D/S Topdalsfjord - Norwegian Merchant Fleet 1939-1945

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D/S Topdalsfjord
Updated Sept. 27-2012

To Topdalsfjord on the "Ships starting with T" page.

Picture received from Jean-Pierre Charest, Québec (see his Guestbook message).
It's a scan from a photocopy, hence the quality.
Another picture is available on this external page (click in it to enlarge).

Manager: Den Norske Amerikalinje A/S, Oslo.
Tonnage: 4271 gt, 2574 net, 6310 tdwt.
Dimensions: 365.3' x 49.7' x 26.5'.
Machinery: 3-cylinder triple expansion steam engine by the shipbuilders.

Launched on May 5-1921 by Canadian Vickers Ltd., Montreal (Yard No. 82) for NAL. Delivered in July 1921.

Captain: Karl A. Kristensen.

Related item on this website:
Guestbook message from the daughter of Norman Arthur Croton, who served on this ship in 1944.

The Memorial for Seamen in Stavern, Norway (external link) claims that Topdalsfjord was torpedoed in the North Atlantic in the winter of 1941, and that Motorman Birger Kornelius Olsen died on shore after having been in a lifeboat for 8 days. I have never seen this incident mentioned anywhere else, and I don't believe Topdalsfjord was ever torpedoed. However, in the Norwegian magazine "Krigsseileren" No. 1/1985 I happened upon the names of 16 Norwegians who are buried at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Saranac Lake, NY. One of them is a Birger Olsen from Topdalsfjord, who is said to have died in Nov.-1942 following an illness. Please go to Norwegian War Graves for more information about these graves in Saranac Lake.

Topdalsfjord covered 208 114 miles during the war, carrying 116 489 tons of cargo. She was mostly in service in the Atlantic, but also made voyages to Africa and the Mediterranean, as will be seen below.

Please compare the above voyages with Arnold Hague's Voyage Record below.

Voyage Record
From Apr.-1940 to Oct.-1945:

(Received from Don Kindell - His source: The late Arnold Hague's database).

Follow the convoy links provided for more information on each (where the "Convoy" column is left blank, it means that convoy is not known).

Errors may exist, and some voyages may be missing.

	Departure	From	To	Arrival	Convoy	Remarks
1940	Apr. 6	Kirkwall	Kirkwall	Apr. 12	ON 25	Left Kirkwall May 3 (see Page 1).
	May 10	Methil	Tyne	May 10	MT 66	Convoy available via this page (external link)
	May 11	Tyne	Hull	May 12	FS 168	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link)
	June 12	Hull	Southend	June 14	FS 193	Convoy available at link above
	June 15	Southend	Fowey	June 16	OA 168GF	For Fowey (see also Page 1). Convoy available at OA 168GF (external link)
	June 26	Fowey	Falmouth	June 27	Independent	–
	June 28	Falmouth	–	–	OA 175	Dispersed July 1 See also OA 175 (external link)
	July 1	Dispersed from OA 175	Hampton Roads	July 14	Independent	–
	Aug. 4	Hampton Roads	Tampa	Aug. 9	Independent	–
	Aug. 10	Tampa	Halifax	Aug. 18	Independent	–
	Sept. 1	Halifax	Barry Island	Sept. 17	HX 70	–
	Sept. 18	Barrys Island	Liverpool	Sept. 20	Independent	Missing movements, Page 1.
	Oct. 13	Liverpool	–	–	OB 228	Dispersed Oct. 17 See also OB 228 (external link)
	Oct. 17	Dispersed from OB 228	Wabana	Oct. 23	Independent	–
	Oct. 25	Wabana	Halifax	Oct. 27	Independent	–
	Nov. 1	Halifax	Sydney, C.B.	Nov. 8	HX 85	Convoy put back
	Nov. 11	Sydney, C.B.	Port Talbot	Nov. 28	HX 85/1	See link to HX 85.
	Dec. 5	Port Talbot	Swansea	Dec. 5	Independent	–
	Dec. 8	Swansea	Milford Haven	Dec. 8	Independent	–
	Dec. 9	Milford Haven	–	–	OB 257	For NYC. Dispersed Dec. 13. Convoy available at OB 257 (external link)
	Dec. 13	Dispersed from OB 257	New York City	Dec. 30	Independent	–
1941	Jan. 13	New York City	Halifax	Jan. 16	Independent	–
	Jan. 30	Halifax	Liverpool	Febr. 18	HX 106	Missing movements, Page 1
	March 8	Liverpool	–	–	OB 295	For Barbados. Dispersed March 14. Convoy available at OB 295 (external link)
	March 14	Dispersed from OB 295	Hampton Roads	March 30	Independent	–
	Apr. 8	Hampton Roads	Barbados	Apr. 15	Independent	–
	Apr. 19	Barbados	Halifax	Apr. 30	Independent	–
	May 6	Halifax	Loch Ewe	May 22	HX 125A	See also narrative below
	May 25	Loch Ewe	Methil	May 26	WN 131	Convoy available at WN convoys (external link)
	May 27	Methil	Southend	May 29	FS 500	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link) See also Page 2
	June 8	Southend	Methil	June 11	FN 477	Convoy available at FN convoys (external link)
	June 14	Methil Roads	Loch Ewe	June 16	EC 32	Convoy available at EC convoys (external link)
	June 18	Loch Ewe	–	–	OB 336	For Halifax. Dispersed June 23. Convoy available at OB 336 (external link)
	June 23	Dispersed from OB 336	Halifax	June 30	Independent	–
	July 1	Halifax	San Juan, P.R.	July 8	Independent	–
	July 9	San Juan, P.R.	Macoris	July 10	Independent	–
	July 17	Macoris	Halifax	July 25	Independent	–
	July 27	Halifax	Clyde	Aug. 10	HX 141	–
	Aug. 20	Clyde	–	–	ON 9	For NYC. Dispersed 54 51N 20 42W, Aug. 25.
	Aug. 25	Dispersed from ON 9	New York City	Sept. 3	Independent	–
	Sept. 12	New York City	Halifax	Sept. 15	Independent	–
	Sept. 16	Halifax	Liverpool	Sept. 30	HX 150	Missing movements, Page 2
	Oct. 8	Liverpool	–	–	ON 24	For NYC. Dispersed 58N 28W, Oct. 15. Convoy will be added. See ships in ON convoys
	Oct. 15	Dispersed from ON 24	New York City	Oct. 25	Independent	–
	Nov. 28	New York City	Halifax	Dec. 1	Independent	–
	Dec. 3	Halifax	Loch Ewe	Dec. 18	HX 163	–
	Dec. 18	Loch Ewe	Methil	Dec. 21	WN 220	Convoy available at WN convoys (external link)
	Dec. 21	Methil	Southend	Dec. 23	FS 679	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link) See also Page 2
1942	Jan. 4	Southend	Methil	Jan. 7	FN 596	Convoy available at FN convoys (external link)
*	Jan. 6	Methil	Oban	Jan. 8	EN 29	Convoy available at EN convoys (external link)
	*The above entry appears to be an error - She left Methil on Jan. 9 and arrived Loch Ewe Jan. 11 (as below).
	Jan. 9	Methil	Loch Ewe	Jan. 11	EN 30	Convoy available at link above
	Jan. 12	Loch Ewe	–	–	ON 56	For NYC. Dispersed 59 00N 17 00W, Jan. 16. Convoy will be added. See ships in ON convoys
	Jan. 16	Dispersed from ON 56	New York City	Jan. 29	Independent	–
	Febr. 6	New York City	Trinidad	Febr. 14	Independent	–
	Febr. 16	Trinidad	Capetown	March 10	Independent	–
	March 14	Capetown	Aden	March 30	Independent	–
	March 30	Aden	Suez	Apr. 4	Independent	–
	Apr. 8	Suez	Aden	Apr. 13	Independent	–
	Apr. 14	Aden	Mombasa	Apr. 20	Independent	–
	Apr. 26	Mombasa	Capetown	–	Independent	Page 3 gives arrival May 5
	May 7	Capetown	Trinidad	May 27	Independent	–
	May 28	Trinidad	Kingston	June 1	Independent	–
	June 12	Salt River	Halifax	June 19	Independent	–
	June 29	Halifax	Clyde	July 10	HX 196	See also Page 3
	July 25	Clyde	Halifax	Aug. 5	ON 115	For Hampton Roads. Convoy will be added. See link above
	Aug. 6	Halifax	New York City	Aug. 9	–	–
	Aug. 11	New York City	Hampton Roads	–	Independent	–
	Aug. 15	Hampton Roads	Key West	Aug. 22	KS 531	Convoy available at KS convoys (external link)
	Aug. 26	Key West	Gitmo	Sept. 1	WAT 17	Convoy available at WAT convoys (external link)
	Sept. 16	Gitmo	Macoris	Sept. 20	–	–
	Sept. 24	Macoris	Barahona	Sept. 25	Independent	–
	Sept. 29	Barahona	Gitmo	–	–	–
	Oct. 3	Gitmo	New York City	Oct. 11	GN 9	Convoy available at GN convoys (external link)
	Oct. 18	New York City	Clyde	Nov. 2	HX 212	See also Page 3
	Dec. 11	Clyde	Oran	Dec. 26	KMS 5	–
1943	Jan. 4	Oran	Gibraltar	Jan. 5	ET 8	A. Hague says: Probably via a Spanish port to load. Convoy available via this page (external link)
	Jan. 11	Gibraltar	Liverpool	Jan. 22	MKS 5	–
	Febr. 20	Liverpool	Clyde	Febr. 21	Independent	–
	Febr. 26*	Clyde	Philippeville	March 11	KMS 10	*Page 3 gives departure Febr. 21.
	March 18	Philippeville	Gibraltar	March 22	ET 15	Convoy available via link above
	March 27	Gibraltar	Penarth	Apr. 5	MKS 10	–
	May 2	Penarth	Milford Haven	May 2	Independent	–
	May 4	Milford Haven	–	–	OS 47/KMS 14	For Bougie. Convoy split May 16. Available at OS 47/KMS 14 (external link)
	May 16	Convoy split	Passed Gibraltar	May 17	KMS 14G	Convoy will be added. See ships in KMS convoys
	May 17	Passed Gibraltar	Bougie	May 20	KMS 14	See link above
	June 4	Bougie	Gibraltar	June 9	MKS 14	Convoy will be added. See ships in MKS convoys
	June 10	Gibraltar	–	–	MKS 14G	See link above. Rendezvoused w/SL 130, June 11.
	June 11	SL 130 & MKS 14 joined up	Loch Ewe	June 21	SL 130/MKS 14	Convoy available at SL 130/MKS 14 (external link)
	June 21	Loch Ewe	Methil	June 23	WN 444	See also Page 4 Convoy available at WN convoys (external link)
	June 23	Methil	Middlesbrough	June 24	FS 1149	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link)
	July 2	Middlesbrough	Methil	July 2	FN 1061	Convoy available at FN convoys (external link)
	July 4	Methil	Loch Ewe	July 6	EN 251	Convoy available at EN convoys (external link)
	July 10	Loch Ewe	New York City	July 22	ON 192	Convoy will be added. See ships in ON convoys
	July 31	New York City	Gitmo	Aug. 7	NG 377	Convoy available at NG convoys (external link)
	Aug. 8	Gitmo	San Juan, P.R.	Aug. 11	–	–
	Aug. 15	San Juan, P.R.	Macoris	Aug. 18	Independent	A. Hague says: Notional sailing date (Page 4 gives Aug. 17).
	Aug. 22	Macoris	Ciudad Trujillo	Aug. 22	Independent	–
	Aug. 25	Ciudad Trujillo	Gitmo	–	Independent	Page 4 gives arrival Aug. 27.
	Aug. 28	Gitmo	Key West	Aug. 31	GK 754	Convoy available at GK convoys (external link)
	Sept. 1	Key West	New York City	Sept. 7	KN 262	Convoy available at KN convoys (external link)
	Sept. 9	New York City	Clyde	Sept. 22	HX 256	See also Page 4
	Oct. 18	Clyde	Passed Gibraltar	Oct. 31	KMS 30G	For Algiers. Convoy will be added. See ships in KMS convoys
	Oct. 31	Passed Gibraltar	Algiers	Nov. 3	KMS 30	See link above
	Nov. 21	Algiers	Gibraltar	Nov. 23	MKS 31	Algiers to Gibraltar
	Nov. 27	Gibraltar	Freetown	Dec. 8	OS 59	Gibraltar to Takoradi. Convoy available at OS 59 (external link)
	Dec. 10	Freetown	Takoradi	Dec. 15	ST 77	Convoy available at ST convoys (external link)
	Dec. 25	Takoradi	Freetown	Dec. 30	TS 55	Convoy available via this page (external link)
1944	Jan. 1	Freetown	–	–	SL 145	Convoy available at SL 145 (external link) Rendezvoused w/MKS 36, Jan. 12.
	Jan. 12	SL 145 & MKS 36 joined up	Oban	Jan. 23	SL 145/MKS 36	Convoy available at SL 145/MKS 36 (external link)
	Jan. 24	Oban	Methil	Jan. 27	WN 535	Convoy available at WN convoys (external link)
	Jan. 27	Methil	Hull	Jan. 29	FS 1344	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link) Left Hull Febr. 11 (Page 4).
	Febr. 12	Humber	Methil*	Febr. 13	FN 1264	*Arrived Leith (Page 4) Convoy available at FN convoys (external link)
	Febr. 29	Methil	Oban	March 3	EN 352	Convoy available at EN convoys (external link)
	March 4	Oban	–	–	OS 70/KMS 44	For Malta. Convoy split March 15. Available at OS 70/KMS 44 (external link)
	March 15	Convoy split	Passed Gibraltar	March 17	KMS 44G	For Malta. Convoy will be added. See ships in KMS convoys
	March 17	Passed Gibraltar	Malta	March 22	KMS 44	See link above (and narrative).
	Apr. 15	Malta	Gibraltar	Apr. 21	MKS 46	Malta to Gibraltar. Convoy will be added. See ships in MKS convoys
	Apr. 23	Gibraltar	Freetown	May 3	OS 74	Gibraltar to Freetown. Convoy available at OS 74 (external link)
	May 11	Freetown	Dakar	May 14	SL 158	Freetown to Dakar. Convoy available at SL 158 (external link)
	May 20	Dakar	–	–	SL 159	5 passengers, Dakar to UK. Convoy available at SL 159 (external link) Rendezvoused w/MKS 50, May 31.
	May 31	SL 159 & MKS 50 joined up	Avonmouth	June 12	SL 159/MKS 50	See also Page 5 Convoy available at SL 159/MKS 50 (external link)
	June 22	Avonmouth	Cardiff	June 22	Independent	–
	June 29	Cardiff	Belfast Lough	June 30	Independent	–
	July 1	Belfast Lough	–	–	OS 82/KMS 56	For Gibraltar. Convoy split July 11. Available at OS 82/KMS 56 (external link)
	July 12?	Convoy split	Passed Gibraltar	July 13	KMS 56G	For Bizerta. Convoy will be added. See ships in KMS convoys
	July 13	Passed Gibraltar	Bizerta	July 17	KMS 56	For Bizerta. See link above
	July 30	Bizerta	Casablanca	Aug. 4	GUS 47	Bizerta to Casablanca
	Aug. 13	Casablanca	New York City	Aug. 27	GUS 48	Casablanca to USA
	Sept. 13	New York City	Southend	Sept. 29	HX 308	Again, see also Page 5
	Oct. 12	Southend	Sunderland	Oct. 13	FN 1508	Convoy available at FN convoys (external link)
	Nov. 20	Sunderland	Southend	Nov. 22	FS 1642	Convoy available at FS convoys (external link)
	Nov. 23	Southend	Philadelphia	Dec. 11	ON 268	Convoy will be added. See ships in ON convoys
1945	Jan. 3	New York City	Liverpool	Jan. 17	HX 330	Had arrived New York, Jan. 1 (Page 5)
	Febr. 1	Liverpool	New York City*	Febr. 19	ON 282	Convoy will be added. See link above *Arrived Hampton Roads
	March 10	Hampton Roads	New York City	March 11	Independent	–
	March 14	New York City	Southend	March 30	HX 344	Again, see Page 5 Convoy will be added. See ships in HX convoys
	Apr. 17	Southend	New York City	May 2	ON 297	Convoy will be added. See ships in ON convoys
	May 15	New York City	New York City	May 15	Independent	A. Hague says: Put back after collision
	May 26	New York City	San Juan, P.R.	June 1	Independent	–
	June 7	San Juan, P.R.	Cardenas	June 11	Independent	–
	June 12	Cardenas	Havana	June 13	Independent	Notional sailing date
	June 16	Havana	Downs	July 4	Independent	Via Southampton (Page 5).
	July 8	Downs	Ostend	July 8	Independent	–
	July 10	Ostend	Rotterdam	July 10	Independent	–
	July 15	Rotterdam	New York City	July 30	Independent	See also Page 6
	Aug. 1	New York City	Philadelphia	Aug. 2	Independent	–
	Aug. 11	Philadelphia	Leith	Aug. 26	Independent	Via Downs (Page 6).
	Sept. 13	Leith	Baltimore	Sept. 18*	Independent	*Should be Sept. 28
	Oct. 2	Baltimore	Oslo	Oct. 25	Independent	Via Kirkwall & Sarpsborg (also Fredrikstad?) See Page 6.

Some Convoy Voyages:

For information on voyages made in between those mentioned here, please see the documents received from the National Archives of Norway and A. Hague's Voyage Record above. Follow the convoy links provided for more information; the Commodore's and/or escorts' reports are also available for many of them, and several Norwegian ships took part.

Topdalsfjord is said to have transported, among other things, 94 cases of gold from Bergen, Norway to the U.S., valued at 30 million dollars, in Dec.-1939. Another load of gold was transported in March-1940. It'll be noticed, when going to Page 1 of the archive documents, that she left New York on March 21, and although it's not mentioned, it's possible she had previously arrived there from Norway with the load of gold? She arrived Kirkwall on Apr. 4, and from there, she joined the U.K. to Norway Convoy ON 25 (according to A. Hague). The archive document gives her destination as Trondheim, Norway. However, due to the German invasion on Apr. 9, several ships turned around and headed back to the U.K. - follow the link for more details. Topdalsfjord arrived Kirkwall on Apr. 12, remaining there for about 3 weeks. She also had a long stay in Hull later on (see Voyage Record above).

In June-1940 she's listed, together with Avance I, Benwood, Fernbank, Ledaal, Nea and Svint, in Convoy OA 168GF, which left Southend on June 15 and joined up with Convoy OB 168GF from Liverpool 2 days later, the combined convoy forming Convoy OG 34F, which arrived Gibraltar on June 24 (see also ships in all OG convoys). Topdalsfjord, however, was only bound for Fowey on that occasion, arriving there on June 16 (in other words, she was not part of the OG convoy). Ref. link provided within the Voyage Record above for more on the OA convoy; another section of the same site has not included Ledaal, but has added Fernwood and Lysaker V - Fernwood, however, was in another part of the world at that time. Later that month, Topdalsfjord can be found, along with Boreas, Brandanger and Leikanger, in Convoy OA 175, which originated in Southend on June 27 and dispersed on July 1 (also available via external link in the table above; the other section of the site has added Audun and Sevilla). My own page related to OA 175 has the Vice Commodore's report. Topdalsfjord arrived Hampton Roads on July 14, having started out from Falmouth on June 28, according to Page 1. She subsequently remained at Hampton Roads for 3 weeks.

Carrying phosphates for Garston, she headed back to the U.K. again on Sept. 1 in Convoy HX 70 from Halifax, sailing in station 62 (the Norwegian Hird was sunk - follow the link for details). Topdalsfjord arrived her destination on Sept. 29, and the following month, we find her in Convoy OB 228, which left Liverpool on Oct. 13 and dispersed on the 17th and also included Astra, Brask, Chr. Knudsen, Dokka (sunk - follow link for info), Gudrun, Noreg and Polyana. Ref. link in Voyage Record (see also some reports related to OB 228 on my own website. In addition to Dokka, this convoy also lost 3 other ships, while 1 was damaged). Topdaslfjord's destination is not given, but from Page 1, we learn that she arrived Wabana on Oct. 23. On Nov. 1, she joined Convoy HX 85 from Halifax, cargo of iron ore for Port Talbot, where she arrived on Nov. 28. This convoy had put back to Sydney, C.B. on Nov. 9, but left again on the 11th, now with the designation HX 85/1, according to A. Hague. With Dagrun, Storaas and Titanian, she later joined Convoy OB 257, originating in Liverpool on Dec. 10, dispersed Dec. 13, Topdalsfjord arriving New York on Dec. 30; she had started out in Milford Haven on Dec. 9. Again, see the external link in the Voyage Record for more convoy details (another section of the site has also listed Suderholm in this convoy, but not Storaas - A. Hague has Suderholm in OB 258).

Topdalsfjord acted as the Commodore's ship several times, the first time at the beginning of 1941, when she sailed back to the U.K. in Convoy HX 106, departing Halifax on Jan. 30, arriving Liverpool on Febr. 18; Topdalsfjord proceeded to Garston that same day. With John P. Pedersen, Norse King and Tungsha, she later joined Convoy OB 295, leaving Liverpool on March 8, dispersed March 14, Topdalsfjord arriving Hampton Roads on March 30, Barbados on Apr. 15. In May that year, I have her in station 44 of Convoy HX 125A from Halifax, bound for London with a cargo of sugar, having been cancelled from the previous convoy, HX 124 (she had arrived Halifax from Barbados on the day this convoy sailed, but may have arrived too late to join - see Page 1). The cruising order/Commodore's notes are also available for HX 125. The following month, she's listed as bound for Halifax in Convoy OB 336, which originated in Liverpool on June 15 and dispersed on the 25th, Topdalsfjord arriving her destination on June 30. She had sailed from Loch Ewe on June 18 (Page 2). Helgøy and Ravnefjell are also listed in this convoy, which lost 3 ships, according to Uboat.net - ref. link below.

Related external link:
Ships hit from convoy OB 336

Having made a voyage to San Juan and Macoris, she returned to Halifax in order to join Convoy HX 141 on July 27-1941. She arrived Clyde on Aug. 10 and later that month, she took station 92 of the westbound North Atlantic Convoy ON 9 (departure Liverpool Aug. 20 - Topdalsfjord sailed from Clyde that day); her destination was New York, where she arrived Sept. 3, the convoy having been dispersed Aug. 25. With a cargo of steel, she headed back to the U.K. with Convoy HX 150 from Halifax on Sept. 16, arriving Liverpool Sept. 30, Garston Oct. 1. Other Norwegian ships were Fenris, Solfonn, Havkong, Garonne, Thorshavet, Heina, Varanger and Braganza. A. Hague has also included Boreas in this convoy. A week later, we find Topdalsfjord in station 13 of the westbound North Atlantic Convoy ON 24x, departing Liverpool on Oct. 8, dispersed on the 15th, Topdalsfjord arriving New York Oct. 25. Abraham Lincoln, Aristophanes, Brasil, Glittre, Grey County, Herbrand, Idefjord, Innerøy, Petter, Solfonn, Thorshavet, Thorshov and the Panamanian Norvik (Norwegian managers) are also listed. Topdalsfjord remained in New York for over a month before proceeding to Halifax on Nov. 28 and according to Arnold Hague, she now joined Convoy HX 163 back to the U.K. on Dec. 3. Page 2 gives her destination as London.

In Jan.-1942 she's listed as bound for New York in the westbound North Atlantic Convoy ON 56x, which left Liverpool on Jan. 12 and dispersed on the 16th, Topdalsfjord arriving New York on Jan. 29 (she had joined from Loch Ewe). Alaska, Andrea Brøvig, Leiesten (sunk - follow link for details), Pan Norway (sunk), Polarsol, Ringstad (sunk), Solstad and Vardefjell are also named in this convoy. Topdalsfjord's subsequent movements are shown on Page 3.

She reported being followed by a U-boat in the Caribbean on May 31-1942, but escaped unharmed. Identity of the boat is unknown. From the archive document, we learn that she was on a voyage from Trinidad to Kingston, Jamaica on that date. She later proceeded to Halifax, and from there, she joined Convoy HX 196 to the U.K. on June 29. She also reported being attacked by a U-boat on Aug. 3 that year (New Foundland banks), but escaped on that occasion as well. Note that she's listed as bound for Hampton Roads in station 65 of the westbound North Atlantic Convoy ON 115x in this time period, along with Emma Bakke, Brimanger, Herbrand, Høegh Hood, Katy, Norsktank, Solfonn and Ørnefjell (convoy originated in Liverpool July 24-1942 - 3 ships sunk, 2 damaged; ref. external link below). She arrived Halifax on Aug. 5, proceeding to New York the next day, with arrival Aug. 9; arrival date for Hampton Roads is not given on Page 3, which lists her subsequent voyages (convoy info in Voyage Record above).

Related external link:
Ships hit from convoy ON 115

On Oct. 18-1942, she's listed, with a cargo of sugar and logs for Greenock, in station 54 of the New York-U.K. Convoy HX 212 (in which Kosmos II and several others were sunk, and Frontenac damaged - follow the links for more details). Abraham Lincoln served as Vice Commodore. See also this report on the passage of the convoy. Topdalsfjord arrived Greenock on Nov. 2, remaining there for quite a long time.

She now started taking part in the Torch operations, which had commenced in Nov.-1942 (my page about Athos has a list of Norwegian ships taking part in these operations). From the U.K., she headed to Oran, having joined Convoy KMS 5, leaving Clyde for Gibraltar and North Africa on Dec. 11-1942. This convoy also included the Norwegian Anna Knudsen, Vardefjell and Norelg, though the latter returned. This turned out to be a very trying voyage for Vardefjell - follow the link for details. Topdalsfjord arrived Oran on Dec. 26 - the Commodore says that she was "very slow and slack at repeating signals".

She left Oran again for Gibraltar on Jan. 4-1943, returning to the U.K. on Jan. 11 with Convoy MKS 5, which arrived Liverpool on Jan. 22. The following month, she's listed in Convoy KMS 10, which left Clyde on Febr. 26 (Page 3 gives her departure Clyde as Febr. 21). She was bound for Philippeville on that occasion, arriving there on March 11 - see also narrative for March 11 on my page about KMS 10. Later that month, she's mentioned in Convoy MKS 10 - scroll down in the table on my page for that convoy. According to the archive document, she left Gibraltar on March 27 and arrived Penarth Apr. 5. She subsequently stayed there for almost a month, before proceeding to Milford Haven.

We now find her, together with Kong Haakon VII and Nea, in Convoy OS 47/KMS 14, voyaging from Milford to Bougie in station 51, cargo of stores and general. This convoy departed Liverpool on May 5 and split up on the 16th, the KMS portion arriving Gibraltar on May 17, while the OS convoy continued to Freetown, with arrival May 25. Topdalsfjord had sailed from Milford Haven on May 4 and arrived Bougie May 20 (KMS 14x). For her return voyage in June, she sailed in Convoy SL 130/MKS 14. The SL portion had originated in Freetown on May 30; Topdalsfjord had sailed from Bougie on June 4, joining MKS 14x, which rendezvoused with SL 130 off Gibraltar on June 11, the combined convoy arriving Liverpool on June 21; Topdalsfjord stopped at Loch Ewe that day (Page 4). Her cargo is given as iron ore, and she also had passengers on board. Bosphorus, Hai Lee, Jenny, San Andres, Sørvard and Tanafjord are also named in the combined convoy - ref. external links provided in the Voyage Record.

The following month, she shows up in the westbound North Atantic Convoy ON 192x, which originated in Liverpool on July 9 and arrived New York on the 22nd and also included Anna Knudsen, Buenos Aires, Emma Bakke, Ferncourt, Ivaran, Laurits Swenson (Commodore Vessel), Norholm, Petter, Reinholt, San Andres, Skaraas (returned), Tai Shan, Vest and Villanger, as well as the Panamanian Norvinn (Norwegian managers). Her subsequent voyages are shown on Page 4 (convoy info in Voyage Record).

In Sept.-1943, she acted as Commodore Vessel for Convoy HX 256, with the Norwegian Brimanger as the Vice Commodore's ship. The Commodore says about his ship, "well built, well found and well kept. Commodore's cabin in a convenient position. Navigation good, speed regular and compasses in good order. Good charthouse. No Echo Sounder". Topdalsfjord had a general cargo for Greenock and had station 71 of the convoy, which left New York on Sept. 9 and arrived Liverpool on the 21st - she arrived Greenock on Sept. 23.

The following month, she's listed as bound for Algiers in Convoy KMS 30x, which departed Liverpool on Oct. 17 and arrived Gibraltar on the 31st; Topdalsfjord arrived Algiers on Nov. 3, having sailed from Clyde Oct. 18 (Ledaal also joined but returned). Later that month, she made a voyage from Algiers to Gibraltar with Convoy MKS 31 - scroll down to the second table on that page. She arrived Gibraltar Nov. 23, having sailed from Algiers Nov. 21. She's also listed as bound from Gibraltar to Takoradi in Convoy OS 59 that month - this convoy, which also included Alaska, had started out from the U.K. on Nov. 16 as the combined convoy OS 59/KMS 33 which split up on Nov. 28; note, however, that Topdalsfjord was not present from the U.K., but joined from Gibraltar, and arrived Freetown Dec. 8, proceeding to Takoradi a couple of days later, Convoy ST 77, returning to Freetown with Convoy TS 55 (with Fernglen in company), which arrived Freetown on Dec. 30. Again, see Page 4 for further dates, as well as the external links in the Voyage Record.

Most of what follows is from an article in "Tilbakeblikk" written by Gunner Arne Thommessen:

As mentioned above, Topdalsfjord had arrived Freetown from Takoradi on Dec. 30-1943. At the beginning of the new year, we find her listed in Convoy SL 145/MKS 36. The SL portion of this convoy, in which she sailed, departed Freetown on Jan. 1-1944 and joined up with the MKS convoyx from Gibraltar on the 12th, the combined convoy arriving Liverpool on Jan. 24. Topdalsfjord had a cargo of cocoa and W.A. produce (the Norwegian Ragnhild and Lisbeth also took part). Some ships in this convoy, including Topdalsfjord (bound for Hull) arrived Oban Anchorage on Jan. 22, and continued with Convoy WN 535, which left Loch Ewe on Jan. 24 and arrived Methil Jan. 27. From Methil, she joined Convoy FS 1344, and arrived her destination Hull on Jan. 29. Again, follow the external links provided in the table above for more information.

At the beginning of Febr.-1944, she was still in Hull loading war stores and explosives for the Mediterranean. The following gunners joined the ship there on Febr. 3: Birger W. Johansen, Yngvar Helliesen (previously of Bergensfjord - see this external page), Albert O. Liljevold, Einar T. Aronsen and Arne K. Thommessen (previously of Bosphorus, Kong Haakon VII and Belnor), then a few days later Odd Larsen and Einar Hansen (see also crew list for Litiopa and this external page). Gunnery Officer was Gunnar Slatlem. She left Hull for Leith on Febr. 11, arriving there on the 13th. Gunner Viktor Solberg joined, making the total number of Norwegian gunners the required 8. She also had British gunners. (Gunner Aronsen was needed for D/S Tore Jarl a few days later). Topdalsfjord loaded more war stores in Leith until Febr. 27 (Page 4), then headed for Methil (by then Gunner Henry N. Østerfeldt had completed their numbers again) and from there to Oban on the 29th, where she arrived together with other ships on March 3 (convoy info in Voyage Record).

The next day, they went out to join ships from various English and Scottish ports to form a large convoy, some with destination Gibraltar, others were going to misc. Mediterranean ports (this was Convoy OS 70/KMS 44, which originated in Liverpool on March 3 and split up on March 15 - see external link in the Voyage Record for more convoy details; Bruse Jarl and Jenny are also listed, other Norwegian ships joined along the way from other ports). They passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on March 17. Topdalsfjord, in station 61 of the convoy, had Malta as her destination. In the evening of March 19, the convoy (KMS 44x) was attacked by aircraft between Algiers and Cape Carbon. No ships were hit, but when Topdalsfjord arrived Malta on the 22nd (Page 5), they were told that 4 German aircraft had been shot down. D/S Gezina is also said to have taken part in defending the convoy, as did Topdalsfjord, but Gezina is not listed in KMS 44 by A. Hague. ("Nortraships flåte" claims that the convoy consisted of 70 ships with a very strong escort).

Topdalsfjord stayed in Valetta unloading cargo until Apr. 15-1944 at which time she joined a convoy consisting of about 30 ships coming from Italy, its numbers increasing as they passed North African coastal ports. They were attacked by aircraft, but no ships appear to have been hit and they arrived Gibraltar on Apr. 22 (note that she's listed as bound from Malta to Gibraltar in Convoy MKS 46x in this time period. This particular portion had originated in Port Said on Apr. 9, and arrival Gibraltar is given as Apr. 21 - Frontenac, Hermion, Hjalmar Wessel, Norheim and Roald Amundsen are also named). From Gibraltar, they joined a small convoy for Freetown on Apr. 23, arriving there on May 3. (This was Convoy OS 74, which had started out in Liverpool on Apr. 12-1944 as the combined convoy OS 74/KMS 48, then split up on Apr. 23, the KMS portion arriving Gibraltar on Apr. 25, while the OS convoy continued to Freetown, with arrival May 3, as mentioned - ref. external link to OS 74 provided in the table above - Gabon is also mentioned). Topdalsfjord started loading peanuts straight into her holds, but on May 12 they were suddenly ordered to sail again, and on May 14 she arrived Dakar (*) where more peanuts were loaded. The Norwegian Tamerlane was also there at the time, and the 2 Norwegian crews celebrated May 17 together (Norway's constitution day). While there, Gunner Odd Larsen transferred to Salta which was also at Dakar.

* Arne Thommessen says they arrived Dakar alone, but note that she is, in fact, listed as bound from Freetown to Dakar in Convoy SL 158 (external link), which left Freetown on May 11-1944. This convoy, which also included Rutenfjell (from Dakar to the U.K.), joined up with MKS 49x from Gibraltar on the 21st, but Topdalsfjord was not present at that time, having already gone to Dakar.

Topdalsfjord left Dakar again on May 20 and joined a small convoy for the UK, meeting up with a larger convoy coming out of Gibraltar. This would have been Convoy SL 159/MKS 50, in which she's listed as bound from Dakar to Clyde (link in the table above). Her cargo is given as groundnuts, and she also carried mail and 5 passengers. (SL 159, which Topdalsfjord joined from Dakar, had started out in Freetown on May 17-1944 and joined up with the MKS convoyx from Gibraltar on May 31, the combined convoy arriving Liverpool on June 11). En route the news of the Normandy invasion reached them. After having passed Northern Ireland the convoy split up, with Topdalsfjord heading south to the Bristol Channel, arriving Avonmouth on June 12 (Page 5). The peanuts were discharged, and war stores taken on board again. Gunner John Johnsen now joined them, again meeting the required number of 8 Norwegian gunners.

She continued to Cardiff on June 22, where more war stores were loaded for the Mediterranean (Gunner Einar Hansen left them in Cardiff [joined Astrid, according to this external page], and Edgar Olai Olsen replaced him), departing Cardiff again on June 29, arriving Belfast on June 30, then left for Gibraltar on July 1 (with Convoy OS 82/KMS 56, which started out in Liverpool on July 1 and split up on July 11, the KMS convoy arriving Gibraltar on July 13, while the OS convoy continued to Freetown, with arrival there on July 21 - again, ref. external link in the Voyage Record - Arosa and Dagrun are included). As already indicated, a few ships went to Gibraltar, but Topdalsfjord instead proceeded to Bizerta (still with Convoy KMS 56x) with arrival on July 17. Cargo was discharged until July 30, while enduring several air attacks. She's now listed as joining Convoy GUS 47, which had originated in Port Said on July 24-1944; Topdalsfjord's destination is initially given as Gibraltar. (The Norwegian Tricolor, Polartank, Kong Sverre, Fernplant and Lidvard were in this convoy from Port Said, while Topdalsfjord later joined from Bizerta, as mentioned). Off Algiers, early in the morning hours of Aug. 2 when en route towards Gibraltar, the alarm was sounded but nothing further happened and before reaching Gibraltar, she was ordered to Casablanca alone to pick up a cargo, arriving there on Aug. 4 (Page 5), and they could finally get a good night's sleep.

On Aug. 13, she joined up with a convoy coming from Gibraltar which was headed for New York. This must have been Convoy GUS 48 in which she's mentioned. They could hardly believe they were going to a place with no war for a change, though they still faced some tense moments when, half way to their destination on Aug. 21, 3 U-boats were reported to have been observed heading for the convoy's course, but she arrived New York in the evening of Aug. 26-1944 without further incidents (Page 5 gives arrival New York as Aug. 27, departure Casablanca on the 13th). Seeing a city fully lit was quite an experience for those on board after having grown accustomed to the blacked out cities of Europe. All her cargo was to be unloaded and new cargo taken on in New York, so she was to stay there for a while. 3 of the gunners paid off, among them Arne Thommessen who on Sept. 14-1944 joined D/T Torborg.

On arrival New York in Aug.-1944, the following were on board From "List or Manifest of Aliens employed on the vessel as members of crew"
Received from Walter Guthrie, son-in-law of William Doig. The manifest gives departure Casablanca Aug. 12-1944, arrival New York Aug. 28. Denotes those who were members of crew on last voyage to the U.S., the others were not. Denotes those who were discharged while in New York These men were Norwegian, unless otherwise noted.
Captain Karl Kristensen*	Age 42 (26 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
1st Mate Henry Eriksen*	Age 41 (23 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
2nd Mate Thor Lund*	Age 31 (11 years at sea) - signed on in Middlesbrough on June 29-1943
3rd Mate Oscar Lindboe*	Age 31 (10 years at sea) - signed on in London on Febr. 17-1944
4th Mate Kaare Lie*	Age 26 (9 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 30-1943
Radio Operator Karl Julius Juliussen*	Age 26 (6 years at sea) - signed on in London on Nov. 3-1942
Armament Officer Gunnar Slatlem	Age 39 (15 years at sea) - signed on in Leith on Febr. 23-1944
Carpenter Halvard Nyland*	Age 48 (21 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 19-1938
Boatswain Thomas Bakken*	Age 48 (22 years at sea) - signed on in Stavanger on June 6-1939
Able Seaman Paul Knapstad	Age 30 (12 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 5-1943
Able Seaman Kaare Forsland*	Age 29 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on July 21-1942
Able Seaman Knut Ingvald Økland*	Age 29 (2 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on July 1-1943
Able Seaman Peder Olsen*	Age 21 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943
Able Seaman Marius Jørgensen	Age 22 (8 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943
Able Seaman Karl Rypdal	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943
Able Seaman Bernt A. Langbakk	Age 21 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943 - said to have "deserted" in New York
Youngman Thomas Davidson	Age 19 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 9-1943, Irish
Chief Engineer Håkon Refne*	Age 54 (29 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on May 30-1941
2nd Engineer John Rigstad*	Age 45 (26 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Febr. 4-1942
3rd Engineer Trygve Skjølberg	Age 40 (20 years at sea) - signed on in Bizerta on July 20-1944. Physical mark: Missing 4th finger on left hand
Assistant Engineer Bjarne Værnes*	Age 27 (6 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Febr. 12-1940
Donkeyman Johan Hjelen*	Age 43 (9 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
Donkeyman Johan Dahl Olsen	Age 54 (30 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Febr. 2-1944
Fireman Karl E. Marthinessen	Age 39 (23 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Febr. 7-1944
Fireman Reidar Wiggen	Age 39 (21 years at sea) - signed on in Bizerta on July 22-1944
Fireman Cato M. Tollefsboel	Age 24 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Febr. 2-1944
Fireman Ingvar Tingvik	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 20-1944
Fireman Ingar H. Larsen	Age 43 (17 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 20-1944
Oiler Patrick Dougherty	Age 18 (2 1/2 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on June 29-1943, English
Steward Anton Johannessen	Age 55 (38 years at sea) - signed on in Middlesbrough on June 28-1943
Cook Frithjof Johannesen*	Age 56 (36 years at sea) - signed on in New York on July 30-1943
2nd Cook Odmund Moholt	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 14-1944
Galleyboy Kenneth Duggan	Age 18 (1 year at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 16-1944, Welsh
Saloonboy Wilfred Wales*	Age 21 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on Oct. 30-1941, English
Messboy David Gee	Age 16 (2 1/2 years at sea) - signed on in Avonmouth on June 13-1944, Irish. Physical mark: Scar on left arm
Messboy Norman A. Croton	Age 18 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 14-1944, English. Here's a Guestbook message from his daughter. He also served on other Norwegian ships, named in the message.
Able Seaman Birger W. Johansen	Age 32 (13 years at sea) - signed on in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Able Seaman John Johnsen	Age 35 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Dumbarton on June 16-1944
Able Seaman Edgar O. Olsen	Age 24 (7 1/2 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 26-1944
Able Seaman Yngvar Helliesen	Age 26 (8 years at sea) - signed on in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Able Seaman Viktor Solberg*	Age 22 (5 years at sea) - signed in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Able Seaman Albert Liljevold*	Age 26 (7 years at sea) - signed on in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Able Seaman Arne Thommessen*	Age 22 (6 years at sea) - signed on in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Sgt. Gunl. David Day	Age 25 (4 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 13-1943, English. Physical mark: Appendix scar
Bdr. Gunl. Alfred G. Beattie	Age 33 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 13?-1943, Scottish. The Manifest for 1945 below says he signed on on Oct. 1-1943
Gunner Chambers J. Bates	Age 26 (3 1/2 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 13-1943, English. Physical mark: Scar on left shoulder blade
Gunner William Doig	Age 32 (4 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 13?-1943, Scottish. The Manifest for 1945 below says he signed on on Oct. 1-1943. Physical marks: Scar on forehead and right leg, possibly from the sinking of Tabor in March-1943?
Gunner John Campbell	Age 22 (2 years at sea) - signed on in Greenock on Sept. 30-1943, Scottish. Physical mark: Scar on right hand. Medical hold, released Sept. 1-1944
Able Seaman Daniel McGillie	Age 20 (15 months at sea) - signed on in Bizerta on July 25-1944, Scottish. Physical mark: Tatoo on right arm
Able Seaman Harry Chalmers	Age 20 (20 months at sea) - signed on in Bizerta on July 25-1944, Scottish. Physical mark: Scar on right index finger
Messboy Dia El Din Sheta	Age 26 (8 months at sea) - signed on in Casablanca on Aug. 7-1944, Egyptian. Left behind in hospital in New York, stomach problems
The following signed on:
Georg F. Jensen (age 28), Ragnar Molton (age 24), Leif N. O. Amundsen (age 26), Olaf Haande (age 30), Alf Husa (age given as 25, but as 21 in manifest below) and Frank Goodin (age 17, Canadian). The 17 year old Frank Goodin (signed on Sept. 6-1944) is said to have deserted, as is Bernt A. Langbakk (see list of names above). Additionally, Leif N. O. Amundsen, who signed on in New York on Sept. 6-1944, is said to have died in the hospital following an accident on board. Topdalsfjord had arrived New York with a total crew of 51, 2 deserted, 5 were discharged, 2 were left in hospital (1 of whom died, as mentioned), while 6 had signed on (1 of whom deserted) = 48.

With a general cargo for London, Topdalsfjord left New York again on Sept. 13 with Convoy HX 308, for which Villanger served as the Vice Commodore's ship. Topdalsfjord later spent several weeks in Sunderland (again, see Page 5). In Nov.-1944, we find her, together with Brimanger (Commodore Vessel), Emma Bakke, Marit II, Montevideo and Strinda, in the westbound North Atlantic Convoy ON 268x, which left Southend on Nov. 23 and arrived New York on Dec. 10. Her destination is not given, but from the archive document, we learn that she arrived Philadelphia on Dec. 11.

Topdalsfjord served as Commodore Vessel for Convoy HX 330 from New York in Jan.-1945 (Commodore Rear Admiral E. W. Leir), then with Brimanger, Egerø, Ferncourt, Fjordaas, Frontenac and Kaldfonn, she returned across the Atlantic the following month with Convoy ON 282x, again serving as Commodore Vessel. This convoy departed Liverpool on Febr. 1 and arrived New York on the 19th - no destination is provided for Topdalsfjord, but it looks like she was bound for Hampton Roads, though no arrival date is given on the archive document mentioned above. She left Hampton Roads on March 10, arriving New York the next day, subsequently acting as Commodore Vessel for Convoy HX 344x (Commodore Vice Admiral M.L. Goldsmith). This convoy, which also had Anna Knudsen, Fernwood, Frontenac and Havkong in its ranks, left New York on March 14 and arrived Liverpool on the 28th - Topdalsfjord arrived Downs the next day. Her last Trans-Atlantic convoy voyage was made in Convoy ON 297x, which left Liverpool on Apr. 17 and arrived New York on May 2. She had again been in the company of several other Norwegian ships, namely Abraham Lincoln, Brasil, Brimanger, Emma Bakke (Commodore Vessel), Fernwood, Geisha and Norsktank.

On arrival New York, she had a crew of 45, 3 were discharged, 2 more were signed on while in New York, for a total of 44.

On arrival New York on May 2-1945, the following were on board From "List or Manifest of Aliens employed on the vessel as members of crew" (from the port of London, England Apr. 14-1945)
Received from Walter Guthrie, son-in-law of William Doig. Denotes those who were members of crew on last voyage to the U.S., the others were not. Denotes those who were discharged while in New York. Those who have been mentioned before are in regular text, others in bold. These men were Norwegian, unless otherwise noted.
Captain Karl Kristensen*	Age 42 (26 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
1st Mate Henry Eriksen*	Age 41 (23 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
2nd Mate Thor Lund*	Age 31 (11 years at sea) - signed on in Middlesbrough on June 29-1943
3rd Mate Thorleif L. Bruun	Age is given as 15, but this must be a printing error, 35 is more likely (15 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 7-1945
3rd Mate Kaare Lie*	Age 26 (9 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 30-1943
Radio Operator Peder Aadnesen*	Age 31 (15 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Jan. 2-1945. Physical mark: Artificial leg
Armament Officer Henrik M. Ingvaldsen*	Age 39 (20 years at sea) - signed on in New York on March 8-1945
Carpenter Halvard Nyland*	Age 48 (21 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 19-1938
Boatswain Thomas Bakken*	Age 48 (23 years at sea) - signed on in Stavanger on June 6-1939
Able Seaman Paul Knapstad*	Age 30 (12 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 5-1943
Able Seaman Kaare Forsland**	Age 29 (6 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on July 21-1942 - shore leave extended to July 2-1945
Able Seaman Knut I. Økland*	Age 29 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on July 1-1943
Able Seaman Hans Hansen*	Age 32 (13 years at sea) - signed on in Philadelphia on Dec. 11-1944
Able Seaman Marius Jørgensen*	Age 22 (8 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943
Able Seaman Karl Rypdal*	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Sept. 29-1943
Able Seaman Henry Marcussen**	Age 22 (6 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Jan. 2-1945
Able Seaman Halfdan Lenes	Age 23 (7 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 3-1945
Chief Engineer Håkon Refne*	Age 54 (29 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on May 30-1941
2nd Engineer John Rigstad*	Age 45 (26 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Febr. 4-1942
3rd Engineer Robert V. Rydberg**	Age 33 (15 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Oct. 18-1944
4th Engineer Bjarne Værnes*	Age 27 (6 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Febr. 12-1940
Donkeyman Johan Hjelen*	Age 43 (9 years at sea) - signed on in Oslo on Aug. 18-1938
Donkeyman Johan Dahl Olsen*	Age 54 (30 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Febr. 2-1944
Fireman Jens Langerud*	Age 32 (8 years at sea) - signed on in Newcastle on Nov. 9-1944
Fireman Reidar Wiggen*	Age 39 (21 years at sea) - signed on in Bizerta on July 22-1944
Fireman Ingvar Tingvik*	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 20-1944
Fireman Ingar H. Larsen*	Age 33 (17 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 20-1944
Greaser Bjarne Nordby*	Age 21 (5 years at sea) - signed on in London on Oct. 5-1944
Steward Anton Johannessen*	Age 55 (38 years at sea) - signed on in Middlesbrough on June 28-1943
Cook Frithjof Johannesen*	Age 56 (36 years at sea) - signed on in New York on July 30-1943
2nd Cook Odmund Moholt*	Age 23 (5 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 14-1944
Saloonboy Wilfred Wales*	Age 21 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on Oct. 30-1941, English
Messboy Norman A. Croton*	Age 18 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Cardiff on June 14-1944, English
Messboy Haakon Grothe	Age 17 (no sea experience) - signed on in London on March 31-1945
Messboy Richard Succee*	Age 17 (half a year at sea) - signed on in Philadelphia on Dec. 28-1944, Canadian
Gunner/Able Seaman Yngvar Helliesen*	Age 26 (8 years at sea) - signed on in Hull on Febr. 3-1944
Gunner/Able Seaman Alf Husa*	Age 21 (3 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Sept. 6-1944
Gunner/Able Seaman Ole H. Olsen*	Age 31 (16 years at sea) - signed on in New York on Jan. 2-1945
Gunner/Able Seaman Odd Olafsen*	Age 27 (10 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on Jan. 24-1945
Gunner/Able Seaman Kristian Benonisen*	Should this be Bendiksen? Age 32 (12 years at sea) - signed on in Liverpool on Jan. 24-1945
Bdr. Gnr. Alfred G. Beattie*	Age 33 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 1-1943, Scottish
Gunner William Doig*	Age 32 (4 years at sea) - signed on in Glasgow on Oct. 1-1943, Scottish. Physical marks: Scar on forehead and right leg
Gunner Leslie Owens*	Age 31 (3 years at sea) - signed on in Philadelphia on Dec. 27-1944, Welsh
Gunner Herbert Leonard	Age 22 (2 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 3-1945, English
Greaser Jakob Hauge	Age 29 (7 years at sea) - signed on in London on Apr. 11-1945
The following signed on:
Erling Berntsen (age 28) and Johan Johansen (age 39), both Norwegian.

According to Page 5, Topdalsfjord left New York for San Juan on May 16, but returned that same day - A. Hague indicates she had been involved in a collision; no further details are available. She left New York again on May 26, arriving San Juan June 1. See also Page 6, from which we learn that she went home to Norway in Oct.-1945.

x The ON convoys will be added to individual pages in my Convoys section in due course, along with further details on each. In the meantime, the ships sailing in them (and escorts) are named in the section listing ships in all ON convoys. All the MKS and KMS convoys will also be added, but for now, see ships in MKS convoys and ships in KMS convoys. Additionally, the entire HX series will be updated and completed (including the already existing convoys - some have already been updated), see ships in all HX convoys.

More details on the other Norwegian ships named on this page can be found via the alphabet index below, or go to the Master Ship Index

POST WAR:

Arrived Hamburg on Jan. 9-1955 for breaking up by Eisen und Metall K. G., Lehr & Co.

Related external link:
Norway Heritage Projcet has quite a bit of information on NAL's ships, on this page.

Back to Topdalsfjord on the "Ships starting with T" page.

Den norske Amerikalinje had another ship by this name from 1959 till 1978.

The text on this page was compiled with the help of: "Nortraships flåte", J. R. Hegland, Den norske Amerikalinje fleet list, "The Allied Convoy System", Arnold Hague, "Krigsseileren", No. 1/1985, and an article found in "Tilbakeblikk" (see My sources).

Aa–Al	An–Ar	As–Av	Ba	Be	Bi–Bl	Bo	Br–Bu	C	D
E	F	G	Ha	He	Hi–Hy	Hø	I	J	K
L	M	N	O	PQ	R	Sa–Sc	Se–Sj	Sk–Sn	So
Sp–St	Su–Sø	Ta–Te	Th–Ti	To	Tr–Tø	U	V	W	Ø

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