SECRET. |
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REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FROM 29TH APRIL, 1943 TO 4TH MAY, 1943. | ||
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FROM . . . . THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. PENN. | ||
Date . . . . 8th May, 1943. No. 974/21. | ||
TO . . . . . . THE SENIOR OFFICER, THIRD ESCORT GROUP, H.M.S. OFFA. | ||
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Submitter: | ||
(1) H.M.S. PENN was at sea from April 29th to May 4th 1943, as part of the 3rd Escort Group. | ||
(2) I have nothing special to report during this period but should like to make the following general observations. | ||
(3) Destroyers are heavy on oil fuel and I consider that support groups' movements should be arranged so that they are not sent long distances from Base to meet a convoy, or from one convoy to another, as their first need on meeting a convoy is a large amount of fuel. Until more oilers with Buoyant Hose Equipment are available, this takes a considerable time and under bad weather conditions the group cannot be fuelled. | ||
(4) A Surface Warning R.D.F. set is just as important as "Asdic" Equipment, and an Escort vessel not so fitted is less than 50% efficient at night. Moreover a destroyer is herself a comparatively vulnerable and valuable target. | ||
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N. | ||
COMMANDING OFFICER. | ||