U-boat Archive - Convoy ONS 5 - Close Escort

APPENDIX E.

COPY OF NAVAL MESSAGES - ENCLOSURE TO H.M.S. DUNCAN's

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS WITH CONVOY O.N.S. 5.

__________________________________________________________________________

SECRET IMPORTANT

Pass to NCSO Londonderry

CTG 24.7

Addressed	NCSO MERSEY NCSO CLYDE NCSO BELFAST NCSO MILFORD HAVEN NCSO LONDONDERRY NCSO LOCH EWE NCSO ORAN
Repeated	CONNAV C IN C WA C IN CNWA NSHQ CT 24 CTG 24.7 ACIC HQCC FONF
From	ADMIRALTY.

O.N.S. 5

1)	XA	270 degs Oversay 6 miles
	XB	56	01	10	02
	XC	58	12	12	59
	XD	60	58	20	03
	XE	61	04	31	10
	XF	56	08	39	06
	XG	48	57	43	05
	XH	44	30	45	00
	XJ	43	56	53	01
	XK	43	20	60	09

2)	S	61	40	20	02
	T	61	42	31	47
	U	56	30	40	02
	V	50	03	43	35
	W	44	30	45	00
	X	43	56	53	01
	Y	43	20	60	09

3) Western position CC to CA

TOO 141605B April

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IMPORTANT

TO: C in CWA (R( ADMTY FROM: B.7

Your 221904. Harperley cannot declare this speed and is remaining with convoy. Number 71 EMPIRE ADVOCATE did not join. My position course and speed 55 47 07 52 281-7.5

22200/B

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IMMEDIATE

TO: escorts of ONS 5(R) C in C.W.A. FROM: ADMTY

FOIC ICELAND, COMINCH, N.S.H. OTTAWA,

FOIC CTG 24.7

D/F Bearings on 11068 Kc's at 1111Z, indicate U-Boat has reported convoy.

241449B

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	-2-

	Naval Code Recorded. Secret ashore.
	IMPORTANT
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC FROM: B.7

	ONS5. P.C.S. at 1400B/24.
	58 33'N 1344'W "X" 308 6.5
	42 ships in company.

	DUNCAN is topping up with fuel now.
	Weather report 4771 9248.
	241630B.
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	BN 347.
	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: Ships escorting Convoy ONS 5 (R) FROM: ADMIRALTY
	CinCWA FCC Iceland COMINCH
	HSH OTTAWA, AOC in C Coastal Command
	CTG 24.7

	My 241449.
	Further bearings make it unlikely that transmission was from vicinity of ONS 5.

	241725B
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	NK = Route considered preferable from
	U-boat situation available.
	BN 455.
	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: Escorts of ONS 5 COM DERRY VIDETTE, FROM CinC.W.W.
	AIG, 303

	ONS 5. NK. From.(XD) steer.
	(XL) 62° 01' 28° 02' (XM) 61°
	40' 32° 59' (XN) 57° 00' 41 58' thence (XG).

	(ii) Amend Stragglers route.
	Cancel (T) to (W) and substitute (A)
	62°30' 28°01' (B) 62°20' 33°02' (C) 57°10' 43°30' (D) 50°00' 44°
	10' (E) 45°30' 46°30'.
	(iii) ONSJ5 amended ICOMP 61°14'.
	21°55' at 1000Z 26th 251607Z
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	NAVAL CODE.
	IMPORTANT
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACOC Escorts of ONS5 FROM: B VII

	Iceland portion joined at 1500Z. During gale last night No. 93 BORNHOLM collided with No. 104 BERKEL, both damaged. 104 is continuing but BORNHOLM left unescorted for Reykjavik at 1400Z. 43 ships and all escorts present. References my 241630B rubber hose burst after only 2 tons of oil had been received and



	-3-

	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC Escorts of ONS5 FROM: B VII
	(Continued)
	Continual gales have prevented further attempts to fuel. Percentage of fuel remaining at 0800Z today Monday 63. Daily consumption at slowest possible speed is 8%. If I cannot fuel DUNCAN before first day after passing position (XM) intend to proceed to Greenland for fuel. Request SOPA may be warned and that I may be informed where fuel may be obtained. Further signal will be made. My P.C. & S 60°46'N 20°55'W "X" 295-4 Weather report 5772 0677.

	261500Z
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	IMMEDIATE
	TO: C in C.W.A. FROM: DUNCAN

	Your 271016 Have just topped up complete. My P.C.S. 61°25'N 23°49W "X" - 290 - 7
	Weather Report 5781 1573
	271100Z
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	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: Escorts ONS 5 (R) AIG.303 FROM: CinCWA

	ONS 5 N.K. From (X.M)
	Alter to (X.O) 060°35' North 037°40' West (XQ) 056°02' North
	046°59' West thence to (XH).
	Amend stragglers route (f) 60 44 38 10 (f) 56 20 47 00
	(h) 50 05 46 30 thence to (e) omit (c) and (d)

	28095Z
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	IMMEDIATE
	TO: Escorts of S.C.127 CinC.W.A. FROM: ADMIRALTY
	Escorts of ONS 5 FOC Iceland
	AOC IN C Coastal Command
	CINC US Fleet, NSH OTTAWA.

	Reference Admiralty Message 28 1005B, not repetition not to escort ONS 5. D/F transmissions on series 1 at 0914Z and 1050Z indicate that convoy SC127 is being shadowed.

	281321B
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	-4-

	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC, SC 127 SC EG4 FROM: B7

	Submarine sighted 240° 22 7 miles ONS 5 POS 61°37'N 32°49W
	"S" 245°6.
	H/F D/F activity suggests several more in the vicinity
	Weather report 4865-9026-
	282121Z.
	4720 Refs."E" TOD
	2223Z
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	SECRET CODE, IMMEDIATE
	TO: D S (R) Escort Group 4th Escort FROM: CinCWA
	of SC 127 Escorts of ONS5 AIG 303

	Detach HMS ORIBI forthwith to support ONS 5.
	P C & S at 2120Z 061° 37°North 032°49'West 5 knots 243°.

	282333Z
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	IMMEDIATE
	TO: Escorts of ONS 5, Escorts of FROM: Admiralty
	convoy SC 127(R) CinCWA FOC Iceland
	AOC in C Coastal Command COMINCH NSE
	OTTAWA

	Reference Admiralty message 281 Latitude B. Continuance of traffic ON Series 1 (last 2 transmissions at 1840Z 28th and 2033Z 28th) indicate that a convoy is being shadowed. From D/F indication the possibility that ONS 5 may be the convoy shadowed cannot now be excluded.

	282340B
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	IMMEDIATE

	TO: ONS 5 F.O. Newfoundland (R) AIG 303 FROM: CinCWA
	ORIBI

	Request that you will sail 3rd Escort Group forthwith at 15 knots to meet ONS 5 P.C.&S at 2120Z 28th 061°37'North 032°37'North 032°47'West 245° 6. Cancel my 281547Z.

	299926Z



	-5-

	IMMEDIATE
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC ORIBI ESCORTS ONS5 FROM: B7.
	SO EG 3 SOEG4 Com Derry.

	My 282120. This U-boat was detected by H/F D/F, sighted at 3,000 yards and attacked by eye. No 46 contact in heavy sea. Five other sweeps by escort during day failed to sight U-boats. After dark escort drove off five attempted attacks from windward side during which 3 submarines were sighted. Two of DUNCAN's attacks were very promising. All 43 ships and escorts in company. PENHALE No. 81 was sent to Iceland with defects. DUNCAN has expended 35 depth charges. My P C S 6120N 3434W "X" 245 - 7.
	Weather report 5527 8433.
	290500Z
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	TO: NORTHERN GEM FROM B7

	I leave situation to you. Make certain C.B.'s are destroyed.

	0647
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	TO: DUNCAN FROM: NORTHERN GEM

	Captain of 42 informs C.B.'s were destroyed but is anxious about ship's log and charts as rendezvous were marked and possibility of ship being boarded. All crew saved with exception those dead.
	290734.
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	TO: B 7 FROM: N/GEM

	Captain informs me C.B.'s were destroyed but is anxious about ship's log and charts as R/V's were marked and possibility of ship being boarded. All crew saved with exception those dead.

	0822
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	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: AIG 303 ACIC SOEG3 ORIBI FROM: B 7
	SO EG4 Escorts ONS5

	ONS5 attacked in position 61 22N 35 09W at 0735Z by U-boat. who attacked submerged from between No. 63 & 84. Course of torpedo 180° Convoy course 240°. No. 42 McKEESPORT hit and subsequently sunk. All crew in NORTHERN GEM. No contact with submarine. Weather report 5868 8156.
	291153Z.
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	-6-

	IMPORTANT
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC SOEG3 FROM: B7

	ONS5 PCS at 1800Z 60°04'N 39°00'W "X" 220° 5-1/2. ORIBI joined last night & topped up with fuel today. Two U-boats in contact last night but did not attack. Nothing heard so far today. All 42 ships and escorts in company. Weather 9180 9157.

	301700Z
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	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC FROM: B 7
	SO EG 3

	ONS5 almost stopped since 2000/30 in southwesterly gale. Two U-boats in contact during night one of which attacked but was detected sighted and driven off by SNOWFLAKE. Dropping depth charges a hazardous performance in this weather. U-boats have shifted to series 8. All 42 ships and escorts present but spread out. My P.C. & S 59 33N 39 45W 225°. 2-1/2 knots. Weather Report 5481 8858.

	010801
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	TO: Ships escorting ONS 5 (R) Escorts ON 180 FROM: NSHQ
	COAC FONF FOCIC C in CA & WI Admiralty
	Cominch.

	Transmissions at 0502Z first and 0518Z second mostly on series 8 while yielding no fix due to poor direction appear to originate from vicinity of ONS5.

	021234
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	IMMEDIATE
	TO: AIG 303 (R) ACIC SO EG3 Escorts of FROM: B 7
	ONS 5

	My 010801Z, your 011642Z and EGe'3 011600Z. Gale has increased to force 10 and convoy is badly scattered. When weather moderates and I can collect ships, course will be altered for position (XH). Aircraft has reported Icebergs on Port Bow. Further signal will be made. Am in company with Commodore. U-boats appear quiet. My P C and S 59° 14'N 40° 10'W X 230° 1. Please inform S.O.P.A. Greenland that DUNCAN does not now require fuel. Weather Report 83 70 98 59.

	012000Z
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	-7-

	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: AIG 303 (R) Escort ONS 5 E.G.3 FROM: B7
	O.N.180 ACIC

	My 012000Z. Twenty ships in company with Commodore. Escorts and Liberator rounding up remainder. ONS5 altered to 190° at 0900Z. Speed 5 knots. My position course and speed 59° 04'North 41° 17'West. (X). Request following rendezvous for stragglers be broadcast on BAMS
	1200Z/3 56° 04'N 42° 03'W
	1200Z/4 53° 27'N 42° 51' W.
	Weather report 8872 1043

	020991Z.
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	IMMEDIATE.
	TO: Escorts of ONS 5 (R) AIG 303 FROM: CinCWA.

	E.G. 3
	O.N.S. 5 Your 012000
	inform Commodore NK. On reforming of convoy alter course for (XR) 050° North 045° West thence XH.
	(2) No amendment to stragglers route.

	021709Z
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	IMMEDIATE
	TO: AIG 303 (R) EG 3 FROM: B 7
	Escorts of ONS 5
	My 020901Z. ONS 5 P C S 57°38'N 41°48'W "X" 202° for (XR) 3.
	Speed has dropped owing to more SW gales. About 32 ships in company out of 42. EG 3 joined at 20007Z. My oil fuel percentage remaining 40, VIDETTE 51. If weather does not improve DUNCAN must proceed to St. John's N.F. for fuel at dusk tonight Monday followed by VIDETTE on Wednesday, NORTHERN GEM has 70 survivors onboard. Intend to send her to ST. JOHNS at dawn Tuesday. BRITISH LADY has only 100 tons fuel available unless she proceeds to St. John's from (XR) but weather makes fuelling unlikely. Remainder of groups oil fuel satisfactory lowest percentage 40. Support Group Lowest 53.
	Weather report 5471 0159.
	030801



	-8-

	IMMEDIATE
	TO: ESCORTS OF ONS (R) AIG 303 FROM: CinCWA
	E.G.3

	ONS5 Your 020901Z received too late to order rendezvous. Comply with my 021709Z. Stragglers not in contact with AN escort will be ordered to proceed direct to stragglers route SO St. Johns Newfoundland keeping as far West as ice permits.

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	IMPORTANT
	TO: AIG 303 (R) Escorts ONS 5 FROM: B 7
	EG 3

	My 030801Z, HMS DUNCAN left ONS 5 at 1400Z in position 57°34'N 42°00'W. Course 200° 3 knots. HMS TAY now SO close escort.
	My position course and speed 56°25'N 42°27'W "S" 197° 7 knots, increasing to 12 knots when weather moderates. Fuel will be very tight. Weather report 4772 1459

	032201Z.
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	COPY OF NAVAL MESSAGE H.M.S. TAY ONS 5.
	__________________________________________________________________________
	IMPORTANT.
	TO: AIG 303 (R) DUNCAN ESCORTS OF ONS 5 FROM: TAY

	NORTHERN GEM detached for St. Johns at 0800Z.
	31 ships PINK and 4 ships, PC and S
	56 32N 40 50W 235 degrees 5 knots to leeward of convoy.

	Suggest she be separately routed.
	My PC and S 56 00N 42 45W 201 degrees 6-1/2 knots.

	042005Z
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 FROM: TAY

	Convoy attacked in position 54 40 43 22.
	1 ship torpedoed, still floating.
	0515Z,
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 (R) Duncan FROM: TAY

	ONS5 attacked in position 53 20 44 50 3 ships torpedoed, 2 floating, Possibility of salvage.

	2000Z.
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 FROM: TAY

	ONS 5 attacked in position 55 N 43 W 3 ships sunk

	050139Z.
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN FROM: TAY

	Convoy attacked in position 5350 N 44 00 W.
	1 ship torpedoed.

	051414Z.
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN FROM: TAY
	Escorts of ONS 5

	My 050515Z and 05141Z.

	Night attacks, surface, seven U-boats.
	Day attack, submerged, one U-boat.

	ORIBI sighted three U-boats on surface at 1110Z in position 55 30 N 43 40 W.

	NORTHERN SPRAY with 143 survivors on board detached to St. Johns NF at 1600Z.



	-2-

	TO: AIG 303 (R) DUNCAN FROM: TAY
	Escorts of ONS 5

	The following ships have been sunk:
	NORTH BRITISH, HARPERLEY, WEST MAXIMUS, WENTWORTH, BRITISH CITY.
	The following abandoned, not considered salvable:
	HARBURY, DOLIUS.
	Survivors from above ships in that order - 11, 38, 50, 42, 29, 44, 66.

	Convoy still appears to be shadowed.

	Am trying to oil destroyers from BRITISH LADY.
	This will necessitate her proceeding subsequently to St. Johns, NF.

	My Position, course and speed 53 38 N 44 32 W 202 degrees 7.5.

	Weather report 9080 3042.

	051601Z.
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN FROM: TAY

	My 051601Z. Following ships torpedoed:
	GHARINDA, SELVISTAN, BONDE. Survivors 92, 40, 12.
	SELVISTAN sunk. GHARINDA torpedoed forward.
	One or two U-boats submerged attack

	All escorts except TAY whose A/S temporarily out of action hunted with no results.

	TAY picked up survivors.

	060115Z.
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	TO: A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN FROM: TAY

	24 attacks were attempted on the convoy during the night. All repulsed. Five U-boats sunk. ORIBI rammed one. SUNFLOWER rammed one. SNOWFLAKE destroyed one by depth charges. VIDETTE claims hit with hedgehog. LOOSESTRIFE depth charged one which surfaced and blew up.

	ORIBI despatched this morning with OFFA.

	SUNFLOWER has slight leak in forepeak and is in handsteering, remaining with convoy at convoy speed.

	SNOWFLAKE has one depth charge remaining, LOOSESTRIFE 13.

	Survivors TAY has 105 LOOSESTRIFE 71 SUNFLOWER 66.

	My P.C.S. 51 55 N 44 30 W 195 deg. 7.

	061115Z



	-3-

	TO: C in C NF Force (R) A.I.G. 303 FROM: TAY

	BRITISH LADY has to proceed to St. Johns Newfoundland. Request position in which she should be detached and whether escort will be arranged.

	061955Z