HMS Versatile (D 32) of the Royal Navy - British Destroyer of the Admiralty V & W class - Allied Warships of WWII - uboat.net

Allied Warships

Destroyer of the Admiralty V & W class

Notable events involving Versatile include:

23 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 2.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverburn (British, 9874 GRT, built 1927), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Charles L.D. (British, 5273 GRT, built 1933), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Languedoc (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), San Mateo (French, 5947 GRT, built 1931), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Vandyck (British, 13241 GRT, built 1921) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1600P/23, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) also joined.

Around 0800P/24, HMCS Saguenay was detached.

Around 1800P/24, HMCS Fraser and HMCS St. Laurent were detached. HMCS St. Laurent stood by the Mill Hill which had developed engine trouble but repairs were made and the ship apparently proceeded independently to her destination, Rouen, France where she arrived on 10 October 1939.

Around 1200P/25, in position 42°10'N, 54°55'W, HMS York parted company with the convoy and proceeded on patrol.

During the night of 1/2 October 1939, in approximate position 50°03'N, 26°50'W, the Blairmore straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to her destination, Glasgow.

Around 00700A/5, in approximate position 50°40'N, 12°30'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0815A/5, the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) also joined.

HMS Versatile and HMS Warwick escorted the Irish Sea section of the convoy to Liverpool where they arrived very late on 7 October 1939.

The Irish Sea section was made up of the following ships; Corner Brook (bound Dublin), Kurdistan (bound Manchester), Manchester Port (bound Manchester), New York City (bound Cardiff) and Vandyk(bound Liverpool).

HMS Jackal and HMS Janus escorted the Channel section of the convoy to the Downs where they arrived in the morning of 8 October 1939.

The Channel section was made up of the other ships but not all proceeded to the Downs though as the French ships proceeded to Le Havre and the Mill Hill to Rouen. (1)

4 Oct 1939

Convoy KJ 3

This convoy departed Kingston, Jamaica on 4 October 1939 and was made up of the following merchant ships; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Calgarolite (British (tanker), 11941 GRT, built 1929), Canadolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Caprella (British (tanker), 8230 GRT, built 1931), Champagne (French (tanker), 9946 GRT, built 1938), Chaucer (British, 5792 GRT, built 1929), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), East Wales (British, 4358 GRT, built 1925), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Fresno City (British, 4955 GRT, built 1929), Frimaire (French (tanker), 9242 GRT, built 1930), Gryfevale (British, 4434 GRT, built 1929), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Laristan (British (tanker), 6401 GRT, built 1927), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Michigan (French, 6419 GRT, built 1920), Montrolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Ridley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1937), Roussillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Royal Crown (British, 4367 GRT, built 1927), Sacramento Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Schluylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Somme (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Star of Alexandria (British, 4329 GRT, built 1928), Telena (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Kingston, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN).

Around 1400P/7, seven ships split off from the convoy to proceed towards the Mediterranean.

Around 1215P/8, HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) joined coming from Bermuda.

Around 1140P/9, two ships of the convoy parted company to proceed to New York.

Around 0800P/10, two ships of the convoy parted company to proceed to Halifax and Montreal.

Around 1030P/15, HMS Effingham (Capt. J.M. Howson, RN) joined the convoy coming from Plymouth and HMS Berwick and HMAS Perth were detached to Bermuda.

From 22 and 23 October 1939, the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Newcastle (Capt. J. Figgins, RN) were near the convoy to provide additional cover.

On 23 October and 24 October 1939, a French force made up of the battleship Dunkerque (Capt. M.J.M. Seguin), light cruisers Georges Leygues (Capt. R.L. Perot), Montcalm (Capt. P.J. Ronarc’h), large destroyers Le Malin (Cdr. G.E. Graziani), Le Triomphant (Cdr. M.M.P.L. Pothuau) and L'Indomptable (Capt. P.T.J. Barnaud) was also near the convoy to provide additional cover.

Around 0800A/24, the destroyers HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, RN) joined.

Around 0730A/25, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN) joined.

Around 1800A/25, the convoy was split. HMS Verity and HMS Wolverine proceeded with the southern section towards the English Channel. Around the same time the convoy had split the destroyers HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN) and HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, RN) joined. Around 2200A/26, the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN) relieved HMS Verity and HMS Wolverine. HMS Effingham, HMS Glowworm and HMS Greyhound parted company around the same time. The southern part of the convoy arrived in the Downs on 28 October 1939.

Meanwhile the northern part of the convoy had proceeded up the Irish Sea escorted by HMS Versatile and HMS Volunteer, with the bulk of it, including the destroyers arriving at Liverpool late on the 27th.

25 Nov 1939

Convoy HXF 10.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Flandre (French, 8503 GRT, built 1914), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Winnipeg (French, 9717 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Letitia (Capt.(Retd.) W.R. Richardson, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) and Assiniboine (Cdr. E. Mainguy, RCN).

The two Canadian destroyers parted company in position 44°38'N, 61°28'W, to return to Halifax at midnight during the night of 25/26 November 1939.

Around 0700Q/26, in position 44°45'N, 66°18'W, the Beaverdale parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax due to engine trouble.

Around 1100Z/4, in position 49°51'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 49°40'N, 08°50'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following ships; Manchester Citizen, Nova Scotia and Winnipeg. This section was escorted by HMS Versatile which arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 6 December 1939.

The other ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. They were escorted by HMS Letitia and HMS Witherington. Around 0200Z/6, HMS Letitia parted company off St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight, to proceed to Southampton. Around 1000Z/6, HMS Witherington parted company to proceed to Liverpool where she arrived in the morning of 7 December 1939. She had been relieved by the destroyer HMS Keith (Cdr.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN). Around 1330Z/6, the Flandre and were detached from the convoy to Le Havre. The Seminole by this time had already parted company for Pauillac. HMS Keith arrived at Dover in the afternoon of 7 December 1939. The remaining ships of the convoy procedeed to the Downs. (2)

27 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 14.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Alabama (French, 5645 GRT, built 1931), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939) Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Manipur (British, 9242 GRT, built 1920), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Rousillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Saintonge (French (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930) and Wisconsin (French, 8062 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1400Q/28, both Canadian destroyers parted company. They arrived back at Halifax on 31 December 1939.

At dawn on 31 January it was noticed that during the night of 30/31 January 1939 the Saintonge had straggled from the convoy. She only rejoined around 1030Z/5.

Around 0900Z/5, the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN) and sloop HMS Deptford (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1030Z/5, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy.

Around 1100Z/5, the destroyer HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1800Z/5, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus, Alabama, Belinda, Custodian, Geraldine Mary, Manchester Division and San Conrado. HMS Versatile and HMS Deptford went with them as escort. HMS Versatile arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 8 January 1940. HMS Deptford had already arrived in the afternoon of 7 January 1940.

The remainder of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section. HMS Amazon and HMS Vanessa arrived at Dover in the morning of 8 January 1940. The ships of the convoy proceeded to the Downs. The Rousillon, Saintonge, San Arcadio, San Emiliano, Scherazade, Vacport and Wisconsin had been detached earlier as their destination was Le Havre and Nantes (Vacport only). (3)

14 Jan 1940

Convoy HX 16.

This convoy departed Halifax on 14 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Athelmonarch (British (tanker), 8995 GRT, built 1928), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Hopemount (British (tanker), 7434 GRT, built 1929), Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931), Joseph Seep (Panamanian (tanker), 7088 GRT, built 1920), Laristan (British (tanker), 6401 GRT, built 1927), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Melmore Head (British, 5273 GRT, built 1918), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Pacific Ranger (British, 6865 GRT, built 1929), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Venetia (British (tanker), 5728 GRT, built 1927), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Volontaire (French (fishing trawler), 916 GRT, built 1922), W.H. Libby (Panamanian (tanker), 7992 GRT, built 1921), Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930) and Zeus (Greek, 5961 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1800Q/14, both Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0745O/23, in position 50°20'N, 22°30'W, HMS Malaya parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax where she arrived on 27 January 1940.

Around 1100O/23, the Badjestan straggled from the convoy with engine trouble. She rejoined the following day.

Around 1630O/23, in position 50°15'N, 25°20'W, the Athelknight and Imperial Transport were detached to proceed independently to Invergordon and Scapa Flow respectively.

Around 1730Z/25, in position 50°16'N, 11°00'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) joined.

Around 1800Z/25, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldington Court (arrived at Cardiff on 27 January), Athelqueen (arrived at (off) Liverpool on 27 January), Badjestan (arrived in the Clyde on 29 January but grounded on Arran. Later salvaged), Esmond (arrived at (off) Liverpool on 27 January), Hopemount (arrived at Avonmouth on 30(?) January), Margarita Chandris (arrived at (off) Liverpool on 27 January), Melmore Head (arrived at Belfast on 27 January), Pacific Ranger (arrived at (off) Liverpool on 27 January), Venetia (arrived in the Clyde on 30 (?) January and Wearwood (arrived at Swansea on 30 (?) January). They were escorted by HMS Versatile which arrived at (off) Liverpool on 27 January. The Bristol Channel ships had parted company around 1130Z/26 in position 51°21'N, 07°18'W.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athellaird (arrived in the Downs on 28 January), Athelmonarch (arrived in the Downs on 28 January), British Officer (arrived in the Downs on 28 January), Joseph Seep (arrived at Le Havre on 29 (?) January), Laristan (arrived at Brest on 28 January), Manaqui (arrived in the Downs on 28 January), Oilreliance (arrived in the Downs on 28 January), Rhea (arrived at Le Havre on 28 (?) January), Scottish Trader (arrived at Southampton on 28 January), Virgilia (arrived at Southampton on 28 January), Volontaire (destination was St. Malo), W.H. Libby (arrived at Le Havre on 30 (?) January) and Zeus (arrived in the Downs on 28 January). They were escorted by HMS Windsor which arrived at Dover on 28 January. (4)

2 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 24.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Amerika (Danish, 10218 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Aun (Norwegian, 1908 GRT, built 1930), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Delawarean (British, 5705 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Elisha Walker (Panamanian (tanker), 7007 GRT, built 1920), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Grey County (British, 5194 GRT, built 1918), H.H. Rogers (British (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Halcyon (British, 3531 GRT, built 1917), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Haxby (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kajak (Estonian, 3234 GRT, built 1902), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mount Taygetus (British, 3286 GRT, built 1921), Nidarholm (British, 2588 GRT, built 1920), Oakwood (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Pierre L.D. (British, 5705 GRT, built 1935), Roussillon (British (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Temple Moat (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Thalia (British, 8329 GRT, built 1926), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924), W.C. Teagle (British (tanker), 9552 GRT, built 1917), Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Delawarean apparently never joined the convoy when it departed Halifax and if she did it was only briefly. She arrived at Le Havre, France on 18 March. The Oakwood returned to Halifax on 4 March after having parted company with the convoy.

The Canadian destroyers were detached to return to Halifax in the morning of 3 March. They were detached 12 hours early due to the heavy weather conditions.

During the night of 2/3 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to gale weather and bad visibility;
Halcyon (arrived at Le Havre on 19 March), Kajak (arrived at Liverpool on 20 March), Mount Taygetus (arrived at Dublin on 23 March), Nidarholm (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March), Rushpool (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Thalia (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and Wendover (arrived at Newport on 16 March).

During the night of 3/4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to poor weather and bad visibility;
Aun (arrived at Falmouth on 16 March), Brynymor (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Haxby (arrived in the Clyde on 19 March), Thistleford (arrived in the Downs on 19 March), Toorak (arrived at Pauilliac, France on 14 March) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

On 4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to bad weather and thick fog;
Alexia (rejoined the convoy on 5 March), Elisha Walker (arrived at Southampton on 17 march), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Jersey (rejoined the convoy on 10 March), Uganda (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Urla (arrived at Cardiff on 18 March) and W.C. Teagle (rejoined the convoy on 13 March).

On 5 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to the rough sea conditions and thick fog;
Everleigh (rejoined the convoy on 12 March), Harpagon (arrived at Plymouth on 16 March) and Templemoat (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

During the night of 6/7 March the Pierre L.D. straggled from the convoy in thick fog. She rejoined the convoy on 14 March.

HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy around 1400O/11 in position 50°20'N, 25°00'W, to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/13, in position 50°13'N, 15°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

Around 0715Z/14, in position 50°08'N, 13°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN).

Around 1700Z/14, in position 50°04'N, 10°20'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amerika (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Botwey (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Daronia (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March) and Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March). HMS Versatile and HMS Walpole escorted this section. They both arrived at Liverpool on 16 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (arrived at Pauillac on 17 March), Dolabella (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Everleigh (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March), Geraldine Mary (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Grey County (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), H.H. Rogers (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Jersey (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Loch Don (arrived at Weymouth on 16 March), Pierre L.D. (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Roussillon (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Sovac (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Tredinnick (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and W.C. Teagle (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March). They were escorted by HMS Wakeful (arrived at Plymouth on 17 March after having escorted the ships of the convoy destined for Le Havre) and HMS Wolverine (arrived at Dover on 17 March). (5)

13 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 27.

This convoy departed Halifax on 13 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Belcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), British Union (British (tanker), 6987 GRT, built 1927), Charles Pratt (Panamanian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1916), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Disa (Swedish, 2002 GRT, built 1918), Frumenton (British, 6675 GRT, built 1930), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Louisianan (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Oakwood (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Oilpioneer (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1928), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Port Dunedin (British, 7441 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Rio Grande (Panamanian, 5696 GRT, built 1919), Ruperra (British, 4548 GRT, built 1925), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929) and Zeus (Greek, 5961 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Sidi Ferruch (Lt. Y.M.E. Lostie de Kerhor de Saint-Hippolyte).

The Bristol City was late in sailing from Halifax and in fact never joined the convoy. she

Around 1800Q/14, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 14/15 March the Frumenton (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March) and Ruperra (arrived at Portland on 28 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 42°40'N, 57°10'W.

During the night of 23/24 March the Germanic (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 49°36'N, 15°21'W.

During the night of 24/25 March the Disa (arrived at in the Clyde on 29 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 50°30'N, 13°37'W.

Around 1030Z/25, in position 50°05'N, 11°42'W, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined the convoy.

Around 1600Z/25, the local escort joined. It was made up of the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN).

Around 2000Z/25, in position 49°46'N, 09°58'W, the Sidi Ferruch parted company to proceed to Brest.

The convoy was split up into two sections at the same time.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Dalmore (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March), Inger Lise (arrived in the Clyde on 29 March), Korsholm (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Oakwood (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Oilpioneer (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Port Dunedin (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March), Rio Grande (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), San Roberto (arrived at Ardrossan on 28 March), South America (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March) and Vernon City (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March). They were escorted by HMS Vanoc and HMS Versatile which arrived at Liverpool on 28 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Auretta (arrived at Le Havre on 28 March), Baron Scott (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Belcrest (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), British Union (arrived at Plymouth on 27 March), Charles Pratt (destination was either Brest or Le Havre, arrival date not known), Louisianan (arrived at Le Havre on 28 March), Nueva Granada (arrived at Bordeaux on 27 March), Pindos (arrived at Le Havre on 30(?) March), Port Campbell (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Redgate (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Scottish Trader (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Trefusis (arrived in the Downs on 28 March) and Zeus (arrived in the Downs on 28 March). They were escorted by HMS Amazon (arrived at Plymouth on 27 March) and HMS Windsor (arrived at Dover on 28 March). (6)

21 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 29.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adelfoi Chandris (Greek, 6176 GRT, built 1919), Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), British Chivalry (British (tanker), 7118 GRT, built 1929), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Condylis (Greek, 4439 GRT, built 1914), Coryton (British, 4553 GRT, built 1928), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Georgios Potamianos (Greek, 4044 GRT, built 1913), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Melmore Head (British, 5273 GRT, built 1918), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Star (British, 7591 GRT, built 1920), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Point Arena (Panamanian, 4431 GRT, built 1917), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rudby (British, 4846 GRT, built 1924), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Bévéziers (Lt.Cdr. H. Nicolau).

Around 1745Q/22, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

At dawn on 23 March when in approximate position 42°30'N, 58°00'W, the Adula (arrived in the Downs on 3 April), Point Arena (arrived at Le Havre on 10 April), Suderholm (arrived at Liverpool on 5 April) and the Bévéziers (returned to Halifax on 28 March) were seen to have straggled from the convoy during last night's gale. More ships had straggled but most rejoined during the day. More ships rejoined during the passage east. The last one to rejoin was the Gold Shell on 30 March.

Around 2330N/30, the Pecten (arrived at Greenock on 6 April) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 50°10'N, 22°40'W. The reason for the ship straggling was not known to the convoy Commodore according to his report but the report of HMS Ausonia mentions engine trouble as the reason.

Around 0540Z/2, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) which were to escort the Irish Sea / west coast section. The escorts for the Channel / east coast section are not mentioned in the Commodore's papers and the log of HMS Ausonia. Given the movements of the escorts it seems likely that the destroyers HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Younghusband, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) also joined.

Later that day, most likely around 1330Z/2, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adelfoi Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Amakura (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Caledonian Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Coryton (arrived at Liverpool on 5 April), Georgios Potamianos (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 8 April, most likely went to Liverpool first), Mactra (arrived at Avonmouth on 4 April), Melmore Head (arrived at Dublin on 4 April), Pacific Star (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Rudby (), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 5 April), Virgilia (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Wayfarer (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April) and Wray Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April). They were escorted by HMS Versatile and HMS Winchelsea which both arrived at Liverpool on 4 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), British Chivalry (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Cadillac (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Condylis (arrived at Le Havre on 5 April), Ganges (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Gold Shell (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Harberton (arrived at Weymouth on 4 April), Hartbridge (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Hopecrest (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Nellie (arrived at Le Havre on 5 April) and Pontfield (arrived in the Downs on 5 April). HMS Ausonia was also with the Channel section until 2030Z/3 when she parted company to proceed to Southampton. This section was, most likely, escorted by HMS Wild Swan (arrived at Dover on 5 April) and HMS Wolverine (arrived at Plymouth on 3 April). (7)

2 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 32.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonios Chandris (Greek, 5866 GRT, built 1918), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Balmoralwood (British, 5834 GRT, built 1937), Beaconhill (Panamanian (tanker), 6941 GRT, built 1919), Benwyvis (British, 5920 GRT, built 1929), British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), British Honour (British (tanker), 6991 GRT, built 1928), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Defacto (British, 4800 GRT, built 1919), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Leontios Teryazos (Greek, 4479 GRT, built 1911), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Minnie de Larrinaga (British, 5049 GRT, built 1914), Octavian (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Port Hunter (British, 10735 GRT, built 1922), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), Star of Alexandria (British, 4329 GRT, built 1928), Thistlegarth (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Weirbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1540Q/2, HMCS St. Laurent parted company to return to Halifax.

The other two Canadian destroyers were to part company with the convoy around 1800Q/3 and then return to Halifax.

The convoy was joined by the destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN) which joined around 1500A/13 in position 49°45'N, 15°40'W and the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Younghusband, DSC, RN) which joined around 0720A/14 in position 49°50'N, 12°35'E.

HMS Malaya Then parted company with the after she had been joined by the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) and HMS Whitshed (Cdr. E.R. Conder, RN). They proceeded to Plymouth arriving there around 0700A/15.

The convoy was split into two sections later on 14 January.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonios Chandris (arrived in the Clyde on 17 April), Balmoralwood (arrived at Liverpool on 16 April), British Honour (arrived at Scapa Flow on 19 April), Carslogie (arrived at Swansea on 17 April), Defacto (arrived in the Clyde on 17 April), Lochmonarch (arrived at Liverpool on 16 April), Parthenia (arrived in the Clyde on 17 April) and Thistlegarth (arrived in the Clyde on 17 April). They were escorted by HMS Versatile which arrived at Liverpool on 16 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athellaird (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April), Beaconhill (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Benwyvis (arrived Dunkirk on 18 April), British Chancellor (arrived at Le Havre on 17 April), British Prince (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Capsa (arrived at Pauillac on 17 April), Eclipse (arrived at Le Havre on 18 April), Esmond (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Gitano (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April), Hopecrown (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), King William (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April), Kingswood (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Leontios Teryazos (arrived at Le Havre on 18 April), Minnie de Larrinaga (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April), Octavian (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Port Hunter (arrived at the Southampton on 17 April), Queen Maud (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Rugeley (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), San Alvaro (arrived at Southampton on 16 April), Star of Alexandria (arrived in the Downs on 17 April), Weirbank (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April) and Wellington Court (arrived at Weymouth on 16 April). They were escorted by HMS Vanquisher (arrived at Plymouth on 15 April) and HMS Wild Swan (arrived at Dover on 17 April).

At 0446A/15, the Port Hunter and Queen Maud had collided in position 49°43'N, 07°56'W but both were able to continue. (8)

27 Jun 1940
About 150 nautical miles off Ushant, HMS Versatile (Cdr. J.H. Jauncey, RN (retired)) picks up 13 survivors from the British special service vessel HMS Cape Howe. The Q-ship, disguised as Prunella, has been torpedoed and sunk on 21 June 1940 by German U-boat U-28 in position 49°44'N, 08°52'W.

1 Sep 1940
Around 0001A/1, HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) and HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for the Humber. Around 0140A/1, near Fidra, they were joined by the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) which parted company again around 0250A/1. HMS Woolston (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) was also to have joined later but it does not appear that she actually did, presumably due to the fact that around 0305A/1 the cruisers were recalled and then returned to Rosyth arriving around 0600A/1. The destroyers returned to Methil. (9)

11 Sep 1940
At 0730/11, the auxiliary minelayers Menestheus (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN), Port Napier (Capt.(Retd.) J.N. Tait, CBE, DSC, RN), Port Quebec (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN), Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for minelaying mission SN 41.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN).

They returned to Port ZA at 1300/12. (10)

12 Sep 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) at 1945/12 for Scapa Flow where they arrived at 0630/13. (11)

3 Oct 1940

Convoy WS 3A (Slow).

This convoy departed Liverpool on 3 October 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following transport vessels; Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Dorset (British, 10624 GRT, built 1934), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936) and Port Chalmers (British, 8535 GRT, built 1933).

Also the destroyer tender HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) J. Fawcett, RN) was with the convoy.

On departure from Liverpool the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. C.M. Thornton, RN), HMS Havelock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN), HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN).

At 1315A/3, the destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) joined coming from the Clyde.

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) which had also departed the Clyde on the 3rd.

[For the moment we have no details regarding the exact movements of the destroyers. HMS Witherington, HMS Viscount and HMS Versatile arrived at Londonderry on 6 October. HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock and HMS Highlander arrived at Plymouth on 8 October. HMS Hurricane arrived at Greenock on the same day].

Around 1645N/9, HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy to patrol off the Azores due to fear of a German invasion. She parted company after having been relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN).

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 16 October 1940.

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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 17 October 1940.

Composition of the convoy was the same. Escort was still HMS Cumberland.

The convoy arrived at Capetown on 27 October 1940. HMS Cumberland then went on to Simonstown but she returned to Capetown the following day.

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The convoy departed Capetown on 29 October 1940 still made up of the same transports with two additions; Erinpura (British, 5143 GRT, built 1911) and Khedive Ismail (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922).

HMS Woolwich did not sail with the convoy.

Escort was still provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland until she was relieved around 0700C/1 by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN).

The convoy merged in the morning of 3 November 1940 with convoy WS 3B (Fast). (12)

18 Feb 1942
Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) conducted trials off the Firth of Forth during which she was escorted by HMS Versatile (Lt. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN). (13)

24 Oct 1943
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Versatile (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Corlett, DSC, RN), HMS Black Swan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, RN) and HMS Minalto (A/Skr.Lt. A.G. Day, RNR). (14)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), HMS Versatile (Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN) and HMS Columbine (T/Lt. J.C. Grose, RNR). (15)

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