Transcribed from several documents received from Roger Griffiths (Advance Sailing Telegram, A 1 form etc.) - His source: Public Records Office, Kew.

Crossed out ships did not sail, underlined ships returned to port.

Since all the convoy stations are known, it should be possible to get an idea of what this convoy would have looked like by going to, for instance, this page (similar formation, except HX 240 had 14 columns). Or - print out Mike Holdoway's handy blank form and enter the ships in the appropriate stations.

Notes:
Commodore Arthur Cocks R.N.R. was in Settler, Vice Commodore was Captain S. F. Cameron of Kaipaki.

The convoy had 58 ships. Columns 5 cables apart and ships in columns 4 cables apart.
Average speed: 8.75 knots.

From Commodore's Notes:
Roger Sherman straggled during the night of May 19/20, during thick fog in approx. 40 10N 70 55W. Afterwards reported to have arrived safely at Halifax, May 23. (Joined the next convoy).
Kaipaki, California Express, Esso Baltimore, Wallace E. Pratt, Skandinavia, Manchester Trader, Bañaderos, and Abangarez were detached from main convoy at 08:00(B) June 1, in 56 53N 23 10W, and sent ahead under escort as fast section.

Station keeping and visual signalling: Good. However, Moveria and Høyanger had difficulty in maintaining a speed of 9.5 knots with wind of force 4 and slight sea. The speed of convoy had to be slightly reduced from time to time on their account. "It is recommended that these vessels be not again included in fast convoys".

Commodore's ship was judged to be "unsuitable, as the only cabin available for Commodore is two decks below bridge, and there is no settee (or room for one) in chart room."

The convoy experienced heavy weather during the latter part of the voyage, which resulted in considerable delays. There were no attacks or incidents, though heavy depth charges were heard at 15:30Z in 56 53N 21 00W on June 1.

The Commodore suggested that "groups of signals be inserted in Mersigs covering Net Defence vessels, such as "Stream Star'd Net", "Recover Star'd Net", "Stream both nets", "Recover both nets" etc. It should also be possible to introduce coloured light signals to control Net Defence vessels at night."

Ships reported for persistent smoking:
Manchester Trader - declared speed 13.5 knots. Informed by signal that she would be reported for persistent smokng. Her reply: "Every effort is made at all times to minimise smoke. This ship is fired by automatic stokers. Coal is mixture Dolton nuts, Cortors Nuts, Bentley slack, and Sherwood slack, received at Ellesmere Port".
Abangarez was also informed by signal that she would be reported for persistent smoking. Her reply was: "This is an oil burning ship. During this period of heavy smoking speed of Convoy was 9.5 knots".

Escort Vessels:
Western Local (South): St. Clair, Quesnel, Chicoutimi - to 15:30Z May 22 in 43 23N 61 08W (HOMP), relieved by
Western Local (North): St. Francis, Midland, Kamloops, Transcona - to 17:20Z May 25 in 44 22N 45 59W, at which time the mid-ocean escort took over.
Mid-Ocean: Ottawa, Dianthus, Banff, Arvida, Wetaskiwin, Fishguard, Rostern, Nene, St. Elstan (trawler) and Stormking (rescue tug).
5th Support group joined on May 27 and remained in company until p.m. May 30.

All the Norwegian ships sailing in this convoy are listed on this website - see alphabet index below.

Related external links:
Liberty Ships - Some of the ships listed as American in the table above were Liberty ships. This website lists them alphabetically.
This site has more on the the "Fort" and "Ocean" ships mentioned in this convoy.
Empire Ships listed in alphabetical order. The site also has a section listing the Liberty ships.

Back to Convoy Index