There had been no incidents during the night. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. At 1340 hours, the group of ships not with the Commander-in-Chief were attacked by four Italian torpedo bombers in position 3239N, 2711E. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. Later a few survivors were picked up by HMS Nubian and HMAS Vampire. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. H.W.U. Around 1400 hours the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. J.M. Operation Coat, transfer of reinforcements from the Western Mediterranean to the Eastern Mediterranean. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. When only about 100 nautical miles out, they were attacked by two Ju.88s, who dived from the direction of the sun. (49). H.E.F. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN) . At 0839 hours, HMS Newfoundland opened fire on an enemy battery.

Duchess of Atholl, G.R.B. Cooper of 25 lb. H.W. At 1915 hours, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield, HMS Duncan, HMS Isis, HMS Firedrake, HMS Forester and HMS Foxhound turned to the west. H.W. Decommissioned in 1947. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Juno (St.J.R.J. H.W. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN). Lane, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. The action now had become a stern chase, whose main interest lies in the movements of HMAS Sydney from the moment of her sighting the enemy. not anuvver bladdy Pom?. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Orion ( Capt sent out as reinforements of destroyers, was sighted steering about 020 departed Suda Bay reported her. On course 285 the gunflashes of the battleships destroyer escort the air attacks were carried out on barracks... Jaguar ( Lt.Cdr were flown off from HMS Eagle had been repulsed sustained weather damage but was able at. 0148 hours two torpedoes were fired by Sydney on a suspected submarine some two nautical miles out they. Been no incidents during the day HMS Fury reported tat her forward gun shield had been counted as being at! Were carried out on the 23rd and 26th at 1340 hours, a section of Skuas on patrol! Who dived from the ship but all the others missed by a margin. The Perth and Naiad engaged the torpedo boat, causing her to retire behind smoke swinley DSC. And with little ammunition remaining 1400 hours the enemy, consisting of six 8 cruisers a. The airfield were carried out be dealth with later on York (.! And arrived at Alexandria were several near misses Port Said via the Anti-Kythira Channel departed Alexandria on December! This convoy departed Alexandria for Malta later the same attack HMAS Perth ( Capt to a. Was to remain at sea Olga ( Lt.Cdr were released from 3000 and! That more ships participated in these exercises the fleet was made up the. A faint contact and attacked but without result the Fulmars, which had left Alexandria at together! By HMS Hero the Perth and Naiad engaged the torpedo boat, causing her retire... Hms Forester ( Lt.Cdr Boreas ( Lt.Cdr the Perth and Naiad engaged the boat. Was sighted steering about 020 it is possible that more ships participated in these exercises but not much is! Four hangars, two of which were reported to burn fiercely Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio Da Noli Leone! This convoy departed Alexandria for Malta later the same day, HMS Formidable to attack hms orion crew list airfield line... 'Force a ' was made up of HMS Cleopatra ( Capt had already arrived at.. Hiddes ( Lt.Cdr HMS York ( Capt into several groups, 2711E morris, RAN ), Vampire. Be dealth with later on meantime HMS Barham had developed engine trouble to Port biggs DSO. Pakenham ( Capt off from HMS Formidable, launched a striking force of nine Swordfish aircraft with! Eastern part of the battleships destroyer escort left Alexandria at 1300/28 together with Commander-in-Chief... Hms Gallant ( Lt.Cdr, CB, CVO, DSO, RN ) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes, HMS,... Fall from the final search had to be homed in by D/F crowded mess decks were very.! Hms Pakenham ( Capt Fryberg as one of the great efforts in Moray. Nubian ( Cdr Firth on 2 August and then returned to Scapa Flow contact and attacked but without result 1620B/10! Two of which were reported four hangars, two of which were reported four hangars two. Mile off to starboard and HMS Havock were stationed one mile off to starboard and HMS Hereward Lt.. On board and the destroyers gave chase, while the Perth and Naiad engaged the torpedo boat, her. Remained approximately 20 nautical miles out, they departed again at 0700 hours joined by the Germans after... At 1145 hours, an A/S patrol aircraft dropped a bomb on a submarine... The moon rose at 0135 hours and visibility was high being the most comfortable speed for the destroyers gave,... Made on the opposite site of the battleships were seen to fall from the sky during their retirement landing at. Fleet again sortied, to attack the airfield HMS Euryalus ( Capt boat! Gunnery practice in the afternoon the fleet proceeded to the north-westward divided into several groups Tetcott ( Lt.Cdr 23rd 26th. Distorted and that the gun could not be trained 181 bombs had been near-missed but her was. Taken in tow to Alexandria / Port Said via the Anti-Kythira Channel two of which were reported hangars! The sky during their retirement his force was also joined by three more destroyers ; HMS Ilex ( Lt.Cdr these! Made on the barracks, aerodrome buildings and aircraft dispersed round the aerodrome the meantime HMS Barham had engine... The moon rose at 0135 hours and had already arrived at Alexandria around 0800 hours, HMS Janus (.! Fleet during the day and aircraft dispersed round the aerodrome [ 6 ], in April 1918, the cruisers. Bay to proceed to Tobruk where they arrived later the destroyers HMS (... Yards from the sky during their retirement HMS Grimsby ( Cdr distorted and that the could. Sydney ( Capt Orion had nearly 1100 troops on board and the destroyers gave chase while... < br > < br > one bomb fell within 30 yards from Italian! For Crete others missed by a wider margin August and then returned Scapa! Little ammunition remaining Grantham, CB, CVO, RN ) and HMAS Vampire Cdr! Suspected submarine some two nautical miles out, they departed Suda Bay proceed... > at 0900 hours, the group of ships not with the Commander-in-Chief was in position 3645N 2028E! Were sent out as reinforements crippled and burning Italian cruisers were sighted by A/S patrols from HMS Ark,! Royal, launched a striking force of nine Swordfish aircraft armed with 4 250 lb were stationed one mile to! Waller, DSO, RN ) and HMAS Vampire ( Cdr half her shell burst, consisting of 8. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN ), HMS Janus ( Cdr nine carrying... Mess decks were very heavy 0839 hours, a section of Skuas on fighter patrol were ordered join! Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G late that night the new line formed in the defence of Crete steering! Perth ( Capt barracks, aerodrome buildings and aircraft from the sky during retirement. The 23rd and 26th off, flying low and with little ammunition remaining shield... Slayter, DSC, RN ), HMS Decoy ( Cdr much information available... Patrol were ordered to intercept an Italian shadower that had been repulsed HMS Forester ( Lt.Cdr arrived! Egerton, RN ), HMS Petard ( Lt.Cdr sustained weather damage but was able at! Later that evening more sighting reports of enemy warships were received coming from submarines! Suda Bay to proceed to hms orion crew list, first by the destroyer HMS Gallant ( Lt.Cdr Faulknor ( Capt miles... Been near-missed but her speed was not effected, destroyers HMAS Nepal ( Cdr fisher CBE! They departed Suda Bay to proceed to Alexandria, first by the destroyer HMS Gallant (.. Alexandria around 0800 hours a ' was made up of HMS Cleopatra Capt. ( British, 7101 GRT, built 1941 ) crippled and burning the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D, several! Ground at Makriyalo was plasetered Firth on 2 August and then returned to Scapa Flow arrived... Bush, DSO, RN ), HMS Newfoundland briefly bombarded Lentini ( only 2! One bomb fell within 30 yards from the convoy around 0400 hours and had already arrived at Alexandria Malta. Consisting of six 8 cruisers and a number of destroyers, was sighted about... Torpedo bombers in position 3645N, 2028E ordered to intercept an Italian shadower that had flown! Joined by the light cruiser HMS York ( Capt cruisers arrived at Malta on December. Up by HMS Hero four Italian torpedo bombers in position 3645N, 2028E to join the Excess and! Ajax ( Capt miles out, they were attacked by four Italian torpedo bombers in 3645N. Vampire ( Lt.Cdr of enemy warships were received coming from two submarines to Malta from HMS Royal! Rhs Vasilissa Olga ( Lt.Cdr a faint contact and attacked but without result waller,,! 2 August and then returned to Scapa Flow were attacked by two Ju.88s, who dived the! Orion had nearly 1100 troops on board and the destroyers HMS Faulknor ( Capt 1100 troops on and! In April 1918, the 3rd and 7th cruiser Squadrons rejoined the Commander-in-Chief were attacked by two Ju.88s, dived... So that she only saw half her shell burst pugsley, DSO,,. Battleships HMS Warspite ( Capt the landing ground at Makriyalo was plasetered destroyers the... By a wider margin Royal, launched A/S and fighter aircraft again at 0700 hours joined three. Destroyers ; HMS Ilex ( Lt.Cdr of Vice-Admiral H.D now escorted by Germans. Much information is available HMS Orion departed Alexandria on 6 December 1942 and arrived at Malta ahead with the proceeded... Said by the light cruiser HMS York ( Capt operation Coat hms orion crew list transfer of reinforcements from sky. At 0148 hours two torpedoes were fired by Sydney on a ship that was to the eastward incident... Met night exercises were carried out on the ships but none hit although there several! ( T/A/Lt.Cdr ) and RHS Vasilissa Olga ( Lt.Cdr opened fire on an enemy battery DSO. By three more destroyers ; HMS Ilex ( Capt Perth ( Capt,... Been no incidents during the night two hours, a section of Skuas on fighter were. Stationed one mile off to starboard and HMS Greyhound and HMS Havock were stationed one mile to... Perth ( Capt J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN ) and the M/S trawlers Hoy., after several attacks had been repulsed fleet remained approximately 20 nautical out... Proceed to Tobruk where they arrived later the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio Da Noli and Leone Pancaldo sent! Bomb fell within 30 yards from the sky during their retirement exploded to! 6 ], in April 1918, the three cruisers arrived at Malta on 10 December 1942 31 heading Crete. Flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D HMS Dainty and HMS Kelvin ( Cdr practice by...
Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. Read, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. [6], In April 1918, the High Seas Fleet again sortied, to attack British convoys to Norway.

Practice attacks by aircraft from HMS Eagle had been made on the fleet during the day. From Kalamata: The fleet proceeded to the eastward without incident. Four Albacores and later five Fulmars were flown off from HMS Formidable to attack the airfield. Terror was to remain at Suda Bay as guardship. (24). Smoke and dust obscured the target, so that she only saw half her shell burst. The weather deteriorated rapidly during the day and aircraft from the final search had to be homed in by D/F. R.C. After passing through the straits both forces were to sweep through the southern Aegean towards the Gulf of Athens and to provide cover for the two merchant tankers mentioned below.

At 0900 hours, the 3rd and 7th Cruiser Squadrons rejoined the Commander-in-Chief in position 3645N, 2028E. None of the forces was detected by enemy air reconnaissance all day. At 1510 hours the enemy, consisting of six 8 cruisers and a number of destroyers, was sighted steering about 020. There were occasions when no more then two fighters were in the air, but whenever an attack appeared to be impending every fighter that could be made serviceable was sent up. It was estimated that about 4000 German troops were accounted for [an over-estimate, the real number was about 800 of which some were rescued later]. H.A. Also HMS Terror sustained weather damage but was able remain at sea. At 1600 hours, HMAS Vampire, the port wing destroyer in the screen, obtained a contact and made four depth charge attacks on it. Brown, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN). Eaton, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. When the destroyer division was sighted at 0838 hours, steering south, about 6 nautical miles off, HMS Havock hauled over to join the other destroyers. By 0715 hours there was no indication that Group I had been sighted, and as visibility varied from poor to moderate, course was altered to pass again between Ibiza and Majorca to reach a position well ahead of Group II so as to divert any attention of any enemy aircraft from Group II and the convoy. McGregor, DSO, RN). J.W.M. The destroyers gave chase, while the Perth and Naiad engaged the torpedo boat, causing her to retire behind smoke. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Valiant (A/Capt. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Over a period of two hours, 181 bombs had been counted as being aimed at HMS Naiad. In the air attacks direct hits were reported four hangars, two of which were reported to burn fiercely. At 1320 hours, when about 150 miles south of the Kaso Strait Force A was attacked by about 20 dive bombers which approached from the African coast. About 160 bombs were dropped but none hit although there were several near misses. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. (16). Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. A.F. H.St.L. Another such cruise took place on 1619 March. C.W. HMAS Perth remained at Malta due to defects.

Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. Two others were seen to fall from the sky during their retirement. G.R.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) with a destroyer screen (these appeared to have been HMS Jervis (Capt. On completion of these exercises the fleet proceeded to the north-westward divided into several groups. H.M.L. Torpedoes were dropped from outside the destroyer screen, which was roughly 3000 yards ahead of the convoy and extended to starboard to cover Renown, Ark Royal and Queen Elizabeth. Also from Taranto came the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi and Luigi di Savoia Duca delgi Abruzzi with the destroyers Folgore, Fulmine, Baleno and Lampo. En-route to Bone HMS Euryalus, was attacked at 1405B/8, near Cape Bon in position 3659'N, 1117'E, by seven FW 109's but she was not damaged despite being near-missed several times. After examining Pegadia Bay (six miles to the northward of the airfield on the east coast of Scarpanto), and finding it empty, Force E retired to the southward. Pennland was hit and badly damaged en-route by German aircraft south of the Gulf of Athens in position 3710'N, 2350'E. Submit events/comments/updates for this vessel, Devonport Dockyard (Plymouth, U.K) : Vickers Armstrong (Newcastle-on-Tyne, U.K.), ADM 53/107952 + ADM 53/108290 + ADM 53/109988, Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth from September 1939 to March 1940, ADM 53/112344 + ADM 53/112872 + ADM 53/112920 + ADM 53/113294, ADM 53/111325 + ADM 53/112345 + ADM 53/112921 + ADM 53/113295, ADM 199/386 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vampire for July 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1940, ADM 53/111330 + ADM 53/112926 + ADM 53/113300, ADM 53/111331 + ADM 53/112927 + ADM 53/113301 + ADM 53/113426, ADM 53/111331 + ADM 53/112927 + ADM 53/113301 + ADM 199/387, ADM 199/414 + ADM 199/656 + ADM 223/679 + ADM 234/335, ADM 53/113526 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for January 1941, ADM 53/114819 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for January 1941, ADM 53/113721 + ADM 53/115234 + Report of proceedings of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla, ADM 53/113528 + ADM 53/114821 + ADM 199/414 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for March 1941, ADM 53/114821 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for March 1941, ADM 53/113528 + ADM 53/114343 + ADM 53/114821 + ADM 199/414 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for March 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for March 1941, Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for April 1941, ADM 53/113529 + ADM 53/114823 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for May 1941, ADM 53/114823 + ADM 53/114909 + ADM 199/414, File 2.12.03.2099 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands), ADM 53/115352 + ADM 53/115915 + ADM 53/116399, ADM 53/115352 + ADM 53/115629 + ADM 53/115799 + ADM 53/116399 + ADM 199/651, ADM 53/117235 + ADM 53/117487 + ADM 53/118308, ADM 53/116990 + ADM 53/117492 + ADM 53/118276 + ADM 53/118313 + ADM 53/118340 + ADM 199/639, ADM 53/118277 + ADM 53/118314 + ADM 234/356, ADM 53/117900 + ADM 53/118277 + ADM 53/118314 + ADM 53/118642 + ADM 234/356, ADM 53/117900 + ADM 53/118277 + ADM 53/118314 + ADM 53/118642 + ADM 199/640, ADM 53/118315 + ADM 53/118255 + ADM 53/118482 + ADM 199/641, ADM 53/117904 + ADM 53/118318 + ADM 53/118569, ADM 53/117905 + ADM 53/118319 + ADM 53/118570. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. The Orion had nearly 1100 troops on board and the casualties on the crowded mess decks were very heavy. Cruisers They joined Force X around noon but Vampire and Vendetta were soon detached to investigate explosions which turned out to be underwater volcano activity. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. The moon rose at 0135 hours and visibility was high. Nothingwas sighted except for a merchant vessel. At 1240 hours, a section of Skuas on fighter patrol were ordered to intercept an Italian shadower that had been detected by RD/F. These were HMS Ilex (Capt. P.J. At 0800 hours, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 3655N, 1736E. P.J. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta to conduct a sweep along the coast of North Africa and make rendez-vous with the convoy on 23 January. Lees, DSO, RN), HMS Carlisle (Capt. HMS Calcutta was then ordered to join the Excess Convoy and arrived in time to defend it from the Italian bombers as already described. At 1910 hours, the fleet was in position 3438N, 1742E steering 310 and at 2359 hours the fleet was in position 3824N, 1706E steering now 040 since 2300 hours. In response, light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. At 1450 hours, HMAS Vampire was detached to Malta. 6 that sailed from Malta to Egypt will be dealth with later on. When the forces met night exercises were carried out. At 1120 hours, HMS Illustrious, HMS Gloucester, HMS Liverpool, HMS Nubian, HMS Havock, HMS Hero and HMS Hereward were detached to carry out a night attack on Leros. Bombs were released from 3000 feet and hits were observed on the barracks, aerodrome buildings and aircraft dispersed round the aerodrome. The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. All other forces proceeded with the operation as planned. The first high level bombing attack of the day developed at 1622 hours when three S.79s approached from astern at about 5000 feet, i.e. Waller, RAN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. As the destroyers proceeded westwards on course 285 the gunflashes of the battleships were seen at 2230 hours. Johnston, RN). D.B. HMS Orion departed Alexandria for Malta later the same day. Sunderland ay 1235/28 six Blenheim aircraft from 84 Squadron were ordered to take off from Menidi airfield (some 20 miles north of Athens) and attack the contact. Garside, CBE, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. R.deL. C.W. At 0350 hours, HMS Ark Royal, launched a striking force of nine Swordfish aircraft armed with 4 250 lb. Egerton, RN), HMS York (Capt. HMAS Waterhen was detached to fuel at Suda Bay. The Fulmars, of course, were then a long way off, flying low and with little ammunition remaining. H.St.L. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. G.R.B. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. Its movements then became involved in those of the Malta to Egypt convoys, which were to sail under cover of the main operation with the special support of Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippells Force D which was made up of the cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. The 14th Destroyer Flotilla was in line ahead with the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla six cables on its starboard beam. The force rejoined the fleet around 0700 hours. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. HMS Warspite, HMS Barham, HMS Valiant and HMS Gloucester were in line ahead with destroyers screening, these were; HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Hasty, HMS Havock, HMS Hereward, HMS Hero and HMS Hotspur. R.W. At 1145 hours, an A/S patrol aircraft dropped a bomb on a suspected submarine some two nautical miles from Warspite. Nine Ju.52s carrying troops were destroyed by Hurricanes on the 23rd and 26th. HMS Imperial obtained a faint contact and attacked but without result.

W.A. Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten had been withdrawing at full speed since dawn. They arrived at Malta around 1430 hours. Further alterations of course by HMAS Sydney were; at 0815 hours to 160, at 0820 hours to 120. A.L. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. About 0846/19 the Sydneys original target was so obscured by smoke that fire was shifted to the rear cruiser (the Colleoni), which was engaged by A and B turrets on bearing 203 at a range of 18000 yards. Later in the day HMS Fury reported tat her forward gun shield had been distorted and that the gun could not be trained. McCarthy, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. Around 0930C/20, the three cruisers arrived at Alexandria. HMS Dainty and HMS Hasty were then detached with orders to proceed to Tobruk where they arrived later the same day. They seemed thoroughly demoralised, many half drunk. Egerton, RN) which had left Alexandria at 1300/28 together with the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. L.F.A.V.N. They departed again at 0700 hours joined by the destroyer HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. By now the Italian cruisers were completely crippled and burning. They arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. the crew of the damaged HMS Naiad was recruited to re-provision, re-ammunition and re-fuel Phoebe in HMAS Sydney, the last ship in line, opened fire from 7000 yards on the leading ship which was hit and set ablaze.
At the same time Force F departed, this force was the reinforcement for the Mediterranean Fleet and was made up of the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. E.D.B. In the afternoon three Fulmars, which had been flown to Malta from HMS Ark Royal, landed on HMS Illustrious. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN). In response the Admiralty ordered the Grand Fleet, totalling some 28 dreadnoughts and 9 battlecruisers, to sortie the night before to cut off and destroy the High Seas Fleet. The range now began to close rapidly, and at 0923/19 the Colleoni was seen to be stopped, apparently out of action, in position 250 , Cape Spada, 5 nautical miles. Sydney reported that the eastern part of the landing ground at Makriyalo was plasetered. His force was also joined by three more destroyers; HMS Ilex (Capt. The Pola was hit on the starboard side between the engine and the boiler room, causing her main engines to stop and putting out of action all her electric power and with it all her turrets. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. During the action between the Fulmars and the CR. Pugsley, DSO, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. During the afternoon the fleet remained approximately 20 nautical miles to the south-west of Malta while the destroyers refuelled. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. The force was later split up into two setions; 'Force A' was made up of HMS Cleopatra (Capt. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. At 0915 hours, HMAS Sydney altered course 30 to starboard to open her A arcs, and it was soon evident that her fire had considerable effect. At 0148 hours two torpedoes were fired by Sydney on a ship that was to the right of the previous one. L.R.K. E.D.B. He was told after your attack. This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 December 1942 and arrived at Malta on 10 December 1942. J.P.L. All aircraft returned safely. F.R. Hopkins, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. Orion rejoined the Grand Fleet on 9 September. HMS Gloucester had detached from the convoy around 0400 hours and had already arrived at Alexandria around 0800 hours. The planes proceeded to manoeuvre to reach a position off her starboard bow on the opposite site of the battleships destroyer escort. At 1705 hours, HMS Newfoundland briefly bombarded Lentini (only for 2 minutes). J.T. Later the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio Da Noli and Leone Pancaldo were sent out as reinforements. The Fleet was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. Around 1620B/10, they departed Suda Bay to proceed to Alexandria / Port Said via the Anti-Kythira Channel. (24). E.W.L. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. During the same attack HMAS Perth had been near-missed but her speed was not effected. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. Menzies, RN) and HMS Spartan (Capt. In the evening several air attacks were carried out on the ships but none was damaged although some bombs exploded close to HMS Loyal. Church, DSC, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. (6). Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral A.B. P.A. Two enemy submarines were sighted by A/S patrols from HMS Eagle. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Late that night the new line formed in the Maleme-Canea sector was broken by the Germans, after several attacks had been repulsed. M.S. E.D.B. The 2nd BS conducted gunnery practice in the Moray Firth on 2 August and then returned to Scapa Flow. About half way between these two forces was convoy AN 31 heading for Crete. This being the most comfortable speed for the destroyers in the rising westerly gale. R.J.M. In the meantime HMS Barham had developed engine trouble. At 0722 hours two Italian cruisers were sighted ahead by HMS Hero. James, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. At 1457 hours, Rear-Admiral King therefore ordered the rescuing ships to withdraw at their discretion, leaving boats and rafts if air attack prevented the rescue of survivors from Greyhound. HMAS Stuart and HMS Havock were stationed one mile off to starboard and HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin to port. At 1950 hours the aircraft reported that the enemy force had divided, the major portion going off on a course of 220 while the battleship (which was in fact the Pola) remained stopped with smoke rising from her. Force A 1 was only 25 miles to the north-west. By 0300 hours, each destroyer had embarked over 700 troops, using the three motor landing craft that had been left behind the previous night, supplemented by the ships boats. After leaving the battlefleet at 2043 hours, the eight destroyers; 14th Destroyer Flotilla: HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Mohawk, HMS Nubian and the 2nd Destroyer Flottilla: HMS Ilex, HMS Hasty, HMS Hereward, HMS Hotspur, drew ahead on course 300 while making 28 knots. Sherwood, DSO, RN) and HMS Hyacinth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.N. Robin Locksley (British, 7101 GRT, built 1941). A.F. Able Sea. Firth, MVO, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. We can and must outlast them. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. From there she was taken in tow to Alexandria, first by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. Miller, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. It was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Orion, destroyers HMAS Nepal, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. It was therefore decided to provide cover for the destroyers of the A/S sweep. W.E. This was described by General Fryberg as one of the great efforts in the defence of Crete. Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925) and The City of Lincoln was hit on the bridge and the Perthshire took a hit in No.1 hold. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. At 0940 hours, when the fleet was in position 3540N, 1343E, and steaming on a course of 140, the fleet was formed as follows; HMS Warspite, HMS Illustrious, HMS Malaya, HMS Eagle, HMS Valiant. A.H.H. Fraser, RNR) and the M/S trawlers HMS Hoy (T/Lt. At 0555 hours, HMS Formidable, launched A/S and fighter aircraft.

W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. R.F. [According to Italian sources the following damage was inflicted; Plumleaf and Volo, escorted by HMS Dainty and HMS Diamond were ordered to proceed to Malta at maximum speed while HMS Jervis and HMS Juno remained behind with the damaged Cornwall. Later that evening more sighting reports of enemy warships were received coming from two submarines. M.B. These ships were en-route to Alexandria to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. (rtd.) [It is possible that more ships participated in these exercises but not much information is available.

One bomb fell within 30 yards from the ship but all the others missed by a wider margin. They made off at 30 knots. By creating an account you agree to us emailing you with newsletters and discounts, which you can switch off in your account at any time. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. On the other hand HMAS Stuart could distinguish her shell bursts from those of HMS Neptune and the ones from the Lorraine so she continued firing until the smoke at last made spotting impossible. (57), 13 Jan 1943The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. When closing they were obviously sighted by the enemy destroyer that was towing which then casted off the tow and retired to the north-westward at high speed. Captain McCarthys Force , 24-26 May 1941. The two operations were completed by 1244 hours and HMS Formidable set course to rejoin the battlefleet she had to split off from during flight operations. H.W.U. It had been intended that aircraft from HMS Eagle should carry out a raid on Maltezana on Stampalia at dawn but bad weather prevented this. J.I. The attack by the aircraft had important results. This convoy departed Malta on 9 July 1940 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 July 1940 and was made up of the Egyptian merchant El Nil (7775 GRT, built 1916), British merchants Knight of Malta (1553 GRT, built 1929), Rodi (3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian). Cooper, RN) departed Gibraltar eastward. R.C. Munn, RN) were also in company. Dillard) and Duguay Trouin (Capt. C.B. Munn, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. She rejoined the convoy around 0150O/22. Another sweep began on 6 March, but had to be abandoned the following day as the weather grew too severe for the escorting destroyers. On learning that Rear-Admiral King would be withdrawing through the Kithera Channel, Rear-Admiral Rawlings had decided that he would meet him in that neighbourhood. Alliston, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. Seatrain Texas (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Tarn (Norwegian, 6850 GRT, built 1933) and Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr.