Warsailors Forums

Hi all,

Convoy AC-1 sailed from Alexandria 14/2/41 bound for Benghazi.
2 Ships arrived at Benghazi 18/2/41: Palermo and Escaut
2 Others were diverted for Tobruk: Do you which ones?

Thank you very much

Greetings Jodi
Admiral Cunningham mentions in his book in connection with HMS Coventry and Southern Isle etc :

Two small Indian passenger ships manned by RNR Officers, Chakla and Fiona

Good hunting
Phil

Thank you very much Phil!

How small is "small"
HMS CHAKLA: 3000grt passenger-cargo ship of British India Steam Navigation Co, built 1914, and under Admiralty requisition as an Auxiliary Anti-aircraft Ship, equipped with high-angle armement: 1 x 4in, 1 x 3in, 1 x 12pdr, 6 x 2pdr.
She was sunk at Tobruk 29/4/1941 (bombing was filmed)
www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?ref=16722
https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/22435.html
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F01097/ (film)

HMS FIONA (ex-JUNA): 2190grt passenger-cargo ship of British India Steam Navigation Co, built 1927, and under Admiralty requisition as an Armed Boarding Steamer, equipped with 2 x 4in and 3 x machine guns
She was bombed and sunk 18/4/1941 by German aircraft off Sidi Barrani, Egypt
http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/J-Ships/juna1927.html

Thank you again!

Regards