Background Events

 

(February)-May 1943

Battles for Tunis & North Africa, Battle of Atlantic peaks, U-boats withdraw, 'Dambusters' raid'

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

APRIL 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

1. HMS KING GEORGE V

            1st                    Scapa

            14th                  Flag of Commander in Chief transferred to DUKE OF YORK

                                    Left Scapa escorted by three destroyers for Rosyth for docking

            15th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            30th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, escorted by three destroyers

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st                    Scapa

            12th                  Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command transferred to DUNLUCE CASTLE

Broad pendant of Commodore 2nd Battle Squadron hoisted

            27th                  Left Scapa with FURIOUS, SCYLLA, JAMAICA, and six destroyers for exercise X C J and Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

3. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

            1st                    Scapa

            14th                  Flag of Commander in Chief transferred from KING GEORGE V

            14th-30th           Scapa

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-27th            Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with GLASGOW and 3 destroyers for Exercise X C J and Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

  5. HMS MALAYA

            20th                  Left Gibraltar escorted by three destroyers for Scapa to rejoin Home Fleet

            26th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th-30th           Scapa

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. HMS RENOWN

            1st-30th            Rosyth refitting

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. HMS INDOMITABLE ( Flag of Vice Admiral, Aircraft Carriers)

            1st-30th            Clyde

 

8. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

            1st-30th            Liverpool, refitting

 

9. HMS FURIOUS

            1st-6th              Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde for Scapa with screen of three destroyers

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with ANSON, JAMAICA, SCYLLA, and six destroyers for Exercise X C J

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

10. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-30th            Scapa

 

11. HMS LONDON

            1st-30th            Tyne, refitting

 

 12. HMS BERWICK

            1st-30th            Scapa

 

13. HMS NORFOLK

            1st-30th            Portsmouth, refitting

 

 14. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st                    At sea on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Diverted to Patrol WHITE

            8th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            12th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            17th                  Returned to Hvalfiord with grounding damage, sailing p.m. for Scapa for repairs

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs, arriving p.m. and taken in hand

            21st-30th           Tyne for repairs

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

15. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st                    At sea on Patrol WHITE

            2nd                   Returned to Hvalfiord

            7th                    Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            13th                  Left patrol for Hvalfiord, arriving p.m.

            13th-30th           Hvalfiord

 

16. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-30th            Clyde for weather damage repairs and refit

 

17. HMS BERMUDA

            1st                    At sea on Patrol BLACK

            2nd                   Returned to Scapa

            9th                    Left Scapa for Operation REGULATION and to cover U C 2

            12th                  Arrived Plymouth on completion for repairs and leave

            26th                  Left Plymouth on completion with ORKAN for Operation REGULATION

            26th-30th           Operation REGULATION

 

18. HMS JAMAICA

            1st-7th              At sea on passage to Barrow for replacement of part of main armament guns, arriving a.m.

            8th                    Left Barrow on completion for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with ANSON, FURIOUS, SCYLLA, and six destroyers for Exercise X C J and for Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

 19. HMS GLASGOW

            1st                    At sea on patrol WHITE

            2nd                   Returned to Hvalfiord

            11th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            16th                  Returned to Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with HOWE and three destroyers for Exercise X C J and Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa


 

20. HMS SCYLLA

            1st-27th            Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with ANSON, FURIOUS, JAMAICA, and six destroyers for Exercise X C J

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

 

21. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-4th              At sea on Operation REGULATION

            4th                    Returned to Plymouth

            6th                    Left Plymouth with METEOR for Operation REGULATION

            12th                  Returned to Plymouth

            17th                  Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            21st                  Arrived Gibraltar

            22nd                 Left Gibraltar for Operation REGULATION

            27th                  Returned to Plymouth

            27th-30th           Plymouth

 

Cruisers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

22. HMS NEWCASTLE

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa on completion for Clyde for repairs and for foreign service

            7th                    Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            16th                  Left Clyde for escort of W S 29 and K M F 13

 

23. HMS SUFFOLK

            14th                  Left Chatham on completion of refit for Scapa to work up

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

24. HMS DELHI

            13th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

            26th                  Left Scapa on completion for Plymouth

            28th                  Arrived Plymouth

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

25. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-4th              At sea on Operation REGULATION

            4th                    Returned to Milford Haven, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Exercise X C J and for Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

26. HMS MARNE

            1st-30th            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs (Care and Maintenance)

 

27. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st-4th              At sea on Operation REGULATION

            4th                    Returned to Plymouth

            12th                  Left Plymouth as escort for COLOMBO for Clyde. Detached p.m. to return to Plymouth

            13th                  Arrived Plymouth

            20th                  Left Plymouth with METEOR and PIORUN to join MALAYA from Gibraltar for escort in W.A. Command

            22nd                 Joined MALAYA, relieving Gibraltar escort force destroyers

            24th                  Detached from MALAYA to Londonderry to fuel

            25th                  Arrived Londonderry

            29th                  Left Londonderry for Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

28. HMS METEOR

            1st-6th              Plymouth, boiler cleaning

            6th                    Left Plymouth with CHARYBDIS for Operation REGULATION

            11th                  Returned to Plymouth

            20th                  Left Plymouth with MATCHLESS and PIORUN to join MALAYA from Gibraltar for escort in W.A. Command

            22nd                 Joined MALAYA, relieving Gibraltar escort force destroyers

            24th                  Detached from MALAYA to Londonderry to fuel

            25th                  Arrived Londonderry

            29th                  Left Londonderry for Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

 29. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st-30th            Tyne, refitting

 

30. HMS MAHRATTA

            10th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to work and join the    3rd Destroyer Flotilla

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with STEVENSTONE and ST MARYS for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and joining KING GEORGE V

                                    for escort to Scapa

 

31. HMCS IROQUOIS

            1st-14th            Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Rosyth with KING GEORGE V, returning a.m. to Scapa, arriving p.m.

23rd                  Left Scapa with ST MARYS and STEVENSTONE to relieve escort of MALAYA and escort her to Scapa

            24th                  Joined MALAYA

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with MALAYA, (with defects)

            27th                  Left Scapa for Devonport for repairs

            29th                  Arrived Devonport, taken in hand

 

32. HMCS ATHABASKAN

            1st                    At sea with BERMUDA on Patrol BLACK

            2nd                   Returned to Scapa with weather damage

            8th                    Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs

            9th                    Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            9th-30th            Tyne for repairs

 

33. ORP PIORUN

            1st                    Plymouth

            4th                    Left Plymouth with NEWFOUNDLAND and ORKAN for Operation REGULATION

            8th                    Returned to Plymouth

            20th                  Left Plymouth with METEOR and MATCHLESS to join MALAYA from Gibraltar for escort in

                                    Western Approaches Command

            22nd                 Joined MALAYA, relieving Gibraltar escort force destroyers

            24th                  Detached from MALAYA to Londonderry for fuel

            25th                  Arrived Londonderry, sailing p.m. for Plymouth

            26th                  Arrived Plymouth

            26th-30th           Plymouth

 

34. ORP ORKAN

            1st                    Plymouth

            4th                    Left Plymouth with NEWFOUNDLAND and PIORUN for Operation REGULATION

            8th                    Returned to Plymouth

            16th                  Left Plymouth with UGANDA Operation REGULATION

            20th                  Returned to Plymouth

            26th                  Left Plymouth with BERMUDA for Operation REGULATION

            30th                  Returned to Plymouth

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

35. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-16th            Humber, refitting

            16th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa for Liverpool for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            20th                  Arrived Liverpool

            20th-30th           Detached for duty in Western Approaches Command

 

36. HMS FURY

1st-16th            Detached for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            16th                  Left Clyde for Scapa on completion to rejoin the Home Fleet

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for Exercise X C J

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

37. HMS FORESTER

            1st-30th            Rosyth, refitting

 

38. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            30th                  Detached from   4th Escort Group to Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet, arriving p.m.

 

39. HMS ECHO

            1st-5th              Hvalfiord

            5th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with escort of KING GEORGE V to Rosyth

            15th                  Arrived Rosyth with KING GEORGE V, returned to Scapa with escort, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Exercise X C J and Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

40. HMS INTREPID

            1st                    At sea on Patrol WHITE, returned to Hvalfiord p.m.

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            17th                  Returned to Hvalfiord, sailing p.m. with CUMBERLAND for Scapa

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Exercise X C J and Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

41. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st-30th            Detached to temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

42. HMS ICARUS

            1st-14th            Detached to temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            14th                  Left Londonderry for Scapa on completion to rejoin the Home Fleet

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            18th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            18th-30th           Humber, refitting

 

43. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

44. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-30th            Detached for Temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

45. HMS ONSLOW

            1st-25th            Humber, refitting

            25th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th-30th           Scapa

 

46. HMS ORIBI

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

47. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

48. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

49. HMS OBDURATE

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

50. HMS ORWELL

            1st                    Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command, sailing on completion with

                                    OBEDIENT for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet.

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            7th                    Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

51. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st                    Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command, sailing on completion with

                                    ORWELL for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet.

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            15th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

Twenty Fourth Destroyer Flotilla

 

52. HMS TROUBRIDGE (Senior Officer,   24th Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-27th            Scapa, working up

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for Exercise X C J

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

 

53. HMS TUSCAN

            1st-30th            Scapa, working up

 

54. HMS TUMULT

            18th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up and join the Home Fleet

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

55. HMS TYRIAN

            20th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up the join the Home Fleet, arriving p.m.

            20th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

Hunt Class Destroyers

 

56. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa for Hvalfiord for screen of HOWE

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            16th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            18th                  Returned to Hvalfiord with BLANKNEY

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Exercise X C J and Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

57. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st                    Hvalfiord

            16th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            18th                  Returned to Hvalfiord with MIDDLETON

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Exercise X C J and Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

58. HMS LEDBURY

            1st-30th            Sheerness, refitting

 

59. HMS BRECON

            1st                    At sea on passage to Scapa

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa with weather damage

            18th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            20th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Exercise X C J and Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

60. HMS BRISSENDEN

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa with PATHFINDER and PENN for Clyde for escort of FURIOUS

            6th                    Joined FURIOUS off the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Clyde

            14th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth with screen of KING GEORGE V

            15th                  Arrived Rosyth with KING GEORGE V, returning a.m. to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            18th                  Left Scapa for Milford Haven for special escort duty in Western Approaches Command

            20th                  Arrived Milford Haven, sailing p.m. with LEWES for escort of convoy to Casablanca

            20th-30th           Detached for special escort duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

61. HMS PENN

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa with PATHFINDER and BRISSENDEN for Clyde for escort of FURIOUS to Scapa

            6th                    Joined FURIOUS off the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa with PATHFINDER for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            11th                  Arrived Londonderry

            11th-30th           Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

62. HMS PANTHER

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa for Port H H X for trials arriving p.m.

            13th                  Left Port H H X on completion for Londonderry for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command,

                                    arriving p.m.

            13th-30th           Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

63. HMS PATHFINDER

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa with PENN and BRISSENDEN for Clyde for escort of FURIOUS to Scapa

            6th                    Joined FURIOUS off the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa with PENN for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            11th                  Arrived Londonderry

            11th-30th           Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

64. HMS ST MARYS

            18th                  Left Port Z A for Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet, arriving p.m.

            23rd                  Left Scapa with IROQUOIS and STEVENSTONE to relieve escort of MALAYA and escort her to Scapa

            24th                  Joined MALAYA

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with MALAYA

            30th                  Left Scapa with MAHRATTA and STEVENSTONE for Rosyth arriving p.m. and joining KING GEORGE V

                                    for escort to Scapa

 

65. HMS CASTLETON

            17th                  Left Port Z A for Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet, arriving p.m.

            22nd                 Left Scapa with MENESTHEUS for Port Z A, arriving p.m. on completion of duty with Home Fleet.

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

66. HMS RAPID

            1st-3rd              Scapa, working up

            3rd                    Left Scapa on completion for boiler cleaning and repairs at Tyne, arriving p.m. and for foreign service

 

67. HMS ACTIVE

            8th                    Left Tyne on completion of refit for Scapa to work up

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for exercise X C J

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

 

68. HMS ARROW

            1st-10th            Scapa, working up

            10th                  Left Scapa with weather damage for London and repairs

            13th                  Arrived London, taken in hand

            13th-30th           London for repairs

 

69. HMS LEWES

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa on completion for the Clyde for boiler cleaning and for foreign service

            7th                    Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

 

70. HMS ANTHONY

            1st                    Scapa, working up

            12th                  Left Scapa for the Clyde on completion of working up, for boiler cleaning and for foreign service

            13th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

 

71. HMS STEVENSTONE

            1st-23rd            Scapa, working up

            23rd                  Left Scapa with ST MARYS, IROQUOIS to relieve escort of MALAYA and escort to her to Scapa

            24th                  Joined MALAYA

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with MALAYA

            30th                  Left Scapa with MAHRATTA and ST MARYS for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and joining KING GEORGE V

                                    for escort to Scapa

 

72. HMS LAUDERDALE

            2nd                   Left Humber for Scapa to work up

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Clyde on completion and for foreign service

            13th                  Arrived Clyde

 

73. ORP SLAZAK

            29th                  Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

 

74. HMS MENESTHEUS

            12th                  Left Port Z A, escorted by NEWARK, for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m. NEWARK returned to Port Z A

            22nd                 Left Scapa, escorted by CASTLETON, for Port Z A, arriving p.m. on completion of working up

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

75. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st                    Leith, refitting

            14th                  Left Leith on completion for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa with SEAGULL for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-30th          Hvalfiord

 

76. HMS SEAGULL

            1st                    Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa with HARRIER for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-30th          Hvalfiord

 

77. HMS BRITOMART

            1st                    Murmansk

            15th                  Left Murmansk with JASON for Iokanka

            16th                  Arrived Iokanka for sweeping operations

            23rd                  Returned to Murmansk on completion

            26th                  Left Murmansk with escort of six merchant ships for Molotavsk

            30th                  Returned to Murmansk

 

78. HMS HAZARD

            1st-22nd            Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Left Hvalfiord with SHARPSHOOTER for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Clyde with SHARPSHOOTER

            27th                  Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning and for Mediterranean Station

            27th-30th           Clyde

 

79. HMS SHARPSHOOTER

            1st-22nd            Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Left Hvalfiord with HAZARD for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Clyde with HAZARD

            27th                  Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning and for Mediterranean Station

            27th-30th           Clyde

 

80. HMS GLEANER

            1st-30th            Hvalfiord

 

81. HMS HALCYON

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

82. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

83. HMS JASON

            1st                    Murmansk

            15th                  Left Murmansk with BRITOMART for Iokanka

            16th                  Arrived Iokanka for sweeping operations

            23rd                  Returned to Murmansk on completion

            26th                  Left Murmansk with escort of six merchant ships for Molotavsk

            30th                  Returned to Murmansk

 

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

84. HMS FRASERBURGH (Senior Officer, Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

            1st-15th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            16th                  Left Oban for Aberdeen for refit

            18th                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            18th-30th           Aberdeen, refitting

 

85. HMS BEAUMARIS

            1st-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

86. HMS BOOTLE

            1st-7th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            7th                    Sailed for Aberdeen for refit

            9th                    Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            9th-30th            Aberdeen, refitting

 

87. HMS LLANDUDNO

            1st-8th              Aberdeen, refitting

            8th                    Left Aberdeen for Oban, on completion, arriving p.m. to rejoin the   15th Minesweeping Flotilla

                                    (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            8th-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

88. HMS PETERHEAD

            1st-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

89. HMS FLY

            1st-30th            Hvalfiord

 

90. HMS ARDROSSAN

            1st-4th              Aberdeen, boiler cleaning

            4th                    Left Aberdeen on completion for Oban

            5th                    Arrived Oban to rejoin the 15th Minesweeping Flotilla for clearing of Q Z X 910

            5th-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

91. HMS DUNBAR

            1st-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

103. HMS LYME REGIS

            1st                    Aberdeen for boiler cleaning and repairs

            11th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Oban to rejoin the 15th Minesweeping Flotilla

            12th                  Arrived Oban

            12th-30th           Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

93. HMS WORTHING

            1st-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

94. HMS HOUND

            1st-30th            Hvalfiord

 

Corvettes lent from other Commands for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

95. HMS CAMELLIA

            1st-26th            Kola Inlet

            26th                  Left Kola with escort of 6 merchant ships to Molotavsk

            30th                  Returned to Kola

 

96. HMS BLUEBELL

            1st-26th            Kola Inlet

            26th                  Left Kola with escort of 6 merchant ships to Molotavsk

            30th                  Returned to Kola

 

Trawler lent from Other Command for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

97. HMS LORD AUSTIN

            1st-30th            Kola Inlet

 

 

98. Operation REGULATION

 

The following Home Fleet ships were temporarily detached to the Plymouth Command during April for Operation REGULATION (interception of inward and outward blockade runners and protection of Allied convoys in the Bay of Biscay area and). The detailed movements of these ships are shown in the foregoing paragraphs.

 

Home Fleet ships did not intercept any Blockade runners in this area during April

 

Cruisers

BERMUDA 9th-30th

CHARYBDIS 1st-30th

 

Destroyers

MATCHLESS 1st-20th

METEOR 1st-20th

PIORUN (ORP) 1st-30th

ORKAN (ORP) 1st-30th

 

 99. Destroyers Lent to the Western Approaches Command for Atlantic Convoy duties

 

The following Home Fleet destroyers were lent to the Western Approaches Command, during the period show, in April, for duty as support groups with Atlantic convoys

 

3rd Destroyer Flotilla                  17th Destroyer Flotilla                Others

FAULKNOR 20th-30th                OFFA (D 17) 1st-30th                 PENN 11th-30th

FURY 1st-16th                           ORIBI 1st-30th                           PANTHER 13th-30th

ECLIPSE 1st-30th                      ONSLAUGHT 1st-30th                PATHFINDER 11th-30th

INGLEFIELD 1st-30th                 OPPORTUNE 1st-30th               BRISSENDEN 20th-30th (BRISSENDEN for

ICARUS 1st-14th                       OBDURATE 1st-30th                  special escort duty to Casablanca)

IMPULSIVE 1st-30th

 

100. Patrol Black

 

The following Home Fleet Ship carried out patrol BLACK during April against German warships or blockade runners breaking in or out through the Faroes Iceland Passage.

 

BERMUDA        on patrol                        Returned to Scapa 2nd

ATHABASKAN  on patrol                        Returned to Scapa 2nd

BRECON          on patrol                        Returned Scapa 2nd

 

101. Patrol White

 

The following Home Fleet Ship carried out patrol WHITE during April against German warships or blockade runners breaking in or out through the Denmark Straits.

 

GLASGOW       on patrol                        Returned to Hvalfiord 2nd

BELFAST          on patrol                        Returned to Hvalfiord 2nd

INTREPID          on patrol                        Returned to Hvalfiord 2nd

CUMBERLAND  on passage to Hvalfiord, diverted Returned to Hvalfiord 8th

BELFAST          left Hvalfiord 7th             Returned to Hvalfiord 13th

GLASGOW       left Hvalfiord 11th            Returned to Hvalfiord 16th

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord 12th            Returned Hvalfiord 17th

INTREPID          left Hvalfiord 13th            Returned to Hvalfiord 17th

MIDDLETON      left Hvalfiord 16th            Returned to Hvalfiord 18th

BLANKNEY       left Hvalfiord 16th            Returned to Hvalfiord 18th

 

102. Changes of Flag

 

The following changes of Flag have taken place in the Home Fleet since 1st January 1943

 

(i) Flag of Rear Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE from SHEFFIELD as Flag Officer, Force R to TYNE as R.A.D. on 6th January

(ii) Broad Pendant of Commodore C.T.M. Pizey, CB, DSO as Commodore (D) struck in TYNE on 6th January

(iii) Flag of Rear Admiral I.G. Glennie hoisted in ECLIPSE a.m. on 12th January and transferred to Tyne as R.A.D. p.m.

(iv) Flag of Rear Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, transferred from TYNE as R.A.D. to BELFAST as C.S. 10 on 12th January

(v) Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet transferred from ANSON to DUNLUCE CASTLE on 12th April

(vi) Broad Pendant of Commodore H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, as Commodore, Second Battle Squadron hoisted in ANSON on 12th April

(vii) Flag of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from KING GEORGE V to DUKE OF YORK on 14th April

(viii) Flag of Vice Admiral A.L. St. G. Lyster, CB, CSO, CBE, DSO, as Vice Admiral Commanding Aircraft Carriers struck in INDOMITABLE and rehoisted as Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers Training and Administration on 27th April.

 

103. Visits to the Home Fleet during April

 

The following officers visited the home Fleet during April staying on board the Fleet Flagship

 

4th-7th              Air Marshall J.G. Slessor, CB, DSO, MC, Air Officer Commanding Coastal Command

9th-10th            Colonel Reitz, High Commissioner for South Africa in the United Kingdom

30th-4th May     The Venerable Archdeacon T. Crick, CBE, MVO, MA, Chaplain of the Fleet

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

MAY 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

            1st-31st            Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa with the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st-15th            Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of three destroyers for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of three destroyers for Rosyth for docking and to give leave

            28th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            28th-31st           Rosyth for docking

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V

            1st                    Arrived Scapa from Rosyth, escorted by three destroyers, sailing p.m. with TROUBRIDGE, TUSCAN,

                                    and METEOR for Gibraltar for temporary duty with Force H.

            6th                    Arrived Gibraltar

            6th-31st            Detached with Force H

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-6th              Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa with screen of three destroyers for Rosyth for minor repairs and to give leave

            7th                    Arrived Rosyth and taken in hand, screen returned to Scapa

            19th                  Left Rosyth on completion, for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. with escort of three destroyers for Gibraltar for temporary duty with Force H

            25th                  Arrived Gibraltar

            25th-31st           Detached with Force H

 

  5. HMS MALAYA

            1st-24th            Scapa

            24th                  Left Scapa for the Clyde, escorted by three destroyers

            25th                  Arrived Clyde for minor repairs and to give leave

            25th-31st           Clyde for repairs

 

Battleships attached for temporary with the Home Fleet

 

6. HMS NELSON

            26th                  Left Gibraltar with screen of three destroyers for Plymouth, en route to Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Plymouth

 

7. HMS RODNEY

            7th                    Left Gibraltar for Plymouth for short refit

            13th                  Arrived Plymouth, taken in hand

            13th-31st           Plymouth, refitting

 

8. HMS WARSPITE

            9th                    Arrived Clyde, escorted by four destroyers, from Eastern Fleet. Taken in hand for short refit

            9th-31st            Clyde, refitting

 

9. HMS VALIANT

            5th                    Left Plymouth on completion of refit for Scapa to work up, screened by three destroyers

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            7th-31st            Scapa, working up

 

10. USS SOUTH DAKOTA (Flag of Commander Task Group 92.4)

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

11. USS ALABAMA

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

Battlecruiser

 

12. HMS RENOWN

            1st-31st            Rosyth refitting

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

13. HMS INDOMITABLE

            1st-5th              Clyde

            5th                    Sailed, escorted by MATCHLESS, MAHRATTA, and ECLIPSE for escort T A 41 B

            8th                    Returned to Clyde with ECLIPSE and MATCHLESS and MAHRATTA detached to Scapa

            25th                  Left Clyde with screen of three destroyers for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of two destroyers for Clyde

            28th                  Arrived Clyde

            28th-31st           Clyde

 

14. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

            1st-31st            Liverpool, refitting

 

15. HMS FURIOUS

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde with screen of three destroyers

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            31st                  Left Clyde with three cruisers and three destroyers for Akureyri

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

16. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-2nd             Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs and to give leave

            3rd                    Arrived Clyde

            13th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            21st                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with JAMAICA and ECLIPSE for Akureyri

            29th                  Arrived Akureyri

            31st                  Left Akureyri with JAMAICA and ECLIPSE for Hvalfiord

 

17. HMS NORFOLK

            1st-31st            Portsmouth, refitting

            28th                  Commander J.S. Litchfield-Spier assumed command temporarily vice Bellairs (sick)

 

18. HMS LONDON

            1st-24th            Tyne, refitting

            24th                  Left Tyne for Rosyth on completion, arriving p.m. for trials

            26th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

            26th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

 19. HMS BERWICK

            1st-31st            Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa with the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

 20. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st-12th            Tyne for repairs

            12th                  Left Tyne on completion, for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Clyde with BERMUDA and two destroyers for Clyde to load for Operation F H

            28th                  Arrived Clyde

            31st                  Left Clyde with FURIOUS, two cruisers, and three destroyers for Akureyri

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

21. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-11th            Hvalfiord

            11th                  Left Hvalfiord with JAMAICA for Patrol White and break out exercises

            13th                  Returned to Hvalfiord

            21st                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            23rd                  Arrived Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa to join The Rear Admiral (Minelayers) and First Minelaying Squadron for additional escort

                                    during Operation S N 111 B

            27th                  Returned to Scapa on completion

            27th-31st           Scapa

 

22. HMS BERMUDA

            1st                    Arrived Scapa from Operation REGULATION

            2nd                   Left Scapa to rendezvous with The Rear Admiral (Minelayers) and First Minelaying Squadron and

                                    cover Operation S N 111 A

            6th                    Returned to Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with CUMBERLAND and two destroyers for the Clyde to load for Operation F H

            28th                  Arrived Clyde

            31st                  Left Clyde with FURIOUS, two cruisers and three destroyers for Akureyri

 

23. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-31st            Clyde for repairs and refit

 

 24. HMS GLASGOW

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa to join Convoy T A 41 B from the Clyde for escort

            10th                  Returned to Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            23rd                  Arrived Plymouth

            25th                  Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            31st                  Returned to Scapa on completion

 

25. HMS JAMAICA

            1st                    Hvalfiord

            4th                    Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            6th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            11th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE and break out exercises with BELFAST

            13th                  Returned to Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with KENT and ECLIPSE for Akureyri

            29th                  Arrived Akureyri

            31st                  Left Akureyri with KENT and ECLIPSE for Hvalfiord


 

26. HMS SCYLLA

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for escort of T A 41 B from the Clyde

            8th                    Returned to Plymouth on completion

            9th                    Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION (Convoy O S 47)

            15th                  Returned to Plymouth

            18th                  Left Plymouth to rendezvous with Task Force 61 and escort them to Scapa

            19th                  Joined Task Force 61, arrived Scapa p.m.

            30th                  Left Scapa with ATHABASKAN for Clyde and for Operation F H

            31st                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. in company with FURIOUS, 2 cruisers, and three destroyers for Akureyri

 

27. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

Cruisers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

28. HMS SUFFOLK

            1st-16th            Scapa, working up

            16th                  Left Scapa on completion for the Clyde for escort of W S 30 and for the Eastern Fleet

            17th                  Arrived Clyde

 

29. HMS EMERALD

            5th                    Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            7th-31st            Scapa, working up

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

30. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Left Hvalfiord to run a line of soundings from 66-54N, 22-40W for Rear Admiral (M)

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord on completion

            10th                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            20th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            26th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            27th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

 

31. HMS MARNE

            1st-31st            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs (Care and Maintenance)

 

32. HMS METEOR

            1st                    Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V for Gibraltar

            6th                    Arrived Gibraltar

            7th                    Left Gibraltar with screen of RODNEY for Plymouth

            13th                  Arrived Plymouth, taken in hand for minor repairs

            13th-31st           Plymouth for repairs

 

33. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa with ECLIPSE and MAHRATTA for Clyde for escort of INDOMITABLE

            4th                    Arrived Clyde

            5th                    Left Clyde with screen of INDOMITABLE for escort of T A 41 B

            8th                    Detached to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with GLEANER and one oiler for Hvalfiord and for Operation F H. returning p.m. to Scapa

                                    with defects

            27th-31st           Scapa for repairs

 

 34. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st                    Tyne for refit

            18th                  Left Tyne on completion for Rosyth, arriving p.m.

            19th                  Left Rosyth with screen of HOWE for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE

            24th                  Left Scapa with screen of MALAYA for the Clyde

            25th                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. with screen of INDOMITABLE for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with INDOMITABLE

            26th-31st           Scapa

 

35. HMS MAHRATTA

            1st                    Arrived Scapa from Rosyth a.m. with screen of KING GEORGE V

            3rd                    Left Scapa with ECLIPSE and MATCHLESS for Clyde for escort of INDOMITABLE

            4th                    Arrived Clyde

            5th                    Left Clyde with screen of INDOMITABLE for escort of T A 41 B

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            9th-31st            Scapa

 

36. HMCS IROQUOIS

            1st-31st            Plymouth for repairs

 

37. HMCS ATHABASKAN

            1st-19th            Tyne for repairs

            19th                  Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with SCYLLA for Clyde and for Operation F H

            31st                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. with screen of FURIOUS for Akureyri

 

38. ORP ORKAN

            1st-5th              Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            5th                    Left Plymouth with screen of VALIANT for Scapa

            7th                    Returned to Plymouth on relief by destroyer from Scapa

            7th-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

39. ORP PIORUN

            1st-5th              Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            5th                    Left Plymouth with screen of VALIANT for Scapa

            7th                    Returned to Plymouth on relief by destroyers from Scapa

            13th                  Taken in hand at Plymouth for repairs

            13th-31st           Plymouth for repairs

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

40. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-26th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning and to rejoin Home Fleet

            26th-31st           Clyde, boiler cleaning

 

41. HMS FURY

            1st                    Scapa, sailing p.m. with ST MARY’S for Port ZA for S N 111 A

            2nd                   Arrived Port Z A, sailing p.m. for Operation S N 111 A with screen of First Minelaying Flotilla

            6th                    Returned to Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

12th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            12th-31st           Humber, refitting

 

42. HMS FORESTER

            1st-29th            Rosyth to refit

            29th                  Transferred to Western Approaches Command

 

43. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa with MATCHLESS and MAHRATTA for Clyde for escort of INDOMITABLE

            4th                    Arrived Clyde

            5th                    Left Clyde with screen of INDOMITABLE for escort of T A 41 B

            8th                    Returned to Clyde, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            20th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            28th                  Left Hvalfiord with KENT and JAMAICA for Akureyri

            29th                  Arrived Akureyri

            31st                  Left Akureyri with KENT and JAMAICA for Hvalfiord

 

44. HMS ECHO

            1st-4th              Hvalfiord

            4th                    Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE, returning p.m.

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            24th                  Left Scapa with screen of MALAYA for the Clyde

            25th                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. with screen of INDOMITABLE for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE to the Clyde

            28th                  Arrived Clyde with INDOMITABLE

            31st                  Left Clyde with screen of FURIOUS for Akureyri

 

45. HMS INTREPID

            1st-15th            Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            24th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and repairs

            25th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            25th-31st           Rosyth for boiler cleaning and repairs

 

46. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st                    Detached to temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            16th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa with BRISSENDEN for Rosyth, arriving a.m. and sailing with screen of HOWE for Scapa p.m.

            20th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE, sailing p.m. with screen of HOWE for Gibraltar

            25th                  Arrived Gibraltar with HOWE

            26th                  Left Gibraltar with screen of NELSON for Plymouth

            30th                  Arrived Plymouth with NELSON

 

47. HMS ICARUS

            1st-29th            Humber for refit

            29th                  Transferred to Western Approaches Command

 

48. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st-26th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Detached from Western Approaches Command to Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

            27th                  Arrived Scapa with defects

            30th                  Left Scapa for Humber for repairs

            31st                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

49. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-29th            Detached for Temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            29th                  Returned to Scapa for rejoin the Home Fleet

            29th-31st           Scapa

 

50. HMS ONSLOW

            1st-20th            Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE for Gibraltar

            25th                  Arrived Gibraltar with HOWE

            26th                  Left Gibraltar with screen of NELSON for Plymouth

            30th                  Arrived Plymouth with NELSON

 

51. HMS ORIBI

            1st-8th              Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            8th                    Arrived St John’s Newfoundland for action damage repairs after ramming a U boat

            8th-31st            St John’s Newfound, for repairs

 

52. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st-26th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Returned to Scapa on completion of duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th-31st           Scapa

 

53. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st                    Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Returned to Scapa on completion of duty in the Western Approaches Command

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Rosyth

            28th                  Arrived Rosyth with ANSON, returning immediately to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            31st                  Left Scapa with screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

54. HMS OBDURATE

            1st-30th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            30th                  Returned to Scapa to rejoin Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

55. HMS ORWELL

            1st-11th            Humber for refit

            11th                  Left Humber for Scapa on completion

            12th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE to Gibraltar

            25th                  Arrived Gibraltar with HOWE

            26th                  Left Gibraltar with screen of NELSON for Plymouth

            29th                  Arrived Plymouth with NELSON

            31st                  Left Plymouth to join screen of WARSPITE from the Clyde for escort to Scapa

 

56. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st                    Humber for refit

            17th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Rosyth

            28th                  Arrived Rosyth with ANSON, returning immediately to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            31st                  Left Scapa with screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

57. HMS SCORPION

            18th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up and join the Home Fleet

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th-31st           Scapa, working up

            31st                  Left Scapa for the Clyde for screen of WARSPITE to Scapa

 

Twenty Fourth Destroyer Flotilla

 

58. HMS TROUBRIDGE (Senior Officer, 24th Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st                    Left Scapa p.m. with screen of KING GEORGE V for Gibraltar

            6th                    Arrived Gibraltar

            7th                    Left Gibraltar with screen of RODNEY for Plymouth

            13th                  Arrived Plymouth, transferred to Levant Command

 

59. HMS TUSCAN

            1st                    Left Scapa p.m. with screen of KING GEORGE V for Gibraltar

            6th                    Arrived Gibraltar

            7th                    Left Gibraltar with screen of RODNEY for Plymouth

            13th                  Mined off Hartland Point, taken in tow by ORKAN from Plymouth and arrived Plymouth p.m. for repairs

 

Transferred to Levant Command

 

60. HMS TUMULT

            1st-4th              Scapa, working up

            4th                    Left Scapa for Clyde for screen of FURIOUS

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde with BRECON and BLANKNEY and joined VALIANT from Plymouth for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa, with VALIANT

            22nd                 Left Scapa with TYRIAN for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and alterations

            23rd                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            23rd-31st           Rosyth for alterations

 

61. HMS TYRIAN

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa for Rosyth with screen of HOWE

            7th                    Arrived Rosyth with HOWE and returned to Scapa arriving p.m.

            22nd                 Left Scapa with TUMULT for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and alterations

            23rd                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            23rd-31st           Rosyth for alterations

 

Hunt Class Destroyers

 

62. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st                    Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            2nd                   Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            8th                    Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord (northabout)

            13th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa with screen of ANSON

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE for the Clyde

            28th                  Arrived Clyde with INDOMITABLE

            31st                  Left Clyde with screen of FURIOUS for Akureyri

 

63. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for Clyde

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde with BRECON and TUMULT and joined VALIANT from Plymouth for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa with VALIANT

            8th                    Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            9th                    Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            9th-31st            Humber refitting

 

64. HMS BRECON

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for Clyde

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde with BLANKNEY and TUMULT and joined VALIANT from Plymouth for escort to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa with VALIANT

            13th                  Left Scapa with BRISSENDEN to cover D.S. O 10 in tow of HALCYON

            14th                  Arrived in position and took O 10 in tow until relieved by HALCYON

            16th                  Returned to Scapa on completion of the operation

            21st                  Left Scapa with BRISSENDEN for Tyne for alterations

            22nd                 Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            22nd-31st          Tyne for alterations

 

65. HMS BRISSENDEN

            1st-7th              Temporary detached to Western Approaches Command for special escort duty

            7th                    Returned to Scapa on completion

            13th                  Left Scapa with BRECON to cover D/S o 10 in tow of HALCYON

            16th                  Returned to Scapa on completion of operation

            19th                  Left Scapa with INGLEFIELD for Rosyth arriving a.m. and sailing with escort of HOWE for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE.

            21st                  Left Scapa with BRECON for Tyne for alterations

            22nd                 Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            22nd-31st          Tyne for alterations

 

Destroyers attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

66. HMS ST MARYS

            1st                    Arrived Scapa a.m. with escort of KING GEORGE V from Rosyth, sailing p.m. for Port Z A for S N 111 A

            2nd                   Arrived Port Z A, sailing p.m. for Operation S N 111 A with screen of 1st Minelaying Flotilla

            6th                    Returned to Port Z A on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

67. HMS PENN

            1st-29th            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            29th                  Returned to Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

            29th-31st           Scapa

 

68. HMS PANTHER

            1st-31st            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

69. HMS PATHFINDER

            1st-31st            Detached for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

70. HMS QUILLIAM (Captain (D) Fourth Destroyer Flotilla

            10th                  Arrived Clyde with WARSPITE from Eastern Fleet, taken in hand for minor repairs

            20th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-31st           Scapa

 

71. HMS QUEENBOROUGH

            10th                  Arrived Clyde with WARSPITE from Eastern Fleet, taken in hand for minor repairs

            20th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-31st           Scapa

 

72. HMS QUAIL

            10th                  Arrived Clyde with WARSPITE from Eastern Fleet, taken in hand for minor repairs

            20th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            24th                  Left Scapa with screen of MALAYA for the Clyde

            25th                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. with screen of INDOMITABLE for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa with INDOMITABLE

            28th                  Left Scapa for air sea rescue duties in 60N, 1E, returning to Scapa p.m.

            28th-31st           Scapa

 

73. HMS QUALITY

            10th                  Arrived Clyde with WARSPITE from Eastern Fleet, taken in hand for minor repairs

            20th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON for Rosyth

            28th                  Arrived Rosyth with screen of ANSON, returning immediately to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            28th-31st           Scapa

 

74. USS ELLYSON (ComDesRon 10)

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

75. USS MACOMB

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

76. USS RODMAN

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

77. USS EMMONS

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

78. USS FITCH

            19th                  Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

            31st                  Left Scapa with the screen of the Battlefleet for Hvalfiord

 

Destroyers Attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

79. HMS ARROW

            1st-31st            London for repairs

 

80. HMS ACTIVE

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa, with screen of HOWE for Rosyth

            7th                    Arrived Rosyth with HOWE and returned to Scapa, arriving p.m. to continue working up

            10th                  Left Scapa for Clyde on completion for boiler cleaning and foreign service

            11th                  Arrived Clyde

 

81. HMS STEVENSTONE

            1st                    Scapa, working up

            2nd                   Left Scapa on completion for Portsmouth to join Portsmouth Command

            5th                    Arrived Portsmouth

 

82. ORP SLAZAK

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa with screen of HOWE for Rosyth

            7th                    Arrived Rosyth with HOWE and returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Scapa on completion of working up with CLEVELAND for the Clyde and for escort of W S 30

                                    and foreign service

            18th                  Arrived Clyde

 

83. HMS CLEVELAND

            1st                    Left Dundee for Scapa to work up

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa on completion of working up with ORP SLAZAK for the Clyde and for escort of W S 30

                                    and foreign service

            18th                  Arrived Clyde

 

84. HMS TALYBONT

            23rd                  Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            26th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

85. HMS LEDBURY

            27th                  Left Humber on completion of refit for Scapa

            28th                  Arrived Scapa

            28th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

86. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st-8th              Hvalfiord

            8th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa with the First Minesweeping Flotilla

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

87. HMS SEAGULL

            1st-8th              Hvalfiord

            8th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa with the First Minesweeping Flotilla

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa to join escort of oiler proceeding to Hvalfiord with GLEANER

            28th                  Joined escort of oiler

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord with oiler

            31st                  Left Hvalfiord for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

88. HMS BRITOMART

            1st-31st            North Russia

 

89. HMS HAZARD

            1st-19th            Clyde for foreign service

            19th                  Left Clyde with K M F 15 for Mediterranean Fleet

 

90. HMS SHARPSHOOTER

            1st-19th            Clyde for foreign service

            19th                  Left Clyde with K M F 15 for Mediterranean Fleet

 

91. HMS GLEANER

            1st-8th              Hvalfiord

            8th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa with First Minesweeping Flotilla

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with MATCHLESS and one oiler for Hvalfiord

            30th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

96. HMS HALCYON

            1st                    Left Milford Haven for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa to take submarine O 10 in tow (broken down in 63-26N, 00-33W)

            14th                  Arrived in position and took O 10 in tow from BRECON

            15th                  Arrived Lerwick with O 10 in tow, sailing immediately for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

93. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st-13th            Milford Haven for repairs

            13th                  Left Milford Haven on completion for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa for Londonderry for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

 

94. HMS JASON

            1st-31st            North Russia

 

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

95. HMS FRASERBURGH (Senior Officer, Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

            1st-31st            Aberdeen, refitting

 

96. HMS BEAUMARIS

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            30th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri with escort of two tankers

            31st                  Arrived Akureyri

 

97. HMS BOOTLE

            1st-31st            Aberdeen, refitting

 

98. HMS LLANDUDNO

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            30th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri with escort of two tankers

            31st                  Arrived Akureyri

 

99. HMS PETERHEAD

            1st-10th            Oban (boiler cleaning)

            10th                  Left Oban for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            15th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            30th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri with escort of two tankers

            31st                  Arrived Akureyri

 

100. HMS FLY

            1st-8th              Hvalfiord

            8th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa with HOUND for Harwich to join 18th Minesweeping Flotilla

            14th                  Arrived Harwich

 

101. HMS ARDROSSAN

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            30th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri with escort of two tankers, detached p.m. to assist merchant ship

                                    reported torpedoed from H X convoy

            31st                  Resumed passage to Akureyri

 

102. HMS DUNBAR

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            8th-31st            Hvalfiord

 

103. HMS LYME REGIS

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            8th-31st            Hvalfiord

 

104. HMS HOUND

            1st-8th              Hvalfiord

            8th                    Left Hvalfiord to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa with FLY to join 18th Minesweeping Flotilla

            14th                  Arrived Harwich

 

105. HMS WORTHING

            1st-4th              Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

            4th                    Left Oban with   15th Minesweeping Flotilla for Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            23rd                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa and for weather damage repairs

            28th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Aberdeen

            29th                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            29th-31st           Aberdeen for repairs

 

Sloops temporarily attached for working up

 

106. HMS CRANE

            28th                  Arrived Scapa from Tobermory to work up

            28th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

107. HMS CHANTICLEER

            18th                  Arrived Scapa from Tobermory to work up

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Londonderry on completion

            24th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

108. HMIS NARBADA

            28th                  Left Campbeltown for Scapa to work up

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

109. DS FLORES

            14th                  Arrived Scapa from Tobermory to work up

            29th                  Left Scapa on completion for Clyde and for foreign service

            30th                  Arrived Clyde

 

Corvettes temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

110. HMS BLUEBELL

            1st-31st            North Russia

 

 111. HMS CAMELLIA

            1st-31st            North Russia

 

Trawler temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

112. HMS LORD AUSTIN

            1st-31st            North Russia

 

113. Operation REGULATION

 

The following Home Fleet ships were detached to the Plymouth Command during May for Operation REGULATION (interception of inward and outward blockade runners and protection of Allied convoys in the Bay of Biscay area and). The detailed movements of these ships are shown in the foregoing paragraphs. No Blockade runners were intercepted in this area during May.

 

Cruisers

GLASGOW 23rd-31st

SCYLLA 8th-18th

CHARYBDIS 1st-31st

 

Destroyers

ORKAN (ORP) 1st-31st

PIORUN (ORP) 1st-31st

 

114. Destroyers Lent to the Western Approaches Command for Atlantic Convoy duties

 

The following Home Fleet destroyers were lent to the Western Approaches Command, during the period show, in May, for duty in support groups with Atlantic convoys:

 

3rd Destroyer Flotilla                  17th Destroyer Flotilla                Others

FAULKNOR 1st-26th                  OFFA 1st-29th                           PENN 1st-29th

INGLEFIELD 1st-17th                 ORIBI 1st-31st                           PANTHER 1st-31st

IMPULSIVE 1st-27th                  ONSLAUGHT 1st-26th                PATHFINDER 1st-31st

OPPORTUNE 1st-26th               BRISSENDEN 1st-7th

OBDURATE 1st-30th

 

115. Patrol White

 

The following Home Fleet Ship carried out patrol WHITE during May against German warships or blockade runners breaking in or out through the Denmark Straits.

 

JAMAICA          left Hvalfiord 4th             Returned to Hvalfiord 6th

BELFAST          left Hvalfiord 11th            Returned to Hvalfiord 13th

JAMAICA          left Hvalfiord 11th            Returned to Hvalfiord 13th

BELFAST and JAMAICA were in addition for break out exercise with MIDDLETON

 

116. Patrol Black

 

There were no Home Fleet ships on patrol BLACK (between Iceland and the Faroes) during May

 

117. Changes of Flag

 

The following changes of Flag have taken place during May

 

 5th       Flag of Flag Officer Carrier Training and Administration transferred from INDOMITABLE to UNICORN

 7th       Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, as Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet was

            struck in DUNLUCE CASTLE

 8th       Flag of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, hoisted in BERWICK and transferred p.m. to DUKE OF YORK

            as Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.

 8th       Flag of Admiral Sir John Tovey, GCB, KBE, DSO transferred from DUKE OF YORK to ONSLOW and struck p.m.

            as Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 9th       Flag of Flag Officer Carrier Training and Administration transferred from UNICORN to INDOMITABLE

 20th     Flag of Flag Officer Carrier Training and Administration transferred from INDOMITABLE to ARGUS

 21st     Flag of Rear Admiral C. Moody as Rear Admiral Aircraft Carriers, Home Fleet hoisted in DUNLUCE CASTLE

 22nd    Flag or Rear Admiral Aircraft Carriers, Home Fleet transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to INDOMITABLE

 

118. Operation F H

 

Preliminary movements for operation F H (relief of the garrison at Spitzbergen and return of BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA from Kola Inlet for the United Kingdom) took place towards the end of May. Details of the movements are contained in the foregoing paragraphs. A summary of the Operation will be included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for June 1943

 

119. Task Group 92.4

 

United Stated Task Group 92.4 (Battleships SOUTH DAKOTA (Commander Task Group 92.4), ALABAMA and destroyers ELLYSON (Commander, Destroyer Squadron 10), RODMAN, EMMONS, MACOMB, and FITCH ) arrived Scapa, escorted by SCYLLA, on the 19th May for temporary duty with the Home Fleet.

 

 

 

---

Background Events

 

June-(September) 1943
Invasion of Sicily ('Husky'), Battle of Kursk, Italy surrenders, Salerno landings ('Avalanche'), U-boat packs return to Atlantic, X-craft attack 'Tirpitz'

 

---

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

JUNE 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

            1st                    At sea with the Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            13th-31st           Scapa

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st-18th            Rosyth for docking and leave

            18th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m., escorted by three destroyers

            28th                  Broad Pendant of Commodore, Second Battle Squadron struck

            29th                  Flag of Admiral Sir Henry Moore, KCB, CVO, DSC, as Vice Admiral Second in Command,

                                    Home Fleet transferred from RENOWN

            18th-30th           Scapa

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Rear Admiral, Force H

            1st-30th            Detached with Force H

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-30th            Detached with Force H

 

5. HMS MALAYA

            1st-18th            Clyde for minor repairs and leave

            18th                  Completed minor repairs

            18th-30th           Clyde

 

Attached Battleships

 

6. HMS NELSON (Flag of           Flag Officer, Force H)

            1st-7th              Plymouth

            7th                    Left Plymouth escorted by three destroyers for Scapa to work up

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

 

7. HMS RODNEY

            1st                    Left Clyde with screen of three destroyers for Scapa to work up

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

 

8. HMS WARSPITE

            1st                    Left Clyde with screen of three destroyers for Scapa to work up

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for Mediterranean

 

9. HMS VALIANT

            1st-17th            Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

 

10. USS SOUTH DAKOTA (Flag of Commander Task Group 92.4)

            1st                    At sea with the Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with T G 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord with TG 92.4 for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

11. USS ALABAMA

            1st                    At sea with the Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with T G 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord with TG 92.4 for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

Battleship attached for working up

 

12. HMS RAMILLIES

            20th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

Battlecruiser

 

13. HMS RENOWN

            1st-20th            Rosyth, refitting

            20th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            28th                  Flag of Vice Admiral Sir H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, as Vice Admiral Second in Command,

                                    Home Fleet hoisted.

            29th                  Flag of Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred to ANSON

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

14. HMS INDOMITABLE

            1st                    Clyde

            2nd                   Left Clyde for Belfast, arriving p.m.

            3rd                    Left Belfast for Clyde, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            12th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

 

15. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

            1st-7th              Liverpool, refitting

            7th                    Left Liverpool for Clyde, on completion, to work up

            10th                  Arrived Clyde to work up

            10th-30th           Clyde, working up

 

16. HMS FURIOUS

            1st                    At sea on passage to Akureyri for Operation F H

            2nd                   Diverted to Hvalfiord

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            13th-30th           Scapa

 

17. HMS UNICORN

            5th                    At Clyde, transferred to Home Fleet from Flag Officer Carrier Training’s administration

            21st                  Sailed from Clyde for Belfast, arriving p.m.

            23rd                  Sailed from Belfast to Greenock to collect stores for repairs, arriving p.m.

            25th                  Sailed for Belfast, arriving p.m. Taken in hand for repairs

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

18. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st                    Arrived Hvalfiord with JAMAICA and ECLIPSE from Akureyri

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with JAMAICA and MIDDLETON for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, transferred to LONDON

            17th-30th           Scapa

 

19. HMS LONDON

            1st-30th            Scapa, working up

            30th                  Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT

 

20. HMS NORFOLK

            1st-4th              Portsmouth, refitting

            4th                    Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            6th-30th            Scapa, working up

 

 21. HMS BERWICK

            1st                    At sea with the Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with T G 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            22nd                 Returned to Hvalfiord

            22nd-30th          Hvalfiord

 

 22. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st                    At sea on passage to Akureyri for Operation F H

            3rd                    Arrived Akureyri

            7th                    Left Akureyri for Spitzbergen for Operation F H with Force R to relieve the garrison

            10th                  Arrived Spitzbergen, unloaded and sailed for Scapa with Force R

            14th                  Arrived Scapa with Force R

            19th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            20th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            20th-30th           Hvalfiord

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

23. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-9th              Scapa

            9th                    Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to GLASGOW

                                    Left Scapa to join escort of First Minelaying Squadron for Operation SN 111 C

            12th                  Returned to Scapa on completion of SN 111 C

                                    Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from GLASGOW

            17th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and to give leave

            18th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            30th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion

 

24. HMS BERMUDA

            1st                    At sea on passage to Akureyri for Operation F H

            3rd                    Arrived Akureyri

            7th                    Left Akureyri for Spitzbergen for Operation F H with Force R to relieve the garrison

            10th                  Arrived Spitzbergen, unloaded and sailed with Force R for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa with Force R

            15th                  Left Scapa for the Clyde

            16th                  Arrived Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Gibraltar with personnel for the Mediterranean

            20th                  Arrived Gibraltar

            22nd                 Left Gibraltar for Plymouth

            25th                  Arrived Plymouth

            25th-30th           Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

25. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st                    Clyde for repairs and refit

            11th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to work up

            12th                  Arrived Scapa

            12th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

 26. HMS GLASGOW

            1st                    Scapa

            9th                    Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELFAST

            12th                  Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to BELFAST

            28th                  Left Scapa TO join Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and First Minelaying Squadron for cover during

                                    Operation S N 222 A

            28th-30th           At sea covering Operation S N 222 A

 

27. HMS JAMAICA

            1st                    Arrived Hvalfiord with KENT and ECLIPSE from Akureyri

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with MIDDLETON for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th-30th           Scapa

 

28. HMS SCYLLA

            1st                    At sea on passage to Akureyri for Operation F H

            2nd                   Diverted to Hvalfiord with FURIOUS

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            15th                  Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            17th                  Arrived Plymouth

            17th-30th           Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

29. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-30th            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

Cruisers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

30. HMS EMERALD

            1st-28th            Scapa, working up

            28th                  Left Scapa for Clyde on completion and for foreign service

            29th                  Arrived Clyde

 

31. HMS DIDO

            14th                  Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa for Liverpool for alterations and for the Mediterranean

            21st                  Arrived Liverpool

 

32. HMS COLOMBO

            4th                    Left Plymouth for Scapa to work up

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Clyde on completion of working up

            27th                  Arrived Clyde for foreign service

 

33. HMS DIOMEDE

            15th                  Arrived Scapa from Rosyth, on completion of refit to work up

            15th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

34. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    At sea with Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            19th                  Left Scapa with MUSKETEER and MAHRATTA for the Clyde

            20th                  Arrived Clyde and joined escort of RAMILLIES for escort to Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with RAMILLIES

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

35. HMS MARNE

            1st-30th            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs (Care and Maintenance)

 

36. HMS METEOR

            1st-7th              Plymouth for repairs

            7th                    Left Plymouth for Scapa with screen on NELSON, on completion of repairs

            9th                    Arrived Scapa with NELSON

            10th                  Left Scapa with PIORUN and OFFA for the Clyde for escort of INDOMITABLE to Scapa

            11th                  Joined INDOMITABLE off the Clyde

            12th                  Arrived Scapa with INDOMITABLE

            21st                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            23rd                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            23rd-30th           Hvalfiord

 

37. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for screen of NELSON to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Plymouth and joined screen of NELSON

            9th                    Arrived Scapa with NELSON, sailing p.m. for Humber for refit

            10th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            10th-30th           Humber, refitting

 

 38. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa with MAHRATTA and ONSLAUGHT for Seidisfiord and for Operation F H, returning

                                    p.m. to Scapa

            3rd                    Sailed again for Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord for Kola Inlet and Operation F H

            12th                  Arrived Kola Inlet, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            15th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa with MILNE and MAHRATTA for Clyde for escort of RAMILLIES to Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Clyde, joined escort of RAMILLIES

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with RAMILLIES

            23rd                  Left Scapa to intercept blockade runner

            25th                  Returned to Scapa

            25th-30th           Scapa

 

39. HMS MAHRATTA

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa with ONSLAUGHT and MUSKETEER for Seidisfiord and for Operation F H,

                                    returning p.m. to Scapa

            3rd                    Sailed again for Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord for Kola Inlet and Operation F H

            12th                  Arrived Kola Inlet, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            15th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa with MILNE and MUSKETEER for Clyde for escort of RAMILLIES to Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Clyde, joined escort of RAMILLIES

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with RAMILLIES

            23rd                  Left Scapa to intercept blockade runner

            25th                  Returned to Scapa

            25th-30th           Scapa

 

40. HMS SCORPION

            1st                    On passage from Scapa, joined WARSPITE off the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa with WARSPITE

            2nd-30th            Scapa, working up

 

41. HMS SAVAGE

            13th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up and join Home Fleet, arriving p.m.

            13th-30th           Scapa, working up

 

42. HMCS IROQUOIS

            1st-30th            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

43. HMCS ATHABASKAN

            1st                    On passage with screen of FURIOUS to Akureyri

            2nd                   Diverted to Hvalfiord with FURIOUS

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            4th                    Left Hvalfiord with ECLIPSE for Akureyri

            5th                    Arrived Akureyri

            7th                    Left Akureyri for Spitzbergen and for Operation F H with Force R

            10th                  Arrived Spitzbergen, unloaded and sailed with Force R for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa with Force R

            22nd                 Left Scapa for Devonport for collision damage repairs

            24th                  Arrived Devonport, taken in hand

            24th-30th           Devonport for repairs

 

44. ORP ORKAN

            1st-30th            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operation REGULATION

 

37. ORP PIORUN

            1st                    Left Plymouth with screen of RODNEY for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with RODNEY

            10th                  Left Scapa with OFFA and METEOR for Clyde for escort of INDOMITABLE to Scapa

            11th                  Joined INDOMITABLE off the Clyde

            12th                  Arrived Scapa with INDOMITABLE

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

46. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    Clyde, boiler cleaning

            2nd                   Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

47. HMS FURY

            1st-12th            Humber, refitting

            12th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

48. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st                    Arrived Hvalfiord with KENT and JAMAICA from Akureyri

            4th                    Left Hvalfiord with ATHABASKAN for Akureyri

            5th                    Arrived Akureyri

            7th                    Left Akureyri for Spitzbergen and for Operation F H with Force R

            10th                  Arrived Spitzbergen, unloaded and sailed with Force R for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa with Force R

            20th                  Left Scapa for Gibraltar via Plymouth to join Force H

            20th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

49. HMS ECHO

            1st                    At sea with screen of FURIOUS on passage to Akureyri

            2nd                   Diverted to Hvalfiord with FURIOUS

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord, sailing p.m. to search for crew of crashed aircraft

            5th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            6th                    Sailed from Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

50. HMS INTREPID

            1st                    Left Rosyth, on completion of boiler cleaning and repairs for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            5th                    Left Scapa for Lerwick, arriving p.m. for “Wings for Victory” campaign

            7th                    Left Lerwick for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

51. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st                    Left Plymouth with screen of RODNEY for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with RODNEY

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

52. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st-30th            Humber for repairs

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

53. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-10th            Scapa

            3rd                    Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla, transferred to ONSLOW

            10th                  Left Scapa with PIORUN and METEOR for the Clyde for screen of INDOMITABLE to Scapa

            11th                  Joined INDOMITABLE off the Clyde

            12th                  Arrived Scapa with INDOMITABLE

            17th                  Left Scapa with Force H for the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached with Force H

 

54. HMS ONSLOW

            1st                    Left Plymouth with screen of RODNEY for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with RODNEY

Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla transferred from OFFA

            18th                  Left Scapa with OPPORTUNE and OBDURATE for Rosyth, arriving a.m. and returned as escort

                                    for ANSON, arriving Scapa p.m.

            18th-30th           Scapa

 

55. HMS ORIBI

            1st-30th            St John’s, Newfoundland for action damage repairs

            30th                  Left St John’s, Newfoundland on completion to join the screen of QUEEN ELIZABETH for Plymouth

 

56. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa with MUSKETEER and MAHRATTA for Seidisfiord and for Operation F H,

                                    returning p.m. to Scapa

            3rd                    Sailed again for Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord for Operation F H to rendezvous with corvettes from North Russia

            13th                  Returned to Seidisfiord without meeting corvettes

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th-30th           Scapa

 

57. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st                    At sea with screen of Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            18th                  Left Scapa with ONSLOW and OBDURATE for Rosyth, arriving a.m. and returning p.m.

                                    to Scapa with ANSON

            18th-30th           Scapa

 

58. HMS OBDURATE

            1st                    At sea with screen of Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            18th                  Left Scapa with ONSLOW and OPPORTUNE for Rosyth, arriving a.m. and returning p.m.

                                    to Scapa with ANSON

            18th-30th           Scapa

 

56. HMS ORWELL

            1st                    At sea on passage from Plymouth, joined screen of WARSPITE off the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa with WARSPITE

            4th                    Left Scapa for Akureyri and for Operation F H

            6th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            16th                  Left Scapa and joined HUNTER off Dundee for escort to the Clyde

            18th                  Returned to Scapa

            18th-30th           Scapa

 

60. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st                    At sea with screen of the Battlefleet on passage to Hvalfiord

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            13th                  Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            13th-30th           Scapa

 

Hunt Class Destroyers

 

61. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st                    On passage to Akureyri with screen of FURIOUS

            2nd                   Diverted to Hvalfiord

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            13th                  Left Akureyri for Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with JAMAICA for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa and joined STALKER from Sheerness off Dundee for escort to Clyde

            28th                  Arrived Clyde

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th-30th           Scapa

 

62. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st-12th            Humber, refitting

            12th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry with the 21st Destroyer Flotilla

            17th                  Arrived Londonderry for special escort duty and for escort duty in the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached to Commander in Chief, Mediterranean under Flag Officer Force H

 

63. HMS BRECON

            1st-12th            Tyne for alterations

            12th                  Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry with the 21st Destroyer Flotilla

            17th                  Arrived Londonderry for special escort duty and for escort duty in the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached to Commander in Chief, Mediterranean under Flag Officer Force H

 

64. HMS BRISSENDEN

            1st-9th              Tyne for alterations

            9th                    Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

            10th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry with the 21st Destroyer Flotilla

            17th                  Arrived Londonderry for special escort duty and for escort duty in the Mediterranean

            17th-30th           Detached to Commander in Chief, Mediterranean under Flag Officer Force H

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

65. HMS PENN

            1st-11th            Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry for boiler cleaning

            12th                  Arrived Londonderry, taken in hand

            18th                  Left Londonderry on completion and joined escort of Force H from Scapa for the Mediterranean

 

66. HMS PANTHER

            1st                    Clyde for boiler cleaning

            6th                    Left Clyde for Plymouth for screen of NELSON to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Plymouth and joined screen of NELSON

            9th                    Arrived Scapa with NELSON

            17th                  Left Scapa with escort of Force H (on completion of duty with the Home Fleet) for the Mediterranean

 

67. HMS PATHFINDER

            1st-12th            Clyde for repairs

            12th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with escort of Force H (on completion of duty with the Home Fleet) for the Mediterranean

 

68. HMS QUILLIAM (Captain (D) Fourth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-17th            Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with escort of Force H (on completion of duty with the Home Fleet) for the Mediterranean

 

69. HMS QUEENBOROUGH

            1st-17th            Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa with escort of Force H (on completion of duty with the Home Fleet) for the Mediterranean

 

70. HMS QUALITY

            1st-14th            Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs to collision damage, arriving p.m.

            14th-30th           Rosyth for repairs and refit

 

71. HMS QUAIL

            1st                    On passage to Scapa, joined screen of WARSPITE off the Clyde fro passage to Scapa

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa with WARSPITE

            17th                  Left Scapa with escort of Force H (on completion of duty with the Home Fleet) for the Mediterranean

 

72. HMS TUMULT

            1st                    Rosyth for alterations

            3rd                    Left Rosyth for Clyde on completion

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde with escort of BATTLER for Gibraltar and for Levant Command

 

73. HMS TYRIAN

            1st                    Rosyth for alterations

            3rd                    Left Rosyth for Clyde on completion

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th                    Left Clyde with escort of BATTLER for Gibraltar and for Levant Command

 

74. USS ELLYSON (ComDesRon 10)

            1st                    On passage to Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with Task Group 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord with Task Group 92.4 for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

75. USS MACOMB

            1st                    On passage to Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with Task Group 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord with Task Group 92.4 for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

76. USS RODMAN

            1st                    On passage to Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet

            2nd                   Arrived Hvalfiord

            6th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet for Akureyri

            7th                    Arrived Akureyri

            9th                    Left Akureyri with the screen of the Battlefleet for Operation F H

            12th                  Detached with Task Group 92.4 to Hvalfiord

            14th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord with Task Group 92.4 for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-30th           Scapa

 

77. USS EMMONS

            1st                    On passage to Hvalfiord with screen of the Battlefleet