Background Events

January-April 1945
Russians reach Germany, Indian Ocean operations, British inshore & Russian convoy battles continue, US takes Iwo Jima, British Pacific Fleet in action, Okinawa invaded, Defeat of Germany

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

JANUARY 1945

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

1st to 31st        Scapa

 

2. HMS IMPLACABLE

1st to 31st        Rosyth

 

ESCORT CARRIERS, ADMINISTERED BY REAR ADMIRAL COMMAND, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON

 

3. HMS CAMPANIA

12th                 Left Belfast for Clyde

13th                 Arrived Clyde

14th                 Left Clyde for Scapa

15th                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned Scapa

29-31st             Scapa

 

4. HMS NAIRANA

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

8th                   Left Scapa for Clyde for leave

9th                   Arrived Clyde

23rd                 Left Clyde for Scapa

24th                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned Scapa

29-31st             Scapa

 

5. HMS PREMIER

1st-5th              Clyde

5th                   Left Clyde

6th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29-31st             Scapa

 

6. HMS PUNCHER

31st                 Left Clyde for Scapa

 

7. HMS TRUMPETER

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

13th-31st          Scapa

 

8. HMS VINDEX

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63.

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde for docking and repairs.

23rd                 Arrived Clyde

23rd-31st          Clyde

 

Escort Carriers Temporarily attached

 

9. HMS CHASER

19th                 Arrived Scapa to carry out radar calibrations.

22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde

23rd                 Arrived Clyde

 

10. HMS QUEEN

19th                 Arrived Scapa to carry out radar calibrations

22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde

23rd                 Arrived Clyde    

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

11. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st-10th            Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa on SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

12th-31st          Scapa

 

12. HMS BERWICK

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

 

13. HMS DEVONSHIRE

1st-4th              Scapa

4th                   Left Scapa for Plymouth for docking and leave

6th                   Arrived Plymouth

7th                   Docked

23rd                 Left Plymouth for Scapa

25th                 Arrived Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

14. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63.

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63.

18th                 Arrived Faroes. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from VINDEX.

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation HALFBACK

28th                 Returned to Scapa

28st-31st          Scapa

 

15. HMS DIDO

1st to 10th        Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa

 

16. HMS BELLONA

1st-10th            Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave

15th                 Arrived Rosyth

15th-31st          Rosyth

 

17. HMS BIRMINGHAM

1st-13th            Portsmouth

13th                 Left Portsmouth for Scapa eastabout

14th                 Arrived Scapa

14th-31st          Scapa, working up        

 

18. HMS MAURITIUS

1st-4th              Scapa

4th                   Left Scapa

5th                   Arrived Greenock for bombardment training

14th                 Left Clyde for Iceland to collect stores

16th                 Arrived Iceland

18th                 Left Iceland for Clyde

20th                 Arrived Clyde

21st                 Left Clyde for Scapa

22nd                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation HALFBACK

28th                 Returned to Scapa

28th-31st          Scapa

 

Cruisers temporarily attached for working up

 

19. HMNZS UGANDA

1st                   Arrived Greenock from Scapa. Left for Gibraltar for Mediterranean Fleet to complete working up at Alexandria

 

Fast Minelayer temporarily attached for Operations

 

20. HMS APOLLO

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs to pump. Arrived Rosyth

8th                   Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Milford Haven

14th                 Arrived Liverpool

15th                 Left Liverpool

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

21. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)

1st-31st            Scapa

 

22. HMS GREENWICH

1st-31st            Scapa

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

23. HMS ZAMBESI (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

21st                 Arrived Scapa

21st-31st          Scapa

 

24. HMS ZEALOUS

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa.

                        Left Scapa for Rosyth, for boiler clean and leave

13th                 Arrived Rosyth

20th                 Left Rosyth, arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON.

25th                 Returned to Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa

 

25. HMS ZEBRA

1st-5th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

21st                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa escorting VINDEX to Clyde

23rd                 Arrived Clyde and left for Scapa escorting NAIRANA

24th                 Arrived Scapa

24-31st             Scapa

 

 

26. HMS ZENITH

1st-13th            Clyde

13th                 Left Clyde for Scapa to work up.

14th                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde with defective main turbine casting.

23rd                 Arrived Clyde for repairs.

23rd-31st          Clyde

 

27. HMS ZEPHYR

1st-8th              In dock Scapa for temporary repairs to mine damage.

8th                   Left Scapa for Dundee for permanent repairs.

9th-31st            Dundee

 

28. HMS ZEST

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

18th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth to escort QUEEN and CHASER to Scapa

19th                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa

25th-31st                      Scapa

 

29. HMS ZODIAC

2nd                  Left Scapa to rendezvous with RAVAGE and RANEE off May Island and escort them to Minches.

4th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa to escort CHASER and QUEEN while exercising East of Orkney.

22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde escorting VINDEX

23rd                  Arrived Clyde and left for Scapa escorting NAIRANA

24th                 Arrived Scapa

24th-31st          Scapa

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

30. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.

 

31. HMS CAMBRIAN

1st                   Left Scapa for Clyde

2nd                  Arrived Clyde to come temporarily under orders of Commander

                        In Chief, Western Approaches

 

32. HMS CAPRICE

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

33. HMS CARRON

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

15th                 Arrived Clyde to come under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approached to relieve ORIBI

15th-31st          Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

34. HMS CASSANDRA

1st-31st            Kola, action damage repairs.

 

35. HMS CAVALIER

2nd                  Left Portsmouth

4th                   Arrived Scapa to work up.

4th-31st           Scapa, working up.

 

36. HMS CAVENDISH

1st-2nd             Scapa

2nd                  Left Scapa to rendezvous with RAVAGER and RANEE off May Island and escort them to Minches

4th                   Returned to Scapa. Working up.

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation GRATIS

13th                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29st-31st          Scapa.

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

37. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-5th              Rosyth, refitting

5th                   Left Rosyth for Scapa

6th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa to escort CAMPANIA to Scapa and SMITER on to Rosyth.

15th                 Arrived Rosyth and left for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa.      

31st                 Left Scapa to attend convoy conference for JW 64 in Clyde.

 

38. HMS OBDURATE

1st-31st            Tyne, repairing

 

39. HMS OBEDIENT

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Humber for refit and leave.

14th-31st          Immingham, refitting.

 

40. HMS OFFA

1st                   Arrived Grimsby from Scapa.

1st-31st            Grimsby, refitting.

 

41. HMS ONSLAUGHT

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

5th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa to rendezvous with VENGEANCE and escort her to 58-40N, thence with

                       CAMPANIA to Scapa and SMITER to Rosyth.

15th                 Arrived Rosyth and left for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa.

25th-31st          Scapa

 

42. HMS OPPORTUNE

1st-7th              Grimsby, refitting

7th                   Left Grimsby for Scapa

8th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation “GRATIS”

13th                 Returned Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa

 

43. HMS ORIBI

1st-15th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

15th                 Left Western Approaches for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler clean and leave

25th                 Arrived Rosyth.

26th-31st          Rosyth

 

44. HMS ORWELL

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation SAMPLER

 5th                  Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SPELLBINDER

12th                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Operation CHARLTON

25th                 Returned to Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

45. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

1st                   At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa on Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

46. HMS SAVAGE

1st                   At Sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Belfast for boiler clean and repairs

23rd                 Arrived Belfast

23rd-31st          Belfast

 

47. HMS SCORPION

1st                   At Sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa on Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

48. HMS SCOURGE

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa on Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

30th                 Left Scapa, arrived Rosyth to boiler clean and leave

31st                 Rosyth

 

49. HMS SERAPIS

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Rosyth to boiler clean

23rd                 Arrived Rosyth

23rd-31st          Rosyth

 

50. HNorMS STORD       

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

21st                 Arrived Scapa

21st-31st          Scapa

 

51. HMCS ALGONQUIN

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola

11th                 Left Kola with RA 63

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

52. HMCS SIOUX

1st-8th              At sea with JW 63

8th                   Arrived Kola Inlet

11th                 Left Kola Inlet with RA 63

18th                 Arrived Faroes

20th                 Left Faroes for Scapa

21st                 Arrived Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Operation WINDED.

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31th          Scapa

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

53. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-4th              Tyne, refitting

4th                   Left Tyne for Clyde

6th                   Arrived Clyde

8th                   Left Clyde for Gibraltar and East Indies Station

 

54. HMS VENUS

1st-9th              Rosyth, refitting

9th                   Left Rosyth for Clyde

10th                 Arrived Clyde

11th                 Left Clyde for Gibraltar and East Indies Station

 

55. HMS VERULAM

1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

56. HMS VIGILANT

1st-7th              Sheerness, refitting

7th                   Left Sheerness for Milford Haven, thence to Gibraltar and East Indies Station

9th                   Rendezvoused with SAUMAREZ for onward passage

 

57. HMS VIRAGO

2nd                  Left Scapa to rendezvous with RAVAGER and RANEE off Aberdeen and escort them to Minches

4th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

8th                   Arrived Clyde

8th                   Left Clyde for Gibraltar and thence to East Indies Station

 

58. HMS VOLAGE

1st-9th              Rosyth, refitting

9th                   Left Rosyth for Clyde

10th                 Arrived Clyde

11th                 Left Clyde for Gibraltar and East Indies Station

 

 

Miscellaneous Destroyers

 

59. HMS BLACKMORE

1st-17th            Sheerness, refitting

17th                 Left Sheerness to Scapa

18th                 Arrived Scapa

18th-31st          Scapa, working up.

 

60. HMCS HURON

21st                 Left Cardiff

22nd                 Arrived Scapa

22nd-31st         Scapa, working up.

 

61. HMS JAVELIN

1st-12th            Liverpool, refitting

12th                 Left Liverpool

13th                 Arrived Scapa

13th-31st          Scapa, working up.

 

62. HMS PENN

1st-17th            Sheerness, refitting

17th                 Left Sheerness for Scapa for exercises.

18th                 Arrived Scapa

18-31st             Scapa, working up

 

63. HMS BARFLEUR

25th                 Left Tyne for Scapa. Arrived Scapa

25th-31st          Scapa, working up

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The flag of Vice-Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron, which was flown in VINDEX from 1st-18th for Operation GREYSTOKE, was transferred to DIADEM on 18th at the Faroes.

 

There were no other changes of flag during January.

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation GREYSTOKE (31st December 1944 to 21st January 1945)

 

The safe conduct of convoys JW 63 and RA 63 with Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in charge, flying his flag in VINDEX. No contact was made with the enemy; this is the first time that a North Russian convoy has been undetected. Bad weather scattered the convoy, escorts were hove to and re-assembled at the Faroes. There were minor mishaps and some weather damage, but no losses.

 

Forces taking part were VINDEX (Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), DIADEM, MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla), SAVAGE, ZAMBESI, SERAPIS, STORD, SCORPION, ALGONQUIN, ZEBRA, SCOURGE, SIOUX, CYGNET (Senior Officer, 7th Escort Group) LAPWING, KEPPEL, ALINGTON CASTLE, BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, LARK (Senior Officer 8th Escort Group), ALNWICK CASTLE, WESTCOTT, WALKER.

 

 

Operation SAMPLER (1st to 5th January 1945)

 

Object: To carry out a night sweep of the Leads between Sildegabet and Bradsmund.

           

Operation was cancelled owing to weather.

           

Forces taking part were: BERWICK, TRUMPETER, NAIRANA, ZEALOUS, ONSLAUGHT, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, CARRON, ZEST

 

 

Operation SPELLBINDER (10th to 12th January 1945)

 

The object of this operation which was carried out by Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, were (a) the destruction of shipping off the southwest coast of Norway), (b) minelaying to the west of Karmoy, (c) air cover for the withdrawal of all forces.

           

(a) A northbound convoy of 7 or 8 ships encountered attempting to enter Egersund. 3 or 4 ships were destroyers and all but one of the remainder left stopped and on fire. There were no casualties in spite of opposition from shore batteries.

           

(b) APOLLO laid mines according to plan and undetected.

           

Forces taking part were: NORFOLK (Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron), BELLONA, ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla), ORWELL, ONSLAUGHT, APOLLO, ZEALOUS, CARRON, DIDO, PREMIER, TRUMPETER, OPPORTUNE, CAVENDISH, ZEST, ZODIAC

 

 

Operation GRATIS (11th to 13th January 1945)

 

This operation provided air cover for SPELLBINDER (see above) and mines were laid in Salhusstrommen. There were no casualties.

           

Forces taking part were: DIDO, PREMIER, TRUMPETER, OPPORTUNE, CAVENDISH, ZEST, ZODIAC

 

 

Operation CHARLTON (22nd to 25th January 1945)

 

Object: To lay mines.

 

(a) in Lepsoyrev and Harmsfiord,

(b) in Skatestrommen and Aarumsund

           

It was abandoned owing to weather.

           

Forces taken part were: DIDO, PREMIER, TRUMPETER, CAMPANIA, ONSLOW (Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla), ORWELL, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, ZEST, ZEALOUS

 

 

Operation HALFBACK (27th to 28th January 1945)

 

Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM and MAURITIUS intercepted and engaged three enemy destroyers on passage south along the Norwegian coast. All three destroyers were hit but they escaped into the Leads. DIADEM and MAURITIUS each received one hit.

 

Casualties: 1 killed, 3 wounded.

 

 

Operation WINDED (27th-29th January 1945)

 

This was a night air sweep of the Norwegian leads, under BERWICK, in the convoy route between Sildegarbet and Bredsund. Swordfish from NAIRANA and CAMPANIA hit four merchant ships between of 1000 2500 tons with bombs and R.P. One was left burning, another aground. No casualties.

 

Forces taking part were: BERWICK, PREMIER, NAIRANA, CAMPANIA, MYNGS (Captain (D) 23rd Destroyer Flotilla), SCORPION, ALGONQUIN, SCOURGE, SIOUX, CAVENDISH.

           

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

FEBRUARY 1945

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

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

1st to 28th        Scapa

 

2. HMS IMPLACABLE

1st to 28th        Rosyth

 

ESCORT CARRIERS, ADMINISTERED BY REAR ADMIRAL COMMAND, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON

 

3. HMS CAMPANIA

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Flag of Fear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from NORFOLK.

                        Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa. Flag of Rear Admiral Command, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to NORFOLK

28th                 Left Scapa for Greenock

 

4. HMS NAIRANA

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa.

 

5. HMS PREMIER

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

23rd-28th          Scapa

 

6. HMS PUNCHER

1st                   Arrived Scapa from Clyde

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

23rd-28th          Scapa

 

7. HMS TRUMPETER

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

4th                   Returned to Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Clyde to clean boilers and give leave

6th-28th            Clyde

 

8. HMS VINDEX

1st-28th            Clyde, refitting

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

9. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to CAMPANIA for Operation HOTBED

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

12th                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from CAMPANIA

12th-28th          Scapa

 

10. HMS BERWICK

1st-28th            Scapa

 

11. HMS DEVONSHIRE

1st-11th            Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

13th-28th          Scapa

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

12. HMS BIRMINGHAM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st-28th           Scapa

20th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIDO for Operation GROUNDSHEET.

23rd                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIDO

 

13. HMS BELLONA

2nd                  Left Rosyth for Scapa

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa

 

14. HMS DIADEM

1st                   Left Scapa for Tyne for docking, repairs and leave

2nd                  Arrived Tyne

2nd-28th           Tyne                

 

15. HMS DIDO

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

12th                 Returned to Scapa

20th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BIRMINGHAM

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to BIRMINGHAM

23rd-28th          Scapa

 

16. HMS MAURITIUS

1st-23rd            Scapa

23rd                 Left Scapa for Liverpool to refit

24th                 Arrived Liverpool

24th-28th          Liverpool

 

Polish Cruiser attached to Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

17. ORP CONRAD

16th                 Left Portsmouth

17th                 Arrived Scapa

17th-28th          Scapa, working up

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

18. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)

1st-28th            Scapa

 

19. HMS GREENWICH

1st-28th            Scapa

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

20. HMS ZAMBESI (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

14th                 Left Kola for Soroy to carry out Operation OPENDOOR

15th                 Arrived and left Soroy for Kola

16th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa

 

21. HMS ZEALOUS

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

14th                 Left Kola for Soroy to carry out Operation OPENDOOR

15th                 Arrived and left Soroy

16th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

25th                 Arrived Faroes

26th                 Left Faroes

28th                 Clyde

 

22. HMS ZEBRA

1st                   Left Scapa for Clyde

2nd                  Arrived Clyde

3rd                   Left Clyde with JW 64

6th                   Arrived Faroes for repairs

7th                   Left Faroes to overtake JW 64. Owing to weather, this was not possible, so returned to Scapa

8th                   Arrived Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64

25th                 Arrived Faroes

26th                 Left Faroes

28th                 Arrived Scapa

 

23.  ZENITH

1st-28th            Clyde, repairs

 

24. HMS ZEPHYR

1st-28th            Dundee, action damage repairs

 

25. HMS ZEST

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

14th                 Left Kola for Soroy to carry out Operation OPENDOOR

15th                 Arrived and left Soroy

16th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa

 

26. HMS ZODIAC

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Southampton for completion of armament

8th                   Arrived Southampton

8th-28th            Southampton

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

27. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-28th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.

 

28. HMS CAMBRIAN

1st-28               Detached to Commander In Chief, Western Approaches

 

29. HMS CAPRICE

1st-28th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

30. HMS CARRON

1st-28th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

31. HMS CASSANDRA

1st-28th            Kola, repairs

 

32. HMS CAVALIER

1st-11th            Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64

27th                 Arrived Scapa

28th                 Left Scapa to escort CAMPANIA and RAVAGER to Clyde

 

33. HMS CAVENDISH

1st-11th            Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa to come temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief,

                       Western Approaches

14th                 Arrived Clyde

14th-28th          Detached         

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

34. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st                   Arrived Clyde for JW 64 convoy conference

3rd                   Left Clyde

4th                   Arrived Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa   

 

35. HMS OBDURATE

1st-28th            Tyne, repairing

 

36. HMS OBEDIENT

1st-28th            Humber, refitting

 

37. HMS OFFA

1st-28th            Grimsby, refitting

 

38. HMS ONSLAUGHT

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Clyde for boiler clean and leave

 

39. HMS OPPORTUNE

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Operation HOTBED

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

25th                 Arrived Faroes

26th                 Left Faroes

27th                 Arrived Scapa

 

40. HMS ORIBI

 1st-3rd             Rosyth, boiler cleaning

3rd                   Left Rosyth for Clyde

4th                   Arrived Clyde

4th-14th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

15th                 Arrived and left Liverpool.

17th                 Arrived Humber for refit.

17th-28th          Humber

 

41. HMS ORWELL

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa escorting H.Nor.M.T. OKSOY to join JW 64

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived and left Faroes

27th                 Arrived Scapa

28th                 Left Scapa for Humber for conversion to minelaying

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

42. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twentythird Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-10th            Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64

27th                 Arrived and left Faroes

28th                 Returned to Faroes

 

43. HMS SAVAGE

1st-9th              Belfast, boiler cleaning

9th                   Left Belfast for Scapa

10th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64

26th                 Arrived and left Faroes

28th                 Arrived Scapa

 

44. HMS SCORPION

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation GROUNDSHEET

23rd                 Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64.

27th                 Arrived and left Faroes

28th                 Returned to Faroes

 

45. HMS SCOURGE

1st-10th            Rosyth, boiler cleaning

10th                 Left Rosyth for Scapa. Arrived Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Operation SELENIUM

13th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa to reinforce escort of RA 64.

26th                 Arrived and left Faroes

28th                 Arrived Clyde

 

46. HMS SERAPIS

1st                   Left Rosyth. Arrived Aberdeen for stores

2nd                  Left Aberdeen. Arrived Scapa

4th                   Left Scapa with DENBIGH CASTLE and BLACK RANGER to rendezvous with JW 64

13th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived and left Faroes

28th                 Arrived Clyde

 

47. HNorMS STORD       

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs and leave

6th                   Arrived Tyne

6th-28th            Tyne

 

48. HMCS ALGONQUIN

1st                   Left Scapa to rendezvous with PUNCHER in Minches and escort her to Scapa. Arrived Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Greenock. Arrived Greenock for stores. Left Greenock for Halifax for refit

12th                 Arrived Halifax

12th-28th          Halifax             

 

49. HMCS SIOUX

1st                   Left Scapa to rendezvous with PUNCHER in Minches and escort her to Scapa. Arrived Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation KITCHEN

4th                   Returned to Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel then join JW 64 on 5th. Arrived and left Skaalefiord

13th                 Arrived Kola

14th                 Left Kola for Soroy to carry out Operation OPENDOOR

15th                 Arrived and left Soroy for Kola

16th                 Arrived Kola

17th                 Left Kola

27th                 Arrived Scapa              

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

50. HMS BARFLEUR

1st-7th              Scapa, working up.

8th                   Left Scapa . Arrived Moville for fuel. Left Moville for Gibraltar to continue working up in Mediterranean.

 

51. HMS BLACKMORE

2nd                  Left Scapa for Sheerness to join Nore Command

 

52. HMS CARYSFORT

26th                 Left Spithead for Scapa to work up.

27th                 Arrived Scapa

 

53. HMCS HAIDA

27th                 Arrived Scapa to work up.

 

54. HMCS HURON

1st-10th            Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa to escort RAVAGER from Minches to Duncansby Head.. Returned to Scapa

12th                 Left Scapa for Greenock thence to Plymouth to operation under the orders of Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

55. HMS JAVELIN

2nd                  Left Scapa for Clyde for onward routeing to Mediterranean

3rd                   Arrived Clyde

5th                   Left Clyde for Gibraltar

9th                   Arrived Gibraltar

 

56. HMS PENN

2nd                  Left Scapa for Clyde for onward routeing to East Indies

3rd                   Arrived Clyde

5th                   Left Clyde for Gibraltar

9th                   Arrived Gibraltar

 

57. HMS ULYSSES

25th                 Left Chatham for Scapa to work up

26th                 Arrived Scapa

26th-28th          Scapa  

 

58. HMS VERULAM

1st-5th              Humber, refitting

5th                   Left Humber for Scapa

6th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa to escort RAVAGER from Minches to Duncansby Head. Returned to Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Greenock

20th                 Arrived Greenock

 

Tenth Minesweeping Flotilla (Temporarily attached for Operation SHRED)

 

59. HMS COURIER (Senior Officer, Tenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

60. HMS SHILLAY 

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

61. HMS HARE

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

82. HMS JEWEL

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

63. HMS WAVE

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

64. HMS SERENE

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

65. HMS GOLDEN FLEECE

17th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa for Operation SHRED

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa

28th                 Arrived Rosyth

 

M.T.B.s

 

On 20 February, the Commander in Chief took over operational control of M.T.B. Flotillas operating from Lerwick, Shetlands, from Admiral Command, Orkney and Shetland

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

First Cruiser Squadron - Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred his flag from NORFOLK to CAMPANIA for Operation HOTBED from 5th -27th.

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser squadron which was being flown in BIRMINGHAM during DIADEM’s absence, docking, was transferred to DIDO for Operation GROUNDSHEET from 20th – 23rd.

 

On 20th, the Orkney and Shetland Operational Sea Area was abolished and the area absorbed into the operational control of Commander in Chief, Rosyth.

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation HOTBED (3rd to 27th February 1945)

 

The safe conduct of JW 64 and RA 64 with Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in charge.

           

JW 64 arrived safely, although attacked by enemy aircraft. DENBIGH CASTLE was torpedoed outside Kola, but was towed in and beached where she capsized. The U-Boat was sunk by LARK.

           

RA 64. BLUEBELL was sunk by a torpedo and LARK was torpedoed, but returned to Kola. 1 Merchant ship was sunk by U-boat and 1 by aircraft. 2 merchant vessels were torpedoed in the Kola Inlet before joining the convoy (from the White Sea). Extremely bad weather was also encountered, the convoy being hove-to twice for 24 hours.

           

The convoys were attacked by over 50 sorties of enemy aircraft and shot down 12: 12:17 (?).

           

Force taking part were: CAMPANIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron), NAIRANA, BELLONA, ONLOW (Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla), ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, ORWELL, SERAPIS, SIOUS, ZAMBESI (Captain (D) 2nd Destroyer Flotilla), ZEST, ZEALOUS, ZEBRA (defects at Faroes – unable to overtake convoy and returned to Scapa), CYGNET (Senior Officer, Escort Group), LAPWING, LARK, WHITEHALL, ALNWICK CASTLE, DENBIGH CASTLE, BLUEBELL, RHODODENDRON, BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, R.A.A. BLACK RANGER, ZEBRA, SCOURTE, SAVAGE, MYNGS, SCORPION, CAVALIER.  

 

 

Operation KITCHEN (3rd to 4th February 1945)

 

Mines were to have been laid in Salhusstrommen, but the operation was abandoned owing to weather.

 

Forces taking part were: DIDO, PREMIER, TRUMPETER, SCORPION, ALGONQUIN, SIOUX, ZODIAC

 

 

Operation SELENIUM (10th to 13th February 1945)

 

The first object was to destroy shipping between Bud and Kvatholm, but no shipping was encountered. Secondly, to lay mines at Skatestrommen which was done without casualties or damage.

 

Forces taking part were: NORFOLK, DIDO, MYNGS (Captain (D) 23rd Destroyer Flotilla), SCORPION, SAVAGE, DEVONSHIRE, PUNCHER, PREMIER, CAVENDISH, CAVALIER, SCOURGE, ZEBRA

 

 

Operation SHRED and GROUNDSHEET (21st to 23February 1945)

 

The object of SHRED was for the Tenth Minesweeping Flotilla to sweep a channel through QZX 1452, which was achieved. No mines were cut.

           

GROUNDSHEET was a minelaying operation by aircraft in Salhusstrommen and provide fighter cover for the Tenth Minesweeping Flotilla. 1 Do 24 was destroyed at its moorings and buildings on shore shot up. 2 Barracudas were lost.

           

Forces taking part were: DIDO (Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), PUNCHER, PREMIER, MYNGS (Captain (D) 23rd Destroyer Flotilla), CAVALIER, SCORPION. COURIER (Senior Officer, Tenth Minesweeping Flotilla), HARE, JEWEL, WAVE, SERENE, GOLDEN FLEECE, R.M.L. 551, R.M.L. 545

 

 

Operation OPENDOOR (14th to 15th February 1945)

 

The evacuation of the Norwegian island of Soroy was carried out by ZAMBESI (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla), ZEST, ZEALOUS, and HMCS SIOUX (escorts of JW/RA 64) from Kola. Over 500 Norwegian civilians were taken from this German occupied island. They returned to the United Kingdom from Kola in ships of RA 64.

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

MARCH 1945

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

1st to 31st        Scapa

 

2. HMS ANSON

1st-31st            Plymouth, refitting

31st                 Left Plymouth for Scapa

 

3. HMS IMPLACABLE

1st to 12th        Rosyth

12th                 Left Rosyth

13th                 Arrived Scapa for D/F calibration

16th                 Left Scapa for Gibraltar for onward routing to Far East

 

ESCORT CARRIERS, ADMINISTERED BY REAR ADMIRAL COMMAND, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON

 

4. HMS CAMPANIA

1st-12th            Greenock

12th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS DIADEM.

                       Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH.

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM

 

5. HMS NAIRANA

1st-24th            Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

31st                 Left Scapa for Greenock

 

6. HMS PREMIER

1st-19th            Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa

23rd                 Arrived Clyde to boiler clean and give leave

23rd-31st          Clyde

 

7. HMS PUNCHER

1st-24th            Scapa

19th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from SEARCHER

21st                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to SEARCHER.

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

8. HMS QUEEN

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa to join Home Fleet

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

9. HMS SEARCHER (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa to join Home Fleet

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

11th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from NORFOLK.

19th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to PUNCHER.

                       Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from PUNCHER

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX.

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

10. HMS TRUMPETER

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

13th                  Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

11. HMS VINDEX

1st-31st            Clyde, refitting

 

A/C Maintenance Ship (Temporarily Attached)

 

12. HMS PIONEER

12th                 Left Rosyth

13th                 Arrived Scapa for D/F Calibration

21st                 Left Scapa

22nd                 Arrived Belfast

           

First Cruiser Squadron

 

13. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st-11th            Scapa

11th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to SEARCHER.

                       Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave.

12th                 Arrived Rosyth

12th-31st          Rosyth

 

14. HMS BERWICK

1st-8th              Scapa

8th                   Left Scapa for Loch Ewe

9th                   Arrived Loch Ewe

14th                 Left Loch Ewe, arrived Scapa

14th-31st          Scapa

 

15. HMS DEVONSHIRE

1st-31st            Scapa

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

16. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st-4th              Tyne, docking and repairs

4th                   Left Tyne, arrived Rosyth

5th                   Left Rosyth

6th                   Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BIRMINGHAM

8th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

9th                   Arrived Clyde for JW 65 convoy conference

12th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Ten Cruiser Squadron, transferred to CAMPANIA. Left Clyde

13th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH.

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, transferred from CAMPANIA.

                       

17. HMS BIRMINGHAM

1st-31st            Scapa

6th                   Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM.

 

18. HMS BELLONA

1st-19th            Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa on Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

19. HMS DIDO

1st-24th            Scapa

 24th                 Left Scapa for MUSCULAR and PREFIX

 29th                Returned to Scapa

 29th-31st         Scapa

 

20. HMS MAURITIUS

 1st-31st           Liverpool, refitting

 

Polish Cruiser attached to Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

21. ORP CONRAD

1st-31st            Scapa

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

22. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)

1st-31st            Scapa

 

23. HMS GREENWICH

1st-31st            Scapa

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

24. HMS ZAMBESI (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Leith for docking and boiler clean

4th                   Arrived Leith

11th                 Left Firth of Forth

12th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

25. HMS ZEALOUS

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

4th                   Left Scapa for U-boat hunt west of Orkney

5th                   Returned to Scapa

12th                 Left Scapa.

13th                 Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean and leave

19th                 Left Rosyth

20th                 Arrived Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa escorting PIONEER

22nd                 Arrived and left Belfast

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa  

                       

26. HMS ZEBRA

1st-12th            Scapa

12th                 Left Scapa

14th                 Arrived Liverpool for docking and repairs

14th-31st          Liverpool.

 

27. HMS ZENITH

1st-31st            Clyde, repairs

 

28. HMS ZEPHYR

 1st-31st           Dundee, repairs

 

29. HMS ZEST

1st                   Scapa

2nd                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

3rd                   Arrived Rosyth

11th                 Left Scapa to rendezvous with IMPLACABLE and escort her to Scapa

13th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa

15th                 Arrived Londonderry, for temporary duties under Command in Chief, Western Approaches

18th                 Arrived Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

30. HMS ZODIAC

1st-28th            Southampton

28th                 Left Southampton for Plymouth to escort ANSON to Scapa. Arrived Plymouth

28th-31st          Plymouth

31st                 Left Plymouth escorting ANSON to Scapa

           

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

31. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.

 

32. HMS CAMBRIAN

1st-31st            Detached to Commander In Chief, Western Approaches

 

33. HMS CAPRICE

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

34. HMS CARRON

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

35. HMS CASSANDRA

1st-31st            Kola, repairs

 

36. HMS CAVALIER

1st                   Arrived Clyde

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

37. HMS CAVENDISH

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

38. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Tyne for minor repairs

18th                 Left Tyne. Arrived Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

39. HMS OBDURATE

1st-31st            Tyne, repairing

 

40. HMS OBEDIENT

1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

41. HMS OFFA

1st-30th            Humber, refitting

30th                  Left Humber for Plymouth

31st                 Left Plymouth escorting ANSON to Scapa

 

42. HMS ONSLAUGHT

1st-12th            Clyde, boiler cleaning

12th                 Left Clyde on Operation SCOTTISH. In collision with RFA BLACK RANGER off Oversay

13th                 Returned to Clyde

20th                 Left Clyde; arrived Belfast, for docking and repairs

20th-31st          Belfast

 

43. HMS OPPORTUNE

1st-10th            Humber, boiler cleaning

10th                 Left Humber

11th                 Arrived Scapa

12th                 Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

31st                 Arrived Clyde

 

44. HMS ORIBI

1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

45. HMS ORWELL

1st-10th            Humber, boiler cleaning

10th                 Left Humber

11th                 Arrived Scapa

12th                 Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

31st                 Arrived Clyde

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

46. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

1st                   Left Faroes

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

9th                   Left Scapa

10th                 Arrived Clyde

12th                 Left Clyde for Operation SCOTTISH

13th                 Arrived Faroes

14th                 Left Faroes to rejoin convoy

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

47. HMS SAVAGE

1st-13th            Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

           

48. HMS SCORPION

1st                   Left Faroes

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

8th                   Left Scapa

9th                   Arrived Clyde

12th                 Left Clyde for Operation SCOTTISH

13th                 Arrived Faroes

14th                 Left Faroes to rejoin convoy

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

49. HMS SCOURGE

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Operation SCOTTISH

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

50. HMS SERAPIS

1st-2nd             Clyde

2nd                  Left Clyde for Scapa

3rd                   Arrived Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt

12th                 Returned to Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operation MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

30th                 Left Scapa

31st                 Arrived Humber for refit

 

51. HNorMS STORD       

1st                   Left Tyne for Scapa

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

4th                   Left Scapa for U-boat hunt west of Orkney

5th                   Returned to Scapa

9th                   Left Scapa

10th                 Arrived Clyde

12th                 Left Clyde for Operation SCOTTISH

13th                 Arrived Faroes

14th                 Left Faroes to rejoin convoy

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa

 

52. HMCS ALGONQUIN

1st-31st            Halifax, refitting

                       

53. HMCS SIOUX

1st                   Scapa

2nd                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

3rd                   Arrived Rosyth

9th                   Left Rosyth

10th                 Arrived Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt

12th                 Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa to escort CAMPANIA from Minches

14th                 Arrived Faroes. Left Faroes to rejoin convoy

20th                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

30th                 Arrived Scapa   

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

54. HMS CARYSFORT

1st-12th            Scapa, working up

12th                 Left Scapa to escort NORFOLK to Rosyth, then IMPLACABLE and PIONEER to Scapa

13th                 Returned to Scapa

16th                 Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to 55N

19th                 Returned to Scapa

21st                 Left Scapa escorting PIONEER

22nd                 Arrived and left Belfast

23rd                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

55. HMCS HAIDA

1st-13th            Scapa, working up

13th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt west of Orkney

14th                 Returned to Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX

29th                 Returned to Scapa

30th                 Left Scapa for Liverpool

31st                 Arrived Liverpool to come temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

56. HMCS HURON

31st                 Left Plymouth, escorting ANSON to Scapa

 

57. HMS ULYSSES

1st-9th              Scapa, working up

9th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

10th                 Arrived Clyde

 

58. HMS TARTAR (Captain (D) Tenth Destroyer Flotilla)

5th                   Arrived Scapa from Plymouth for exercises

9th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

10th                 Arrived Clyde

 

59. HMS TERPSICHORE

12th                 Left Plymouth

13th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for U-boat hunt west of Orkney

14th                 Returned to Scapa

16th                 Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to Gibraltar

 

60. HMS TUMULT

9th                   Left Plymouth

10th                 Arrived Scapa to work up.

11th                 Left Scapa escorting NORFOLK, then to rendezvous with IMPLACABLE and escort her to Scapa

13th                 Returned to Scapa

16th                 Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to Gibraltar

 

61. HMCS IROQUOIS

17th                 Left Plymouth

18th                 Arrived Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Operation CUPOLA

21st                 Returned to Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa escorting PREMIER

24th                 Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa for Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX.

29th                 Returned to Scapa

29th-31st          Scapa

 

62. HMS PETARD

18th                 Left St Helens

20th                 Arrived Scapa for exercises

20th-31st          Scapa

 

Polish destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

63. ORP KRAKOWIAK

3rd                   Left Fort William

4th                   Arrived Scapa to work up

19th                 Left Scapa

20th                 Arrived Harwich

 

64. ORP GARLAND

31st                 Left Plymouth escorting ANSON to Scapa

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

On 1st March the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet took over the Orkney and Shetland Command, including the duties of Fortress Commander, Orkney; the flag of Vice Admiral Sir Henry Harwood, KCB, OBE, Admiral Commanding, Orkney and Shetland, was struck in IRON DUKE at sunset. The Flag of Rear Admiral P. MacNamara, CB, CBE, Flag Officer, Orkney and Admiral Superintendent, Orkney, was hoisted in PROSERPINE.

 

First Cruiser Squadron - Flag of Rear Admiral Command, First Cruiser Squadron was transferred on 11th from NORFOLK to SEARCHER when the former went to dock in Rosyth; it was transferred to PUNCHER 19-21st for Operation CUPOLA.

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron - Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron was transferred on 6th from BIRMINGHAM to DIADEM and on 12th to CAMPANIA for Operation SCOTTISH. IT was transferred back to DIADEM on 30th.

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation SCOTTISH, 11 – 30 March

 

Object: The safe passage of convoys JW and RA 65 to and from North Russia.

 

Forces taking part:

(Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) CAMPANIA, TRUMPETER, DIADEM

(Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla) MYNGS, SCORPION, SCOURGE, SIOUX, STORD, SAVAGE, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, ORWELL

(Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla) ZAMBESI

Seventh Escort Group LAPWING, ALINGTON CASTLE, ALNWICK CASTLE, FARNHAM CASTLE, CAMELLIA, OXLIP, HONEYSUCKLE, RFA BLUE RANGER

 

Remarks: ONSLAUGHT damaged in collision with RFA BLACK RANGER and returned to Clyde. LAPWING and 1 merchant ship torpedoed and sunk off Kola, another merchant ship torpedoed and beached. RA 65 arrived United Kingdom without loss or damage

 

 

Operation TRAWL

 

This Operation was never mounted owing to the number of destroyers damaged by weather in RA 64.

 

It was to have been a night sweep in the Leads between Sildegabet and Bredsund by BERWICK, PUNCHER, NAIRANA, SEARCHER, and six destroyers

 

 

Operation CUPOLA, 19th – 29th March

 

Object: to lay mines in the Southern entrance to Askenvold anchorage (61-19.5N, 05-04E)

 

Forces taking part: BELLONA, SEARCHER, PREMIER, QUEEN, (D 17) ONSLOW, ZEST, SERAPIS, HAIDA, IROQUOIS

 

Remarks: Mines laid successfully. One enemy M/V sunk. As a result, traffic was diverted and attacked by M.T.B.s.

 

 

Operations MUSCULAR and PREFIX, 24th – 29th March

 

Object: To destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast

PREFIX: Day strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.

MUSCULAR: Night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund

PREFIX 2: Day strike depending on circumstances.

 

Forces taking Part: (CS 10) (n.b. pen correction shows CS 1) SEARCHER, PUNCHER, NAIRANA, QUEEN, BELLONA, DIDO, (D 17) ONSLOW, SERAPIS, CARYSFORT, ZEST, ZEALOUS, HAIDA, IROQUOIS.

 

Remarks: No sizable shipping encountered but two fighters attacked merchant ships and minesweepers. Attack by six to nine ME 109Gs resulted in three being shot down by Wildcats and two being damaged.

 

PREFIX 2: Two ships and flak positions at Aalsund and W/T station at Vikero bombed.

 

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

APRIL 1945

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

1st to 30th        Scapa

 

2. HMS RENOWN

1st                   Left Far East for Scapa

14th                 Arrived Scapa from Far East

15th                  Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth to give leave

15th-30th          Rosyth

 

Battleships attached to Second Battle Squadron for working up

 

3. HMS ANSON

1st                   Sea – on passage to Scapa from Plymouth

2nd                  Arrived Scapa to do preliminary work up

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

4. HMS DUKE OF YORK

1st-4th              Liverpool

4th                   Left Liverpool for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa to do preliminary work up

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

 

ESCORT CARRIERS, ADMINISTERED BY REAR ADMIRAL COMMAND, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON

 

5. HMS CAMPANIA

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

7th                   Arrived Clyde for docking and leave, then to continue squadron

                        Training under Flag Officer Carrier Training

 

6. HMS NAIRANA

1st                   Scapa

1st-30th            Clyde. Reduced to 3/5 complement

 

7. HMS PREMIER

1st-17th            Clyde, boiler cleaning

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At Sea

 

8. HMS PUNCHER

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

21st                 Arrived Clyde for docking and leave

21st-30th          Clyde

 

9. HMS QUEEN

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

12th-30th          Scapa

 

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

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

16th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS NORFOLK.

12th-30th          Scapa

 

11. HMS TRUMPETER

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

12-30th             Scapa

 

12. HMS VINDEX

1st-5th              Clyde, refitting

5th                   Proceeded to Tail of Bank

17th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS DIADEM. Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

13. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st-12th            Rosyth, docking

12th                 Left Rosyth for Scapa

13th                 Arrived Scapa

16th                 Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS SEARCHER

13th-30th          Scapa

 

14. HMS BERWICK

1st-15th            Scapa

15th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave. Arrived Rosyth

15-30th             Rosyth

 

15. HMS DEVONSHIRE

1st-30th            Scapa

 

Cruiser Attached to First Cruiser Squadron for working up

 

16. HMS SUSSEX

1st-5th              Chatham

5th                   Left Chatham for Scapa

6th                   Arrived Scapa to do preliminary work up

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

17. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Clyde

6th                   Arrived Clyde

8th                   Left Clyde

9th                   Arrived Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

14th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS VINDEX for

                       Operation ROUNDEL.

21st                 Left Clyde

22nd                 Arrived Scapa

22nd-30th         Scapa

 

18. HMS BIRMINGHAM

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa to support destroyers in Operation INVECTIVE.

18th                 Returned to Scapa

18th-30th          Scapa

           

 

19. HMS BELLONA

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

18th                 Left Scapa for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

20. HMS DIDO

1st                   Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa to cover Operation FOXCHASE

4th                   Arrived Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation TRAMMEL

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived Scapa

28th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave

29th                 Arrived Rosyth

29th-30th          Rosyth

 

21. HMS MAURITIUS

 1st-30st           Liverpool, refitting

 

Polish Cruiser attached to Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

22. ORP CONRAD

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Chatham for docking

7th                   Arrived Sheerness

7th-30th            Sheerness

 

Cruisers attached for working up

 

23. HMS BERMUDA

1st-11th            Clyde, refitting

11th                 Left Clyde

12th                 Arrived Scapa to work up

12th-30th          Scapa

 

24. HMS CLEOPATRA

1st-22nd           Clyde

22nd                 Left Clyde for Scapa to do preliminary work up

23rd                 Arrived Scapa

23rd-30th          Scapa

 

Fast minelayer temporarily attached for Operations

 

25. HMS APOLLO

4th                   Left Milford Haven for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for minelaying near Oversay thence to Milford Haven

8th                   Milford Haven, arrived

15th                 Left Milford Haven for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation TRAMMEL

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left Faroes

27th                 Arrived Milford Haven

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

26. HMS ZAMBESI (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation INVESTIVE

18th                 Returned to Scapa

18th-30th          Scapa

 

27. HMS ZEPHYR

1st-11th            Dundee, repairs

11th                 Left Dundee for Scapa

12th                 Arrived Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

14th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

28. HMS ZEALOUS

1st                   Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation FOXCHASE

4th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt in Minches, thence Clyde

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

                       

29. HMS ZEBRA

1st-30th            Liverpool, docking

 

30. HMS ZENITH

1st-30th            Clyde, repairs

 

31. HMS ZEST

1st                   Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation FOXCHASE

4th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde, carrying out U-boat hunt in Minches

                        en route, thence Moville for fuel

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

32. HMS ZODIAC

2nd                  Arrived Scapa from Plymouth

10th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt

11th                 Returned Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde carrying out U-boat hunt en route

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

           

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

33. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches, and docking

 

34. HMS CAMBRIAN

1st-30th            Detached to Commander In Chief, Western Approaches

10th                 Left Clyde to escort RENOWN to Scapa

14th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Greenock

15th                 Arrived Clyde

 

35. HMS CAPRICE

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

24th                 Left Clyde for Scapa. Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa escorting ANSON, DUKE OF YORK, and SUSSEX, thence to Falmouth, being detached.

 

36. HMS CARRON

1st                   Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

4th                   Left Liverpool with DUKE OF YORK for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA to Clyde

7th                   Arrived Clyde

10th                 Left Clyde to escort RENOWN to Scapa

14th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Liverpool.

15th                 Arrived Liverpool.

24th                 Left Clyde for Scapa. Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa escorting ANSON, DUKE OF YORK, and SUSSEX thence to Falmouth on being detached

 

37. HMS CASSANDRA

1st-30th            Kola, repairs

 

38. HMS CAVALIER

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

39. HMS CAVENDISH

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

4th                   Left Liverpool with DUKE OF YORK for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Clyde escorting CAMPANIA to Clyde

7th                   Arrived Clyde

10th                 Left Clyde to escort RENOWN to Scapa

14th                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Liverpool.

15th                 Arrived Liverpool

24th                 Left Clyde for Scapa. Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa escorting ANSON, DUKE OF YORK, and SUSSEX thence to Falmouth on being detached.

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

40. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation FOXCHASE

4th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Sheerness

14th                 Arrived Sheerness

14th-30th          Refitting

 

41. HMS OBDURATE

1st-10th            Tyne, refitting

10th                 Left Tyne for Scapa

11th                 Arrived Scapa to work up

11th-30th          Scapa

 

42. HMS OBEDIENT

1st-4th              Humber, refitting

4th                   Left Humber for Rosyth

5th                   Arrived and left Rosyth

6th                   Arrived Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for minelaying near Oversay

8th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for U-boat hunt

11th                 Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Milford Haven to embark mines

14th                 Arrived Milford Haven

15th                 Left Milford Haven for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation TRAMMEl.

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived Scapa

26th-30th          Scapa

                       

43. HMS OFFA

2nd                  Arrived Scapa from Plymouth

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde, carrying out U-boat hunt en route

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

19th                 Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left Faroes to rejoin convoy

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

44. HMS ONSLAUGHT

1st-30th            Belfast, repairs

 

45. HMS OPPORTUNE

1st                   Left Clyde for Scapa

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Rosyth. Arrived Rosyth

5th                   Left Rosyth for Scapa laying mines en route

6th                   Arrived Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for minelaying near Oversay

8th                   Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Milford Haven to embark mines

14th                 Arrived Milford Haven

15th                 Left Milford Haven for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation TRAMMEL

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived Scapa

26th-30th          Scapa

 

46. HMS ORIBI

1st-30th            Humber, refitting

 

47. HMS ORWELL

1st                   Left Clyde for Scapa

2nd                  Arrived Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Rosyth. Arrived Rosyth

5th                   Left Rosyth for Scapa laying mines en route

6th                   Arrived Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for minelaying near Oversay

8th                   Returned to Scapa

13th                 Left Scapa for Milford Haven to embark mines

14th                 Arrived Milford Haven

15th                 Left Milford Haven for Scapa

16th                 Arrived Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation TRAMMEL

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola

26th                 Arrived Scapa

26th-30th          Scapa

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

48. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

1st                   Left Scapa for Portsmouth for completion of D.C.T. and Fire Control.

3rd                   Arrived Portsmouth

3rd-30th            Refitting

           

49. HMS SAVAGE

1st-17th            Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation INVECTIVE

18th                 Returned to Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa to escort PUNCHER to Clyde

21st                 Arrived Clyde

22nd                 Left Clyde for Scapa

23rd                 Arrived Scapa

23rd-30th          Scapa

 

50. HMS SCORPION

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation INVESTIVE

18th                 Returned to Scapa

19th                 Left Scapa for Hull to refit

20th                 Arrived Hull

20th-30th          Refitting

 

51. HMS SCOURGE

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

15th                 Left Scapa escorting RENOWN to Rosyth

16th                 Returned to Scapa

17th                 Left Scapa for Operation INVECTIVE

18th                 Returned to Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa to escort PUNCHER to Clyde

21st                 Arrived Clyde

22nd                 Left Clyde for Scapa

23rd                 Arrived Scapa

23rd-30th          Scapa

 

52. HMS SERAPIS

1st-30th            Humber, refitting

 

53. HNorMS STORD       

1st-13th            Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde, carrying out U-boat hunt in Minches en route

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

54. HMCS ALGONQUIN

1st-30th            Canada, refitting

                       

55. HMCS SIOUX

1st-6th              Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa escorting ORP CONRAD as far as Moray Firth, returning with SUSSEX to Scapa

6th                   Arrived and left Scapa for Greenock

7th                   Arrived Greenock

15th                 Left Greenock for Canada to refit

19th                 Arrived Canada

29th-30th          Refitting

                       

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

56. HMS BARFLEUR

22nd                 Left Portsmouth for Scapa

23rd                 Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

57. HMS TUSCAN

22nd                 Left Portsmouth for Scapa

23rd                 Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

58. HMS TYRIAN

19th                 Left Sheerness to shake down

20th                 Arrived Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

59. HMCS HAIDA

1st                   Liverpool

4th                   Left with DUKE OF YORK for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Greenock

8th                   Arrived Greenock to embark Russian Liaison Party for sub chaser group sailing with JW 66.

11th                 Left Clyde with U.S.S.R. sub chaser group for Faroes

13th                 Arrived Aultbea to fuel

14th                 Left Aultbea to join JW 66 but was diverted to Scapa

                        owing to weather.

15th                 Left Scapa

16th                 Arrived Faroes with Submarine Chasers

19th                 Left Faroes to join JW 66

23rd                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

 

60. HMCS HURON

2nd                  Arrived Scapa from Plymouth

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde, carrying out U-boat hunt en route

15th                 Arrived Clyde

17th                 Left Clyde for Operation ROUNDEL

19th                 Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left Faroes

26th                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom

29th-30th          At sea

           

61. HMCS IROQUOIS

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Operation FOXCHASE

4th                   Arrived Scapa

8th                   Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth to embark Russian Liaison Party for subchaser group sailing in JW 66

12th                 Left Rosyth with U.S.S.R. subchaser group for Faroes

14th                 Arrived Faroes

19th                 Left Faroes to join JW 66

25rd                 Arrived Kola

29th                 Left Kola for United Kingdom.

29th-30th          At sea

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for working up, etc.

 

62. HMS CARYSFORT

1st-6th              Left Scapa for Operation NEWMARKET

12th                 Returned to Scapa

15th                 Left Scapa escorting BERWICK to Rosyth

16th                 Returned to Scapa

16th-30th          Scapa

 

63. HMS PETARD

1st                   Scapa

2nd                  Left Scapa for Tyne – defects

3rd                   Arrived Tyne

3rd-30th            Tyne

 

Polish destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

64. ORP GARLAND

2nd                  Arrived Scapa from Plymouth to work up

15th                 Left Scapa escorting RENOWN to Rosyth

16th                 Returned to Scapa

27th                 Left Scapa for Plymouth

29th                 Arrived Plymouth

 

65. ORP PIORUN

1st-28th            Milford Haven, refitting

28th                 Left Milford Haven for Londonderry for H/F D/F Calibration

30th                 Left Londonderry for Scapa to work up.  

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

The Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, Acting Admiral Sir H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, was promoted to Admiral on 15th April.

 

The Rear Admiral Command, First Cruiser Squadron, Rear Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, was promoted to Vice Admiral on 1st April

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral A.E.M. Cunninghame Graham, CBE was hoisted in BERMUDA at 0800 on 7th April.

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral Sir F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, was struck in DIADEM at sunset on 7th April at which time Rear Admiral Cunninghame Graham assumed command of the Tenth Cruiser Squadron; his flag being transferred to DIADEM at 0800 8th April.

 

Vice Admiral R.R. McGrigor assumed command as Second in Command Home Fleet.

 

First Cruiser Squadron - Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron was transferred from SEARCHER to NORFOLK on the 16th

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron - Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron was transferred on 6th from DIADEM to VINDEX for Operation ROUNDEL.

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation FOXCHASE, 3rd – 4th April

 

Object: The destruction of enemy shipping off S. West Norwegian coast between Lister Light and Stavanger

 

Forces taking part: (D 17) ONSLOW, ZEALOUS, ZEST, IROQUOIS, DIDO (A.A. support on return trip,)

 

Remarks: Convoy of 4 merchant ships with 3 escorts and 2 U-boats engaged. 1 M.V. probably torpedoed, 1 left on fire, 1 escort damaged.

 

 

Operation NEWMARKET, 6th-12th April

 

Object: The destruction of U-boat Depot ships at Kilbotn.

 

Forces taking part:

(C S 1) SEARCHER, PUNCHER, TRUMPETER, QUEEN, BIRMINGHAM, BELLONA

(D 17)   ONSLOW, OFFA, SCORPION, SCOURGE, CARYSFORT, ZAMBESI, ZEALOUS, ZEST

 

Remarks: Bad weather at flying off position prevented strike taking place.

 

 

Operation ROUNDEL, 16th April – 6th May

 

Object: Safe passage of convoys JW and RA 66 to and from North Russia

 

Forces taking part:

(CS 10) VINDEX, PREMIER, BELLONA

(D 2) ZEPHYR, ZEALOUS, ZODIAC, ZEST, OFFA, STORD, HAIDA, HURON, IROQUOIS

7th Escort group CYGNET, LOTUS, OXLIP, BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, ALNWICK CASTLE, FARNHAM CASTLE, HONEYSUCKLE, RHODODENDRON

19th Escort group LOCH SHIN, LOCH INCH, GOODALL, ANGUILLA, COTTON

16 Russian Submarine Chasers

 

Remarks:

JW 66 arrived intact. 1 U-boat sunk by 19th Escort Group

RA 66 1 U-boat sunk – 1 probably sunk. GOODALL torpedoed and sunk.

 

 

Operation TRAMMEL, 17th-26th April

 

Object: To lay a deep minefield in the Approaches to Kola Inlet against U-boats lurking in the area for JW/RA convoys

 

Forces Taking part: APOLLO, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, DIDO (A.A. escort)

 

Remarks: Mines successfully laid before arrived of JW 66. 1 U-boat sunk probably as a result of this minefield during departure of RA 66.

 

 

Operation INVECTIVE, 17-18th April

 

Object: To sweep through Leads between 58-06N – 58-55N, 06-10E. If no shipping encountered Radar Station in 58-37N 5-37E to be bombarded.

 

Forces Taking Part: SCORPION, SCOURGE, SAVAGE, ZAMBESI, BIRMINGHAM (support on return )

 

Remarks: No shipping encountered. Shore searchlights engaged with gun fire.

 

 

 

---

Background Events

 

May-(September) 1945

Germany surrenders, Battle of Atlantic ends,  Italy taken, Burma & Okinawa conquered, A-Bombs tested & dropped, Defeat of Japan

 

---

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

MAY 1945

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

1st-22nd        Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Rosyth

23rd                 Arrived Rosyth

23rd-31st          Rosyth

 

2. HMS RENOWN

1st-12th            Rosyth, giving leave

12th                 Left Rosyth for Portsmouth to refit

14th                 Arrived Portsmouth

14th-31st          Portsmouth

 

ESCORT CARRIERS, ADMINISTERED BY REAR ADMIRAL COMMAND, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON

Administration transferred to Flag Officer, Carrier Training on 21st

 

3. HMS CAMPANIA

1st-4th              Clyde

4th                   Left Clyde for Scapa

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for operation CLEAVER

8th                   Returned to Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa

21st                  Arrived Clyde. Transferred to administration of Flag Officer Carrier Training

 

4. HMS NAIRANA

1st-15th            Clyde

15th                 Transferred to administration of Flag Officer Carrier Training

 

5. HMS PREMIER

1st-6th              At sea with RA 66

6th                   Arrived Scapa from Kola

20th                 Left Scapa

21st                  Arrived Clyde. Transferred to administration of Flag Officer Carrier Training

 

6. HMS PUNCHER

1st-15th            Clyde, docking

15th                 Transferred to administration of Flag Officer Carrier Training

 

7. HMS QUEEN

1st                   Left Scapa for operations JUDGEMENT and CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa to join JW 67 to Kola (Operation TIMELESS)

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola for the United Kingdom with RA 67

30th                 Arrived Clyde. Transferred to the Administration of Flag Officer Training

 

8. HMS SEARCHER

1st                   Left Scapa for Operations JUDGEMENT and CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

15th                 Arrived Clyde to come under administration Flag Officer, Carrier Training

 

9. HMS TRUMPETER

1st                   Left Scapa for Operations JUDGEMENT and CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde.

15th                 Arrived Clyde to come under administration Flag Officer, Carrier Training

 

12. HMS VINDEX (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st-6th              At sea with RA 66 (wearing flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

6th                   Arrived Scapa from Kola

7th                   Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM

14th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

15th                 Arrived Clyde to come under administration Flag Officer, Carrier Training

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

11. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Bergen

15th                 Arrived Bergen

21st                 Left Bergen for Scapa

22nd                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Rosyth

23rd                 Arrived Rosyth

29th                 Left Rosyth for Trondheim carrying troops

31st                 Arrived Trondheim

 

12. HMS BERWICK

1st                   Rosyth, docking

10th                 Left Rosyth for Scapa

11th                 Arrived Scapa from Rosyth

16th                 Left Scapa for Trondheim

17th                 Arrived Trondheim

24th                 Left Trondheim

26th                 Arrived Rosyth

29th                 Left Rosyth for Bergen carrying troops

30th                 Arrived Bergen

 

13. HMS DEVONSHIRE

1st-9th              Scapa

9th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth

10th                 Arrived Rosyth

11th                 Left Rosyth for Operation KINGDOM

13th                 Arrived Oslo

18th                 Left Oslo for Copenhagen

19th                 Arrived Copenhagen

24th                 Left Copenhagen escorting PRINZ EUGEN and NURNBERG to vicinity of Heligoland

27th                 Arrived Rosyth

27th-31st          Rosyth

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

14. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from VINDEX

9th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth

10th                 Arrived Rosyth

21st                 (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to BELFAST.

                       Left Rosyth for Copenhagen

23rd                 Arrived Copenhagen

23rd-31st          Copenhagen

 

15. HMS BELFAST

1st-6th              Tyne, refitting

6th                   Left Tyne for Rosyth, arrived Rosyth

6th-31st            Rosyth

21st                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM

22nd                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to BIRMINGHAM.

                       

 

16. HMS BIRMINGHAM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

1st-5th              Scapa

5th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth

6th                   Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

9th                   Arrived Copenhagen      

19th                 Left Copenhagen

21st                 Arrived Rosyth

22nd                 Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELFAST.

23th                 Left Rosyth for Bergen

24th                 Arrived Bergen

24th-31st          Bergen

 

17. HMS BELLONA

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth. Arrived Rosyth

16th                 Taken in hand for docking

16th-31st          Rosyth

 

18. HMS DIDO

1st                   Rosyth. Left Rosyth for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

9th                   Arrived Copenhagen

24th                 Left Copenhagen escorting PRINZ EUGEN and NURNBERG to the vicinity of Heligoland

27th                 Arrived Rosyth

27th-31st          Rosyth

 

19. HMS MAURITIUS

1st-31st            Liverpool, refitting

 

Polish Cruiser attached to Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

20.ORP CONRAD

1st-30th            Sheerness, docking

30th                 Left Southend

31st                 Arrived Scapa

 

Cruisers attached for working up

 

21. HMS BERMUDA

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

22. HMS CLEOPATRA

1st-3rd              Scapa

3rd                   Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

23. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D)

1st-31st            Scapa

 

24. HMS GREENWICH

1st-31st            Scapa

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

25. HMS ZEPHYR (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa – arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

9th                   Arrived Copenhagen

19th                 Left Copenhagen

21st                 Arrived Rosyth

29th                 Left Rosyth for Trondheim escorting NORFOLK

31st                 Arrived Trondheim

 

26. HMS ZAMBESI

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Bergen

15th                 Arrived Bergen

21st                 Left Bergen for Scapa

22nd                 Arrived Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa to rendezvous with BIRMINGHAM thence to Bergen. Arrived Bergen

24th-31st          Bergen

 

27. HMS ZEALOUS

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth on Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

9th                   Arrived Copenhagen

15th                 Left Copenhagen for Kiel

16th                 Arrived Kiel

22nd                 Left Kiel for Flensburg. Arrived Flensburg

27th                 Left Flensburg for Rosyth via Kiel Canal

29th                 Arrived Rosyth from Brunsbuttel

29th-31st          Rosyth

 

28. HMS ZEBRA

1st-24th            Liverpool, docking

24th                 Left Liverpool for Scapa

26th                 Arrived Scapa

26th-31st          Scapa

 

29. HMS ZENITH

1st-31st            Clyde, repairs

 

30. HMS ZEST

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

9th                   Arrived Copenhagen

19th                 Left Copenhagen

21st                 Arrived Rosyth

29th                 Left Rosyth for Bergen escorting BERWICK

30th                 Arrived Bergen

 

31. HMS ZODIAC

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Detached to Copenhagen

8th                   Arrived Copenhagen

15th                 Left Copenhagen for Kiel

17th                 Arrived Kiel

23rd                 Left Kiel for Flensburg

27th                 Left Flensburg for Rosyth via Kiel Canal

29th                 Arrived Rosyth from Brunsbuttel

29th-31st          Rosyth

           

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

32. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches, Refitting

 

33. HMS CAMBRIAN

1st-5th              Detached to Commander In Chief, Western Approaches

5th-31st            Leith, refitting

 

34. HMS CAPRICE

1st-11th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

11-31st             Portsmouth, refitting

 

35. HMS CARRON

1st-31st            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

           

36. HMS CASSANDRA

1st-31st            Kola, repairs

 

37. HMS CAVALIER

1st-30th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

38. HMS CAVENDISH

1st-11th            Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

11th -31st         Devonport, refitting

 

39. HMS CARYSFORT

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth

12th                 Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth escorting RENOWN to Portsmouth

14th                 Arrived Portsmouth

17th                 Left Portsmouth for Scapa

18th                 Arrived Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA and PREMIER to Clyde

21st                 Arrived Clyde

22nd                 Left Clyde for Tromso escorting LARGS BAY

26th                 Arrived Tromso

29th                 Left Tromso for Scapa

31st                 Arrived Scapa

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

40. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-5th              Sheerness, refitting

5th                   Left Nore for Rosyth

6th                   Arrived Rosyth

7th                   Left Rosyth for Scapa

8th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

11th                 Arrived Clyde

12th                 Left Clyde escorting JW 67 to Kola (Operation TIMELESS)

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola, escorting RA 67

28th                 Arrived Scapa

28th-31st          Scapa

 

41. HMS OBDURATE

1st- 6th             Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

8th                   Returned to Scapa

10th                 Left Scapa for Clyde

11th                 Arrived Clyde

12th                 Left Clyde escorting JW 67 to Kola (Operation TIMELESS)

14th                 Arrived Aultbea for fuel and left to rejoin convoy

21st                 Arrived Kola

23rd                 Left Kola escorting RA 67

28th                 Arrived Scapa

28th-31st          Scapa

 

42. HMS OBEDIENT

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

5th                   Returned to Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa ; arrived Rosyth

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa for Bergen

15th                 Arrived Bergen

21st                 Left Bergen for Scapa

22nd                 Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Rosyth

23th                 Arrived Rosyth

24th                 Left Rosyth for Kiel

26th                 Arrived Kiel

26th-31st          Kiel

                       

43. HMS OFFA

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa escorting QUEEN to join JW 67

16th                 Returned to Scapa

24th                 Left Scapa, Arrived Rosyth, Left Rosyth for Kiel

26th                 Arrived Kiel

27th                 Left Kiel, arrived Flensburg

27th-31st          Flensburg

 

44. HMS ONSLAUGHT

1st-31st            Belfast, repairs

 

45. HMS OPPORTUNE

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

10th                 Returned to Scapa

11th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth

12th                 Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean

18th                 Left Rosyth for Scapa

19th                 Arrived Scapa

22nd                 Left Scapa for Rosyth

23rd                 Arrived Rosyth

24th                 Left Rosyth for Kiel

26th                 Arrived Kiel

27th                 Left Kiel; arrived Flensburg

27th-31st          Flensburg

 

46. HMS ORIBI

1st-6th              Humber, refitting

8th                   Left Humber for Scapa

9th                   Arrived Scapa

14th                 Left Scapa escorting QUEEN to join JW 67

16th                 Returned to Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa for Rosyth

21st                 Arrived and left Rosyth for Copenhagen

23rd                 Arrived Copenhagen

23rd-31st          Copenhagen

 

47. HMS ORWELL

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

8th                   Arrived Scapa escorting BLACK RANGER and BLUE RANGER. Left Scapa for Sheerness

                       for docking and defects

9th                   Arrived Sheerness

9th-31st            Sheerness

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

48. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

1st-31st            Portsmouth, refitting. Captain D 23 embarked in SCOURGE for Operation CLEAVER

 

49. HMS SCOURGE

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER. Captain (D) 23 embarked for this operation

9th                   Arrived Scapa

10th                 Captain (D) 23 rejoined MYNGS

12th                 Left Rosyth escorting RENOWN to Portsmouth

14th                 Arrived Portsmouth

17th                 Left Portsmouth for Scapa

18th                 Arrived Scapa

20th                 Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA and PREMIER to Clyde

21st                  Arrived Clyde

22nd                 Left Clyde for Tromso escorting LARGS BAY

26th                 Arrived Tromso

29th                 Left Tromso for Leith escorting LARGS BAY

29th-31st          At sea

           

50. HMS SAVAGE

1st                   Left Scapa for Operation JUDGEMENT

6th                   Returned to Scapa

7th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

9th                   Arrived Rosyth

11th                 Left Rosyth for Operation KINGDOM

13th                 Arrived Oslo

18th                 Left Oslo for Copenhagen

19th                 Arrived Copenhagen

24th                 Left Copenhagen escorting PRINZ EUGEN and NURNBERG to Wilhelmshaven

26th                 Left Wilhelmshaven

29th                 Arrived Scapa

31st                 Left Scapa for Sheerness to refit

 

51. HMS SCORPION

1st-31st            Hull, refitting

 

52. HMS SERAPIS

1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

53.H.No.M.S. STORD   

1st-5th              At sea with RA 66

5th                   Arrived Scapa

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

7th                   Arrived Rosyth

13th                 Left Rosyth for Lerwick, thence to Tromso with Norwegian party

14th                 Arrived Lerwick to fuel. Left Lerwick for Tromso

17th                 Arrived Tromso

24th                 Left Tromso for Bear Island to land meteorological Party

25th                 Arrived Bear Island

26th                 Left Bear Island. Arrived Tromso

26st-31st          Tromso

                       

54.HMCS ALGONQUIN

1st-31st            Halifax, refitting

                       

55.HMCS SIOUX

1st-31st            Halifax, refitting

                       

56.HMCS HAIDA

1st-6th              At sea with RA 66

6th                   Arrived Scapa from Kola

16th                 Left Scapa for Trondheim

17th                 Arrived Trondheim

24th                 Left Trondheim

25th                 Arrived Scapa

26th                 Left Scapa

27th                 Arrived Clyde

28th                 Left Clyde for Moville

29th                 Arrived and left Moville for Newfoundland for fuel; thence to Halifax for refit

 

57.HMCS IROQUOIS

1st- 6th             At sea with RA 66

6th                   Arrived Scapa from Kola

9th                   Left Scapa for Rosyth

10th                 Arrived Rosyth

11th                 Left Rosyth for Operation KINGDOM

13th                 Arrived Oslo

18th                 Left Oslo for Copenhagen

19th                 Arrived Copenhagen

24th                 Left Copenhagen escorting PRINZ EUGEN and NURNBERG to Wilhelmshaven

26th                 Arrived Wilhelmshaven

27th                 Left Wilhelmshaven

29th                 Arrived and left Scapa

30th                 Arrived Clyde; thence to Halifax to refit

 

58.HMCS HURON

1st-6th              At sea with RA 66

6th                   Arrived Scapa from Kola

16th                 Left Scapa for Trondheim

17th                 Arrived Trondheim

24th                 Left Trondheim

25th                 Arrived Scapa

26th                 Left Scapa

27th                 Arrived Clyde    

28th                 Left Clyde for Moville

29th                 Arrived and left Moville for Newfoundland for fuel;

                        Thence to Halifax for refit

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

59. HMS PETARD

1st-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

60. HMS WIZARD

1st-28th            Tees, repairing damage

28th                 Left Tees. Arrived Scapa to work up

28th-31st          Scapa

 

Polish destroyers attached Twenty-Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

61.ORP PIORUN

1st                   Arrived Scapa from Londonderry for work up

6th                   Left Scapa for Operation CLEAVER

8th                   Returned to Scapa

25th                 Left Scapa.Arrived Rosyth

26th                 Left Rosyth to take U-boat prize crews to Horten

27th                 Arrived Horten

27th-31st          Horten

 

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

7th       Flag of CS 10 transferred from VINDEX to DIADEM

21st      Flag of CS 10 transferred from DIADEM to BELFAST

22nd     Flag of CS 10 transferred from BELFAST to BIRMINGHAM

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation JUDGEMENT, 1st-6th May

 

Object: 1.The destruction of U-boat depot ships at Kolbotn

            2: To destroy shipping anchored of Sandnesjoen

 

Forces taking Part: (C.S.1) NORFOLK, DIADEM, SEARCHER, TRUMPETER, QUEEN, OPPORTNE, SCOURGE, ZAMBESI, SAVAGE, CARYSFORT, OBEDIENT, ORWELL BLUE RANGER

           

Remarks: U-boat Depot ship BLACKWATCH and 1 U-boat sunk. One tanker sunk. Flak ship HAROLD HAARFAGRE hit. Two own A/C lost. This was the last Home Fleet Operation against Germans in the war.

 

 

Operation CLEAVER, 6th-9th May

 

Object: Entry of Naval surface force into Skagerrak and Kattegat

           

Forces Taking Part:

Force 5. BIRMINGHAM, DIDO (D 2) ZEPHYR, ZEALOUS, ZODIAC, ZEST

Force 6. (C.S. 1) NORFOLK, SEARCHER, TRUKMPETER, QUEEN, (D 23) SCOURGE, SAVAGE, OPPORTUNE, OFFA, CARYSFORT, ZAMBESI, OBEDIENT

40th Minesweeping Flotilla: CATHERINE, ELFRIDA, GRECIAN, GAZELLE, TABOO, STEADFAST, MAENAD, CYNTHIA

           

Remarks: Force 5 arrived Copenhagen on 9th, being the fist Allied naval force to enter Skagerrak. 40th M/S Flotilla swept Force through minefields. Force provided cover.

 

 

Operation KINGDOM, 11th-13th May

 

Object: To conduct H.R.H. the Crown Prince of Norway to Oslo, together with Government officials and Joint Commanders and SHAEF mission.

           

Forces taking part: DEVONSHIRE, APOLLO, ARIADNE, SAVAGE, IROQUOIS, ARENDAL, CAMPBELL, 40th Minesweeping Flotilla

           

Remarks: Operation planned by Commander in Chief, Rosyth. H.R.H. arrived in DEVONSHIRE.

 

 

Operation TIMELESS, 12th-30th May

           

Object: Safe Passage of convoys JW and RA 67 to and from North Russia.

           

Forces taking part:

(D 17) ONSLOW, QUEEN

            (E.G.4) BENTICK, OBDURATE, BYARD, PASLEY, BAZELEY, DRURY

            (E.G.9) MATANE, LOCH ALVIE, ST PIERRE, MONNOW, NENE

           

Remarks:

Both convoys arrived without incident. 9 E.G. detached to escort 16 U-boats from Norwegian coast to Loch Eriboll.

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

1st JUNE – 12th JULY 1945

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

June 1-30          Rosyth

July 1-12           Rosyth

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

2. HMS NORFOLK (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

June 1              Left Trondheim

June 2              Arrived Rosyth

June 3              Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS DEVONSHIRE.

Left Rosyth for Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE wearing the flag of H. Norwegian Majesty King Haakon VII.

June 7              Arrived Oslo. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred fromHMS DEVONSHIRE

June 12             Left Oslo

June 13             Arrived Rosyth

June 16             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS DIDO. Left Rosyth

June 18             Arrived Devonport for docking and leave

June 18-30        Devonport

July 10-15         Devonport

July 2               Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron rehoisted

July 15             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron struck.

                       The Administration ofHMS NORFOLK transferred to Command in  Chief, Plymouth

 

3. HMS BERWICK

June 1              Left Bergen

June 2              Arrived Rosyth

June 9              Left Rosyth

June 10             Arrived Clyde to embark stores and personnel for Spitzbergen

June 13             Left Clyde for Operation PAMPERO

June 17             Arrived Spitzbergen. Left Spitzbergen

June 21             Arrived Iceland to embark stores

June 22             Left Iceland

June 25             Arrived Clyde

June 26             Left Clyde

June 28             Arrived Portsmouth. Administration transferred to Commander in Chief, Portsmouth

 

4. HMS DEVONSHIRE

June 1-5           Rosyth

June 5              Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS NORFOLK.

                        Left Rosyth on Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE

June 7              Arrived Oslo. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred toHMS NORFOLK

June 12             Left Oslo

June 15             Arrived Plymouth. Administration transferred to the Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

5. HMS BIRMINGHAM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

June 1              Left Bergen

June 2              Arrived Lerwick to fuel. Left Lerwick

June 3              Arrived Rosyth

June 11             Left Rosyth

June 12             Arrived Portsmouth to give leave

June 12-30        Portsmouth

July 1-11           Portsmouth

July 11             Left Portsmouth

July 12             Arrived Plymouth to escort the President of the United States of America to Antwerp.

 

6. HMS BELLONA

June 1-10          Rosyth, docking

June 10             Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa for practices

June 19             Left Scapa

June 20            Arrived Rosyth

June 27             Left Rosyth

June 29             Arrived Oslo for Victory celebration

July 1               Left Oslo

July 2               Arrived Bergen for a court martial

July 5               Left Bergen

July 6               Arrived Rosyth

July 6-12           Rosyth

 

7. HMS DIADEM

June 1-5           Copenhagen

June 6              Left Copenhagen escorting NORDMARK

June 8              Arrived Rosyth

June 27             Left Rosyth

June 29             Arrived Oslo For Victory celebration

July 2               Left Oslo

July 4               Arrived Scapa

July 9               Left Scapa

July 11             Arrived Portsmouth to give leave

July 11-12         Portsmouth

 

8. HMS DIDO

June 1-25          Rosyth

June 16             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS NORFOLK

June 22             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron hauled down

June 25             Left Rosyth

June 26             Arrived Scapa for practices

June 26-30        Scapa

July 1               Left Scapa

July 2               Arrived Liverpool to convey Their Majesties to the Isle of Man.

July 3               Left Liverpool

July 4               Arrived Isle of Man. Royal Party disembarked.

July 6               Left Isle of Man. Arrived Liverpool.

July 9               Left Liverpool. Arrived Stranraer

July 9-12           Stranraer

 

 

9. HMS MAURITIUS

 June 1-30         Liverpool, refitting

 July 1-12          Liverpool, refitting

 

Polish Cruiser attached to Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

10.ORP CONRAD

June 1-4           Scapa

June 4              Left Scapa

June 5              Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth

June 7              Arrived Wilhelmshaven

June 14            Left Wilhelmshaven

June 15             Arrived Rosyth

June 27             Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa for practices

June 27-30        Scapa

July 1               Left Rosyth with Red Cross Stores

July 3               Arrived Oslo

July 8               Left Oslo

July 10             Arrived Rosyth

July 10-12         Rosyth

 

11.HMCS ONTARIO

June 1-17          Liverpool

June 17             Left Liverpool

June 19             Arrived Scapa to shake down

June 29             Left Scapa

June 30             Arrived Liverpool to fit pom pom director. Left Liverpool for Clyde for completion.

July 2               Left Clyde for Mediterranean to complete work up.

 

Cruisers temporarily attached

 

12. HMS BELFAST

June 1-11          Rosyth

June 11             Left Rosyth

June 12             Arrived Scapa for Shake down

June 17             Left Scapa for Gibraltar to work up in the Mediterranean

June 21             Arrived Gibraltar. Left for Malta

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

13. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D)

June 1-18          Scapa

June 12             Broad pendant of Commodore (D) transferred toHMS GREENWICH

June 18            Left Scapa

June 20             Arrived Sheerness for reserve    

 

14. HMS GREENWICH

June 1-30          Scapa

June 18             Broad pendant of Commodore (D) transferred fromHMS VINDICTIVE

July 1-16           Scapa. Officer and staff of Destroyer Command transferred to HMS RODNEY

July 18              Left Scapa. Broad pendant of Commodore (D) transferred to HMS PROSERPINE

 

Destroyers

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

15. HMS ZEPHYR (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla

June 1              Left Trondheim

June 2              Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth

June 7              Arrived Wilhelmshaven

June 19             Left Wilhelmshaven      

June 20             Arrived Rosyth

June 25             Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla left HMS ZEPHYR which became a private ship.

                        HMS MYNGS became Flotilla Leader

June 28             Left Rosyth

June 30             Arrived Kiel

July 1-8             Kiel

July 8               Left Kiel

July 10             Arrived Rosyth

July 11             Left Rosyth

July 12             Arrived Plymouth to escort the President of the United States to Antwerp.

 

16. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla and Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla)

June 1-14          Portsmouth, refitting

June 14             Left Portsmouth

June 16             Arrived Scapa to work up

June 16-30        Scapa

July 1               Left Scapa

July 2               Arrived Rosyth

July 9               Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla went to HMS SERAPIS

July 11             Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla joined. HMS MYNGS became leader of the Second Destroyer Flotilla

July 16             Left Rosyth for Mediterranean for onward routeing to East Indies Fleet

 

17. HMS ZAMBESI

June 1              Left Bergen

June 2              Arrived Rosyth to give leave

June 23             Left Rosyth

June 25             Arrived Plymouth for docking and leave

June 25-30        Plymouth

July 1-12           Plymouth

 

18. HMS ZEALOUS

June 1-16          Rosyth, boiler cleaning

June 17             Left Rosyth

June 18             Arrived Wilhelmshaven

June 18-30        Wilhelmshaven

July 1               Left Wilhelmshaven

July 2               Arrived Rosyth

July 6               Left Rosyth

July 7               Arrived Humber. Left Humber escorting German destroyers

July 8               Arrived Portsmouth. Left Portsmouth. Arrived Plymouth

July 8-12           Plymouth                     

 

19. HMS ZEBRA

June 1-4           Scapa

June 4              Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth

June 9              Left Rosyth

June 10             Arrived Clyde

June 13             Left Clyde for Operation PAMPERO

June 17             Arrived Spitzbergen. Left Spitzbergen

June 21             Arrived Iceland

June 22             Left Iceland

June 25             Arrived Clyde

June 26             Left Clyde

June 27             Arrived and left Scapa

June 28             Arrived Trondheim

June 28-30        Trondheim

July 1-12           Trondheim

 

20. HMS ZENITH

June 1-30          Clyde, repairs

July 1-12           Clyde, repairs

 

21. HMS ZEST

June 1              Left Bergen

June 2              Arrived Lerwick to fuel. Left Lerwick

June 3              Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa

June 4              Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth

June 7              Arrived Kiel

June 18             Left Kiel

June 20             Arrived Rosyth

June 28             Left Rosyth

June 29             Arrived Wilhelmshaven

June 29-30        Wilhelmshaven

July 1-12           Wilhelmshaven

 

22. HMS ZODIAC

June 1-5           Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth

June 7              Arrived Kiel

June 18             Left Kiel. Arrived Rosyth

June 21             Left Rosyth

June 22             Arrived Scapa

June 30             Left Scapa

July 2               Arrived Chatham to act under the order of the Commander in Chief, The Nore

July 3               Arrived Wilhelmshaven

July 6               Left Wilhelmshaven escorting German destroyers

July 7               Arrived Rosyth

July 11             Left Rosyth

July 12             Arrived Plymouth to escort the President of the United States of America to Antwerp

           

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

23. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

June 1-9           Plymouth, refitting

June 9              Left Plymouth

June 11             Arrived Scapa to work up

June 11-30        Scapa

July 1-7             Scapa

July 7               Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth

July 7-12           Rosyth

 

24. HMS CAMBRIAN

June 1-30          Leith, refitting

July 1-12           Leith, refitting

 

25. HMS CAPRICE

June 1-30          Portsmouth, refitting

July 1-12           Portsmouth, refitting

 

26. HMS CARRON

June 1-6           Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

June 6              Arrived Scapa

June 19             Left Scapa

June 21             Arrived Plymouth to refit

June 21-30        Plymouth

July 1-12           Plymouth

 

27. HMS CARYSFORT

June 1-2           Scapa

June 2              Left Scapa

June 3              Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean

June 14             Left Rosyth

June 15             Arrived Portsmouth to refit

June 15-30        Portsmouth

July 1-12           Portsmouth

           

28. HMS CASSANDRA

June 1-14          Kola, repairs

June 14             Left Kola

June 15             Arrived Rosyth

June 15-30        Rosyth

July 1-12           Rosyth

 

29. HMS CAVALIER

June 1-6           Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

June 6              Arrived Scapa

June 17             Left Scapa

June 18             Arrived Rosyth to refit

June 18-30        Rosyth

July 1-12           Rosyth 

 

30. HMS CAVENDISH

June 1-30          Devonport

July 1-12           Devonport

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

31. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

June 1-4           Scapa

June 4              Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth for Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE

June 7              Arrived Oslo

June 11             Left Oslo

June 12             Arrived Copenhagen

June 21             Left Copenhagen

June 22             Arrived Rosyth

June 23             Left Rosyth

June 25             Arrived Plymouth for docking and leave

June 25-30        Plymouth

July 1-12           Plymouth

           

32. HMS OBDURATE

June 1-4           Scapa

June 4              Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Scapa for Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE

June 7              Arrived Oslo

June 12             Left Oslo

June 13             Arrived Rosyth

June 17             Left Rosyth

June 19             Arrived Kiel

June 29             Left Kiel

June 30             Arrived Brunsbuttel

July 1               Left Brunsbuttel escorting German troopship UBENA

July 3               Arrived Methil. Left Methil. Arrived Rosyth

July 11             Left Rosyth

July 12             Arrived Plymouth to escort the President of the U.S.A. to Antwerp

 

33. HMS OBEDIENT

June 1-7           Kiel

June 7              Left Kiel

June 9              Arrived Rosyth

June 17             Left Rosyth

June 19             Arrived Kiel

June 20             Left Kiel. Arrived Lubeck

June 20-30        Lubeck

July 1-3             Lubeck

July 3               Left Lubeck

July 4               Arrived Rosyth

July 6               Left Rosyth

July 7               Arrived Humber

July 8               Left Humber escorting German destroyers

July 9               Arrived Plymouth

July 9-12           Plymouth

 

34. HMS OFFA

June 1-7           Flensburg

June 7              Left Kiel

June 9              Arrived Rosyth

June 14             Left Rosyth. Arrived Leith. Left Leith escorting Apostle convoy to Norway under orders of the

                        Commander in Chief, Rosyth

June 20             Arrived Rosyth

June 23             Left Rosyth

June 25             Arrived Copenhagen

June 29             Left Copenhagen escorting German convoy

July 3               Arrived Rosyth

July 4               Left Rosyth for escort duties in Norway

July 4-12           Norway

 

35. HMS ONSLAUGHT

June 1-6           Belfast, repairs

June 6              Left Belfast

June 7              Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa

June 13             Arrived Kola

June 14             Left Kola, escorting HMS CASSANDRA

June 18             Arrived Rosyth

June 27             Left Rosyth

June 29             Arrived Oslo for Victory celebrations

July 2               Left Oslo

July 4               Arrived Scapa

July 7               Left Scapa

July 9               Arrived Kiel

July 9-12           Kiel

 

36. HMS OPPORTUNE

June 1-7           Flensburg

June 7              Left Flensburg

June 9              Arrived Rosyth

June 15             Left Rosyth. Arrived Leith

June 16             Left Leith escorting APOSTLE convoy to Norway under the orders of the Commander in Chief, Rosyth

June 22             Arrived Oslo

June 23             Left Oslo

June 25             Arrived Rosyth

June 26             Left Rosyth

June 27             Arrived Chatham for refit and leave

June 27-30        Chatham

July 1-12           Chatham

 

37. HMS ORIBI

June 1-5           Copenhagen

June 6              Left Copenhagen escorting NORDMARK

June 8              Arrived Rosyth

June 13             Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa to exercise with cruisers

June 20             Left Scapa

June 27             Arrived Rosyth

June 28             Left Rosyth

June 29             Arrived Brunsbuttel

June 30             Left Brunsbuttel. Arrived Kiel

July 1               Left Kiel. Arrived Lubeck.

July 1-12           Lubeck

 

39. HMS ORWELL

June 1-3           Sheerness

June 3              Left Sheerness 

June 4              Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth for Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE

June 7              Arrived Oslo

June 12             Left Oslo

June 13             Arrived Rosyth

June 19             Left Rosyth

June 20             Arrived Chatham for self refit and to give leave.

June 20-30        Chatham

July 1-12           Chatham

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

39. HMS SERAPIS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

June 1-17          Humber, refitting

June 17             Left Humber

June 29             Arrived Clyde for trials

June 30             Arrived and left Scapa

July 2               Arrived Chatham to act under orders of the Commander in Chief, The Nore. Left Chatham

July 3               Arrived Wilhelmshaven

July 6               Left Wilhelmshaven escorting German destroyer

July 7               Arrived Rosyth

July 9               Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla embarked from HMS MYNGS

July 11             Left Rosyth

July 12             Arrived Plymouth to escort the President of the United States of America to Antwerp

 

40. HMS SAVAGE

June 1              Arrived Chatham from Scapa to refit

June 1-30          Chatham

July 1-12           Chatham, refitting

 

41. HMS SCORPION

June 1-30          Hull, refitting

July 1-12           Hull, refitting

 

42. HMS SCOURGE

June 1              Arrived Rosyth from Tromso to give leave

June 23             Left Rosyth

June 25             Arrived Copenhagen

June 29             Left Copenhagen escorting German convoy

July 3               Arrived Rosyth

July 6               Left Rosyth

July 7               Arrived Stavanger

July 7-12           Stavanger

 

43.H.No.M.S. STORD   

June 1              Left Tromso

June 2              Arrived Scapa

June 3              Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth

June 5              Left Rosyth for Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE

June 7              Arrived Oslo

June 12             Left Oslo

June 13             Arrived Scapa for boiler cleaning

June 19             Left Scapa. Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth

June 22             Arrived Oslo to give leave

June 22-30        Oslo

July 1-11           Oslo

July 11             Left Oslo

July 12             Arrived Bergen

                       

Polish destroyers attached Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

44.ORP PIORUN

June 1-11          Convoy escort work with Apostle convoys under Commander in Chief Rosyth

June 11-17        Rosyth

June 17             Convoy escort work under Commander in Chief, Rosyth

July 5               Left Rosyth. Arrived Oslo

 

45.ORP GARLAND

June 1-15          Plymouth

June 15             Left Plymouth

June 17             Arrived Scapa to work up

July 1               Left Scapa

July 2               Arrived Rosyth

July 4               Left Rosyth. Arrived Copenhagen

July 7               Left Copenhagen escorting German convoy

July 10             Arrived Rosyth

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

46. HMS PETARD

June 1              Left Tyne

June 3              Arrived Scapa to work up

June 10             Left Scapa

June 11             Arrived Clyde for repairs

June 26             Left Clyde for Mediterranean to complete work up

 

47. HMS CHEVRON

June 13             Arrived Scapa to shake down

June 22             Left Scapa

June 23             Arrived Clyde

June 24             Left Clyde for Mediterranean to complete work up

 

48. HMS COMET

June 13             Arrived Scapa to work up

June 26             Left Scapa. Arrived Clyde for trials

June 26-30        Clyde

July 1-12           Clyde

                        N.B. COMET subsequently joined 17th Destroyer Flotilla

 

49.H.Neth.M.S. VAN GALEN

June 1-24          Portsmouth

June 24             Left Portsmouth

June 26             Arrived Scapa to work up

June 26-30        Scapa

July 1-12           Scapa

 

50. HMS WIZARD

June 1-10          Scapa, working up

June 10             Left Scapa

June 11             Arrived Clyde for onward routeing to British Pacific Fleet

 

51. HMS DUNLUCE CASTLE (Accommodation Ship)

June 25             Left Scapa under own steam, having been accommodation ship. There since early 1940

June 26             Arrived Rosyth to pay off.

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

First Cruiser Squadron (Vice Admiral Sir Rhoderick McGrigor, KCB, DSC)

June 5-7           Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS NORFOLK

                        to HMS DEVONSHIRE while the Flag of His Norwegian Majesty King Haakon VII was

                        flying in HMS NORFOLK during passage to Oslo

June 16             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS DIDO

June 22             Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron hauled down while

                        Vice Admiral McGrigor was on leave

July 2               Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron re hoisted in HMS NORFOLK

July 15             The First Cruiser Squadron was disbanded and the Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding,

                        First Cruiser Squadron was struck at sunset.

 

Commodore Commanding Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas (Commodore R.M.J. Hutton, DSC)

June 15            Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) transferred from HMS VINDICTIVE to HMS GREENWICH

July 16             Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) transferred from HMS GREENWICH to HMS PROSERPINE.

July 30             Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) was struck at sunset and the appointment lapsed.

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

Operation INDESTRUCTIBLE (5th-7th June)

 

Object: The return of His Norwegian Majesty King Haakon VII to Norway

 

Ships taking Part: NORFOLK (Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron), DEVONSHIRE, ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla), OBDURATE, ORWELL, STORD

 

Remarks: The Royal Party was embarked in HMS NORFOLK which flew His Majesty’s Flag. HMS DEVONSHIRE, in which His Majesty had escaped five years before to the day, flew the flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron

 

 

Operation PAMPERO (16th-25th June)

 

Object: The relief of the Spitzbergen garrison

 

Ships Taking Part: BERWICK, ZEBRA  

 

Remarks: After the garrison was duly relieved, force proceeded to embark stores for passage to Clyde.

 

 

The end