as Striking Force in the North Western Approaches is not advocated as they can hardly hope to meet with success except by luck; the inevitable errors in the reported position of the U-boat and the destroyers themselves renders success improbable. Successful search for a U-boat by any other type of vessel is still less likely owing to their low speed.
3. c) The obvious place to find a U-boat, unless on passage, is near the convoy; destroyers should be withdrawn from the Striking Forces and used as escorts, with sloops or corvettes to back them up. All important convoys should have two destroyers in their escorts, which should be stationed 50° on either bow at 3 miles.
4. d) Sloops and corvettes should be used as a close screen. In operational value one destroyer is considered to be worth 2 sloops or 6 corvettes. When a U-boat attacks, both destroyers should carry out a search and the sloops or corvettes should remain with the convoy.
5. e) In a rough, or even a moderate sea, a corvette hunting astern of a convoy which she has been escorting takes a long time to rejoin. Her asdic is very unreliable in a short, roughish sea.
6. f) When a destroyer is hunting and getting “warm” a corvette is liable to be a hindrance rather than a help.

 

Convoy HX95 December 1940

Report on Convoy HX 95 from Commanding Officer of HMS Ausonia to The Secretary of the Admiralty
Dated Dec. 28-1940

In accordance with Mercantile Convoy Instructions the following report is submitted for H.M. Ship under my Command during the period 10th December 1940 to 22nd December 1940, whilst acting as Ocean Escort to Convoy HX 95.

2) – The Convoy commenced to leave harbour at 13:00 Tuesday 10th December. Form A 1 which is attached shows the position of the ships in Convoy.

S/S Empire Caribou, S/S Empire Mariner, S/S Norefjord and S/S Yselhaven did not sail in Halifax portion of convoy. HMS Ausonia sailed 15:30, 10th December 1940.

3) – Reference paragraph 129 of the Mercantile Convoy Instructions:

1. a) – HX 95
   b) – Local Escort
   HMCS Restigouche and HMCS French. HMCS French up to 17:00, 10th December. HMCS Restigouche up to 16:45, 11th December.

Ocean Escort
HMS Ausonia between columns 4 and 5 and about one cable astern of the leading ships. By night station was kept in line with the leading ships to facilitate station keeping (see remarks).

Air Escort
Two aircraft of the R.C.A.F. maintained an outer A/S patrol during daylight hours up to 14:40, 11th December 1940.

8. c) – Average speed maintained by Convoy over the 11 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes was 8.08 knots. Total distance 2250 nautical miles.
9. d) – During the period 13th to 16th December, when driving rain, heavy snow squalls and a strong Southerly sea were experienced, 6 ships lost touch, namely: British S/S Indian Prince, S/S Harbledown, S/S Gloucester City, Greek S/S Dimitirios Inglessis, Mount Pelion and Georgios P.

Owing to these severe weather conditions no particular action was taken as regards stragglers, one of which subsequently caught up and rejoined however.

I should explain that D/F procedure for stragglers was not employed owing to the full uncertainty regarding when these ships actually lost touch, as over a period of 2 days no roll call – so to speak – by the Ocean Escort was possible. If these stragglers had been “hove to” (which was more than probable) for as much as even 24 hours, there was little or no chance of their rejoining. In these difficult circumstances, and the uncertain activities of enemy surface raiders, I decided that the use of D/F was not justified.

At Noon on the 17th (when 17 ships of a total of 23 were in company) the weather improved and I commenced to sweep to Southward for stragglers, but, at 12:30 S/S Indian Prince was sighted about 7 miles astern. This ship reported that no other ships of Convoy were in sight astern of her. I therefore decided to take no action as regards searching for the other 5 ships, as, had I done so it entailed leaving main portion of Convoy to the mercy of any enemy raiders which might appear.

Taking into consideration the bad weather conditions experienced during the major part of the voyage, station keeping was particularly good, with the exception of the 5 missing ships, 3 of which were Greeks. Previous to losing touch the station keeping of Greek S/S Mount Pelion was extremely dangerous. On the night of 12th December this ship for no apparent reason steered across the front of Convoy and narrowly missed colliding with HMS Ausonia. I consider it was due to the bad seamanship displayed by this ship that S/S Harbledown, No. 11 and S/S Dimitrios Inglessis, No. 12 and she herself, No. 21 eventually lost touch with the Convoy.

1. e) – I have no criticisms to offer, as Rear Admiral O. H. Dawson handled and navigated his Convoy with the skill and precision of a sea Officer of long experience. He frequently consulted me by signal throughout the voyage on all points affecting the navigation.
2. f) – It is suggested that certain Allied Ships, particularly Greek should not – repeat not be given a position as column leaders. Their station keeping is invariably bad, and they are exceptionally slow repeating flag signals. Much better place all Greeks well in rear where they can do the least harm.

General Remarks
A perfect junction was made with HMS Voltaire, BHX portion (11 ships) at 07:40, 13th December. S/S Rudby from BHX having been detached to Halifax 10th December. At 08:25 HMS Voltaire parted company and HMS Ausonia proceeded to lead BHX portion into station astern of HX portion. This manoeuvre was completed by 11:30 and the whole Convoy of 23 ships proceeded on a course 028 degrees, speed 8 1/2 knots.

Except for the last 2 days, continuous snow squalls and a strong Southerly and S.W. sea were experienced. With this heavy following sea and the speed of the Convoy only 7 1/2 knots, HMS Ausonia was unmanageable and, in consequence I decided to proceed ahead of the leaders, carrying out a sweep across front of Convoy over an arc of 90 degrees at 12 knots, both by day and night. This lasted over a period 15th to 17th December. At dusk on the 17th, weather moderated and HMS Ausonia resumed station in Convoy but at 05:00 on 18th December, with a rising wind and sea it again became necessary to proceed ahead after narrowly missing collision with S/S Pacific Grove, No. 51. This incident which occurred before dawn was due to HMS Ausonia refusing to turn at 12 knots with full port rudder and port engine stopped.

Finally I resumed station in Convoy between columns 4 and 5 at 09:30 20th December, where station was maintained until parting company on 22nd December. HMS Ausonia‘s instructions were to part company at 09:00 GMT 21st December, 24 hours before R/V with local escort, but orders having been received from Admiralty that R/V was to be delayed for 24 hours HMS Ausonia remained with convoy (18 ships) until 10:18 GMT 22nd December, parting company in position 61 30N 20 48W. Course was then shaped for Halifax N.S.

Darkening Ship
At the Convoy Conference held at 10:00 on 10th December 1940, I particularly cautioned the masters of all ships of the importance of being properly darkened throughout the voyage. That, in the event of lights being shown, I should give a preliminary warning of 4 flashes on a shaded torch, after which they would be liable to machine gun fire over and across the offender’s stern.

There were several irregularities in this respect, as follows:

At Dusk on 17th December
S/S Maaskerk – Showed light from Saloon Window.
S/S Pacific Star – Showed a steaming light and scuttle light under foremost part of bridge.
S/S Lindenhall – Bow lights burning, evidently by mistake.
S/S Baltrover – Scuttle light, abreast Mainmast.

All these necessitated flashing signals being made and also the firing of 1 round 3″ H.A. Blank by the Ocean Escort.

At Dusk on 19th December
S/S Baltrover – Switched on a bright white stern light, visible many miles.

At 20:30 20th December
S/S Pacific Grove – Apparently a torch flickering for about 20 minutes aft on poop deck.

At Dawn 22nd December
S/S Indian Prince – Scuttle Light.
S/S Mangkalihat – Scuttle Light.
S/S Maaskerk – Very Bright Light from Saloon Window or door in passenger accommodation port side amidships.

Several bursts of machine gun were fired astern of him to enforce darkening, which had the desired effect – after I had drawn up alongside him and given the usual preliminary warning of 4 flashes from a shaded signal lamp. This was a particularly bad offence as day was barely breaking and Convoy was then into almost 20 degrees W. Longitude.

Defects etc.
M/V F. J. Wolfe reported degaussing gear out of action at 10:14/13.

S/S Lindenhall lost her 2 port lifeboats and S/S Pacific Grove (Commodore’s Ship) one port lifeboat, on the 15th December – due to heavy seas.

S/S Pacific Star dropped out at 15:20, 20th December with spindle on steering shaft broken, but rejoined at 09:00 21st December. I consider this was a most creditable performance and informed her Commander by V/S accordingly, a point which he appeared to appreciate.

HMS Ausonia arrived at Halifax N.S. at 09:14 on 28th December 1940.

(Signed)
Geoffrey H. Freyberg
Captain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convoy HX101 January 1941

Departed Halifax on 5^th January 1941 and arrived Liverpool on 22^nd January. (25 ships)

Commodore was in Melmore Head, Vice Commodore in Tregarthen. Oban Commodore in Ottinge.

Bermuda Section escorted by HMS Rajputana, Captain F. H. Taylor, R.N. Sailed Jan. 3-1941, joined HX portion on Jan. 9. (26 1/2 hrs late due to bad weather)

The BHX 101 convoy form also lists El Aleto in the Bermuda portion, crude oil for Liverpool, station 71, with a note saying: Parted company A.M. Jan. 9.
This form also has a note for Prince de Liege, Nairnbank (Vice Commodore, Captain J. W. Greig) and Manaqui, saying they all parted company just before dark on Jan. 5, as did Harpathian, so only 7 ships were present when meeting the main portion of the convoy (HX 101).

Nairnbank stopped to secure lifeboat in 38 00N 59 56W at 15:30 GMT on Jan. 5-1941.
Harpathian and Prince de Liege stopped just before dark on Jan. 5, possibly to secure cargo.
Manaqui was last seen just before dark that same day – all these ships were in the Bermuda portion and were in approx. position 38 25N 59 25W.

HMS Rajputana, the escort and Commodore Vessel of the Bermuda portion, left at dawn on Jan 9 in order to locate the main portion of the convoy, which she did at 14:30 GMT. When she subsequently returned to the BHX portion El Aleto was found to be missing. BHX 101 was turned over to the Ocean escort for HX 101, HMS Ausonia, and Rajputana proceeded to search for El Aleto, but set course for Halifax when she had still not been seen by dark.

The convoy arrived rendezvous with local escort on Jan. 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convoy BHX107 February 1941

Departed Halifax on 3^rd February 1941 and arrived Liverpool on the 28^th February (21 ships).                            11 ships joined from Bermuda (BHX 107), escorted by HMS Ausonia. (Originally consisting of 13 ships).

The ships stations within the convoy are shown below.

 

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
11 Baron Dechmont      British             Steel & Lumber Destination; Grimsby	21 Tottenham      British            Phosphates       Destination; Loch Ewe	31 Conus               British              Fuel Oil            Destination;     Clyde	41 Tresillian       British          Wheat	51 Harmala         British          Wheat        Destination;   Barry Roads	61 Dan-y-Bryn   British           Wheat        Destination;   Liverpool	71 Black Osprey    American       Steel & Trucks Destination;  Barry Roads Sunk – 25 Dead
12 Jolee            American        Phosphorus      Destination;     Lock Ewe	22 Bachaquero                 Fuel Oil      Destination;   Loch Ewe	32 John  Pedersen Norwegian       Fuel Oil         Destination;   Clyde	42 Ruckinge      British            Pit Props     Destination;  Samothrak	52 Athelqueen    British        Molasses     Destination; Birkenhead	62 Edwy R. Brown   British            Gasolene, Kerosene        Destination; Liverpool Sunk – 50 Dead	72 San Emiliano   British           Aviation Spirit   Destination;  Barry Roads
13 Hercules         Dutch           General Cargo   Destination;   London	23 Solarium    British        Kerosene, Benzine   Destination; Clyde	33 Empire Blanda    British             Steel                 Destination;      Glasgow Sunk – 40 Dead	43 Lord Byron   British       Wheat	53 Taria             Dutch           Acetone, Diesel Oil, Gas Oil      Destination;  Liverpool	63 Benjamin Franklin Norwegian  General & Aircraft            Destination;        Liverpool Sunk – 29 Dead	73 San Amado    British          Gasolene, Kerosene        Destination;  Holyhead
14	24	34 Mount Rhodope    Greek                  Steel & General      Destination;         Glasgow	44	54 Ann Stathatos  Greek             Grain            Destination;  Liverpool	64	74 Frontenac      Norwegian      Diesel Oil     Destination;  Belfast

The BHX 107 convoy form also lists Cadillac, British, Gasolene, destination Barry Roads in station 52 and Alhama, British, Bauxite, destination Larne in station 72.

 

Convoy Commodore was in Harmala, Vice Commodore was in Athelqueen.

BHX 107 left Bermuda at 11:00 on Feb. 1-1941. Local escort for this section was HMCS Elk, which remained till 15:00 that same day. Ocean escort was HMS Ausonia (Captain G. Freyberg), in station between columns 4 and 5. The convoy had air escort while it was forming up and until 13:00.

Average speed of Bermuda portion: 7.51 knots.

Alhama (Bermuda section) reported having insufficient coal on Febr. 2 and was ordered to proceed to Halifax to refuel. Cadillac (also of the Bermuda section) had constant trouble with steering gear and HMS Ausonia consequently suggested that on Febr. 3 that if this trouble continued it would be best for her to proceed to Halifax for repairs, rather than risk becoming a straggler later on. The captain agreed and signalled that if he could not regain station within an hour, he would proceed to Halifax. When Cadillac was not seen at daylight on Febr. 4, it was assumed that she had proceeded to Halifax as suggested.

The remaining 11 ships of the Bermuda portion, plus 7 stragglers from the HX portion that had been picked up by BHX 107, joined the HX portion at 17:30 on Febr. 7. HMS Ausonia then returned to Halifax with arrival at 15:51 on Febr. 9.

Edwy R. Brown was sunk by U-103 on Febr. 17 (no survivors).
Black Osprey was sunk by U-96 on Febr. 18. 11 survivors picked up by Norwegian Mosdale.
Empire Blanda is believed to have been sunk by U-69 on Febr. 19 (no survivors).
Benjamin Franklin was sunk by U-103 on Febr. 19 – there were no casualties from the initial attack, but the majority of the crew perished later – follow the link for more details.
All these ships had straggled from the convoy.

Ocean Escort: HMS Laconia.

 

 

Convoy HX134 July 1941

Except from Convoy Commodore’s report for HX134:

Friday 4^th July.

Light wind and smooth sea. Aircraft of the Coastal Command in company at various times during the night.

There is no darkness up in these Latitudes, which has its advantages.

07:05 – 6.75 Knots

08:08 – 6.5 Knots

09:15 – Signallalled ship Ancylus her new destination viz. the Mersey.

Noon position – 61 39N 25 56W. Distance 148 miles. Av. Spd. 6.4 Kts. Total distance from port 1966 miles.

Bar: 29.90. Air 52. Moderate to light fresh winds, and slight sea. A number of local escorts for SC 35 joined up.

13:07 – 7 Knots

16:00 – 61 33N 25 00W. Several ships of local escort for HX 134 joined. Following are the names of these ships,

HMS Salamander, Britomart, Hollyhock, Carnation, St. Apollo, Angle, Nigella, Aubretia, St. Clair. HMS Bulldog proceeded to Iceland, will return tomorrow to this Convoy. HMS Maloja, together with the Newfoundland escorts, the rescue ship Copeland and the oil tanker Sveve all left for Iceland.

 

With them went HMS Ausonia and escorts from SC 35.

 

 

 

Convoy BHX109 (Bermuda section) February 1941

Convoy BHX 109 Cruising Order
Departed Bermuda on 11^th February 1941 (Halifax section left on 13^th February)
and arrived Liverpool on 4^th March (36 ships for the combined convoy).

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
11 Duke of Sparta      British             Lumber & Lead Destination Clyde	21 Coimbra      British            Gas Oil        Destination Loch Ewe	31 Lucellum               British              Aviation Fuel             Destination;     Clyde	41 Port Dunedin       British          Refrig General   Destination; Clyde	51 British Chivalry         British          Admiralty Fuel        Destination   Clyde	61 British Fortitude   British           Motor Spirit        Destination;   Manchester	71 Uranienborg    Danish       Sulphur Destination;  Manchester	81 Merchant    British         Sugar & General Destination  Liverpool	91 Prins Maurits    Dutch          Sugar Destination;  Belfast
12	22 Corbis                 British	32 Hjelmaren Swedish       Phosphates         Destination;   Glasgow	42 Taron      British	52 Vivi    Norwegian	62 Dalhanna   British            Sugar & General        Destination; Liverpool	72	82	92

 

 

 

 

4 ships sailing in the Halifax section were sunk. They were the British Holmelea, sunk by U-47 on 28^th February, Cadillac, sunk by U-552 on 1^st March and Pacific, sunk by U-95 on 2^nd March, as well as the Norwegian Augvald, sunk by U-147 on 2^nd March.

BHX 109 left Bermuda at 10:00 on 11^th February 1941 (Prins Maurits was to sail from St. Georges Harbour at 10:00), and had formed up by 12:30 that day. All the ships were still with the convoy on 14^th February, but the weather was bad with strong winds and low visibility and the next morning Prins Maurits was no longer in sight (since 04:00 that morning). At 05:45 that morning (15^th February) a signal was received from HX 109 that it was 10 hours late, so speed was reduced to 5 knots.

At daybreak on 16^th February only 8 ships were in sight, but that afternoon Prins Maurits rejoined the convoy.

The 9 ships from the Bermuda section were handed over to HMS Ausonia at 16:00 on 17^th February. The following ships were missing:
Duke of Sparta, Coimbra, Corbis, Vivi and Hjelmaren, reason not known.

Escort, Bermuda portion: HMCS Prince David (also acting as Commodore, Commander W. B. Armit, RCNR).

Escort for combined convoy: HMS Ausonia