Note that there was also a Convoy HGF 40 (fast), which had left Gibraltar on July 27-1940 and arrived Liverpool on Aug. 3.
This convoy is not available to me.

Br=British, Sw=Swedish, Gr=Greek.

Convoy HG 40 conveyed women, children and old men evacuees from Gibraltar. Some of them died en route, while 2 babies were born, as follows:

1 male refugee on Strategist died of blood poisoning and asthma.
City of Windsor's carpenter died - 1 baby boy was born.
A boy died on board Dromore Castle.
A man on board Baharistan had a stroke and died.
A baby boy was born on board Balfe.

When approaching the northwest coast of Ireland, submarines were very active and the convoy's route was changed by Admiralty orders. Many emergency turns were also made, both during the day and during the night, because of reports received.

Fidra lost touch during the night of Aug. 9 (having broken down), but rejoined on Aug. 11 in 55 20N 9 00W.
Libano also lost touch on the 9th, rejoined on the 10th, then broke down again and dropped out of sight astern. She was machine gunned by a German aircraft that same day, but no damage.

Rendezvous with Local Escort was made at 06:00 on Aug. 10. Conditions were very trying for the women and children, as strong northwesterly winds with heavy seas and thick rain squalls were experienced during Aug. 9 and 10.

Another German aircraft was sighted on Aug. 11, 50 miles west of Tory Island, flying over the convoy, but HMS Wellington chased it off with gunfire.

The ships were detached to Clyde and Liverpool on Aug. 12; City of Windsor had to be sent into Liverpool because "all food for Diabetic Invalids was exhausted".

The Bristol Channel ships arrived off Milford at 10:30 on Aug. 13, but owing to the port being closed because of mines, the ships had to wait until onward routing orders were sent off by boat, then proceeded independently. Balfe, Baharistan and Calumet entered Milford Haven at 14:30.

From the Commodore's remarks:
"The Officers and crews of many of the ships of this Convoy had taken 13 500 French Soldiers and Sailors to Casablanca from England. They then brought 13 300 evacuees, women, children etc. from Casablanca to Gibraltar by order of French Authorities, and subsequently have brought 5800 women and children evacuees from Gibraltar to England. In these three voyages it was recognised that in view of the lack of boats for the numbers carried, there would be little chance for the Officers and crews in the event of accident. It is submitted for consideration that a letter of appreciation of their service from Their Lordships be forwarded to the Masters for promulgation to the Officers and crews concerned".

Escort:
HMS Wellington.
Local escort not known.

Related external link:
HG (& SL) Convoys - In chronological order.

Back to Convoy Index