HMS Gambia (48) of the Royal Navy - British Light cruiser of the Fiji class - Allied Warships of WWII (original) (raw)

Notable events involving Gambia include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Gambia was created in August 2023.

This page was last updated in August 2024.

4 Feb 1942
At 0900A/4, Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) is commissioned at Newcastle on Tyne for her upcoming trials (1)

7 Feb 1942
Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) is towed from Newcastle on Tyne to North Shields. (1)

17 Feb 1942
Around 1130A/17, Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), departed North Shields for Rosyth where she arrived around 1930A/7. She was escorted by HMS Vivien (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN). (1)

18 Feb 1942
Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted trials off the Firth of Forth during which she was escorted by HMS Versatile (Lt. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN). (1)

21 Feb 1942
Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted trials off the Firth of Forth which were completed succesfully. On return to Rosyth she was then taken over from the shipyard and placed in full commission. (1)

26 Feb 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted D/G and aircraft launching and recovering trials off Rosyth. (1)

1 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Rosyth. (2)

2 Mar 1942
Around 0600A/2, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1710A/2. At Scapa Flow she is to conduct working up exercises before she is ready to be deployed operationally. (2)

9 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted turning and speed trials at Scapa Flow. (2)

10 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (2)

12 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)

16 Mar 1942
HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow while HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials. On completion of these trials they left Scapa Flow for range and inclination exercises with each other. (3)

19 Mar 1942
HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted range and inclination exercises off Scapa Flow. Before these exercises HMS Frobisher had first conducted speed trials on the measured mile. (4)

20 Mar 1942
HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) both conducted exercises first at and then off Scapa Flow. These included night encounter exercises in the evening. (5)

23 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)

24 Mar 1942
HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) both conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

HMS Frobisher had first carried out torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)

26 Mar 1942
HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) both conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

28 Mar 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

1 Apr 1942
Around 0930A/1, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CB, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) departed Scapa Flow to make rendezvous with the US Task Force 39 made up of the heavy cruisers USS Wichita (Capt. H.W. Hill, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.C. Griffen, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. L.P. Johnson, USN) and the destroyers USS Lang (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Seay, USN), USS Sterett (T/Cdr. J.G. Coward, USN), USS Wilson (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Sturges, USN), USS Wainwright (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Gibbs, USN), USS Madison (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ammon, USN) and USS Plunkett (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Standley, Jr., USN).

They made rendezvous on 3 April 1942 after which HMS Gambia and HMS Frobisher parted company to proceed to the Clyde.

HMS Edinburgh, USS Wichita, USS Tuscaloosa, Lang, Sterett, Wilson, Wainwright, Madison and Plunkett arrived at Scapa Flow on 4 April 1942. (6)

4 Apr 1942
Around 0830A/4, HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Greenock. (4)

16 Apr 1942

Convoy WS 18.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 16 April 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924),Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938),City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937),Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1939),Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931,Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928),Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922),Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930),Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929),Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930),Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923),Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930),Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928),Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915),Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914),Phemius (British, 7406 GRT, built 1921),Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929),Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931),Soudan (British, 6677 GRT, built 1931) and Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934).

The destroyer tender HMS Hecla (Capt. E.F.B. Law, RN) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly from Oversay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, Senior Officer), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), destroyers HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Lancaster (A/Cdr. N.H. Whatley, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. M.H.R. Crichton, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the destroyer escorts HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN).

Around 0700N/19, HMS Badsworth and HMS Lauderdale parted company to return to the U.K.

Around 1900N/19, HMS Lancaster, HMS St. Marys, HMS Boadicea and HMS Volunteer parted company to return to the U.K.

Around 2000N/19, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Tetcott parted company to refuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores and to rejoin the convoy on completion. The departed Ponta Delgada to rejoin the convoy on the 20th.

Around 0915N/21, HMS Georgetown and HMS Salisbury parted company to refuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Around 1900N/22, HrMs Van Galen rejoined.

Around 1030N/23, HMS Tetcott rejoined. Both had been delayed in rejoining the convoy due to them having difficulty finding the convoy.

Around 0930N/26, the destroyers HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rayner, RD, RNR) joined.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 April 1942.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The convoy departed Freetown on 3 May 1942 in the same composition with the addition of the troop transport Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), transport Agwileon (American, 6678 GRT, built 1907) and the seaplane carrier HMS Albatross (A/Capt. F.W.H. Clarke, RN).

Escort on departure from Freetown was provided by the light cruiser HMS Gambia, heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher, destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Boreas, HrMs Van Galen and escort destroyer Tetcott.

Around 1245Z/4, the corvette HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) joined. The corvette FFS Commandant Detroyant was also to have joined the convoy but failed to do so.

Around 1430Z/4, HMS Wivern and HMS Boreas were detached.

Around 1020Z/5, HMS Hydrangea parted company.

In the morning of 8 May 1942, HMS Frobisher fuelled HMS Tetcott and on completion of doing so parted company with the convoy around 1315Z/8 to escort the Agwileon to Walvis Bay. This ship was detached from the convoy as she was unable to keep up.

In the morning of 9 May 1942, HMS Gambia fuelled HrMs Van Galen however after only 57 tons of fuel had been transferred to hose parted due to the bad weather conditions. These two ships then parted company with the convoy to proceed to St. Helena, which was only 52 nautical miles away, where they were able to complete fuelling (another 155 tons was transferred) while at anchor. HMS Gambia rejoined the convoy around 1550A/10. HrMS Van Galen proceeded independently to Capetown arriving there on 22 May 1942.

Late in the morning of the 14th, HMS Gambia transferred 20 tons of fuel to HMS Tetcott which was running low.

Around 1300B/14, the A/S whalers HMS Southern Gem (T/Lt. D.C. Hayes, RNVR) and HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) joined.

Around 0300B/15, the Capetown section parted company. It was made up of the Dempo, Empress of Canada, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Orduna, Phemius, Reina del Pacifico, Rimutaka and Waipawa. HMS Albatross, HMS Tetcott, HMS Southern Gem and HMS Southern Pride went with them. The Capetown section arrived there later the same morning.

The remainder of the convoy continued on to Durban escorted by HMS Gambia.

At 1600B/15, HMS Hecla suffered a heavy explosion on the starboard side. Position was to the south of Cape Aghulas, in 36°06'S, 19°55'E. It was though that she had been torpedoed but this was soon changed to being mined. HMS Gambia stood by the stricken vessel. Later it was found out that also the transport Soudan had also been mined and had been sunk as a result of the damage sustained.

HMS Hecla and HMS Gambia arrived off Simonstown around 0800B/16. HMS Hecla was immediately docked in the Selborne dry dock.

The Durban section of convoy WS 18 was then joined around 1000B/16 by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. D.M.L. Neame, DSO, RN). This ship had been en-route from Durban to Simonstown and had now been ordered to escort the Durban section with HMS Gambia absent.

The Durban section arrived at Durban around noon on the 18th.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 19 May 1942, the Capetown section of the convoy departed from there. It was now made up of the Bulkoil (American (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1942), Dempo, Empress of Canada, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Orduna, Phemius, Reina del Pacifico and Waipawa. HMS Albatross was also with the convoy which was escorted by HMS Frobisher. The Phemus however had to return to Capetown later the same day.

On 23 May 1942, the Durban section of the convoy departed from there. It was made up of the Capetown Castle, City of Capetown, Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1935), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913) and Llandaff Castle (British, 10799 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN).

The two sections then merged, but the Reina del Pacifico was detached to proceed independently to Bombay arriving there on 2 June.

Around 0615C/27, the Phemus rejoined the convoy after having returned to Capetown on the 19th.

Around 2300C/27, the Llandaff Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Diego Suarez. HMS Frobisher went with her as escort. They arrived there around 2000C/29.

Around 1330C/30, the light cruisers HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) joined. HMS Resolution, HMS Albatross and the Empire Woodlark then parted company to proceed to Kilindini where they arrived the following morning.

At 0745D/31, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) joined. HMS Emerald then parted company.

Around 1530D/2, HMS Worcestershire parted company taking the Bulkoil, Phemius and Waipawa with her to Aden where they arrived around 0900C/4.

The remainder of the convoy continued on towards Bombay escorted by HMS Enterprise. It arrived at Bombay around 1100FG/7. (7)

17 May 1942
Around 0925B/17, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Simonstown for Kilindini / Mombasa. (8)

23 May 1942
Around 0900B/23, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Simonstown. She now joined the Eastern Fleet. (8)

27 May 1942
In the afternoon the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They were later joined by the destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN).

During the night these ships conducted exercises on completion of which HMS Gambia returned to Kilindini.

All the other ships set course for Aden.

29 May 1942
In the afternoon, the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Colombo.

Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN, had transferred his flag from HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) to HMS Illustrious shortly before departure.

They were escorted until 0150D/31, by the destroyers HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) which then set course for Diego Suarez.

Around 0800D/1, the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) joined coming from Port Victoria, Seychelles.

HMS Warspite, HMS Illustrious, HMS Formidable, HMS Gambia, HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning and HMS Lookout arrived at Colombo around 1700F/5. (9)

12 Jun 1942
Around 0845F/12, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo to patrol in the Chagos Bank area and then to proceed to Addu Atoll. HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) was also with them when they departed Colombo but she parted company early on the 13th. (10)

16 Jun 1942
Around 0800F/16, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Addu Atoll from patrol. Fuelling commenced immediately and they departed again around 1800F/16 to return to Colombo. (10)

18 Jun 1942
Around 1700F/18, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Addu Atoll. (10)

20 Jun 1942

Convoy WS 20.

This convoy was formed of Oversay on 20 June 1942 and arrived at Freetown on 2 July 1942.

It departed Freetown on 6 July 1942 for Capetown / Durban.

It was made up of the troopships / transports; Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936), Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, built 1923), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913), Esperance Bay (British, 14204 GRT, built 1922), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Palma (British, 5419 GRT, built 1941), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

On forming off Orsay Island the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Gretton, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN) and HNoMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN).

On 24 June HMS Georgetown and HMS Salisbury were detached.

On 25 June HMS Boadicea and HMS Ripley were detached. At 0900/26, the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN joined the convoy. She came from Gibraltar and had been escorted by the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN). The troopship Narkunda then parted company with the convoy proceeding to Gibraltar escorted by HMS Beagle, HMS Antelope, HMS Vidette, HMS Wishart and HMS Wolverine.

At 1230/26, HMS St.Albans parted company with the convoy to join northound convoy SL 113.

At 2015/26, the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) joined the convoy.

Between 0700 and 0800/27 HMS Vansittart fuelled from HMS Malaya.

At 1620/27, HMS Vansittart parted company with the convoy to proceed to Ponta Delgada, Azores to fuel and to proceed to Gibraltar afterwards.

At 0600/28, the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) joined the convoy.

Between 0946 and 1023/28, HMS Brilliant fuelled from HMS Malaya. HMS Blackmore was fuelled by HMS Malaya late in the afternoon of the 28th.

At 0800/1, the destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) joined the convoy. The were to have joined the day before but were unable to find the convoy due to the bad visibility and the convoy, poor fixes and the convoy being a bit ahead of shedule. HMS Vimy parted company with the convoy shortly after these two destroyer had joined.

At 1250/1, the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived safely at Freetown on 2 July 1942.

----------------------------------------------------

On departure from Freetown on 6 July the convoy, in the same composition as in which it had arrived, was escorted by HMS Malaya, HMS Brilliant, HMS Velox, HMS Wivern and HMS Blackmore.

At 1130/7, the troopship Batory parted company with the convoyto proceed to Takoradi escorted by HMS Blackmore. They arrived at Takoradi on 11 July. HMS Blackmore then departed Takoradi, after fuelling, later the same day to rejoin convoy WS 20.

At 1845/8, HMS Wivern was detached to fuel at Pointe Noire to fuel, then proceed to Walvis Bay to fuel there and then rejoin convoy WS 20.

At 0650/9, HMS Brilliant was detached to fuel at Pointe Noire.

At 1815/9, HMS Boreas joined the convoy coming from Takoradi. HMS Velox was then detached to Lagos.

At 1650/12, HMS Boreas was detached to Pointe Noire.

At 1720/12, HMS Blackmore rejoined coming from Takoradi.

At 1130/13, HMS Brilliant rejoined coming from Pointe Noire.

At 1650/14, HMS Brilliant was detached to Walvis Bay.

At 0715/16, HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern joined coming from Walvis Bay.

Between 0720 to 0815/16, HMS Blackmore fuelled from HMS Malaya.

At 0705/17, HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern were detached to Simonstown.

At 0800/17, heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) joined the convoy to take care of the Durban section. The Capetown section then split off escorted by HMS Malaya and HMS Blackmore. The Capetown section arrived at Capetown later the same day. It was made up of the troopships / transports; Abosso, Adrastus, Banfora, Bergensfjord, Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Empire Pride, Empress of Australia, Esperance Bay, Leopoldville and Palma.

At 0830/18 (GMT), HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern departed Simonstown to join the Durban section of the convoy that was being escorted by HMS Shropshire.

The Durban section arrived at Durban in the moning of July, 20th. HMS Shropshire parted company to proceed to Simonstown. HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern then patrolled off Durban until the last ships of the convoy had entered the harbour. The Durban section had been made up of the troopships / transports; Arundel Castle, Awatea, Durban Castle, Empress of Russia, Nigerstroom, Orion, Stratheden and Strathmore.

----------------------------------------------------

In the morning of 21 July 1942 the troopships / transports Abosso, Adrastus, Bergensfjord, Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Empire Pride, Empress of Australia, Leopoldville and Palma departed Capetown to the rendez-vous point near Durban. They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Blackmore. Around 1600/21 they were joined by the battleship HMS Malaya which had departed Simonstown at 1215/21.

Around 0930/26 the convoy arrived off Durban where it merged with the Durban section.

The Durban section was made up of the troopships / transports; Arundel Castle, Orion, Stirling Castle and Stratheden. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern.

HMS Malaya split off from the Capetown section to proceed to Capetown escorted by HMS Brilliant and HMS Wivern. HMS Blackmore entered Durban.

----------------------------------------------------

The convoy was now made up of the troopships / transports; Abosso, Adrastus, Arundel Castle, Bergensfjord, Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Empire Pride, Empress of Australia, Leopoldville, Orion, Palma, Stirling Castle and Stratheden and was being escorted by HMS Gambia.

At 0900/30, the convoy, now to the east of Madagascar, was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN). The troopship Stirling Castle then split off to proceed to Mauritius escorted by HMS Gambia.

At 1410/31, HMS Worcestershire parted company with the convoy. Her speed had proven to be too low and she had difficulty keeping up.

At 0900/3, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. Shortly afterwards the convoy split up in two sections, one with the destination Aden (Perim) (WS 20A) and one with the destination Bombay (WS 20B).

22 Jun 1942
Around 0900F/23, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo for Kilindini / Mombasa via the Seychelles.

The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), which had been unable to departed earlier with ' Force A ' also departed later the same day and joined ' Force A ' at sea around 0745F/24.

Around 1400F/25, HMS Gambia was detached for exercises on completion of which she set course to return to Colombo.

Around 1100D/28, ' Force A ' arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. Around 1830D/28, on completion of fuelling, ' Force A ' departed for Kilindini.

' Force A ' arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa around 1700C/1. (11)

28 Jun 1942
Around 1050F/28, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Colombo. (12)

1 Jul 1942
Around 1025F/1 HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for exercises to the south of Ceylon with aircraft. She returned to Colombo around 1440F/2. (13)

13 Jul 1942

'Schooner' convoy.

This convoy departed Colombo on 13 July 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941),Athlone Castle (British, 25565 GRT, built 1936),City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922),City of Lille (British, 6588 GRT, built 1928),Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939),Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939),Dunedin Star (British, 11168 GRT, built 1936),Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911),Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939),Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926) and Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Colombo the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN), sloops HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN), HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and the corvettes HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR) and HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR).

Around 1845F/14, HMIS Jumna, HMIS Sutlej, HMS Aster and HMS Tulip parted company in position 02°23'N, 80°23'E.

Around 1750F/16, the City of Lille was ordered to proceed independently as she was unable to keep up with the convoy. Position was 06°03'S, 81°34'E.

Around 1330F/19, the light cruiser USS Phoenix (Capt. H.E. Fischer, USN) took over from HMS Gambia in position 17°02'S, 82°24'E. HMS Gambia then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Mauritius.

Around 0715F/20, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN) took over from HMS Worcestershire in position 20°11'S, 83°17'E. HMS Worcestershire then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Mauritius.

Around 0855H/27, the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) joined the convoy in position 31°04'S, 112°00'E.

Around 1350H/27, the minesweeper HMIS Madras (Lt. S.G. Karmarkar, RINR) joined the convoy and five minutes later the convoy was split up, in position 31°11'S, 112°16'E, into two sections ' Schooner A ' for Melbourne and ' Schooner B ' for Fremantle.

' Schooner A ' was made up of the transports Athlone Castle, City of Canterbury, Dunedin Star and Martand. They were escorted by USS Phoenix and HMAS Voyager.

' Schooner B ' was made up of the transports Aronda, Clan MacDonald, Devonshire, Ekma, Rajula and Westernland. They were escorted by HMS Kanimbla and HMIS Madras.

' Schooner B ' arrived at Fremantle in the morning of the 28th.

At 1015H/28, in position 33°28'S, 113°48'E, ' Schooner A ' merged with convoy ZK 12 which was coming from Fremantle escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN). Convoy ZK 12 was made up of the transport Duntroon (10346 GRT, built 1935) and the armed merchant cruisers HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (A/Capt.(Emgy.) H.V. Hudson, OBE, RAN).

Around 1900H/29, in position 36°45'S, 119°48'E, HrMs Tromp and HMAS Voyager parted company with convoy ' Schooner B '. They were to return to Fremantle.

Around 0530K/3, the Athlone Castle, City of Canterbury, Dunedin Star and Martand parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Melbourne.

Around 0715K/5, the destroyer HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Sydney around 1630K/5.

22 Jul 1942
Around 1000D/22, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Mauritius from convoy escort duty. She departed around 153D/22 for Durban after having fuelled from the chartered tanker British Ambassador (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924). (13)

25 Jul 1942
Around 1350B/25, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Durban from Mauritius. (13)

26 Jul 1942
Around 0900B/26, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Durban for escort duty with convoy WS 20.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 20 ' for 20 June 1942.] (13)

31 Jul 1942
Around 1015D/31, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the troop transport Striling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Mauritius. HMS Gambia then fuelled from the RFA tanker Olcades (6891 GRT, built 1918).

HMS Gambia and the Striling Castle then departed Mauritius around 1315D/31 to proceed in the direction of Australia.

Around 0945F/6, HMS Gambia turned over the escort of the troopship to HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN). HMS Gambia then set course to return to Mauritius. (14)

11 Aug 1942
Around 1245D/11, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Mauritius from escort duty. (15)

12 Aug 1942
Around 1300D/12, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Mauritius for Kilindini / Mombasa via Diego Suarez. (15)

14 Aug 1942
Between 0900C/14, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Mauritius. She departed for Kilindini / Mombasa around 1145C/14. (15)

16 Aug 1942
Between 0800C/16, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Diego Suarez. (15)

25 Aug 1942
During 25/26 August 1942, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (16)

29 Aug 1942

Operation Touchstone.

From 29 August to 1 September 1942 a large exercise was carried out with landings at Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar by Royal Marines and at Kilindini by the 29th Brigade.

Participating in the exercises were the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN, Second in Command, Eastern Fleet), HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, CinC Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN).

A/Vice-Admiral Willis was in command of the operation.

4 Sep 1942
Around 1115C/4, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Diego Suarez where they arrived around 1015D/6. (17)

7 Sep 1942
A convoy for ' Operation Stream ', the landings at Majunga departed Diego Suarez. On departure the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN).

[No further infomation available on ' Operation Stream ' for the moment, further research is required.] (18)

12 Sep 1942
Around 1115C/12, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from ' Operation Stream '. (17)

13 Sep 1942
Around 1630C/13, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Diego Suarez for ' Operation Jane ' which was the landing of troops at Tamatave.

[No further infomation available on ' Operation Jane ' for the moment, further research is required.] (17)

19 Sep 1942
Around 1400D/19, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) returned to Diego Suarez from ' Operation Jane '. (17)

28 Sep 1942
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out A/S exercises off Diego Suarez with HMS Shapinsay (A/Skr.Lt. W.S. Flowers, RNR) and HMS Hildasay (T/Lt. H.C. Doman, RNVR). Later on the day attack exercises were carried out during which HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), HMS Dauntless (A/Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) acted as targets.

After the exercises were completed HMS Truant sets course for East London, South Africa while HMS Gambia, HMS Dauntless and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes remained out for night encounter exercises during the night of 28/29 September. On completion of these exercises HMS Dauntless and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes returned to Diego Suarez. (19)

5 Oct 1942
Around 0545D/5, HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini. (20)

6 Oct 1942
Around 1845C/6, HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Kilindini from Diego Suarez. (20)

11 Oct 1942
Around 1200C/11, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Fremantle, Australia. They were to proceed via the Seychelles and Diego Garcia.

On their departure from Kilindini / Mombasa they were in company with the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) which was escorting the (troop) transports Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) to Diego Suarez. The Dutch ships parted company around 1900C/11.

Before their departure to Australia all three ships had first cleaned boilers at Kilindini in the week before departure. (21)

14 Oct 1942
Around 1030D/14, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the (troop) transports Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) arrived at Diego Suarez from Kilindini / Mombasa. They had been joined around 0630D/14, by the destroyer HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) which then escorted them in. (22)

22 Oct 1942
Around 1715D/22, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini / Mombasa where she arrived around 0700C/24. (23)

24 Oct 1942
Around 1630C/24, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Bombay where she was to dock. (23)

24 Oct 1942
The battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN, Second in Command, Eastern Fleet) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Hotspur (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN).

On leaving harbour exercises were carried out with the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) which was approaching Kilindini / Mombasa.

In the afternoon of the 25th, HMS Derwent was fuelled by HMS Resolution.

HMS Resolution, HMS Hotspur and HMS Derwent arrived at Durban on 29 October 1942. (24)

30 Oct 1942
Around 1145FG/30, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Bombay from Kilindini / Mombasa. (23)

3 Nov 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) is docked in the Hughes Graving Dock at Bombay. (25)

9 Nov 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) is undocked. (25)

13 Nov 1942
Around 1515FG/13, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Bombay from Colombo. (25)

16 Nov 1942
Around 0830FG/16, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (25)

19 Nov 1942
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and aircraft. (25)

24 Nov 1942
Around 0945FG/24, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Colombo to join convoy OW 1.

On departure D/G exercises and exercises with aircraft were carried out.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy OW 1 ' for 24 November 1942.] (26)

24 Nov 1942

Convoy OW 1.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 24 November 1942.

It was made up of the following transports;
Agwiprince (American, 6679 GRT, built 1941),Tarakan (Dutch, 8704 GRT, built 1930) and Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Fremantle, around 1730H/24, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 2030I/25, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1740I/25, the tanker Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927) and the minesweepers HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)) and HMAS Toowoomba (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Simpson, RANR(S)) joined the convoy.

Around 1416GH/28, HMAS Adelaide sighted a ship two points on the starboard bow. Commenced to close to investigate as did HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

Around 1450GH/28, the ship was considered suspecious. Continued to close and came to first degree of readiness.

Around 1543GH/28, an explosion was observed on the ship. Opened fire on the enemy.

Around 1552GH/28, the enemy ship was seen to sink. Position was 23°46'S, 99°05'E. Closed to pick up survivors. HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck was now ordered to return to the convoy.

By 1650GH/28, 91 survivors had been picked up. 78 Germans and Finns as well as 10 Norwegian and 3 Danes which had been on board as POW's. The ship had been the German Ramses (7983 GRT, built 1926) en-route from Japan to France.

Around 1816GH/28, HMAS Adelaide was back in station on the convoy.

Around 1300GH/29, HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerk parted company with the convoy to return to Fremantle after the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) had joined in position 21°24'S, 95°07'E. The armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN) was also briefly at the rendezvous position before continuing her patrol.

Around 0630F/5, the Goldmouth, HMAS Cessnock and HMAS Toowoomba parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini via first Diego Garcia and then the Seychelles.

Around 1830F/6, HMS Gambia parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll after the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN) had joined coming from Addu Atoll.

Around 1615F/11, the minelayer HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Küller, RNethN) joined coming from Bombay. HMIS Jumna parted company on this day to proceed to Bombay.

The convoy arrived in the Persian Gulf on 13 December 1942. (27)

7 Dec 1942
Around 1615F/7, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll from convoy escort duty. (28)

8 Dec 1942
Around 1815FG/8, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) departed Addu Atoll for Colombo. (28)

10 Dec 1942
Around 1115FG/10, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) arrived at Colombo from Addu Atoll. (28)

11 Dec 1942
Around 1600FG/11, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Kilindini / Mombasa. On departure exercises with aircraft were carried out. (28)

17 Dec 1942
Around 1315C/17, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Colombo. Before entering harbour 6" gunnery exercises were carried out. (28)

17 Dec 1942

Convoy MC 2.

This convoy departed Aden on 17 December 1942.

The convoy was made up of the troop transports Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922) and Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and the minesweepers HMS Poole (Lt. W.L.G. Dutton, RNR) and HMS Romney (Lt. W.E. Halbert, RNR).

Around 1830D/19, HMS Poole and HMS Romney parted company.

Around 1430C/24, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the corvette HMS Fritillary (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Barker, RD, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Diego Suarez. HMS Frobisher then parted company to fuel at Diego Suarez and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1300D/25.

Around 1530D/28, the destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) joined.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 31 December 1942.

21 Dec 1942
On 21 December 1942, HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) and HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Ranpura (Capt.(Retd.) H.T.M. Pawsey, RN), destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) and HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. HMS Ranpura returned to Kilindini on 22 December the other ships on 23 December with the exception of HMS Gambia which set course to proceed to Diego Suarez. (29)

24 Dec 1942
Around 0715C/24, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez. After fuelling and (dis)embarking passengers she left around 1100C/24, to join convoy MC 2.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MC 2 ' for 17 December 1942] (28)

9 Jan 1943

Convoy CM 37.

This convoy departed Durban on 9 January 1943.

The convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; British Unity (British (tanker), 8407 GRT, built 1939),Cap Tourane (British, 8009 GRT, built 1923, former French),City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922),City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907),City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922),Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939),Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Elisabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the cruisers HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and the corvette HMS Nigella (T/Lt. L.J. Simpson, RNR).

Around 0645C/10, the corvettes HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR) and HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1710C/11, the convoy split into two sections;
Convoy CM 37A bound for Aden was made up of the British Unity,Cap Tourane,City of Canterbury,Dromus and Elisabethville escorted by HMS Gambia and possible briefly the three corvettes but it is also possible they were detached around this time.

Around 0800C/17, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (Capt.(Retd.) H.T.M. Pawsey, RN) relieved HMS Gambia which then set course to proceed to Kilindini / Mombasa. The minesweeper HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)) also joined the convoy.

Convoy CM 37A arrived at Aden on 24 January 1943.

Convoy CM 37B bound for Bombay was made up of the City of London,City of Paris,Devonshire and Eastern Prince escorted by HMS Frobisher, HMS Fortune and HMS Inconstant . The two destroyers parted company around 0100C/12.

Around 1100D/16, the cruiser HMS Hawkins (Cdr. M. Everard, RN) took over from HMS Frobisher which then set course to proceed to Kilindini / Mombasa.

Convoy CM 37B arrived at Bombay on 25 January 1943.

17 Jan 1943
Around 1800C/17, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from convoy escort duty. (30)

20 Jan 1943
From 20 to 22 January 1943, the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN), HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa.

Shortly before commencement of the exercises Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN had hoisted his flag in HMS Gambia. (31)

28 Jan 1943
During 28/29 January 1943, the battleship HMS Revenge (A/Capt. St.J. Cronyn, DSO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN), HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa.

On completion of the exercises HMS Devonshire set course to Aden while the other ships returned to Kilindini / Mombasa. (32)

1 Feb 1943
Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN). He had already been on board before during last weeks exercises. (33)

1 Feb 1943

'Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943.

This convoy, made up of the troop transports Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936), Aquitania (British, 45647 GRT, built 1914), Ile de France (British, 43548 GRT, built 1927, former French), Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN) (22575 GRT, built 1933) were transporting 30000 men of the Australian 9th Division from Suez to Melbourne and Sydney. [HMS Queen of Bermuda also served in the role of troopship.]

This convoy had departed Suez on 1 February 1943 and were escorted during their passage through the Red Sea by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, DSO, RHN) and the escort destroyer Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN).

The convoy was joined around 1545C/4 by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN).

Around 1800E/6, HMS Hero and HMS Derwent parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 2000E/6, HMS Pakenham, HMS Petard, HMS Isis and RHS Vasilissa Olga parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 1230FG/9, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy entered Addu Atoll late in the afternoon / early in the evening of the 9th where all warships fuelled.

The convoy departed Addu Atoll to continue its passage to Australia in the afternoon of the 10th. The light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) had joined the convoy escort.

Around 0030FG/11, HMS Quilliam and HMS Foxhound parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll.

Around 0840H/16, the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate postion 26°06'S, 101°09'E.

Around 2000H/16, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 27°41'S, 104°35'E.

Around 2000H/17, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 30°30'S, 112°52'E.

In the afternoon of the 18th the convoy arrived off Fremantle.

Around 1800I/20, the convoy, minus HMS Queen of Bermuda departed Fremantle now escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes.

Around 2300I/21, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1645KL/24, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN) and the destroyers USS Henley (Lt.Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN) and USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Chambers, USN). The New Amsterdam escorted by HMAS Adelaide, HrMs Heemskerk and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes then departed the convoy and proceeded to Port Phillip where they arrived arrived around 1000L/25. The other ships continued to Sydney.

In the afternoon of the 26th the HrMs Heemskerck rejoined the convoy. Later in the afternoon the destroyer Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) also joined.

The convoy arrived at Sydney on the 27th.

2 Feb 1943
Around 1300C/2, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Addu Atoll. (33)

7 Feb 1943
Around 1040FG/7, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll from Kilindini / Mombasa. (33)

10 Feb 1943
Around 1300FG/10, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Addu Atoll with the 'Pamphlet' convoy.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Pamphlet convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943 ' for 1 February 1943.] (33)

18 Feb 1943
Around mid-afternoon, HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) en HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle with the Pamphlet convoy. (34)

3 Mar 1943

Convoy OW 2.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 3 March 1943.

It was made up of only one transport, the Mormacdove (American, 6711 GRT, built 1942).

The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the armed merchant cruiser Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) which also departed Fremantle on 3 March.

In the evening of 4 March, HrMs Tromp parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1025F/7, in position 20°22'S, 91°00'E, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) took over the escort of the convoy from HMS Queen of Bermuda which then parted company and set course for Durban.

The convoy arrived at Colombo in the morning of 13 March 1943. (35)

13 Mar 1943
Around 0900D/13, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Mauritius from convoy cover duty. (36)

14 Mar 1943
Around 0915D/14, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Mauritius for Kilindini / Mombasa. (36)

17 Mar 1943
Around 1400C/17, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Mauritius. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (36)

24 Mar 1943
During 24/25 March 1943, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. HMS Devonshire had sailed from Manza Bay, HMS Gambia from Kilindini / Mombasa. Both ships proceeded to Kilindini / Mombasa on completion of the exercises. (37)

30 Mar 1943
During 30/31 March 1943, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. These included night exercises.

On completion of the exercises HMS Resolution, HMAS Nizam and HMAS Quickmatch proceeded to Manza Bay. (38)

12 Apr 1943
From 12 to 16 April 1943, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. (39)

28 Apr 1943
From 28 to 30 April 1943, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. (40)

4 May 1943
From 4 May to 7 May 1943 ships from the Eastern Fleet conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa.

In the morning of the 4th the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) and light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa.

They were followed in the afternoon by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), light cruisers HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

All ships returned to the harbour in the morning of May 7th minus HMS Mauritius which returned in the afternoon. On HMS Gambia returning to harbour Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, struck his flag and left the ship. (41)

8 May 1943
Around 0645C/8, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. (42)

12 May 1943
Around 0915B/12, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini / Mombasa. (42)

18 May 1943
Around 1000B/18, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Durban for Simonstown. She is to proceed to the U.K. where she is to refit. (42)

20 May 1943
Around 1055B/18, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Durban. (42)

23 May 1943
Around 1315B/18, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Simonstown for Bathurst. (42)

1 Jun 1943
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Bathurst from Simonstown. (43)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Bathurst for Plymouth.

During the passage she also briefly provided cover for the combined convoy OS 49 / KMS 16G.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 49 / KMS 16G ' for 5 June 1943.] (43)

5 Jun 1943

Combined convoy OS 49 / KMS 16G.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 5 June 1943.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922),Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918),Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929),Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915),Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938),Belgian Airman (Belgian, 6960 GRT, built 1942),Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933),Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930),Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927),Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942),Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940),Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929),Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940),Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937),Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943),Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935),Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936),Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921),Crackshot (British, 2379 GRT, built 1924),Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917),Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940),De la Salle (French, 8400 GRT, built 1921),Dunster Grange (British, 9494 GRT, built 1928),Eastern City (British, 5185 GRT, built 1941),Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940),Elg (Norwegian, 4014 GRT, built 1930),Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941),Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943),Empire Gat (British, 871 GRT, built 1941),Empire Moon (British, 7472 GRT, built 1941),Empire Ortolan (British, 4970 GRT, built 1919),Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919),Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941),Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943),Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942),Empire Valour (British, 1906 GRT, built 1943),Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941),Fort Chipewyan (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942),Fort Louisbourg (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942),Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941),Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923),Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927),Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942),Jan (Norwegain, 1946 GRT, built 1920),King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928),Lesto (British, 1893 GRT, 1918),Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913),Makedonia (Greek, 7044 GRT, built 1942),Makefjell (Norwegian, 1567 GRT, built 1932),Mathurda (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920),Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916),Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920),Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928),Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936),Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929),Princ Andrej (Yugoslavian, 5041 GRT, built 193),Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918),Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927),Salland (Dutch, 6447 GRT, built 1920),Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921),Schiaffino (French, 3236 GRT, built 1920),Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927),Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929),Speedfast (British, 1898 GRT, built 1924),St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936),Sydland (Swedish, 5134 GRT, built 1920),Tahsinia (British, 7267 GRT, 1942),Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937),Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908),Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918),Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929),Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

The salvage vessel Salveda was also with the convoy as was the escort oiler / RFA tanker Oligargh (6897 GRT, built 1918).

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko, ORP), sloop HMS Flores (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Bax, RNN), corvettes HMS Orchis (T/Lt. E.D.A. Dyer, RCNVR), HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Renoncule, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawler HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR).

The destroyer HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) (Cdr. Evans was the Senior Officer of the escort) was unable to join on assembly due to water in her fuel oil, joined at 2030Z/5 in position 55°24'N, 08°12'W.

At 0400Z6, in position 55°07'N, 09°43'W, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) joined coming from Bangor Bay (Belfast).

At 2000Z/7, the Makefjell straggled from the convoy but she was soon able to rejoin.

On 8 June 1943, HMS Keppel, ORP Burza and HMS Tumult refuelled from the Oligargh taking 134, 61 and 120 tons respectively. At daylight on the 9th, HMS Tyrian also refuelled also taking 120 tons just like her sister ship had done the previous day.

At 1300Z/9, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) was sighted which subsequently took up a position 35 miles to the eastward of the convoy.

At 0949Z/10, HMS Gambia reported that an enemy flying boat was approaching the convoy. This aircraft almost certainly sighted and reported the convoy. HMS Battler then launched two Seafires but unfortunately they hunted a friendly Whitley aircraft and the German aircraft was able to get away unmolested.

The following day, two seafires from HMS Battler almost attacked an aircraft that did not show IFF but was at the last moment seen to be a Catalina that had been sent for convoy protection from Gibraltar without the convoy being aware of this.

During 11 and 12 June 1943, all escorts, except FFS Renoncule and FFS Roselys were topped off with fuel by the Oligargh.

At 1910Z/12, in position 37°58'N, 12°02'W, the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) joined as additional escort.

At 2000Z/12, the merchant vessels Baron Forbes and Clearpool parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lisbon. They took HrMs Flores and FFS Roselys with them as escorts.

At 1300Z/13, in position 36°21'N, 10°26'W, the convoy split up into convoy OS 49 which was to proceed to Freetown and convoy KMS 16G which was to proceed to Gibraltar / enter the Meditteranean.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy OS 49 was made up of the following merchant vessels;Bactria,Briarwood,Celtic Monarch,Congonian,Dan-Y-Bryn,De la Salle,Dunster Grange,Elg,Empire Simba,Fort Louisbourg,Ingleton,Lycaon,Makedonia,Meerkerk,Nebraska,Penrith Castle,Princ Andrej,Princesa,Salland,Sandown Castle,Schiaffino,Silverguard,Sydland,Theseus,Urbino,Vernon City and Wearwood.

Of the escorts HMS Keppel, ORP Burza, HMS Orchis, HMS Narcissus, FFS Aconit and FFS Lobelia remained with convoy OS 49.

At 2125Z/13, in position 34°26'N, 10°10'W, the Silverguava was forced to stop to make engine repairs. She rejoined the convoy around noon on the 15th.

At 0800Z/14, in position 33°26'N, 9°49'W, the Gibraltar and Casablanca sections joined convoy OS 49.

The Gibraltar section, made up of the merchant vessels City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914),Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918),Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923),Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930),Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925) and Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) had departed Gibraltar on 12 June and was escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR).

The Casablanca section, made up of the merchant vessels Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920),Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942),Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) had departed Casablanca on 13 June 1943 escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.R. Stoneleigh, USNR).

These patrol vessels then returned to Casablanca arriving on the 14th, taking the merchant vessels Dan-Y-Bryn and Ingleton with them.

On 19 June 1943, in position 19°15'N, 18°00'W, the merchant vessel Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927) and two ML's (unidentified) joined the convoy coming from Port Etienne.

At 2330Z/19, ORP Burza was detached to fuel at Dakar. She rejoined at 1300Z/20. HMS Keppel then left the convoy to also fuel at Dakar. The commanding officer of ORP Burza was then temporary the senior officer of the escort. HMS Keppel rejoined around 2100Z/20.

Around 1630Z/20, the following merchant vessels parted company to proceed to Dakar; Chelma, Fort Jemseg, Fort Steele, Grand Quevilly, Medie II and Palacio. They were escorted by the two (unidentified) ML's.

At 2000Z/20, in position 14°15'N, 17°53'W, with some delay, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942),Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937),Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) and Santa Margarita (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. W.A. Burnett, RNVR) and Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves which also joined the convoy.

At 0700Z/21, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1000Z/21, in position 12°25'N, 17°38'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bathurst; Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942) and Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919). They were escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Inkpen (T/Lt. H. Vernon, RNR) and three (unidentified) ML's. The Bactria was detached to Bathurst.

Starting at daylight on the 21st, some merchant vessels of the convoy were detached to proceed independently to their destinations.

On 23 June 1943 the remaining 16 ships of the convoy and the escort arrived at Freetown.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy KMS 16G was made up of the following merchant vessels;Arlesford,Antonio,Armadale,Beaconsfield,Belgian Airman,Biafra,Bruce M.,Canara,Cape Wrath,Charlton Hall,Clan Cameron,Clan Campbell,Corvus,Crackshot,Dago,Eastern City,Eastgate,Empire Baxter,Empire Friendship,Empire Gat,Empire Moon,Empire Ortolan,Empire Spinney,Empire Stalwart,Empire Thackeray,Empire Valour,Empire Wolfe,Fort Chipewyan,Gerard Dou,Helmwood,Iddesleigh,Jan,King Stephen,Lesto,Makefjell,Mathurda,Nyanza,Peebles,Rancher,Somerville,Speedfast,St. Clears,Tahsinia,Testbank and Vinriver.

The Salveda and Oligrargh were also part of convoy KMS 16G.

Of the escorts HMS Battler, HMS Tyrian, HMS Tuscan, HMS Atherstone, FFS Renoncule and HMS Sapper remained with convoy KMS 16G.

At 1930Z/13, the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar followed at 2130Z/13 by the escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN).

At 1000Z/14, HMS Battler parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar. She took HMS Tyrian and HMS Tumult with her as escorts. HMS Battler arrived at Gibraltar around 1730Z/14. Both destroyers then rejoined the convoy which arrived at Gibraltar around midnight during the night of 14/15 June. (44)

12 Jun 1943
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Bathurst. (43)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) departed Plymouth for Liverpool where she was to refit. (43)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) arrived at Liverpool from Plymouth. She was then taken in hand for refit at the Cammell Laird Shipyard (Order No. 9047R at Cammell Laird dated 16-06-1943, Admiralty number ER 7450).

[During this refit she was docked in the Gladstone Graving Dock for some time but the dates are not known to us at the moment.] (43)

Sources

1. ADM 53/115971
2. ADM 53/115972
3. ADM 53/115972 + ADM 53/116158
4. ADM 53/1165948 + ADM 53/115972
5. ADM 53/115972 + ADM 53/116159
6. ADM 199/427
7. ADM 199/1211
8. ADM 53/116884
9. ADM 53/115927 + ADM 53/115928 + ADM 53/115974 + ADM 53/115974 + ADM 53/116763 + ADM 53/116764
10. ADM 199/426
11. ADM 53/115928 + ADM 53/115975 + ADM 53/116764 + File 2.12.03.1611 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
12. ADM 53/115975
13. ADM 53/115976
14. ADM 53/115976 + ADM 53/115977
15. ADM 53/115977
16. ADM 53/115977 + File 2.12.03.1611 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
17. ADM 53/115978
18. ADM 53/115978 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for September 1942
19. ADM 53/115733 + ADM 199/1861
20. ADM 53/115438 + ADM 53/115979
21. ADM 53/115979 + ADM 199/1389 + File 2.12.03.1612 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands) + File 2.12.03.2099 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands) + File 2.12.03.5995 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
22. ADM 53/115979
23. ADM 199/115979
24. ADM 53/116540 + ADM 199/429
25. ADM 199/115980
26. ADM 53/115980
27. ADM 199/2250 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1942
28. ADM 53/115981
29. ADM 53/115440 + ADM 53/115981 + ADM 53/116518 + ADM 53/113366 + ADM 53/116769 + ADM 199/429
30. ADM 53/117561
31. ADM 53/117365 + ADM 53/117537 + ADM 53/117561 + ADM 53/117894 + ADM 53/118438 + ADM 53/118709
32. ADM 53/117365 + ADM 53/117537 + ADM 53/117561 + ADM 53/117894 + ADM 53/118460
33. ADM 53/117562
34. ADM 53/117366 + ADM 53/117562
35. File 2.12.03.6851 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
36. ADM 53/117563
37. ADM 53/117367 + ADM 53/117563
38. ADM 53/117123 + ADM 53/117367 + ADM 53/117563 + ADM 53/117619 + ADM 53/118440
39. ADM 53/117540 + ADM 53/117564 + ADM 53/117620 + ADM 53/117897 + ADM 53/118463
40. ADM 53/117124 + ADM 53/117564 + ADM 53/117704 + ADM 53/117897
41. ADM 53/117120 + ADM 53/117565 + ADM 53/117705 + ADM 53/117898 + ADM 53/118464 + ADM 53/118603
42. ADM 53/117565
43. ADM 199/2555
44. ADM 199/963 + ADM 199/2101

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.

Return to the Allied Warships section