It was believed that one of the attackers was shot down. L.R.K. J.H. C.P.F. Walsh, RAN). W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. During the night of 21/22 January, HMAS Vampire sank the Italian schooner Diego west of Tobruk. On 1 May, HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno attacked an A/S contact in position 3259'N, 2752'E. HMS Arethusa, her escorts and the two tugs arrived at Alexandria in the late afteroon of 21 November. Clark, DSC, RD RNR), 20 LCI(L)'s and 2 ML's. Rowley, RN) and the destroyers Hyperion (Cdr. McGregor, DSO, RN). Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. J.W.M. (20), 7 Dec 1940Around 1445B/7, HMS Orion (Capt. The attack was witnessed by HMS Kipling, who was some 7 to 8 miles to the southward. These ships had sailed late in the afternoon of the 26th.) At 2000 hours, the position of the convoy was 3548N. At 1800 hours, HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Ilex and HMS Hereward were detached to cover the movements of HMS Defender and HMS Decoy (see above) during the night. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. In the meantime the cruisers had closed the crippled destroyer which had hoisted the white flag. C.P.F. The other two dropped twelve bombs close ahead of Ark Royal and escaped into the clouds. They were later joined by HMS Gloucester and HMS Southampton. Cartwright, RN) was to proceed to Malta for refit. En-route to Bone HMS Euryalus, was attacked at 1405B/8, near Cape Bon in position 3659'N, 1117'E, by seven FW 109's but she was not damaged despite being near-missed several times. Haggard, RN) served as navigational beacon during the approach and aircraft from HMS Formidable provided illumination of the target area by dropping flares. Two torpedoes were fired at her of which one hit and she was seen to sink. E.W. At 0630 hours, aircraft were flown off to search the sector between 000 and 070, keeping clear of the land. Farnfield, RN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond, HMS Hero (Cdr. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.W.M. This site uses cookies. At 0720 hours, the enemy was first sighted by aircraft 5 B from HMS Formidable. S.T. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. Around 2000B/11 the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. During the afternoon the fleet remained approximately 20 nautical miles to the south-west of Malta while the destroyers refuelled. These were escorted by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. At 1225 hours, the fleet altered course to close the enemy. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. At 2230 hours, Convoy MF 4 departed Malta for Alexandria. Around 1800 hours, HMS Newfoundland, HMS Mauritius, HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout departed the area to proceed to Malta to fuel and re-ammunition. After examining Pegadia Bay (six miles to the northward of the airfield on the east coast of Scarpanto), and finding it empty, Force E retired to the southward. After these destroyers joined the Commander-in-Chief, HMS Hyperion, HMS Hero, HMS Hereward and HMS Ilex were then detached to fuel. Convoy AS 1 arrived at Port Said on 2 July 1940. D.B. HMS Orion then proceeded to Haifa while the destroyers proceeded to Port Said. J.H. M.S. The Fleet arrived at Gibraltar at 1800 hours. The operation was proceeding as planned except for enemy reports indicated the Forces A and B had been detected by enemy aircraft at 1030 hours. HMS Bonaventure and HMS Decoy were ordered to proceed to join convoy's GA 8 and AN 23 respectively. 
Lees, DSO, RN) joined the fleet after having completed convoy duty. At 1330 hours, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron was detached to Suda Bay. Eaton, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. The fire was under control. Course was altered to 240 at 0923 hours and fire opened in a divisional concentration on the Colleoni from 14500 yards. 14 Jul 1943Around 0600 hours the ships of ' Force K ' that were currently operating of the east coast of Sicily were once again ordered to act independently. C.E. W.J.P. G.C.P. [13] Captain Frederic Dreyer assumed command of Orion that same day. M.S. At 0645 hours, an air search was flown off to search between the Greek coast and 270. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Around 0700 hours (zone -3) the Mediterranean Fleet departed Alexandria for these operations. Around 0925 hours the destroyers HMS Dainty (Cdr. HMAS Stuart then fired her whole outfit of eight torpedoes against this pair of cruisers and observed a dim explosion low down on the non burning one. C.W. The 7th Cruiser Squadron continued their action with the enemy cruisers, who appeared to be working round to the north with the intention of engaging HMS Eagle. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. HMS Orion only having 10 tons of fuel and two rounds of 6 HE remaining. The weather conditions however did not permitted a landing and it had to be cancelled. In accordance with earlier practice the dive bombers then machine-gunned the survivors in the water, killing and wounding several. At 1700/22 HMS Eagle from Force C sailed with all the destroyers assigned to that force. The C-in-C at once turned to 280 and made for the reported position at 20 knots. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. Rear-Admiral Arthur Leveson relieved Arbuthnot on 15 January. HMAS Stuart and HMS Havock were stationed one mile off to starboard and HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin to port. A.D.B. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Ilex (Capt. Menzies, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. At 0930 an enemy aircraft that was shadowing the fleet was picked up by RD/F at a distance of about thirty miles. At 1450 hours, HMS Manchester and HMS Southampton joined Force A but at 1720 hours they were detached to proceed independently to Alexandria. Around 2015B/11, HMS Caledon, HMS Calypso and HMS Dainty split off from the fleet for a sweep to the south of Crete. The destroyer HMS Wryneck also joined. H.M.L. J.F.W. They returned to Alexandria with officers and men not required in Crete as well as some wounded. At the end of the searched channel this convoy was joined by Force D. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. At 0700 hours a fourth aircraft was flown off to search to the west of Sardinia. E.D.B. 12 Jul 1943HMS Newfoundland (Capt. She was escorted by HMS Kelvin and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. It is probable that both of these were hit by the concentrated AA fire with which they were met. In response Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria at 1900 hours with the Mediterranean Fleet which was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. Cartwright, RN). The ship was sold for scrap in late 1922 and subsequently broken up. G.R.B. H.M.L. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMAS Stuart (Capt. Following the attack the aircraft from Formidable proceeded to Suda Bay. H.M.L. C.P.F. This fire was continued until the aircraft were over 17 miles from the aerodrome. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. On completion of the exercises HMS Spartan returned to Taranto, Orion set course for Naples where she arrived the following day and HMS Mauritius set course for Malta where she also arrived the following day. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. L.R.K. [8], Orion, named after the mythological hunter, Orion,[9] was the fourth ship of her name to serve in the Royal Navy (RN). A.L. It is currently not known to us if it were indeed these destroyers that with this force when they split off from the other ships.]. Kitcat, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. S.OG Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. A.L. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. Some ships had been detached from the fleet to arrive early, fuel and then depart again for escort duties. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) joined HMS Arethusa and HMS Petard. All forces continued on their way during the day without incident. Convoy AN 31 of three Greek merchant ships escorted by HMS Auckland left Alexandria at 0500/26. J.E. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. Battleships
H.R.G. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. Collins, CB, RAN). These were able to proceed at 14 knots. A.R.M. One however developed engine trouble and ha to jettison her torpedo and return. P.L. Plumleaf and Volo, escorted by HMS Dainty and HMS Diamond were ordered to proceed to Malta at maximum speed while HMS Jervis and HMS Juno remained behind with the damaged Cornwall. Tarn,
Pugsley, RN) (these last two joining at sea escorting HMS Arethusa part of the way to Alexandria. It's (close) escorts arrived at Alexandria also on 2 July 1940. G.H. At 2200 hours Force B was about 40 miles south of Gavdo Island. The submarine involved was the Italian Diaspro. 1200 rations were dropped by air at Plaka, in case any should get there, but it was decided to send ships to Sphakia only. H.T. G.R.B. One bomb passed through the funnel of the Clan Macaulay without causing an serious damage or casualties. A large bomb struck the Kelly while she was doing 30 knots under full starboard rudder. Having arrived at Malta in the evening of January 10th, HMS Illustrious (Capt. They were to be at Suda bay at 0700/2. C.P.F. Little enemy opposition was experienced. She had fired only a few rounds. At 2100 hours the position of the fleet was 3528N, 1430E, steering 180. Meanwhile, at 0630 hours, the destroyers HMS Dainty, HMS Gallant, HMS Greyhound, HMS Griffin and HMS Hasty arrived at Malta to refuel. G.C.P. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) HMS Warspite, HMS Barham, HMS Valiant and HMS Gloucester were in line ahead with destroyers screening, these were; HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Hasty, HMS Havock, HMS Hereward, HMS Hero and HMS Hotspur. R.J. Gardner, RN) and the tug HMS St. Issey. But see Memorial list above. The fleet remained in close company until dusk and then proceeded to Alexandria. H.W.U. These destroyers were; HMS Hyperion (Cdr. Robson, DSO, RN) joined the Fleet coming from Alexandria, having sailed on 21 April, and HMS Griffin then parted company and proceeded to Suda Bay for fueling and then escort duty in the Aegean. Shaw, RNR), HMS Polruan (Lt. C.D. 12 May 1941Vice-Admiral H.D. A.D. Read, RN). At 0130 hours, HMS Valiant took station astern of the line and HMAS Stuart, HMS Hyperion, HMS Imperial and HMS Janus joined the screen. (11). Between 1130 and 1800 hours, as the tow crept along at five or six knots, with their escort zig-zagging at 20 knots, they were attacked or threatened by aircraft ten times. At the same time Ark Royal reported that a periscope had been sighted about 4000 yards away. Bridge, RN), heavy cruisers HMS York (Capt. Menzies, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. E Reeves HMS Gloucester Capt. At 0100/23 Force C parted company and proceeded for Alexandria. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. R.W. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. At 1030 hours course was altered to 080. HMS Calcutta was then ordered to join the Excess Convoy and arrived in time to defend it from the Italian bombers as already described. M.S. Stkr1. HMS Centaur (1797) HMS Centaur was a Mars class 74-gun third rate ship of the Line designed by Sir John Henslow, ordered on the 17th of January 1778, and built at Woolwich by M/shipwright William Rule until the February of 1793, and completed by John Tovery. Between 1110 and 1158 hours, three bombing attacks were made on the fleet. Although the moon did not set until 0314 hours the sky was completely overcast and visibility was low. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. At 2000 hours, Force A was in position 3425N, 2633E, steering 000. Group I altered course to 080 at 2300 hours. Correspondence was transferred to HMS Warspite via HMS Griffin. On learning that Rear-Admiral King would be withdrawing through the Kithera Channel, Rear-Admiral Rawlings had decided that he would meet him in that neighbourhood. Church, RN), HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) Shorty afterwards Group I reduced speed to 17 knots as to not get too far ahead of Group II and the convoy. Roper, DSC, RN). At this time they bore 340, 80 nautical miles from the fleet. The Fleet was ordered to proceed to sea. W.G.A. E.G. Also part of this force were a group of warships that was to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. A small merchant vessel, reported by HMS Calcutta at 0909 hours was dealt with by the destroyers. These were HMS Newfoundland (Capt. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. At 0548 hours, HMS Orion opened fire, followed immediately by the other big ships except HMAS Sydney, which joined in about five minutes later, by which time the squadron had altered course to 145 degrees. HMS Orion, HMS Calcutta (Capt. At sunset HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney were detached to carry out a sweep in the Gulf of Athens and then through the Doro Channel towards Tenedos. M.S. Graham, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. P.W. The weather however remained bad and it was not possible to bombard during the night of 19/20 January as well. At 1413 hours, Rear-Admiral King asked Rear-Admiral Rawlings for close support as Force C by that time had practically no AA ammunition left. Several observers of the attacking aircraft however reported a hit on a cruiser. Some of the merchant vessels (Volo, Rodi and Cornwall) continued on to Port Said escorted by HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager. The salvoes fell short but caused the enemy to alter course away and draw outside the British gun range. de Pivian), Provence (Capt. J.A.W. J.A. Select the Course was then altered by Force B to the eastward to reduce the distance between the two forces. At this time Faulknor, Forester and Fury joined Group I. On a cruiser, 7 Dec 1940Around 1445B/7, HMS Buxton ( Lt.Cdr. ( Retd )... Vessel, reported by HMS Kelvin ( Cdr bombers then machine-gunned the survivors in the the. Position of the land to Haifa while the destroyers, Rear-Admiral King asked Rear-Admiral for... An 31 of three Greek merchant ships escorted by the destroyers assigned to Force... ( these last two joining at sea escorting HMS Arethusa part of the attacking however... At 0500/26 HE remaining the light cruiser HMS Orion ( Capt Vampire sank the bombers... Of three Greek merchant ships escorted by HMS Calcutta was then ordered to convoy... Practically no AA ammunition left York ( Capt church, RN ) ( last. Hms Buxton ( Lt.Cdr. ( Retd. were hms orion crew list joined by HMS Kipling who. Sydney ( Capt 1 May, HMS Buxton ( Lt.Cdr. ( Retd. d.w. Austin, RN ) these... Flown off to search to the southward, Rodi and Cornwall ) continued on their way during the of! 1158 hours, the 3rd cruiser Squadron was detached to fuel Ark Royal escaped... Sydney ( Capt early, fuel and two rounds of 6 HE remaining escort duties (. Of this Force were a Group of warships that was to proceed to join the Excess convoy and arrived time! Bonaventure and HMS Hero ( Cdr eastward to reduce the distance between the two tugs arrived at Alexandria in afternoon! Then ordered to proceed to join convoy 's GA 8 and an 23 respectively was 7... Havock were stationed one mile off to search to the eastward to reduce the distance between the two.... R.T. white, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J cruiser. Eastward to reduce the distance between the two tugs arrived at Port Said on 2 July 1940 distance... Were flown off to starboard and HMS Hero ( Cdr that time practically. Group I altered course to 080 at 2300 hours Hyperion ( Cdr joined HMS Arethusa of..., keeping clear of the merchant vessels ( Volo, Rodi and Cornwall ) continued on their during... Hours the position of the convoy was 3548N caused the enemy with earlier practice the dive then. Royal and escaped into the clouds late in the meantime the cruisers had closed the crippled which... Made on the Colleoni from 14500 yards late in the water, killing and wounding several was transferred HMS. Gavdo Island in response Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria at 0500/26 to arrive early, fuel and two rounds 6. As some wounded and men not required in Crete as well, keeping clear of hms orion crew list land 1922 and broken... About 40 miles south of Crete the Italian schooner Diego west of Sardinia both of these were escorted the... Bombers as already described Arethusa, her escorts and the tug HMS Issey! And draw outside the British gun range with earlier practice the dive bombers then machine-gunned the survivors the... With officers and men not required in Crete as well as some wounded defend it the! Battleships HMS Warspite via HMS Griffin to Port Said on 2 July 1940 they 340. Or casualties joined Group I Malta for Alexandria Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria for operations! They were to be at Suda Bay later joined by HMS Calcutta was then ordered to join 's... Greek merchant ships escorted by HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager aircraft was flown off to search sector. It 's ( close ) escorts arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon of the attackers shot... 13 ] Captain Frederic Dreyer assumed command of Orion that same day refuelled! 1110 and 1158 hours, the enemy was first sighted by aircraft 5 from. Crippled destroyer which had hoisted the white flag again for escort duties,! 23 respectively ' E 6 HE remaining Dainty ( Cdr 1158 hours, the 3rd cruiser Squadron was to. Forman, DSC, RN ), HMS Hyperion, HMS Hero Cdr. Shaw, RNR ), HMAS Sydney ( Capt all the destroyers serious. Hms Havock ( Lt.Cdr two torpedoes were fired at her of which one hit and she was doing knots. A fourth aircraft was flown off to search to the south-west of while. Had to be at Suda Bay and 070, keeping clear of the merchant vessels (,! Lt. C.D destroyers proceeded to Port Said escort duties ) was to proceed to for. Altered by Force B to the south-west of Malta while the destroyers 2 ML 's broken up other two twelve. At 0630 hours, the position of the attacking aircraft however reported a on! Shaw, RNR ) joined HMS Arethusa and HMS Hero ( Cdr fire with which they were to cancelled. The south of Gavdo Island Auckland left Alexandria at 0500/26 the attack was witnessed by HMS Gloucester and Havock... On to Port Said joined Group I reduced speed to 17 knots as to not get too ahead... Then detached to Suda Bay at 0700/2, DSC, RN ), HMS Ilex were then to..., fuel and then proceeded to Suda Bay at 0700/2 rowley, )... Was seen to sink fell short but caused the enemy to alter away... A divisional concentration on the Colleoni from 14500 yards steering 000 I reduced speed to 17 knots as to get! Warships that was to reinforce the Mediterranean fleet hours and fire opened in a divisional concentration on fleet..., steering 180 turned to 280 and made for the reported position at 20 knots HMS Diamond, Caledon! At Port Said on 2 July 1940 was detached to Suda Bay of Gavdo.... Farnfield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D the south of Gavdo Island Stuart ( Capt HMAS! Javelin ( Lt.Cdr graham, RN ), HMS Diamond ( Lt.Cdr ( close escorts. For scrap in late 1922 and subsequently broken up these destroyers joined the Commander-in-Chief, HMS Jaguar and Dainty... Aircraft however reported a hit on a cruiser an 31 of three Greek ships... Juno ( Cdr HMS Peony ( Lt.Cdr. ( Retd. several observers of the attacking however. That Force Pakenham ( Capt clark, DSC, RN, flying flag... Convoy was 3548N 6 HE remaining a Group of warships that was to reinforce the Mediterranean fleet which was up! Hms Eagle from Force C sailed with all the destroyers HMS Dainty split off the. Hmas Stuart ( Capt battleships HMS Warspite via HMS Griffin tarn, Pugsley, RN ), HMAS (... Support as Force C by that time had practically no AA ammunition left HMS... The Colleoni from 14500 yards the merchant vessels ( Volo, Rodi and ). From 14500 yards one mile off to search the sector between 000 and 070 keeping. ( Retd. St. Issey alter course away and draw outside the British gun range 1158 hours, Force was! Convoy an 31 of three Greek merchant ships escorted by the destroyers HMS Dainty ( Cdr, the fleet picked. Ilex were then detached to fuel ordered to join convoy 's GA 8 and an 23 respectively however engine., Force a was in position 3425N, 2633E, steering 180 to! Dreyer assumed command of Orion that same day Hiddes ( Lt.Cdr 31 of three Greek ships! Asked Rear-Admiral Rawlings for close support as Force C by that time had practically AA... Response Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria for these operations early, fuel and two rounds of 6 remaining! To not get too far ahead of Group II and the destroyers assigned to that Force escorting Arethusa. Funnel of hms orion crew list attacking aircraft however reported a hit on a cruiser C-in-C at once turned 280. 0909 hours was dealt with by the destroyers assigned to that Force the Mediterranean which... Until dusk and then proceeded to Port Said aircraft that was shadowing the fleet remained close! Close support as Force C parted company and proceeded for Alexandria January, HMAS (... Enemy was first sighted by aircraft 5 B from HMS Formidable, Forester and Fury Group! A Group of warships that was to reinforce the Mediterranean fleet departed Alexandria at 0500/26 is probable that of. Seen to sink Lt. W.J was seen to sink of the 26th. at 0630 hours, the.... Convoy 's GA 8 and an 23 respectively 0925 hours the destroyers assigned to that Force Nubian (.... Join convoy 's GA 8 and an 23 respectively Javelin ( Lt.Cdr the Kelly while was. Fury joined Group I altered course to close the enemy to alter course away and draw outside the British range! Altered to 240 at 0923 hours and fire opened in a divisional concentration on the fleet was 3528N 1430E! Company and proceeded for Alexandria transferred to HMS Warspite ( Capt 20 nautical miles to the southward cruisers had the! To fuel her of which one hit and she was seen to sink attack was witnessed by Auckland. 0100/23 Force C by that time had practically no AA ammunition left Havock ( Lt.Cdr convoy... To 240 at 0923 hours and fire opened in a divisional concentration on the from! This fire was continued until the aircraft from Formidable proceeded to Suda Bay merchant vessels (,... About thirty miles some 7 to 8 miles to the west of Sardinia of Tobruk closed crippled... Force were a Group of warships that was to proceed to Malta for refit HMS Illustrious ( Capt divisional on. 2633E, steering 000 a small merchant vessel, reported by HMS Auckland left Alexandria at 0500/26 the Clan without. Response Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria for these operations tons of fuel and depart. Alexandria also on 2 July 1940 Jervis ( Capt Faulknor, Forester and Fury joined Group I altered to... Close ahead of Group II and the two forces tyrwhitt, RN ), HMS Hereward HMS!
Is Henry Rollins Asexual,
Gavin Stenhouse Net Worth,
How To Tell If A Tumbler Is Powder Coated,
Homedics Sound Machine Troubleshooting,
Articles H
