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CONVOY FP 1

Departed Famagusta on Aug. 10-1940 and arrived Port said on Aug. 12.

Transcribed from documents received from Tony Cooper - His source: Public Records Office, Kew.

Commodore, Commander R. C. Crooks R.N. (retired) was in Fouadieh, Vice Commodore was Captain Branagan of Zealand.

The convoy had 5 ships, all British : Kirkland, Bantria, Zealand, Runo and Fouadieh.

Average speed: 7.75 knots.

The convoy left at 18:00 and formed up into cruising order one mile 104° from the Whistle Buoy at 19:07 on Aug. 10, speed set to 8.5 knots, course 104°, commencing zig-zagging at 19:30. It soon became obvious that Runo could not keep up, even when she was told to stop zig-zagging until in station, though she was a 10 knot ship. Convoy speed was consequently reduced to 8 knots, then to 7.5 knots. At 20:30 course was altered to 144°, then to 184° an hour later. Zig-zagging was ceased at 21:20, but was started again the following morning (Aug. 11) at 05:00. At 06:00 course was set for Port Said. At 23:35 that night the escort signalled instructions to the ships that they were not to arrive off Port Said before 07:30 on Aug. 12, and the convoy altered course 16 points to starboard at 23:45.

At 01:00 Aug. 12 course was again altered 16 points to starboard. Searched Channel Buoy, Port Said was sighted on port bow at 07:25, and 10 minutes later the convoy was ordered to proceed into harbour in the following order: Fouadieh, Runo, Bantria, Kirkland, Zealand, all of which were inside Port Said harbour by 09:30 that morning, having encountered no hostile action on the voyage.

Escort: HMAS Vendetta from 18:00 Aug. 10 till 08:00 Aug. 12.

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