Background Events

January-May 1944

Air war on Germany, Atlantic & Russian convoy battles, Anzio landings ('Shingle'), Indian Ocean operations, Battles of Cassino, Preparations for D-day

 

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HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

JANUARY 1944

 

 

Saturday, 1st January 1944

 

SEAGULL arrived at Scapa at 0900.

 

VENUS and VIGILANT left Scapa at 1400 and proceeded to the Clyde where they met INDEFATIGABLE at noon next day and provided escort to Rosyth where they arrived on the forenoon of the 4th. Having been detached at Rosyth they returned to Scapa where they arrived at 1900 on the 4th.

 

 

 

Sunday, 2nd January 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Monday, 3rd January 1944

 

STORD left Scapa at 2100 for Rosyth to boiler clean, where she arrived the following morning.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 4th January 1944

 

AMETHYST left Scapa at 0800 on completion of working up practices.

 

ASHANTI undocked and ATHABASKAN docked in the floating dock at Scapa.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 5th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in HARDY with VENUS and VERULAM left Scapa at 0900 for Stornoway to carry out two days’ tactical exercises with a submarine. They arrived at 1700 same day.

 

Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK left Scapa at 2230 for Rosyth escorted by MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla) and METEOR where they arrived at 1100 next day. METEOR returned to Scapa where she arrived at 1800 the same day.

 

 

 

Thursday, 6th January 1944

 

SAUMAREZ and SCOURGE left the Kola Inlet at 0530 for Scapa where they arrived at 0900 on the 9th.

 

VIGILANT left Scapa at 0930 for Stornoway to join Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla for tactical exercises.

 

ASHANTI left Scapa at 1500 to join the Plymouth Command.

 

 

 

Friday, 7th January 1944

 

HURON who had been detached from escort of RA 55 B at noon the day before arrived at Skaalefiord during the morning, fuelled and left again at noon.

 

The local escort met convoy RA 55 B at 0830 and at noon Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with ONSLAUGHT, ORWELL, HAIDA, IROQUOIS, and IMPULSIVE left the convoy and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 2300 the same day with HURON who had joined up.

 

MUSKETEER left Scapa at 1000 for Hull to boiler clean, where she arrived the following morning.

 

UNDINE arrived Scapa at 1000 for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

 

Saturday, 8th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in HARDY with VENUS, VIGILANT, and VERLUM arrived Scapa at 1100.

 

ATHABASKAN undocked.

 

KING GEORGE V escorted by ATHASBASKAN and METEOR left Scapa at 1700 for Gibraltar. ASHANTI, on passage to Plymouth, was ordered to join the screen in position 56-30N, 11-15W at 1400 on the 9th. ATHABASKAN to join the Plymouth Command on completion of this duty.

 

Convoy RA 55 B arrived at Loch Ewe at 1500.

 

 

 

Sunday, 9th January 1944

 

ONSLAUGHT and ORWELL left Scapa at 0800 for Cromarty for exercises with Force “S”, where they arrived during the afternoon.

 

 

 

Monday, 10th January 1944

 

SCORPION left Scapa at 1300 for Hull to refit.

 

SAUMAREZ left Scapa at 1600 for the Tyne for repairs sustained in the action with the SCHARNHORST.

 

HAIDA and IROQUOIS left Scapa at 17000 to join the Plymouth Command.

 

VIRAGO docked in the floating dock at Scapa.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 11th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in HARDY left Scapa at 0800 for Loch Ewe where they arrived the same afternoon.

 

ONSLAUGHT and ORWELL left Cromarty at 0900 for Scapa where they arrived at 1300.

 

VIRAGO undocked and VIGILANT docked in the floating dock at Scapa.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 12th January 1944

 

VIGILANT undocked from the floating dock at Scapa.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in HARDY left Loch Ewe at 1600 and arrived Seidisfiord on the 14th.

 

Convoy JW 56 A left Loch Ewe during the afternoon.

 

SAVAGE with STORD, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, OFFA, and OBDURATE left Scapa at 2000 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1500 on the 14th, except VIGILANT and OBDURATE who were detached to meet convoy JW 56 A in approximate position 64N, 15W to assist them to make a landfall. Owing to bad weather the rendezvous was not affected and the destroyers proceeded to Seidisfiord for fuel, arrived at 2200 on the 15th. SAVAGE and STORD were detailed for the duty.

 

 

 

Thursday, 13th January 1944

 

SEAGULL docked in the floating dock at Scapa.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE left Rosyth at 0900 on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived at Scapa at 1700.

 

ATHABASKAN, METEOR, and ASHANTI escorting KING GEORGE V to Gibraltar were met by Gibraltar destroyers during the forenoon who took over the escort. The Home Fleet Destroyers proceeded to the Azores for fuel, where they arrived the next day.

 

 

 

Friday, 14th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW left Scapa at 1700 for the Tyne to refit where she arrived at 0800 the following day.

 

MUSKETEER left the Humber at 1800 on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived at Scapa at 1300 the following day.

 

(n.b. entries for 14 January in very poor state. Information from Home Fleet WD.)

 

 

 

Saturday, 15th January 1944

 

ASHANTI, METEOR, and ATHABASKAN left the Azores and rejoined escort with KING GEORGE V and Gibraltar Destroyer Flotilla the following day.

 

MAHRATTA left the Humber at 0800 on completion of refitting for Rosyth, arriving p.m. And sailing p.m. and arrived at Scapa at 0900 next day.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, 16th January 1944

 

SEAGULL undocked and MATCHLESS docked in the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

At 1800, Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in HARDY left Seidisfiord with VENUS, OFFA, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, and OBDURATE in company to meet convoy JW 56 A which had been badly scattered in a gale for Force 12.

 

At 2100 RODNEY escorted by ONSLAUGHT and ORWELL left Scapa for Rosyth, arriving at No 23 Buoy at 0900 on the 17th. ONSLAUGHT and ORWELL arrived back at Scapa at 1800 on the 17th.

 

 

 

Monday, 17th January 1944

 

At 0700 Commodore of JW 56 A reported “convoy badly scattered, some ships damaged and others have shifted their cargoes.” He considered that all ships should be ordered to the nearest anchorage.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla and destroyers in company, having only made contact with scattered portions of JW 56 A, returned to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving at 1700. They left Seidisfiord at 0600 on the 18th and arrived Akureyri the following day.

 

At 2200 Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet, ordered all merchant ships and escorts of JW 56 A to proceed to Akureyri.

 

At 1800 (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE left Scapa for Loch Ewe and arrived at 0900 on the 18th.

 

At 2300 KING GEORGE V escorted by ASHANTI, ATHABASKAN, and METEOR arrived Plymouth.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 18th January 1944

 

At 0400 Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in KENT left Scapa for Akureyri and arrived at daylight on the following day.

 

At 0500 SEAGULL left Scapa for Loch Ewe and arrived at 1600.

 

At 1200 BERWICK and BERMUDA left Scapa to join Rear Admiral First Cruiser Squadron and arrived Akureyri at 1440 on the 20th.

 

At 1500 KING GEORGE V escorted by METEOR left Plymouth for Scapa and arrived at 1300 on the 20th.

 

The sailing of JW 56 B was delayed until further notice.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 19th January 1944

 

At 1200 Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron reported that all escorts of 16 ships of JW 56 A were at Akureyri and it was intended to sail convoy on Friday 21st.

 

MATCHLESS undocked from the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Thursday, 20th January 1944

 

At 1200 OBEDIENT on completion of refit, left Tyne and arrived Scapa at 0700 on the 21st.

 

CHAUDIERE docked the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Friday, 21st January 1944

 

JW 56 A sailed from Akureyri with destroyers and through escorts.

 

At 1030 URANIA left Barrow for Scapa and arrived at 1030 on the 22nd to commence working up.

 

 

 

Saturday, 22nd January 1944

 

Full gale blowing at Scapa.

 

At 1730, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, SCOURGE, OPPORTUNE, HURON, MAHRATTA left Scapa and arrived Seidisfiord at 1300 on the 24th.

 

At 1430 JW 56 B sailed from Loch Ewe.

 

 

 

Sunday, 23rd January 1944

 

CHAUDIERE undocked and BLYSKAWICA docked in the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE left Loch Ewe and arrived Seidisfiord at 1300 on the 24th.

 

At 1600, Force One, consisting of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in KENT with BERWICK and BERMUDA left Akureyri.

 

 

 

Monday, 24th January 1944

 

At 1200 TERPSICHORE left Clyde and arrived Scapa at 1000 on 25th to commence working up.

 

At 1500 OBEDIENT and ORWELL left Scapa to rendezvous with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK off Eyebroughy Buoy and arrived back at Scapa at 1130 on the 25th.

 

At 2022, SCOURGE, MAHRATTA left Seidisfiord to assist JW 56 B to make a landfall.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 25th January 1944

 

At 1944 SCOURGE and MAHRATTA returned to Seidisfiord, having failed to meet the convoy.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla reported that MATCHLESS had a badly leaking oil fuel tank and defective steering gear, and that ship was to return to Scapa.

 

Full gale blowing at Scapa.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 26th January 1944

 

At 0030 Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla reported that determined attack on JW 56 A by at least six U-boats. Three merchant ships were sunk, OBDURATE damaged, probably by acoustic torpedo, but keeping up. Local escorts sailed to reinforce convoy. Position of convoy was about 130 miles north of North Cape.

 

At 0730, Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE left Scapa with MUSKETEER, MAHRATTA, OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, HURON in company left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with JW 56 B.

 

At 1130 METEOR left Scapa at join JW 56 B in place of MATCHLESS.

 

SWIFT completed working up practices and joined the Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla. At 1400 SWIFT left Scapa to carry out exercises with Force “S” at Invergordon and arrived back at Scapa at 1500 on the 29th.

 

At 1500 UNDINE left Scapa for Plymouth and arrived at 0900 on the 28th en route to the Mediterranean.

 

 

 

Thursday, 27th January 1944

 

At 2300 the Murmansk section of JW 56 A arrived in the Kola Inlet, the White Sea section proceeding to Dvina Bar with local escort.

 

 

 

Friday, 28th January 1944

 

At 1300 SERAPIS left Scapa for Thurso and returned with Vice Admiral (D) ……...arrived Akureyri.(n.b. page chopped off at bottom. This is not mentioned in Home Fleet WD)

 

At 2000 Destroyer Escort of JW 56 A was ordered to reinforce JW 56 B in the vicinity of Bear Island. The convoy was met at about 0230 on the 30th.

 

 

 

Saturday, 29th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla reported two U-boats in contact with JW 56 B.

 

At 1300 ORWELL left Scapa to refit at Hull and arrived in the Humber at 0800 on the 30th.

 

 

 

Sunday, 30th January 1944

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla reported five or six U-boats and 3 aircraft in the vicinity of the convoy. HARDY was torpedoed and sunk at 0430. Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla on board VENUS. One U-boat was probably sunk; no attacked developed on the convoy. Position of the convoy was about 50 miles south of Bear Island.

 

At 1000 MATCHLESS arrived at Scapa.

 

At 1500 BLYSKAWICA undocked.

 

 

 

Monday, 31st January 1944

 

ONSLAUGHT docked at 1100.

 

 

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 

 FEBRUARY 1944

 

 

Tuesday, 1st February 1944

 

Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla transferred from VENUS to VIGILANT.

 

At 1045 CHAUDIERE sailed from Scapa on completion of working up and arrived at Londonderry at 1000 on 2nd.

 

At 1315 the Murmansk section of convoy JW 56 B arrived Kola Inlet. The White Sea section proceeded to Dvina Bar with local escort.

 

At 2000 VERULAM, OBEDIENT, SWIFT sailed from Scapa for Skaalefiord to oil and rendezvous with convoy RA 56 in the vicinity of Bear Island. They arrived at Skaalefiord at 1800 on the 2nd.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 2nd February 1944

 

At 0900 ORIBI sailed from Falmouth on completion of damage repairs and arrived at Scapa at first light on the 4th.

 

IMPULSIVE sailed for Scrabster at 0930 with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet , returning to Scapa on completion.

 

 

 

Thursday, 3rd February 1944

 

At 1000 Convoy RA 56 consisting of 39 merchant ships sailed from North Russia, escorted by Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in VIGILANT, MAHRATTA, MUSKETEER, METEOR, OPPORTUNE, OFFA, SAVAGE, SCOURGE, STORD, VENUS, HALCYON, HUSSAR, HURON, and 7 Western Approaches Escort Vessels.

 

OBDURATE and VIRAGO remained in North Russia for repairs. Intended to sail them for the United Kingdom in company on completion.

 

ONSLAUGHT undocked from Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Friday, 4th February 1944

 

0900 HAIDA, IROQUOIS, ATHABASKAN sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa 2300 on the 5th.

 

Full gale blowing at Scapa.

 

URANIA sailed for Wick to embarked Commander in Chief, Home Fleet and Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla for passage to Scapa.

 

 

 

Saturday, 5th February 1944

 

MATCHLESS docked in the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Sunday, 6th February 1944

 

1200 BLYSKAWICA sailed Scapa on completion of working up practices for Hvalfiord.

 

 

 

Monday, 7th February 1944

 

VERULAM, OBEDIENT, SWIFT in company with Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla, Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in VIGILANT, VENUS, OFFA, SAVAGE left convoy JW 56 and proceeded to Scapa, arriving at 0900 on the 9th.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 8th February 1944

 

1300 BLACK PRINCE sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa t 0900 on the 10th to act as escort with JW 57.

 

BLYSKAWICA reported steering gear and electrical defects sustained in heavy weather and was ordered to return to Scapa. Time of arrived 1630 on the 9th.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 9th February 1944

 

1200 Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in VIGILANT with OPPORTUNE, OFFA, VENUS, SAVAGE arrived Scapa.

 

1600 PIORUN sailed Clyde for Scapa on completion of refit and arrived 1400 on the 10th.

 

The following ships sailed from Scapa to boiler clean:

 

            SAVAGE to Hull arriving 1200/10th

 

            VENUS to Hull arriving 0630/10th.

 

            OPPORTUNE and VIGILANT to Greenock arriving 1300/10th.

 

            Above ships are due to finish boiler cleaning by A.M. on the 17th, arriving Scapa A.M. on the 18th.

 

CHASER arrived Scapa to act as escort with JW 57.

 

 

 

Thursday, 10th February 1944

 

MATCHLESS undocked and MILNE docked in the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

At 1030 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SERAPIS with ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, HAIDA, IROQUOIS, ATHABASKAN sailed from Scapa in Operation POST HORN.

 

1200 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with MAHRATTA, MUSKETEER, SCOURGE, VERULAM, METEOR, SWIFT, OBEDIENT, HURON, and STORD arrived Scapa.

 

1700 MARNE sailed from Tyne on completion of refit and arrived Scapa at 0800/11th.

 

 

 

Friday, 11th February 1944

 

0100 SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, HUSSAR arrived Scapa.

 

RA 56 safely arrived at Loch Ewe.

 

1830 OBDURATE, VIRAGO sailed from Kola Inlet for Scapa.

 

2200 BLYSKAWICA sailed Scapa for Reykjavik and arrived 1300/13th.

 

 

 

Saturday, 12th February 1944

 

0700 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SERAPIS with ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, HAIDA, IROQUOIS, and ATHABASKAN arrived at Scapa on completion of Operation POST HORN.

 

MILNE undocked and METEOR docked in Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Sunday, 13th February 1944

 

HAIDA, IROQUOIS, ATHABASKAN sailed from Scapa to Plymouth on completion of exercises P.M. Arrived Plymouth 1000/15th.

 

2200 RICHELIEU, screened by MATCHLESS and SCOURGE, left Scapa for Rosyth. Destroyers arrived back in Scapa at 1600/14th.

 

 

 

Monday, 14th February 1944

 

1900 ULYSSES sailed from Liverpool and arrived Scapa 0900/16th to commence working up.

 

1900 SPEEDWELL, HUSSAR, and HALCYON sailed Scapa and arrived Rosyth at 1700/15th for boiler cleaning.

 

METEOR undocked and VERULAM docked in the Scapa Floating Dock.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 15th February 1944

 

0600 MUSKETEER and SCOURGE sailed from Scapa to assist H.M. Submarine STUBBORN damaged and unable to dive or proceed in position 64-12N, 5-34E.

 

1035 Escort Group B 1 consisting of STRULE, BYRON, WATCHMAN, and WANDERER arrived Scapa to act as Support Group with Convoy JW 57.

 

1200 METEOR, SWIFT sailed Scapa to assist H.M. Submarine STUBBORN.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 16th February 1944

 

TERPSICHORE and URANIA sailed for boiler cleaning at Greenock and subsequent service on the Mediterranean Station.

 

OBDURATE and VIRAGO arrived at Scapa at 0800 from North Russia, having been delayed by heavy weather.

 

HURON sailed to Plymouth on completion of exercise, arriving at 0900 on the 18th.

 

At 0900 ULYSSES arrived at Scapa for working up.

 

 

 

Thursday, 17th February 1944

 

At 0800 VIRAGO left Scapa for boiler cleaning at Rosyth, arriving at 1700.

 

At 1100 TERPSICHORE and URANIA arrived in the Clyde for boiler cleaning.

 

VERULAM undocked from Scapa Floating Dock at 1200 and OFFA docked at 1400.

 

SAVAGE left Humber at 1140 for Scapa.

 

At 1300 VIGILANT left Greenock for Scapa.

 

 

 

Friday, 18th February 1944

 

At 0900 HURON arrived Plymouth.

 

SAVAGE and VIGILANT arrived at Scapa after boiler cleaning.

 

IROQUOIS sailed from Plymouth to refit in Canada.

 

On instructions from Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, MUSKETEER, who had, in company with SCOURGE, been searching for damaged submarine STUBBORN, reported STUBBORN in company, position 64-28N, 2-05E.

 

At 1600 VENUS arrived Cromarty Firth from Rosyth.

 

On completion of night gunnery exercises at 2100, Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE sailed fro convoy conference (JW 57) at Loch Ewe.

 

 

 

Saturday, 19th February 1944

 

At 0700 OPPORTUNE arrived at Scapa from Greenock.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE arrived Loch Ewe at 0800.

 

At 0900, the Vice Admiral (Destroyers) hoisted his flag in BLACK PRINCE and Captain R.M.J. Hutton, DSO hoisted the Broad Pendant of a Commodore Second Class in TYNE.

 

BLACK PRINCE sailed for Loch Ewe, arriving at 1700.

 

METEOR and SWIFT, after an unsuccessful search for H.M. Submarine STUBBORN, had been ordered to return and arrived Scapa at 0900.

 

JASON arrived at Cromarty at 1340.

 

At 1800 VENUS arrived at Scapa from Cromarty.

 

 

 

Sunday, 20th February 1944

 

At 0800 MUSKETEER with SCOURGE towing H.M. Submarine STUBBORN arrived at Lerwick. MUSKETEER reported that STUBBORN had extensive D.C. damage.

 

OFFA undocked from the Scapa Floating Dock at 1200 and HNorMS STORD docked at 1400.

 

At 1600 OBDURATE left Scapa for damage repairs by Wallsend Slipway Company.

 

Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet arrived in BLACK PRINCE at 1802 from Loch Ewe.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SERAPIS in company with MATCHLESS, IMPULIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT, STRULE, METEOR, MAHRATTA, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, SAVAGE, BYRON, WANDERER, WATCHMAN left Scapa at 1900 for Skaalefiord.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE left Loch Ewe for the Faroes.

 

 

 

Monday, 21st February 1944

 

At 0700 MUSKETEER and SCOURGE sailed from Lerwick for Scapa arrived at noon.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE arrived Skaalefiord at 0745.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SERPIS with 10 destroyers in company arrived Skaalefiord at 0830.

 

B 1 Group(BYRON, STRULE, WANDERER, and WATCHMAN) arrived Skaalefiord at 1224.

 

Vice Admiral (D) in BLACK PRINCE with CHASER, screened by VERULAM and VIGILANT left Scapa at 1600 for Operation F X.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 22nd February 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 23rd February 1944

 

HNorMS STORD undocked from Scapa Floating Dock at 1800.

 

 

 

Thursday, 24th February 1944

 

Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in BERMUDA with SHEFFIELD and FURIOUS, screened by MUSKETEER, VENUS, BLYSKAWICA, OPPORTUNE, STORD, and SCOURGE left Scapa at 0500 for Operation BAY LEAF.

 

At 0535 MUSKETEER collided with BLYSKAWICA off Swona, both ships returning to harbour at 0800.

 

Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in BERMUDA with remaining ships returned to harbour at noon.

 

ORP BLYSKAWICA docked in Scapa Floating Dock at 1750.

 

At 1800 RICHELIEU escorted by VIRAGO left Rosyth for Scapa.

 

 

 

Friday, 25th February 1944

 

Vice Admiral (D) in BLACK PRINCE reported MAHRATTA torpedoed and sunk in position 71-17N, 13-31E.

 

RICHELIEU screened by VIRAGO arrived at 0800.

 

At 0830 MUSKETEER left Scapa for Hull to undergo damage repairs and refit.

 

 

 

Saturday, 26th February 1944

 

Vice Admiral (D) in BLACK PRINCE reported B 1 Group (BYRON, STRULE, WANDERER, WATCHMAN) had been detached at 0800 to fuel at Skaalefiord if required.

 

At 1230 ONSLOW arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

Sunday, 28th February 1944

 

After several postponements Operation BAY LEAF was cancelled.

 

JW 57 escorted by ships detailed for Operation F X arrived Kola Inlet.

 

JASON, SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, and HUSSAR arrived Scapa at 1524.

 

 

 

Monday, 29th February 1944

 

ORP BLYSKAWICA undocked from Scapa Floating Dock.

 

(bottom of page chopped. Entries from Home Fleet WD, q.v.)

 

White Sea section (10 ships) arrived off Dvina with local escort.

 

Force One (BERWICK, JAMAICA, and DRAGON) arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 

 MARCH 1944

 

 

Wednesday, 1st March 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Thursday, 2nd March 1944

 

1800 BLYSKAWICA sailed Scapa arrived Tyne 1000/3rd for damage repairs.

 

 

 

Friday, 3rd March 1944

 

1900 Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla with PIORUN, STORD, and VIRAGO sailed from Scapa and arrived Plymouth 1000/5th.

 

1200 BRITOMART sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa on the 5th.

 

RA 57 sailed from Kola Inlet escorted by Vice Admiral (D) in BLACK PRINCE, CHASER, Home Fleet destroyers and Western Approaches escorts.

 

1100 VENUS and OPPORTUNE sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon at 1530.

 

 

 

Saturday, 4th March 1944

 

1500 WAKEFUL sailed Greenock. Arrived Scapa 1500/5th to work up.

 

2000 UNDAUNTED sailed Liverpool. Arrived Scapa 1600/5th to work up.

 

 

 

Sunday, 5th March 1944

 

0830 VENUS and OPPORTUNE sailed Invergordon. Arrived Scapa at 1300.

 

HALCYON docked in Scapa Floating Dock.

 

1400 ALGONQUIN sailed Greenock. Arrived Scapa 0930/6th to work up.

 

 

 

Monday, 6th March 1944

 

0830 URSA, JAVELIN, and SIOUX sailed Portsmouth and arrived Scapa 0830/8th to work up.

 

HALCYON undocked from Scapa floating dock.

 

1000 SCOURGE sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon at 1530.

 

1030 OPPORTUNE, VENUS, and SCORPION sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa 1100/8th. (n.b. this conflicts with entry on 5 March)

 

 

 

Tuesday, 7th March 1944

 

Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla in HARRIER sailed Humber and arrived Port ZA 1830/9th.

 

1930, BRITOMART, SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, HUSSAR, and JASON sailed from Scapa and arrived Port ZA 1800/8th.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 8th March 1944

 

1400 Vice Admiral (D) in BLACK PRINCE with VERULAM and SWIFT arrived Scapa from North Russia.

 

1930 SCOURGE sailed Invergordon and arrived Dundee 0900/9th

 

 

 

Thursday, 9th March 1944

 

0700 CHASER with ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, OBEDIENT arrived Scapa from North Russia.

 

0730 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SERAPIS with SAVAGE, MATCHLESS, ORIBI, and VIGILANT arrived Scapa from North Russia.

 

0900 The Flag of Vice Admiral (D) was transferred from BLACK PRINCE to TYNE. The Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) was struck in TYNE.

 

MATCHLESS docked in the Scapa floating dock.

 

 

 

Friday, 10th March 1944

 

0200 GLEANER arrived Loch Ewe from North Russia. Sailed Loch Ewe at 1400 and arrived Scapa 2230.

 

MATCHLESS undocked from Scapa floating dock.

 

SEAGULL arrived Scapa.

 

RA 57 arrived safely in UK from North Russia. One merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk on passage.

 

 

 

Saturday, 11th March 1944

 

Captain (D) Seventeen Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with PIORUN and STORD sailed from Plymouth for Scapa.

 

2000 GLEANER and SEAGULL sailed Scapa and arrived Leith 1000/12th to boiler clean.

 

 

 

Sunday, 12th March 1944

 

0730 ULYSSES sailed Scapa from Liverpool on completion of working up.

 

0900 VIRAGO sailed Plymouth and arrived Portsmouth at 1500.

 

OFFA docked in the Scapa floating dock.

 

1200 SAVAGE and VIGILANT sailed Scapa. Arrived Invergordon 1600.

 

2000 RAMILLIES sailed from Scapa escorted by ORIBI and arrived Rosyth the following day.

 

2100 ONSLAUGHT sailed Scapa to search for Ventura aircraft believed crashed in 61-30N, 00-35W. Ordered to return if nothing found by 1500/13th.

 

 

 

Monday, 13th March 1944

 

Full gale blowing at Scapa.

 

1100 Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, escorted by MATCHLESS sailed Scapa. Arrived Greenock 0800/14th.

 

1500 SCOURGE sailed Dundee and arrived Hull 0700/14th to commence refit.

 

PIORUN on passage Plymouth to Scapa, diverted to Clyde and arrived Greenock 1800.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW and STORD on passage Plymouth to Scapa, diverted to Morilla to escort WARSPITE from 55-13N, 9-05W to Rosyth.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 14th March 1944

 

0730 ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa.

 

0800 RICHELIEU sailed Scapa escorted by MARNE, ONSLAUGHT and arrived Greenock 0800/15th.

 

0900 OPPORTUNE, VENUS sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa 0900/16th.

 

0900 INDEFATIGABLE escorted by ORIBI sailed Rosyth. ORIBI arrived Scapa 0100/15th.

 

1000 SAVAGE and VIGILANT sailed Invergordon. Arrived Scapa 1400.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 15th March 1944

 

OFFA undocked from Scapa floating dock.

 

1300 OBEDIENT and OFFA sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon 1700.

 

 

 

Thursday, 16th March 1944

 

OPPORTUNE docked in Scapa floating dock.

 

1000 Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK sailed Clyde escorted by MATCHLESS and arrived Scapa 0800/17th.

 

SAVAGE sailed from Scapa to relieve Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW as escort to WARSPITE.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla arrived Scapa.

 

SAVAGE and STORD on arrived at Rosyth were detached and arrived Scapa on the 17th.

 

 

 

Friday, 17th March 1944

 

OBEDIENT and OFFA arrived Scapa from Invergordon.

 

1800 ORWELL sailed from Humber on completion of refit. Arrived Scapa 1300/18th.

 

2000 SERAPIS sailed from Scapa to Rosyth for boiler clean. Arrived 0700/18th.

 

2200 SAVAGE, OFFA, OBEDIENT sailed Scapa to rendezvous with Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with SEARCH, EMPEROR, PURSUER, and FENDER. Force arrived Scapa at 1700/18th.

 

 

 

Saturday, 18th March 1944

 

0800 SAUMAREZ sailed Tyne and arrived Rosyth at 1400.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla and Staff transferred from SERAPIS to SAUMAREZ.

 

0900 METEOR and IMPULSIVE sailed from Rosyth on completion of boiler clean and arrived Scapa at 1800.

 

0900 SCORPION sailed Plymouth and arrived Scapa 2000/19th.

 

 

 

Sunday, 19th March 1944

 

OPPORTUNE undocked at Scapa floating dock.

 

1430 VERULAM and SWIFT sailed from Greenock on completion of boiler clean and arrived Scapa 1500/10th (n.b. should be 20th).

 

 

 

Monday, 20th March 1944

 

ONSLOW docked in Scapa Floating Dock.

 

0800 VIGILANT sailed from Scapa to Dundee to exercise with Ninth Submarine Flotilla and arrived 1600.

 

1300 SAVAGE sailed from Scapa and arrived Humber at 0700/21st for refit.

 

1600 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ sailed Rosyth and arrived Scapa at 0800/21st.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 21st March 1944

 

0730 HNorMS SVENNER sailed from Greenock and arrived Scapa 0800/22nd to commence working up practices.

 

1200 ORIBI and IMPULSIVE sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon at 1600 to exercise with Force “S”

 

1400 HNorMS STORD sailed from Scapa to escort HUNTER. Parted company in the Minches. STORD arrived Scapa 0700/22nd.

 

1800 ONSLAUGHT arrived Greenock to boiler clean.

 

2000 MATCHLESS sailed Scapa and arrived Rosyth 0700/22nd to boiler clean.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22nd March 1944

 

0600 PIORUN and MARNE arrived Scapa.

 

ONSLOW undocked and VERULAM docked in Scapa Floating Dock.

 

1400 GLEANER and SEAGULL sailed Rosyth and arrived Inverness 0730/23rd.

 

1800 VIGILANT sailed Dundee and arrived Scapa 0600/23rd.

 

 

 

Thursday, 23rd March 1944

 

0600 SCORPRION and SWIFT sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon at 1000 to carry out exercises with Force “S”

 

1100 ORIBI and IMPULSIVE sailed Invergordon and arrived Scapa at 1430.

 

 

 

Friday, 24th March 1944

 

1200 Senior Officer, Second Escort Group in STARLING with WREN, WHIMBREL, MAGPIE, and WILDGOOSE in company arrived Scapa to act as a support group for JW 58.

 

VERULAM undocked from Scapa Floating Dock.

 

1830 SERAPIS sailed Rosyth and arrived Scapa 0600/25th.

 

 

 

Saturday, 25th March 1944

 

0100 SCORPION and SWIFT sailed Invergordon and arrived Scapa 0600.

 

1700 ULYSSES arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

Sunday, 26th March 1944

 

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELFAST to DIADEM.

 

1130 Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron, Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ in company, sailed from Scapa and arrived Loch Ewe at 1730 to attend convoy conference for JW 58.

 

1130 VERULAM and WAKFUL sailed Scapa and arrived Invergordon 1600.

 

 

 

Monday, 27th March 1944

 

0730 VENUS, SCORPION, STORD, SERAPIS sailed Scapa and arrived Loch Ewe 1300.

 

1100 ULYSSES sailed Scapa to rendezvous with BERWICK and escort her to Invergordon. Arrived Invergordon 1430.

 

1100 VIRAGO sailed Portsmouth and arrived Scapa 1000/29th.

 

SWIFT docked in Scapa Floating Dock.

 

1300 Escort Carriers ACTIVITY and TRACKER escorted by VENUS, SCORPION, STORD, and SERAPIS sailed Loch Ewe and arrived Scapa 2030.

 

Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ sailed Loch Ewe and arrived Skaalefiord at 0500/28th.

 

2000 Convoy JW 58 sailed Loch Ewe for North Russia. Through escorts, WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, WRESTLER, INCONSTANT, STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, BLUEBELL, LOTUS.

 

2000 Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with OPPORTUNE, OFFA, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, ORIBI, and IMPULSIVE sailed Scapa and arrived Skaalefiord 0800/28th.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 28th March 1944

 

0900 VERULAM and WAKEFUL sailed Invergordon and arrived Scapa 1400.

 

0900 KEPPEL, BOADICEA, BEAGLE, WALKER arrived Skaalefiord to act as support group for JW 58.

 

1200 Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM with USS MILWAUKEE, ACTIVITY, TRACKER, VENUS, STORD, SCORPION, SERAPIS and Second Escort Group in company sailed Scapa to rendezvous with JW 58.

 

1600 MATCHLESS sailed Rosyth and arrived Scapa 0600/29th.

 

2000 ONSLAUGHT sailed Greenock and arrived Scapa 1530/29th.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 29th March 1944

 

0430 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ, Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, OFFA, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, KEPPEL, BEAGLE, BOADICEA, and WALKER sailed Skaalefiord to rendezvous with convoy JW 58 and escort to Russia.

 

1900 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, METEOR, MARNE, MATCHLESS, URSA, UNDAUNTED sailed from Scapa for Operations F Y and TUNGSTON.

 

 

 

Thursday, 30th March 1944

 

1130 Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK, Vice Admiral Second in Command Home Fleet in ANSON, BELFAST, VICTORIOUS, escorted by ONSLAUGHT, PIORUN, JAVELIN, SIOUX, ALGONQUIN sailed Scapa for Operations F Y and TUNGSTON.

 

1400 HHMS SALAMIS arrived Scapa to work up.

 

1900 Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST, SEARCHER, EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENCER, FURIOUS, JAMAICA, SHEFFIELD, BROWN RANGER, BLUE RANGER, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, SWIFT, and WAKEFUL sailed Scapa for Operation TUNGSTON.

 

 

Friday, 31st March 1944

 

No entry in War Diary

 

 

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 

APRIL 1944

 

 

Saturday, 1st April 1944

 

0700 ULYSSES arrived Scapa to completing working up.

 

 

 

Sunday, 2nd April 1944

 

0200 clocks advance 1 hour to B time

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Monday, 3rd April 1944

 

1400 KELVIN arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

1800 WIZARD arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 4th April 1944

 

0400 ULYSSES sailed from Scapa to rendezvous with Force 9 (Operation TUNGSTEN)

 

 

 

Wednesday, 5th April 1944

 

0900 Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK, escorted by MARNE and MATCHLESS arrived Scapa.

 

2000 JW 58 and escorted forces arrived safely in Kola Inlet, having destroyed 3 U-boats, 3 Focke Wolfe aircraft, 2 JU 88 aircraft, and 1 B.V. 138 aircraft.

 

 

 

Thursday, 6th April 1944

 

1200 MUSKETEER sailed Hull on completion of refit and arrived Scapa 0830 on the 7th.

 

1600 Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON with VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, ROYALIST, EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENDER, SHEFFIELD, BELFAST, escorted by VERULAM, SWIFT, WAKEFUL, VIGILANT, URSA, UNDAUNTED, METEOR, ONSLAUGHT, ALGONQUIN, and Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

Friday, 7th April 1944

 

JAMAICA, SEARCHER, VIRAGO, SIOUX arrived Scapa.

 

0500, BLUE RANGER, BROWN RANGER, PIORUN, JAVELIN, ULYSSES arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

Saturday, 8th April 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Sunday, 9th April 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Monday, 10th April 1944

 

No events or movements or importance.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 11th April 1944

 

1200 Vice Admiral Second in Command Home Fleet in ANSON escorted by URSA and JAVELIN sailed Scapa and arrived Greenock 0930 on the 12th.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 12th April 1944

 

1200 KEMPENFELT arrived Scapa to join the Home Fleet, attached temporarily to the Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla.

 

2000 VENUS arrived Scapa from Operation F Y.

 

 

 

Thursday, 13th April 1944

 

1000 Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENDER, BERWICK, SHEFFIELD, escorted by MUSKETEER, METEOR, MARNE, MATCHLESS, ONSLAUGHT, PIORUN, SIOUX sailed from Scapa on Operation PITCHBOWL.

 

1100 BEAGLE, BOADICEA, WALKER, KEPPEL, WESTCOTT, WRESTLER, WHITEHALL, INCONSTANT arrived Scapa from Operation F Y.

 

1300 Captain (D) Seventeen Destroyer Flotilla in SLOW with ACTIVITY, OPPORTUNE, OFFA arrived Scapa.

 

1830 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ with SERAPIS, ORWELL, STORD, Rear Admiral Command Tenth Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM and TRACKER arrived Scapa.

 

 

 

Friday, 14th April 1944

 

1800 ORIBI, SCORPION, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT arrived Scapa.

 

RA 58 arrived Loch Ewe.

 

 

 

Saturday, 15th April 1944

 

1600 Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENCER, SHEFFIELD, BERWICK, SIOUX, PIORUN, ONSLAUGHT, MARNE, MATCHLESS, METEOR, MUSKETEER arrived Scapa on return from Operation PITCHBOWL.

 

 

 

Sunday, 16th April 1944

 

Admiral Commanding Orkney and Shetland Command in SVENNER took passage to Thurso.

 

 

 

Monday, 17th April 1944

 

1600 ESKIMO arrived Scapa to continue working up.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 18th April 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 19th April 1944

 

1000 Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM with ACTIVITY, FENCER, Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, MATCHLESS, METEOR, VERULAM, VIRAGO, KEPPEL, INCONSTANT, WALKER, WHITEHALL, WESTCOTT, WRESTLER, BEAGLE, BOADICEA, OUTREMONT, WASKESUI, GROU, and CAPE BRETON left Scapa For Operation F Z.

 

 

 

Thursday, 20th April 1944

 

1200 Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW sailed Scapa and arrived Plymouth 1000/22nd.

 

1230 WAGER arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

ALGONQUIN completed working up and joined Twenty-sixth Flotilla.

 

 

 

Friday, 21st April 1944

 

0630 Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON with Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST, VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, FENCER, STRIKER, EMPEROR, PURSUER, KENT, JAMAICA, URSA, UNDAUNTED, WAKEFUL, WIZARD, SERAPIS, JAVELIN, VENUS, VIGILANT, SIOUX, ALGONQUIN, PIORUN, SWIFT, KEMPENFELT, KELVIN sailed Scapa for Operation PLANET.

 

 

 

Saturday, 22nd April 1944

 

HHMS SALAMIS working up at Scapa, sailed as escort for RODNEY and RAMILLIES. On return to Scapa, while off Dunnet Head, six men were lost overboard and damaged sustained due a large wave which swept over the ship.

 

1100 BLYSKAWICA arrived Scapa on completion of large repairs.

 

 

 

Sunday, 23rd April 1944

 

OFFA, OPPORTUNE, ONSLAUGHT, and ORIBI arrived Plymouth.

 

1900 ORWELL sailed Scapa and arrived Plymouth 1100/25th.

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla to carry out exercises in Southern Area.

 

1900 SAVAGE sailed Humber on completion of refit and arrived Scapa 1800/24th.

 

 

 

Monday, 24th April 1944

 

0700 JERVIS arrived Scapa to join Home Fleet.

 

1500 SAVAGE arrived Scapa on completion of refit.

 

1700 IMPULSIVE sailed Scapa for Operation PLANET.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 25th April 1944

 

1100 OBEDIENT arrived Plymouth.

 

SVENNER completed working up and joined Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 26th April 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Thursday, 27th April 1944

 

1430 SALAMIS sailed Scapa on completion of working up.

 

1730 WHELP arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

2100 SCOURGE arrived Scapa on completion of refit.

 

 

 

Friday, 28th April 1944

 

0600 Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON with FURIOUS, SERAPIS, SWIFT, KEMPENFELT, and ALGONQUIN arrived Scapa from Operation PLANET.

 

1100 Rear Admiral Escort carriers in ROYALIST with JAMAICA, SEARCHER, PURSUER, STRIKER, EMPEROR, URSA, UNDAUNTED, WAKEFUL, WIZARD, SIOUX, PIORUN, JAVELIN, KELVIN arrived Scapa from Operation PLANET.

 

1700 VICTORIOUS, KENT, VENUS, VIGILANT, and IMPULSIVE arrived from Operation PLANET.

 

RA 59, 45 merchant ships, escorted by units of the Home Fleet and Western Approaches, sailed Kola Inlet.

 

 

 

Saturday, 29th April 1944

 

1100 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ with SCOURGE, SCORPION, SERAPIS, SWIFT, STORD, SVENNER, and IMPULSIVE sailed Scapa.

 

 

 

Sunday, 30th April 1944

 

Captain M.L. Power assumed command of KEMPENFELT and as Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 

MAY 1944

 

 

Monday, 1st May 1944

 

0800 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ with SCOURGE, SCORPION, SERAPIS, SWIFT, STORD, SVENNER, and IMPULSIVE arrived at Portsmouth to carry out Exercises FABIUS in Southern Area.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 2nd May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 3rd May 1944

 

2230 BERWICK, FURIOUS, SEARCHER, SAVAGE, BLYSKAWICA, PIORUN, ALGONQUIN, WAKEFUL, WIZARD sailed Scapa for Operation CROQUET.

 

 

 

Thursday, 4th May 1944

 

At 0330 OFFA, while carrying out exercises in Southern Area, was hit by a bomb and sustained light damage. Casualties 3 killed, 4 wounded. Position 50-13N, 0-17W.

 

1500 Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM with VERULAM, ULYSSES, and VIRAGO arrived Scapa from Operation F Z.

 

 

 

Friday, 5th May 1944

 

0600 ACTIVITY, escorted by Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, METEOR, and MATCHLESS arrived Scapa from Operation F Z.

 

Vice Admiral (D) left Scapa for London.

 

 

 

Saturday, 6th May 1944

 

0600 ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa on completion of exercise TIGER in Southern Area.

 

RA 59 arrived Loch Ewe, having lost one merchant ship from Submarine attack.

 

 

 

Sunday, 7th May 1944

 

0600 Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with JAMAICA, HUNTER, ATTACKER, EMPEROR, and STRIKER, escorted by Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in KEMPENFELT, WAGER, MARNE, SIOUX, ONSLAUGHT, and UNDAUNTED sailed Scapa for Operation HOOPS.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW arrived Scapa on completion of Exercise TIGER in Southern Area.

 

1400 BERWICK and FURIOUS escorted by SAVAGE, BLYSKAWICA, ALGONQUIN, PIORUN, WAKEFUL, WIZARD arrived Scapa from Operation CROQUET.

 

General Sir Bernard Montgomery visited the Home Fleet and addressed officers and men of the Destroyer Command in HMS TYNE.

 

 

 

Monday, 8th May 1944

 

0700 OBEDIENT, ORIBI, and ORWELL arrived Scapa on completion of Exercise TIGER in Southern Area.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 9th May 1944

 

0900 OPPORTUNE arrived Scapa on completion of exercise TIGER in Southern Area.

 

1100 Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with SEARCH, STRIKER, EMPEROR, JAMAICA, escorted by Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer in KEMPENFELT, SIOUX, MARNE, ONSLAUGHT, WAGER, and UNDAUNTED arrived Scapa on completion of Operation HOOPS.

 

1630 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ with STORD and SWIFT arrived Scapa on completion of Exercise FABIUS in Southern Area.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 10th May 1944

 

JAVELIN completed working up and joined the Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla.

 

1200 SCORPION, SCOURGE, SVENNER, and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa on completion of Exercise FABIUS.

 

His Majesty the King embarked in MILNE at Scrabster for passage to Scapa to visit the Home Fleet.

 

 

 

Thursday, 11th May 1944

 

0830 NUBIAN arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

1500 Vice Admiral (D) arrived Scapa from London.

 

1800 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MARNE, MATCHLESS, MUSKETEER, and ORIBI sailed Scapa for Operation BRAWN.

 

1800 FAULKNOR, FURY, ISIS, and URANIA arrived Scapa from Mediterranean.

 

 

 

Friday, 12th May 1944

 

!500 Vice Admiral in Command, Home Fleet in VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in KENT, DEVONSHIRE, SAVAGE, VENUS, VIGILANT, SCOURGE, UNDAUNTED, and WIZARD sailed Scapa for Operation BRAWN.

 

1600 His Majesty the King visited HMS TYNE and inspected ships of Destroyer Command lying alongside.

 

2000 Captain (D) Twentyfifth Destroyer Flotilla in GRENVILLE, UNDINE, URCHIN, and ULSTER arrived Scapa from the Mediterranean.

 

2100 Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW, OBEDIENT, BLYSKAWICA, PIORUN, WAKEFUL, and URSA sailed Scapa for Operation POTLUCK.

 

 

 

Saturday, 13th May 1944

 

1200 WHELP, ONSLAUGHT, SIOUX sailed His Majesty the King in BELFAST to Scrabster.

 

1400 UNDAUNTED, SCOURGE, and WIZARD arrived Scapa after escorting VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, KENT, and DEVONSHIRE on Operation BRAWN.

 

CAPRICE sailed Greenock to WESTERN ISLES for 14 days A/S work up and arrived Tobermory 1030/14th.

 

 

 

Sunday, 14th May 1944

 

1800 ESKIMO sailed Scapa for Plymouth to join the Tenth Destroyer Flotilla.

 

 

 

Monday, 15th May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 16th May 1944

 

0600 Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with STRIKER, EMPEROR, SHEFFIELD, escorted by Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with OBEDIENT, URSA, WAKEFUL, BLYSKAWICA, PIORUN arrived Scapa on completion of Operation POTLUCK.

 

1200 arrived Scapa SERAPIS on completion of Exercise TIGER.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 17th May 1944

 

No events or movements or importance.

 

 

 

Thursday, 18th May 1944

 

1830 Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in VICTORIOUS with FURIOUS, KENT, DEVONSHIRE, escorted by Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, MARNE, SAVAGE, VENUS, VIGILANT, ORIBI, arrived Scapa on completion of Operation BRAWN.

 

1900 WESSEX arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

 

 

Friday, 19th May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Saturday, 20th May 1944

 

1900 JAVELIN sailed Scapa for Plymouth to join the Tenth Destroyer Flotilla for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Sunday, 21st May 1944

 

0830 Commander in Chief Home Fleet embarked in MARNE for passage to Scrabster.

 

1700, PIORUN, BLYSKAWICA sailed Scapa for Plymouth to join the Ten Destroyer Flotilla for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Monday, 22nd May 1944

 

1800 JERVIS sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 23rd May 1944

 

1300 Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ with STORD, SWIFT, and SVENNER sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 24th May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Thursday, 25th May 1944

 

0900 Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, KELVIN, SCORPION, SERAPIS, and SCOURGE sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE/

 

1030 Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla in KEMPENFELT, VENUS, VERULM, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, ALGONQUIN, and SIOUX sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

1200 URSA, URANIA, UNDAUNTED, FURY, FAULKNOR, ISIS sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

1600 ULYSSES sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Friday, 26th May 1944

 

0800 SAVAGE, OBEDIENT, OPPORTUNE, ORWELL, and IMPULSIVE sailed Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

1799 (n.b. should be 1700) Vice Admiral (D) left Scapa to visit A.N.C.X.F. Flag of Vice Admiral (D) struck in TYNE.

 

 

 

Saturday, 27th May; Sunday, 28th May; Monday 29th May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 30th May 1944

 

0730 VOLAGE arrived Scapa to commence working up.

 

1100 GRENVILLE, URCHIN, ULSTER, UNDINE left Scapa for Operation NEPTUNE.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 31st May 1944

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

 

---

Background Events

 

June-August 1944

Invasion of Normandy, Capture of Rome,  V-1's on England, Saipan landings & Battle of Philippines Sea, Attacks on 'Tirpitz', S of France landings

 

---

 

 

Home Fleet Destroyer Command War Diary for June 1944 is divided into two sections.

 

1). Destroyer War Diary for the Home Fleet units in Operation NEPTUNE.

 

2). Destroyer War Diary for Home Fleet units still operating from Scapa.

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

JUNE 1944

 

 

1). Destroyer War Diary for the Home Fleet units in the Southern Area.

 

 

Thursday, 1 June 1944 to Wednesday, 6th June 1944

page 1 is missing.

 

 

Entries from Home Fleet War Diary, q.v.

 

(Operational notations from John de S. Winser’s THE D-DAY SHIPS, q.v.

if any reader has a copy of the missing page, a copy or transcript would be most welcomed and source attributed)

 

 

The following ships were detached to Allied Naval Commander Expeditionary Force for bombardment in the Channel:

 

Destroyer Depot                                                 TYNE (Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers) left Scapa 0742 1st June.

                                                                        Arrived Solent 0900 5th June

 

Destroyers:       8th Destroyer Flotilla                  FAULKNOR left Solent 5th. Arrived JUNO 6th

 

                                                                        FURY left Solent 5th. Arrived JUNO 6th

 

                                                                        ISIS left Spithead Gate 1230 6th escorting PRINS

 

                                                                        ALBERT and PRINCESS MARGARET. Arrived Sword same day.)

 

                        10th Destroyer Flotilla                TARTAR from Plymouth patrol (Hurd Deep Area 5th/6th

 

                                                                        ASHANTI - as TARTAR

 

                                                                        ESKIMO from Plymouth

 

                                                                        HAIDA, R.C.N. left Plymouth on patrol (Hurd Deep Area) 5th June

 

                                                                        HURON, R.C.N. As HAIDA

 

                                                                        O.R.P. PIORUN from Plymouth

 

                                                                        O.R.P. BLYSKAWICA from Plymouth

 

                                                                        JAVELIN from Plymouth

 

17th Destroyer Flotilla                ONSLOW left Solent 5th for Western flank of assault forces

 

                                                                        OFFA - as ONSLOW

 

                                                                        ORIBI - as ONSLOW

 

                                                                        ONSLAUGHT - as ONSLOW

 

                                                                       OPPORTUNE left Sheerness 4th, left Thames on patrol (Eastern English

                                                                       Channel; covered diversionary operation in the Strait of Dover 6th

 

                                                                        OBDURATE (n.b. under repair until April 1945)

 

                                                                        ORWELL left Thames on patrol (Western flank of Assault forces 5th June

 

                                                                        OBEDIENT - as OPPORTUNE

 

                        23rd Destroyer Flotilla                SAUMAREZ Left Clyde 2nd, arrived SWORD 6th

 

SERAPIS left Solent 1530 5th, arrived SWORD 6th Assault Convoy S 2

Minesweeper escort

 

SCORPION left Solent 1330 5th, arrived SWORD 6thAssault convoy S 1

Minesweeper escort

 

                                                                        SAVAGE left Thames on patrol (Eastern Channel) 5th

 

                                                                        SCOURGE - as SERAPIS

 

                                                                        SWIFT - as SAUMAREZ

 

                                                                        HNorMS STORD - as SAUMAREZ

 

HNorMS SVENNER - as SAUMAREZ, but sunk by German torpedo boats

JAGUAR, MOEWE, and T.24 12 miles were of Le Havre 0535/6th

 

                                                                        IMPULSIVE left Solent 1635 for SWORD

 

KELVIN Left Spithead Gate 2130 5th. Arrived Sword 6th

 

25th Destroyer Flotilla                GRENVILLE Left Clyde 1130 3rd. arrived GOLD 6th

 

                                                                        ULSTER - as GRENVILLE

 

                                                                        URANIA left Solent 5th, arrived GOLD 6th

 

                                                                        URSA - as URANIA

 

                                                                        ULYSSES - as URANIA

 

                        26th Destroyer Flotilla                KEMPENFELT, left Solent 5th, arrived JUNO 6th

 

                                                                        VIGILANT - as KEMPENFELT

 

                                                                        VENUS - as KEMPENFELT

 

VIRAGO, left Spithead Gate 2130 5th, arrived SWORD 6th

 

                                                                        VERULAM - as VIRAGO

 

ALGONQUIN, R.C.N., left Solent 1650 5th Arrived JUNO 6th

 

                                                                        SIOUX, R.C.N. - as KEMPENFELT

 

 

Minesweepers:

 

                        1st Minesweeping Flotilla (Force “S”)

 

                        18th Minesweeping Flotilla (Force “G”)

 

 

 

Wednesday, 7th June 1944 (continued)

 

ONSLOW arrived from patrol, having been near missed by two bombs while acting as cover in the Western Approaches to assault area. No casualties and only superficial damage was sustained.

 

ONSLOW alongside TYNE for armament repairs.

 

 

 

Thursday, 8th June 1944

 

SCORPION, SCOURGE, STORD, URCHIN, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, JERVIS, KELVIN arrived from assault area. Re-ammunitioned and sailed to assault area SCOURGE, STORD, and URCHIN.

 

OFFA and ORWELL arrived from patrol.

 

ONSLOW sailed on patrol.

 

UNDINE in hand for repair repairs.

 

HALCYON in hand for asdic repairs.

 

 

 

Friday, 9th June 1944

 

VIGILANT, FAULKNOR, FURY, SCOURGE, STORD, URCHIN arrived from assault area. VIGILANT, FAULKNOR, and FURY re ammunitioned and sailed to assault area in company in UNDAUNTED, KELVIN, and UNDINE.

 

ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, and OBEDIENT arrived from patrol.

 

OFFA and ORWELL sailed on patrol.

 

WESTCOTT completed repairs and left TYNE.

 

STORD alongside and away from Tyne; armament repairs.

 

OBEDIENT, URCHIN alongside for hull defects.

 

Tenth Destroyer Flotilla, while acting as cover in the western approaches to English Channel, engaged an enemy force of Narvik and Elbing Class destroyers. One enemy destroyer was driven ashore on Isle de Bas and another was sunk.

 

ULSTER grounded in position 49-22N, 00-22W; lost one propeller shaft and damaged remaining propeller.

 

 

 

Saturday, 10th June 1944

 

ULSTER, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, VENUS, VIGILANT, ALGONQUIN, KELVIN, FAULKNOR, FURY arrived from assault area.

 

UNDAUNTED, VENUS, ALGONQUIN, KELVIN, JERVIS sailed assault area.

 

ONSLOW, OFFA, OPPORTUNE arrived from patrol.

 

OBEDIENT, URCHIN away from Tyne; defects completed.

 

ONSLAUGHT and UNDAUNTED alongside and away from Tyne; hull defects.

 

UNDINE, GATINEAU, ONSLOW, and ONSLAUGHT in hand for radar defects.

 

FAULKNOR to dock for repairs to propellers and A/S gear, damaged due to grounding. A/S dome removed and blanked off.

 

WIZARD, while going astern at Scapa Flow, dropped a depth charge and sustained extensive damage. Six ratings were killed and a number seriously injured.

 

 

 

Sunday, 11th June 1944

 

UNDAUNTED, VENUS, ALGONQUIN, and KELVIN arrived from assault area.

 

SCORPION, SCOURGE, SAVAGE arrived from patrol.

 

URCHIN, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, VIGILANT withdrawn from Operation NEPTUNE and sailed for Clyde to escort VICTORIOUS and INDOMITABLE to Gibraltar.

 

KELVIN’s after salt water gravity tank removed and repaired in TYNE.

 

QUORN alongside and away from TYNE; repairs to condensers.

 

VENUS alongside and away from TYNE; repairs to boilers.

 

LIGHTFOOT, GOZO taken in hand for condenser repairs and minor repair items.

 

CELANDINE taken in hand for machinery defects.

 

SCOURGE in hand for armament, A/S and hull defects.

 

SAVAGE, ALGONQUIN, and QUORN in hand for radar defects.

 

 

 

Monday, 12th June 1944

 

The Prime Minister and General Smuts embarked in KELVIN for passage to France, returning same day.

 

SCOURGE, ALGONQUIN sailed for assault area.

 

SCOURGE, ORWELL arrived from patrol.

 

VENUS, SAVAGE sailed for patrol.

 

HOLMES, KRAKOWIAK in hand for hull, electrical, and minor repairs. HOLMES alongside TYNE.

 

STORK in hand for machinery repairs.

 

TALYBONT, FURY, KRAKOWIAK in hand for radar repairs.

 

ORWELL in hand for A/S repairs.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 13th June 1944

 

SAUMAREZ arrived from assault area.

 

FURY sailed to and returned from assault area.

 

SCOURGE, ALGONQUIN sailed from assault area to patrol.

 

SCORPION, STORD, and OBEDIENT arrived from patrol.

 

SCORPION, STORD sailed for patrol.

 

SCORPION, STORD, HOLMES taken in hand for radar defects.

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

POOLE: boiler brickwork renewed. Propellers examined by diver. Water and minor items. Alongside 13th. Left 14th.

 

STORD: defective gyro compass and minor items. Alongside 13th. Left 14th.

 

BRISSENDEN: repairs to main feed check, No. 1 boiler and stern tube.

 

TANATSIDE: Renewed corrosive pieced to sea suction, 20 ton pump.

 

LOYALTY: Tried LL (d) sweep generator, fuel pump defective. Dockyard commitment.

 

STORK: Continued repairs to feed heater, motor boat, and minor items.

 

SAUMAREZ: Electric and gun mountings. Minor items.

 

KENORA: Condenseritis, main circulator, rebore cylinder, new piston and rings. New Crosshead bearings. Changed boiler water and clean boiler externally. Alongside 13th to 15th.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 14th June 1944

 

GRENVILLE and URANIA arrived from assault area.

 

URANIA and SCORPION sailed for assault area.

 

SCORPION, STORD, ONSLAUGHT, and ORIBI arrived from patrol.

 

FURY, ORWELL sailed for patrol.

 

POOLE, TOMPAZIS, THORNBOROUGH taken in hand for radar defects.

 

ORIBI, URANIA, TOMPAZIS taken in hand for A/S defects.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

KENORA continuation of 13th.

 

POOLE: Continuation of 13th.

 

DORNOCK: Hole in stern plate and minor items.

 

PRIMROSE: Fractured engine room telegraph. Fractured ladder and supports and minor items. Alongside and left during 14th.

 

GATINEAU examination of extension brickwork and boiler damage.

 

BEAUMARIS: Gyro compass repairs.

 

STARWORT: Repairs to auxiliary steam pipe and oil fuel heater casting. Regulator to steam dynamo.

 

GRENVILLE: Divers examined underwater fittings (propeller and A/S equipment).

 

STORK machinery defects.

 

Vice Admiral Sir Henry Moore relieved Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser as Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.

 

 

 

Thursday, 15th June 1944

 

URANIA, SIOUX, IMPULSIVE arrived from assault area.

 

SIOUS, IMPULSIVE, SAUMAREZ, STORD sailed for assault area.

 

SCOURGE, FURY, ONSLOW, OFF, OPPORTUNE arrived from patrol.

 

SCOURGE, ONSLOW, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, OBEDIENT sailed for patrol.

 

GRENVILLE sailed Chatham for docking and repairs to propellers and A/S dome.

 

OFFA, SIOUX taken in hand for radar defects.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

COTTESMORE: Bow pom pom mounted. Alongside and left during day.

 

TOMPAZIS: Brackets, low power generator, and minor defects (alongside and sailed during day).

 

KENORA: Alongside continued from 14th June. Left 15th June.

 

DORNOCK: Alongside continued from 14th June. Left 15th June.

 

STARWORT: Continued from 14th June.

 

ONSLOW: Main steam joint leak; minor defects. Left 17th June.

 

KOOTENAY: Minor defects.

 

PRIMROSE: Continued from 14th June.

 

STORK: Continued from 14th June.

 

MOOSEJAW: sea cock, electrical and minor repairs.

 

IMPULSIVE: A.R.L. and A.F.C.C. repairs.

 

SIOUX: Lubricating oil cooler tests.

 

 

 

Friday, 16th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SCOURGE, URANIA, SIOUX, IMPULSIVE.

 

Sailed for Assault Area: VENUS.

 

Arrived from Patrol: VENUS, FURY, ONSLOW.

 

His Majesty the King embarked in ARETHUSA for passage to France escorted by SCOURGE and URANIA, returning same day.

 

GRENVILLE arrived Chatham and commenced boiler cleaning.

 

URANIA and KELVIN commenced boiler cleaning at Portsmouth.

 

Following ships taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: SCOURGE, ONSLOW, STORK

 

A/S: ONSLOW, SAVAGE

 

General:

 

ONSLOW safety valve and main steam joint under stop valve, minor defects, alongside during day, sailed a.m. 17th.

 

SAVAGE minor defects.

 

MOOSEJAW sanitary pump casting. Electrical and hull items, dynamo alignments. Alongside and sailed during day.

 

SIOUX examination of bearings and testing oil.

 

SEAHAM boiler inspection and tube renewals, alongside 16th and 17th, sailed 18th.

 

FAULKNOR Repairs to training receiver.

 

IMPULSIVE Repairs to A.R.L., A.F.C.C. and minor items.

 

 

 

Saturday, 17th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SWIFT, ISIS, JERVIS

 

Sailed for Assault Area: JERVIS.

 

Arrived from Patrol: ORWELL, ALGONQUIN.

 

Sailed for Patrol: ONSLOW, OFFA, OPPORTUNE

 

Commander in Chief Portsmouth embarked in FAULKNOR for passage to Assault Area, returning same day.

 

SAVAGE arrived Chatham for boiler cleaning and docking to repairs to A/S dome.

 

VIGILANT, URCHIN, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED escorting VICTORIOUS arrived Gibraltar.

 

Follow Ships taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: ALGONQUIN, KENORA, TOMPAZIS

 

General:

 

SEAHAM: Alongside, continued from 16th.

 

WENSLEYDALE: Evaporator repairs and repairs to pom pom training unit, minor items.

 

RENE (drifter): examination of boilers.

 

TANATSIDE: Completed corrosion piece.

 

SWIFT: Split in hull and miscellaneous, alongside and left during day.

 

ISIS: Auxiliary machinery repairs.

 

GENTIAN: Minor defects to steam pipe and valves, alongside, left during day.

 

 

 

Sunday, 18th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: ULYSSES, URSA, SERAPIS, VERULAM, VIRAGO.

 

Sailed for Patrol: ORWELL.

 

Arrived from Patrol: OBEDIENT.

 

Sailed RODNEY to assault area, escorted by SCOURGE, FURY, ALGONQUIN. ALGONQUIN embarked General Crezar and 22 Staff Officers for passage to Assault Area.

 

FAULKNOR embarked A.N.C.X.F. and sailed for Assault Area and returning p.m.

 

At 2330/18th in position 49-51N, 00-59W. ONSLOW and OFFA were attacked by 7 JU 88s which released about 9 torpedoes. Only damage was a glancing blow by one torpedo on ONSLOW which split a seam in the A/S compartment and flooded it.

 

Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: SWIFT, WENSLEYDALE

 

A/S: ISIS

 

General:

 

SEAHAM completed and sailed from alongside during day.

 

SWIFT Hull and Motor Boat repairs.

 

WENSLEYDALE: Hull and steam valve evaporator repairs, alongside until following day.

 

KOOTENAY: Examined for damage.

 

FLORES: Repairs to hatch and W/T.

 

 

 

Monday, 19th June 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: ONSLOW, ONSLAUGHT, and ORIBI.

 

Following ships taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: SWIFT, ONSLOW.

 

A/S: ONSLOW, ULYSSES, VERSATILE.

 

General:

 

ONSLOW: Hull, gunnery, electrical and machinery defects, alongside 19th, left a.m. 21st.

 

WENSLEYDALE: Continued from 18th, alongside and left during day.

 

FAULKNOR: Examined No. 1 boiler room and port fan.

 

FLORES: Repairs from the 18th completed.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 20th June 1944

 

Arrived from Patrol: OPPORTUNE

 

ULSTER sailed in tow for Cardiff to carry out damage repairs.

 

Following ships taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: SWIFT, TOMPAZIZ

 

A/S: ONSLOW

 

General:

 

ONSLOW: continued from 19th.

 

ONSLAUGHT: Extensive boiler brickwork repairs and minor defects.

 

ISI: Repairs to L.P. generator coil.

 

ULYSSES: Gunnery, electrical, and minor defects.

 

URSA: W/T repairs.

 

STORK: Studs and nuts for feed heaters.

 

FORESTER: Main circulator pipe repairs.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 21st June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: JERVIS, SCORPION,

 

Sailed for Assault Area: IMPULSIVE, SWIFT, ISIS, SIOUX

 

Arrived from Patrol: OFFA

 

Sailed for patrol: OPPORTUNE, ONSLAUGHT, and ORIBI.

 

SIOUX embark Commodore McKenzie for passage to Assault area.

 

FAULKNOR sailed to assault area with Chief of Staff to A.N.C.X.F. Returning same day.

 

The Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: OPPORTUNE

 

A/S: SERAPIS, VERSATILE, JERVIS

 

General:

 

JERVIS: damage to hull.

 

VERSATILE: Repairs to thrust block sea, capstan repairs, and minor items, alongside.

 

VERULAM: Divers examined Chernikeef log. Alongside and left during day.

 

ONSLOW: Completed and left.

 

ULYSSES: Gun mounting, divers examined Chernikeef.

 

ISIS: Repairs to F.W. Pump and L.P. generator.

 

 

 

Thursday, 22nd June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SAUMAREZ, URSA

 

Arrived from patrol: ORWELL

 

Sailed: NELSON escorted by VERULAM, VIRAGO, ULYSSES. Escorted detached in vicinity of Smalls and returned to Portsmouth.

 

URCHIN, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, VIGILANT arrived Plymouth from Gibraltar.

 

URCHIN, UNDINE, UNDAUNTED commenced boiler clean at Plymouth.

 

VIGILANT sailed to Portsmouth following day.

 

FURY mined and beached in Assault Area.

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: VEGREVILLE, OFFA

 

A/S: VERSATILE, JERVIS

 

General:

 

VOLUNTEER: repairs to evaporator pumps, alongside left 25th.

 

SCORPION Rudder stud removal. Evaporator repairs and minor defects.

 

WESTCOTT: Repairs to evaporator pump.

 

GATINEAU: Brickwork repairs and examination of refrigerator plant.

 

VERSATILE: Continued from 21st, alongside all day.

 

ISIS: Repairs to F.W. pump and evaporator coils, rewinding L.P. generator coils.

 

FALUKNOR: Repairs to ladders.

 

JERVIS: Gun mountings.

 

OFFA: Gun mountings.

 

QUORN: Divers repair “A” Bracket, lubricating pipe starboard.

 

 

 

Friday, 23rd June 1944

 

Sailed on patrol: ORWELL, OFFA, ONSLOW

 

A.N.C.X.P. embarked in SERAPIS for passage to Assault Area, returning same day.

 

ULSTER arrived in Cardiff.

 

ULYSSES, VERULAM, and VIRAGO arrived Portsmouth.

 

SAVAGE left Chatham for patrol on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

The Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: BEAGLE

 

General:

 

VOLUNTEER continued from 22, also steering engine.

 

JERVIS: Repairs to buckled stem and small holes in hull, syren, oil fuel pipe, corrosion piece, gun mountings.

 

POSTILLION: Repairs to water service pipes, evaporator coils, and telemotor system.

 

QUALICUM: Repairs to S.A. Gear.

 

SCORPION: Continued from 22nd.

 

HALCYRON: Rivetting repairs to fan seating and minor defects, alongside and left during day.

 

VERSATILE: Gun mounting and repairs continued from 23rd, completed slipped from Tyne

 

IONATSIDE: Repairs to roll corrector.(n.b. TANATSIDE?)

 

ISIS: Repairs to F.W. Pump continued.

 

 

 

Saturday, 24th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: STORD, SCOURGE

 

Sailed for Assault Area: URANIA, KELVIN, SERAPIS

 

Arrived from patrol: KEMPENFELT.

 

VIGILANT arrived Portsmouth from Plymouth.

 

OBEDIENT arrived Chatham and commenced boiler cleaning.

 

FAULKOR embarked First Lord of the Admiralty, Second Sea Lord, and Lord Beaverbrook for passage to the Assault Area, returning same day.

 

SWIFT mined and sunk in Area SWORD. 10 officers and 205 ratings survived and returned to Portsmouth.

 

The Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: MELITA

 

A/S: LORNE, JERVIS

 

General:

 

POSTILLION: continued from 23rd.

 

MELITA : turbo and diesel generator cooling pipes and gun mountings.

 

LIGHTFOOT: Renewal of machinery items.

 

HOTHAM: Defect to boiler and main steam pipes, alongside until 27th.

 

LORNE: Strong back for L.L. sweep dynamo bearing.

 

STORK: Repairs to feed heater and minor items.

 

VOLUNTEER: Continued from 23rd, alongside.

 

JERVIS: Continued from 23rd, alongside.

 

            CRANE: Minor item.

 

 

 

Sunday, 25th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: nil.

 

Arrived from Patrol: ORIBI, OPPORTUNE

 

VIRAGO sailed for Assault Area as relief for SWIFT.

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: JERVIS

 

A/S: SCOURGE

 

General:

 

VOLUNTEER: continued from 24th, left during day.

 

JERVIS: Continued from 24th alongside.

 

SCOURGE: Gun mountings

 

ISIS: Minor items

 

MELITA: Continued from 24th.

 

 

 

Monday, 26th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: KELVIN

 

Sailed for Assault Area: ULYSSES, VIGILANT

 

Arrived from patrol: ORWELL

 

Sailed for Patrol: OPPORTUNE

 

GRENVILLE arrived Portsmouth from Chatham.

 

The Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

Radar: ONSLAUGHT, BRISSENDEN, TANATSIDE, SCOURGE

 

A/S: GRENVILLE

 

General:

 

ORIBI: Cleared both inlets by diver.

 

SAUMAUREZ: Repairs to fan and gyro

 

BRISSENDEN: Repairs to Rocket R.U. Locker and evaporator coils.

 

HOTHAM: Boiler brickwork and minor items, alongside during day , left 27th.

 

STORD: Examined S.L.P. adjusting block and stripped poker guage assembly, and minor defects.

 

TANATSIDE: Examined boiler and perforated tubes.

 

ISIS: Repairs to F.W. pump.

 

SCOURGE: Gun mountings and minor items, alongside, left 27th

 

CHAUDIERE: Leaking oil fuel tanks examined. Dockyard job.

 

HOLMES: Gun mountings

 

ORWELL: Gun mountings.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 27th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: VENUS, ALGONQUIN, SIOUX

 

Arrived from Patrol: ONSLOW, OFFA, SAVAGE

 

Sailed for Assault Area: GRENVILLE, JERVIS

 

Sailed for Patrol: ORIBI, ONSLAUGHT, ORWELL

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: OFFA, KITE

 

A/S: STEVENSTONE

 

General:

 

HOTHAM: Completed from the 26th. Left during day.

 

SCOURGE: Completed from the 26th. Left during day.

 

KITE: Repairs to circulator inlet oil cooler, circulating and hot water boiler vent pipes, evaporator coils, and minor items.

 

KELVIN: Testing condensers and gun mounting repairs. Alongside during day, left 29th.

 

GOZO: Repairs to A.R.L. Plot motor and refrigerator cut out.

 

STORD: Completed machinery repairs and minor items.

 

STEVENSTONE: E.R. Ventilation for trunk repairs and gun mountings, alongside, left 28th.

 

ORWELL: Gun mounting, repairs completed.

 

HOLMES: Gun mounting, repairs completed.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 28th June 1944

 

Sailed on patrol: SAVAGE, ONSLOW, OFFA

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: OFFA, ALGONQUIN, SAUMAREZ

 

A/S: KELVIN, STEVENSTONE

 

General:

 

ISIS: Completed repairs to F.W. pump and armature.

 

KELVIN: Continued alongside

 

STEVENSTONE: Continued alongside

 

TANATSIDE: Repairs to E.F. fan armature

 

KITE: Completed repairs from the 27th.

 

SIOUX: repairs to evaporator cooler.

 

DIANTHUS: Renewal of weak trap grid and repairs to circulator tail and bush.

 

 

 

Thursday, 29th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: VIGILANT

 

Sailed to Assault Area: KELVIN.

 

KEMPENFELT sailed from Portsmouth to refit in South Shields.

 

VENUS sailed from Portsmouth to refit in Hull.

 

Both ships acting as escort for SIRIUS and BLACK PRINCE during passage.

 

OPPORTUNE sailed to Chatham for boiler clean.

 

MUSKETEER, METOR, and MATCHLESS sailed Scapa for N. Russia on Operation DOG CHARLIE.

 

The following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: BEAGLE and ONSLOW

 

A/S: KELVIN, ALGONQUIN, SCOURGE

 

General:

 

VERULAM: Divers examined Port “A” bracket and fittings, minor defects

 

REDPOLE: Welding, repairs to boiler room fan supports, alongside and left during day.

 

BEAGLE: Repairs to Main Auxiliary feed pumps and minor items. Alongside, left 1st July.

 

BLEASDALE: Repairs to pom pom safety and depression gear.

 

DIANTHUS: Completed repairs from 28th.

 

TANATSIDE: Repairs to engine room supply fan.

 

KELVIN: Completed alongside and left during day.

 

STEVENSTONE: Completed alongside and left during day.

 

ALGONQUIN: Gun mounting repairs.

 

SEYMOUR: Gun mounting repairs.

 

HOLMES: Gun mounting repairs.

 

 

 

Friday, 30th June 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: IMPULSIVE with N.C.E.T.F. aboard

 

Arrived from Patrol: ORWELL, ONSLOW

 

Sailed for Assault Area: STORD.

 

UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, URCHIN sailed from Plymouth to Moville to rendezvous with HOWE and provide escort to the Mediterranean.

 

UNDINE, UNDAUNTED, and URCHIN to remain in the Mediterranean.

 

URSA sailed from Assault Area to Plymouth for boiler clean.

 

VERULAM and SIOUX escorting Trinity House buoy laying ships, laying HOW buoys and returning during the day.

 

ONSLOW commenced boiler cleaning at Portsmouth.

 

Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: TALYBONT

 

A/S: BEAGLE, HOLMES

 

General:

 

BEAGLE: Fun mounting repairs, repairs to pumps and brickwork continued from 29th.

 

RYE: Repairs to circulator neck bush and piston rings, fan engine piston rings refitted.

 

STEVENSTONE: Scupper storm value renewed.

 

CRANE: New nipples for salinity pipes.

 

GATINEAU: Minor repairs.

 

 

 

2). Destroyer War Diary for Home Fleet units still operating from Scapa.

 

 

 

Thursday, 1st June 1944

 

0800 Vice Admiral (D) in TYNE sailed Scapa to Portsmouth for Operation OVERLORD.

 

 

 

Friday, 2nd June 1944

 

2100 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, METEOR, MARNE, WAKEFUL, WIZARD, WAGER arrived Scapa on completed on Operation TIGERCLAW.

 

 

 

3rd to 6th June 1944

 

No movements for events of importance.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 7th June 1944

 

0400 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, METEOR, WAKEFUL, WIZARD, WAGER, WHELP sailed Scapa with Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in VICTORIOUS with FURIOUS, JAMAICA, and KENT for Operation KRUSCHEN.

 

 

 

Thursday, 8th June 1944

 

2200 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MATCHLESS, METEOR, WAKEFUL, WIZARD, WAGER, WHELP arrive Scapa on completion of Operation KRUSCHEN.

 

MUSKETEER arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning.

 

 

 

Friday, 9th June 1944

 

No movements or events of importance.

 

 

 

Saturday, 10th June 1944

 

WHELP, WAKEFUL, WESSEX, WIZARD, METEOR carried out A/S sweeps in and about Scapa Flow against possible midget submarines.

 

WIZARD damaged by own depth charged and docked at Scapa.

 

1800 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MARNE, MATCHLESS sailed Scapa to Rosyth with DUKE OF YORK, ANSON, HOWE, and FURIOUS.

 

 

 

Sunday, 11th June 1944

 

0700 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MARNE, MATCHLESS arrived Rosyth.

 

 

 

12th to 15th June 1944

 

No movements or events of importance.

 

 

 

Friday 16th June 1944

 

A.M. WAGER and WHELP sailed Scapa with JAMAICA to Spitzbergen

 

P.M. Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, MATCHLESS sailed Rosyth to Scapa.

 

 

 

Saturday 17th June 1944

 

1100 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, MATCHLES arrived Scapa from Rosyth.

 

 

 

18th and 19th June 1944

 

No movements or events of importance.

 

 

 

Tuesday 20th June 1944

 

0600 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, METEOR, WAKEFUL, WESSEX sailed Scapa with Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST with STRIKER, FENCER, and SHEFFIELD for Operation WANDERERS.

 

 

 

21st to 23rd June 1944

 

No movements or events of importance

 

 

 

Saturday, 24th June 1944

 

1100 WHELP, WAGER arrived Scapa from Spitzbergen.

 

 

 

Sunday, 25th June 1944

 

0600 Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MARNE, MUSKETEER, METEOR, WESSEX, WAKEFUL arrived Scapa on completion of Operation WANDERERS.

 

 

 

Monday, 26th June 1944

 

1100 WIZARD sailed Scapa in tow for Middlesborough.

 

1800 WESSEX sailed Scapa with Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetland to Faroes.

 

 

 

27th and 28th June 1944

 

No movements or events of importance.

 

 

 

Thursday 29th June 1944

 

0600 MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, METEOR sailed Scapa for Operation DOG CHARLIE.

 

 

 

Friday, 30th June 1944

 

0800 WAKEFUL, WAGER sailed Scapa escorting HOWE to Clyde.

 

 

 

 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 

JULY 1944

 

 

Saturday, 1st July 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SERAPIS escorting ROBERTS

 

Arrived from Patrol: SAVAGE, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI

 

Sailed for Patrol: ORWELL

 

SCORPION sailed as escort to Buoy Laying Vessels and returned during the day.

 

VIGILANT and ALGONQUIN sailed to escort ARETHUSA to North Channel, returning to Rosyth for boiler clean. Ships arrived Rosyth 3 July.

 

SIOUX and VERULAM sailed for Scapa escorting a convoy. Arrived Scapa 4 July.

 

GRENVILLE, ULYSSES, and URANIA called in at Portsmouth on passage from the Assault Area to Plymouth for boiler clean. Arrived Plymouth A.M. 2 July.

 

WAKEFUL, WAGER arrived Greenock escorting HOWE from Scapa.

 

WESSEX arrived Scapa on completion of duty with Admiral Commanding Orkney and Shetland.

 

Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: KINGSMILL

 

A/S: KINGSMILL

 

General:

 

HOLMES: repairs to Inventor motor completed.

 

TROLLOPE: Welding repair to pipe system.

 

KINGSMILL: Extensive hull repairs. Repairs to pipe systems and auxiliary machinery and gun mountings. Alongside during the day. Left 3rd July.

 

 

 

Sunday, 2nd July 1944

 

Arrived from Patrol: OFFA

 

Sailed for Assault Area: SCORPION

 

Sailed for Patrol: ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI

 

STORD arrived from Assault area with damage to steering engine caused by depth charges countermining a mine.

 

GRENVILLE, ULYSSES, and URANIA arrived in Plymouth to boiler clean before proceeding to Mediterranean.

 

ESKIMO and JAVELIN in collision in position 49-02N, 5-43W. Both ships damaged. JAVELIN returned Plymouth under her own steam. ESKIMO returned to Plymouth in tow. Three fatal casualties in JAVELIN.

 

WESSEX sailed Scapa to Clyde.

 

Following ships taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: IMPULSIVE

 

A/S: SCORPION

 

General:

 

KINGSMILL: continued alongside from 1st.

 

IMPULSIVE: continued alongside from 1st.

 

CATHERINE: Renewal of W.C. pans. Test and repair of auxiliary boiler generator coil and minor items. Alongside and left during day.

 

SAVAGE: Extraction pump bearing repairs, minor items.

 

 

 

Monday, 3rd July 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: VIRAGO

 

Sailed for Assault Area: SAUMAREZ, escorting ROBERTS

 

Sailed for Patrol: SAVAGE, OBEDIENT

 

MUSKETEER, METEOR, MATCHLESS arrived Kola Inlet.

 

WESSEX arrived Clyde from Scapa.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: IMPULSIVE

 

A/S: SAVAGE

 

General:

 

IMPULSIVE: continued from 2nd July.

 

KINGSMILL: completed and slipped from TYNE

 

SAVAGE: completed from 2nd.

 

BUTTERCUP: Repairs to steering gear and minor items. Alongside during day.

 

OBEDIENT: Repairs to Mark IV Depth Charge Thrower.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 4th July 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: JERVIS

 

Sailed for Assault Area: ISIS

 

Sailed for Patrol: OBEDIENT

 

ORWELL sailed from patrol to Chatham to boiler clean.

 

OPPORTUNE finished boiler cleaning at Chatham and sailed to patrol.

 

IMPULSIVE sailed to Belfast for working up.

 

MYNGS arrived Scapa for working up.

 

PEACOCK arrived Scapa to complete working up.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: BUTTERCUP, VIRAGO, GOATHLAND, CATTISTOCK

 

A/S: BUTTERCUP

 

General:

 

IMPULSIVE: completed and slipped from TYNE

 

BUTTERCUP: continued from 3rd July

 

VIRAGO: assisting in machinery and electrical repairs and renewal of spares.

 

SAVAGE: Renewal of various items of spare gear.

 

ISIS: Renewal of various items of spare gear.

 

THORNBOROUGH: Gun mounting repairs.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 5th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: SAVAGE

 

Sailed for patrol: ONSLOW

 

VIRAGO and SERAPIS sailed with a convoy to Belfast, VIRAGO to proceed to Scapa and SERAPIS to return Portsmouth.

 

TARTAR and ASHANTI engaged four enemy T.L.C.’s or Gun Coasters off Ile de Bas, silencing two of them before the enemy escaped towards Lanniam behind smoke. Both destroyers suffered minor damage and minor casualties.

 

Following ships taken in hand for defects:

 

A/S: BLAIRMORE, HARRIER

 

General:

 

GATINEAU: Repairs to boiler brickwork

 

BUTTERCUP: completed and slipped from TYNE.

 

VIRAGO: Assisting in machinery and electrical repairs.

 

HARRIER: Hull repairs. Alongside during day, slipped A.M. 6th.

 

GOATHLAND: Repairs to hull and machinery. Alongside during day.

 

BLAIRMORE: Repairs to leaking condenser door.

 

WESTCOTT: Repairs to bridle gear of pumps.

 

TALYBONT: Repairs to O.F. sprayer pipes.

 

 

 

Thursday, 6th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: OBEDIENT, ONSLAUGHT

 

Sailed for Patrol: SAVAGE.

 

ONSLAUGHT arrived from patrol and proceeded to Portsmouth harbour to boiler clean.

 

IMPULSIVE arrived in Belfast.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with MARNE and VERULAM sailed Scapa to search for a U-boat off Cape Wrath.

 

NUBIAN sailed Scapa to escort WOLFE to North Minch.

 

The Following Ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: WENSLEYDALE

 

A/S: GOATHLAND, OBEDIENT, TALYBONT, JERVIS

 

General:

 

WESTCOTT completed repairs from 5th. Diver examined “A” bracket and propellers.

 

OBEDIENT: Renewal of air compressor parts and corrosion pieces.

 

TALYBONT: continued from 5th.

 

GOATHLAND: Continued from 5th. Repairs to motor boat and gun mountings.

 

ORIBI: Minor machinery repairs.

 

CATTISTOCK: Repairs to fan armature.

 

WENSLEYDALE:Replacing corrosion pieced to lubrication cooler, W.S. pipes and machinery spare corrosion pieces.

 

JERVIS: Repairs scupper pipe and steering motor.

 

BEAGLE: Repairs to circulating pipe and gun mountings.

 

 

 

Friday, 7th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: ORIBI, ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE

 

Sailed for patrol: OBEDIENT

 

General Koenig and his staff embarked in FAULKNOR for passed to assault area.

 

SCOURGE sailed for Scapa as convoy escort.

 

FURY arrived Portsmouth in tow after being floated off the beach in the assault area.

 

MYNGS sailed Scapa to Tyne (River) to embark staff of Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla and arrived following day.

 

NUBIAN arrived Scapa.

 

CAPRICE sailed Greenock to Scapa.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

A/S: WENSLEYDALE

 

General:

 

TENBY: Repairs to oil fuel sprayer manifold and boiler brickwork

 

ONSLOW: Divers examined propellers and “A” bracket.

 

GATINEAU: Repairs to steering gear pin and testing boilers.

 

WENSLEYDALE: Completed repairs from 6th and slipped from TYNE.

 

GOATHLAND: Completed repairs from 6th and slipped from TYNE.

 

JERVIS: Completed repairs to steering motor.

 

THORNBOROUGH: Repairs to gyro.

 

WESTCOTT: Repairs from 6th.

 

SCOURGE: Gun mountings.

 

 

 

Saturday, 8th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: SAVAGE, OFFA

 

Sailed for patrol: OPPORTUNE

 

Sailed for assault area: IMPULSIVE

 

SERAPIS arrived Portsmouth as convoy escort from Belfast.

 

FAULKNOR arrived Grimsby for docking and repairs.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with MARNE, VERULAM arrived Scapa.

 

VIRAGO arrived Scapa on completion of OVERLOAD duties.

 

MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, METEOR arrived Scapa on completion of Operation DOG CHARLIE.

 

METEOR sailed Scapa to Rosyth to boiler clean.

 

CAPRICE arrived Scapa to work up.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: BRISSENDEN

 

A/S: ST LAURENT

 

General:

 

GOZO: Repairs to LL Sweep reel. Repairs to turbo circulating water system and oil driven generator, circulating water system.

 

POSTILLION: Repairs to turbo circulating water system.

 

GUNNER: Divers cleared main circulator inlet grating.

 

OPPORTUNE: Gun mounting repairs.

 

 

 

Sunday, 9th July 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SCORPION, KELVIN

 

Arrived from patrol: OBEDIENT, ORIBI

 

Sailed for Assault Area: JERVIS

 

Sailed for Patrol: OFFA

 

ORWEL finished boiler cleaning in Chatham and sailed on patrol.

 

SCOURGE arrived Scapa from Portsmouth.

 

MYNGS arrived Scapa from Tyne (River).

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: SERAPIS, FORESTER

 

A/S: WENSLEYDALE

 

General:

 

WENSLEYDALE: Repairs to E.R. Supply Fan

 

DACRES: Repairs to depth charge rails and minor items. Alongside Tyne- left 10th.

 

FORESTER: Repairs to magazine, battery cupboard insulation and minor items.Alongside TYNE – left 10th.

 

GATINEAU: Tested and inspection boilers. Completed pin for steering gear.

 

GOZO: Completed LL reel repairs and minor items.

 

SAVAGE: fitted new nipple to force lubrication gauge pipe.

 

 

 

Monday, 10th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: OPPORTUNE

 

Sailed assault area: SERAPIS

 

Sailed for patrol: SAVAGE, OBEDIENT

 

ONSLOW sailed to Plymouth for docking and repairs to propellers.

 

METEOR arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning.

 

Vice Admiral (D) left Portsmouth to visit Scapa.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

Radar: LA COMBATTANTE

 

A/S: PENNYWORT

 

General:

 

SERAPIS: Examined gearing room strake and forward engine room bulkhead and gun mountings.

 

BLEASDALE: Repairs to evaporator pumps and seating. Alongside TYNE – left 15th

 

EGLINTON: Repairs to gyro compass, depth charge rails, and minor items.

 

FORESTER: Completed and slipped from TYNE.

 

DACRES: Completed and slipped from TYNE.

 

PENNYWORT: Repairs to main feed pipe and minor items.

 

SCORPION: Minor repairs.

 

RIMOUSKI: Gun mountings.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 11th July 1944

 

Arrived from Assault Area: SAUMAREZ

 

Arrived from patrol: SAVAGE

 

Sailed for patrol: OPPORTUNE

 

VIGILANT and ALGONQUIN arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

Vice Admiral (D) arrived Scapa in MYNGS from Scrabster.

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

A/S: COTTESMORE, KELVIN

 

General:

 

ARMERIA: Repairs to lubricating oil boxes and pipes and minor items.

 

EGLINTON: Repairs to turbo generator.

 

SAUMAREZ: Repairs to evaporator coils and gun mounts

 

PENNYWORT: Completed from 10th.

 

BLEASDALE: Continued alongside from 10th and gun mountings

 

SCORPION: Continued alongside from 10th and gun mountings.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 12th July 1944

 

Arrived from patrol: OBEDIENT, ORIBI

 

Sailed for patrol: SAVAGE

 

Following ships were taken in hand for defects:

 

A/S: SAVAGE, TALYBONT

 

General:

 

CELANDINE: Strong backs and renewal of parts for feed pump. Repairs to steam pipes and air pump valve rod.

 

TALYBONT: Repairs to sprayer pipes and E.R. fan coil and minor items and gun mountings.

 

WENSLEYDALE: Repairs to oil fuel tank and minor items. Alongside TYNE – left 13th.