APPENDIX NO. III TO THE SENIOR OFFICER, THIRD ESCORT GROUP'S NO.
 
 
1619/223 DATED 9TH MAY, 1943.
 
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OILING OF SUPPORT GROUP AT SEA.
 
     
               The 3rd Escort Group oiled at sea during the period under review as follows:
 
Oiler.
No. of Times.
Method.
Tins Received.
Average per Hour.
"British Lady"
3.
Buoyant Hose.
240.
50.
"Beaconstreet".
Once.
Buoyant Hose.
233.
100.
"Argon".
Once.
Buoyant Hose.
Nil.
Nil.
 
     
          2.  The weather was too rough to allow PENN and PANTHER to oil when it became necessary and they had to return to St. Johns N.F. for fuel.  Half the support force thus left the convoy at a critical time.  "British Lady" did not carry nearly enough oil for the requirements of the support force.  
     
          3.  When OFFA attempted to fuel from "Argon" the latter used too long a hose which resulted in large bights hanging down into the water, becoming unmanageable, and finally being nipped over the jackstay and parting.  This was the first time "Argon" had used the equipment.  
     
          4.  It is suggested that the end of the buoyant hose in "British Lady" should be lashed to the jackstay and not shackled as at present.  The shackle jammed whereas a lashing could have been cut.