Br=British, Fr=French

The convoy had 14 ships, 10 of which were present on arrival at Local Escort rendezvous.
According to the Commodore, the average speed was only 5. 2 knots from No. 1 Buoy, Halifax to rendezvous on Dec. 12.

Chancellor reported she had been rammed by Athelchief at 20:00 on Dec. 2, with the result that her engine room was flooded and required assistance. Oropesa was ordered by the Commodore to go to her assistance and to stand by in her vicinity until fog lifted. Athelchief initially reported no serious damage, but later announced she had to return to port with leaking forepeak. She's listed in Convoy HX 12.

Oropesa later reported the following (to the Commodore - time looks like 03:05, Dec. 3):
"All crew of Chancellor saved - ship almost awash - dangerous to navigation approximate position 44 30N 61 51W. Oropesa proceeding - still fog", and a few hours later: "Confidential Code & Code tables of Chancellor not destroyed".
Nothing was received from Chancellor after her first distress message at 00:00.

Arnold Hague's "The Allied Convoy System" claims that Chancellor collided with Athelchief and Oropesa, while "The World's Merchant Fleets 1939" by R. W. Jordan says she collided with Athelchief about 70 miles from Halifax - taken in tow but sank, all 42 survived.

From The Commodore's notes:
Manchester Progress was out of convoy from the night of Dec. 4 in fog till ?(date illegible), and was generally poor at station keeping.
Torr Head was out of convoy on the night of Dec. 11 - reason not known. (She had a minor defect for a short time).
Sulairia was out of the convoy twice during voyage.

Leading ships of columns were generally good at station keeping, but rear ships, with the exception of De Grasse, were generally well astern.
Lack of good daylight signalling lamps made visual signalling difficult. In good visibility, flag signalling was good.

There's also a document, stating the following, date Dec. 4 (note that HMS Revenge was escort for Convoy HX 11, which left Halifax on Dec. 4 - with regard to Manchester Regiment mentioned here, see also [dispersed] Convoy OB 41 at this external link):
"Immediate - Revenge (R) in C A.W.I. Capt. i/c H.M.C.D?. Halifax from P.A. 3.
S.S. Manchester Regiment abandoned after collision and is danger to navigation. S.S. Oropesa returning to Halifax with survivors. Tug Foundation Roosevelt proceeding to scene. Detach Hyperion(?) to stand by Manchester Regiment reported to be in position 44° 30' N 61° 52'W but verification of this position is being obtained".
Checking with "The World's Merchant Fleets", I find that this ship is said to have collided with Oropesa (in convoy) on Dec. 4-1939 and sank 150 miles southwest of Cape Race. 9 died, 63 survived.

Also on Dec. 4, the following signals were intercepted between 11:48 and 12:00 GMT:
Oropesa from Manchester Regiment: "Have you got our boats".
Manchester Regiment from Oropesa: "Taking last third boat & coming up to you".
Oropesa from Manchester Regiment: "Do not think that vessel is in immediate danger of sinking - flooded to water levels - no change in soundings".

Further interceptions on Dec. 5:
Bowring St. Johns from tug Hawes: "SS Ena de Larrinaga lost three propeller blades 180 miles west of our position - requires tug".
(Tug Hawes also calling Manchester Regiment and apparently bound for her position).
Tug Hawes from Bowring St Johns via Cape Race: "Must leave you decide which steamer proceed to meantime endeavouring ascertain if Franklyn? or other proceeding assistance of Ena will advice soonest".

Escorts:
Ocean: HMS Ascania, and submarines HMS Narwhal, and HMS Seal.
Ascania left at 20:30 on Dec. 12, and returned to Halifax, arriving Dec. 19 - ref. her report on Page 2.
Local: HMCS Skeena and St. Laurent.
Western Approaches: HMS Mackay, Wer? (illegible), HMS Wren and HMS Witch.

A. Hague lists the following escorts (dates are European style, day/month):
Ascania - From 02/12 to 12/12
Mackay - From 12/12 to 15/12
Narwhal - From 03/12
Seal - From 03/12
Skeena - From 02/12 to 03/12
St. Laurent - From 02/12 to 03/12

Continue to HMS Ascania's Report on Page 2

Related external link:
HX and HXF Convoys - In chronological order.

Back to Convoy Index