HMS Britomart 1943 Halcyon Minesweeper

Date of Arrival	Place	Date of Departure	Orders, Remarks etc
16.1.43	Scapa	16.1.43
17-27.1.43	BRITOMART joined JW52 (15 ships) from Loch Ewe as part of Ocean escort. The convoy sailed in fair weather throughout.
24.1.43	As the convoy approached Bear Island, four He115 torpedo bombers attacked, two were shot down. U boats making contact were driven under by the escort.
27.1.43	Convoy arrived in Kola Inlet on 27/1 without loss.
26.2.43	Convoy JW53 was bombed for the second day running by twenty one Ju88’s, again there were no hits. Three Russian destroyers, two escort vessels and HMS BRITOMART were detailed to meet the convoy at position MU and provide escort as far as the ice edge for the seven ships diverted to the White Sea ports. However, after Scylla’s 0724/26, giving the ETA of the arrival of the convoy at position MU as 0115/27, it was decided that in order to ensure a daylight meeting, that the local escort should rendezvous with the White Sea section off Cape Teribarski, and the Scylla was requested to detach a part of the ocean escort until the rendezvous had been effected. A number of Russian D/F fixes of U-boats were passed to the convoy during the last few days of its passage, the Russians estimate of the number of U-boats concentrating on the convoy being 10.
13.3.43	BRITOMART relieved by Jason as AA guard ship up river from Polyarnoe at Mishukov.
22.3.43	The two tankers Beacon Hill and Marathon, and the SS Bering left Molotovsk and were clear of the ice at approximately 0900C/22, and arrived in the Kola Inlet at 1000C/23, having been escorted from the ice edge by two Russian destroyers and HM Ships BRITOMART and Bluebell.
During this period of convoy inactivity the sweepers were constantly attacked by enemy aircraft. During one raid BRITOMART, while sweeping off Cape Arctica, was hit by two bombs from such a low height that they landed flat and skidded along the deck and over the side. The plane itself crashed by the side of BRITOMART.
?	Kola Inlet	15.4.43

HMS Britomart Kola Bay 1943
Kola Bay 1943 - Crew members of HMS Britomart
Source: Jack Barlow

16.4.43	Archangel	?		Minesweeping with Jason
10.5.43	Archangel	?		13/5 Today we played our first game of football since joining the ship. We played our sister ship HMS BRITOMART, and although we lost 7 – 1 that 90 minutes was the happiest I’ve spent in a long time. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
16.5.43	Murmansk	17.5.43		SBNO North Russia: Intend visiting Archangel leaving Polyarnoe in Jason 17/5 returning in BRITOMART on 22/5 approx escorting tanker Beacon Hill and two Russian destroyers
19.5.43	Dvina Bar	23.5.43
23.5.43	As a result of a request by the Russian Staff for the transference of 8000 tons of oil from the White Sea to the Kola Inlet… and the Beacon Hill. Having loaded at Molotovsk she sailed on the 23^rd May escorted by HM Ships BRITOMART, Bluebell and Camellia and two Russian destroyers. She arrived in the Kola Inlet early in the morning of the 25thMay where arrangements had been made to discharge her as quickly as possible. This was completed on the 28^th May and she sailed on the evening of that day for Archangel., in company with the Russian depot ship Pamyat Kirova, and escorted by the BRITOMART and Camellia, and three Russian ships. Two Russian destroyers and BRITOMART remained in company for the whole of the passage … arriving in Dvina on the 30thMay… Report of SBNO North Russia
25.5.43	Murmansk	28.5.43
31.5.43	Archangel	10.6.43
10.6.43	Today we shoved off from Polyarnoe with about 20 passengers each (that’s BRITOMART and ourselves) 20 lads from the base who have been here for 18 months and 20 survivors from a merchantman. Maybe this means mail at last ??!! Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
12.6.43	Musketeer and Mahratta arrived on the 12^th June with passengers, mail and stores, anchoring in Vaenga Bay so that transfer of Archangel and Moscow quotas could be made direct to and from BRITOMART and Jason who had come round from Archangel for that purpose. This was duly accomplished despite bad weather and the destroyers sailed in the evening of 12^th June carrying in all between them 105 passengers. I am very grateful to the Commanding Officers for their co-operation in embarking so many. Mails for Kola Inlet were not released as had been anticipated from preliminary arrangements, so Jason was retained to accommodate mail while negotiations proceeded. Source: SBNO North Russia 22^nd Report We arrived at Polyarnoe today after a very rough trip… There in the bay was a lovely sight – two British destroyers – Mahratta and Musketeer. We went alongside Mahratta and the BRITOMART alongside the other one… Yes there was mail, bags and bags of it, and stores too. 13/6 BRITOMART shoved off for Archangel, we remain here for some unknown reason. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
12.6.43	Murmansk	13.6.43		BRITOMART was sailed for Archangel on 13^th June with passengers, mails and stores.
14.6.43	Archangel	17.6.43
17.6.43	Source: SBNO North Russia 22^nd Report On 17^th – 22^nd June BRITOMART was lent for Russian escort duty to take icebreakers to the Kara Sea. Jason was to have been lent also for this duty, but was retained at Polyarnoe to accommodate the mail. This was not a popular move with the local Russian Naval Staff, but they were warned that Jason would not be available if the mail were not released. Reluctantly they did what they could to have the mail released but they seem to have little or no influence with any civil authority. __________________________________ Report of Commanding Officer HMS BRITOMART S S Stamwitz Lt Commander in Command BRITOMART slipped from Krasni Quay at 1030C 17^th June and proceeded to Molotovsk outer anchorage to await sailing of convoy and to provide A/S protection in conjunction with Russian patrol craft.. Weather was fine and clear with light airs and on arrival at position off Nikolski Buoy at 1500C I anchored and set A/S watch. The icebreakers Krassin and Litke arrived from Molotovsk at 1600C and anchored inside A/S screen. The Russian destroyers Uritsky and Kuibishev and patrol vessels numbers 28 and 30 appeared at 2320C and a general signal to weigh was received. Icebreakers were formed in a single line ahead led by Uritsky, convoy proceeding at 10 knots and I was requested to zigzag ahead carrying out A/S sweep.
18.6.43	On arrival at Cape Orlov Teraki at 1700C 18^th June BRITOMART was asked to operate SA sweep and this sweep was maintained until arrival at the Kara Strait. Two Hunter craft joined from Ponoi at 1650C/18^th June and when the destroyers Baku, Gremyachi and Grozny appeared off Cape Gorodetski at 1925C the escort was reformed … with BRITOMART ahead… Report of Commanding Officer HMS BRITOMART
19.6.43	Convoy proceeded in fine and clear weather without incident until 0210 19^th June when one of the escorting flying boats was seen to drop two red Very lights and with engines stopped to land in the sea approximately 4 cables on the port beam of the convoy. This was interpreted by BRITOMART as a signal of distress made because of engine failure. Gremayachi apparently suspected the presence of an enemy submarine as she turned and dropped a pattern of depth charges alongside the aircraft. General panic stations ensued and Grozny with one Hunter craft quickly joined in with their contribution of depth charges, the aircraft being tossed violently amongst the resulting explosions. I switched off SA sweep and turned towards for a better view of the proceedings but almost immediately both destroyers opened up with their main, secondary and close range armaments firing indiscriminately into the water around the position of the depth charge explosions. This was obviously no place for spectators so I withdrew from the scene with all speed hastened by the appearance of HA shell bursts overhead. In the meantime the convoy and remainder of the escort had turned 90 degrees away and increased to full speed. The numerous signals made by Uritsky during this fracas were not received in BRITOMART as Lt Cdr Kominsky and two Russian signalmen were too excited to be of any assistance. The battle subsided at 0230C with the aircraft very surprisingly still afloat, Gremayachi and Grozny rejoined the convoy which proceed on original course at a speed of 11 knots. Both Hunter craft were then detached and they returned in the direction of Cape Gorodetski with the (seaplane) in tow. Fog was encountered at 2023C 19^th June … and thereafter visibility was never more than six and generally less than three cables. Station keeping became very difficult as Patrol Vessel No. 30 was between me and Uritsky who was guide, I was reluctant to use Type 271 RDF owing to the presence on the bridge of Lt Cdr Kominsky and the Russian signalman. The organisation provided for the use of fog buoys but I had to rely on No. 30 keeping station ahead of Uritsky not an easy feat as Uritsky’s course was somewhat inaccurate and her speed erratic. I continued for two hours occasionally sighting No. 30 astern but as visibility showed no signs of improving I closed up Type 271 and found that convoy was two miles on my port beam. It would appear that No. 30 had been following by fog buoy trustfully with no regard to the fact that I was not the guide. I subsequently discovered that convoy’s course had been altered three degrees shortly after entering fog. I adjusted course and speed to regain station but was unable to pass my information to No. 30 owing to poor visibility and indifferent signally on the part of the Russian signalman. She did however follow me a considerable way back to the convoy before becoming lost. Report of Commanding Officer HMS BRITOMART
20.6.43	I continued sweeping ahead of Uritsky and at 0945C 20^th June course was altered to 030 degrees to pass through the Kara Strait. At this time I sighted the ice edge to the S’rd in a gap in the fog. Fog then became very thick and I was unable to see my own fog buoy, in view of the presence of ice and the uncertainty of Uritsky’s intentions I decided to use my discretion as previously agreed and at 1013C I reversed my course and parted company. It was not possible to inform the flagship of this decision. The fog cleared at 1600C 20^th June and at 1530 the five Russian destroyers were sighted astern overtaking at high speed. Report of Commanding Officer HMS BRITOMART
22.6.43	The weather remained fine and clear for the remainder of the return trip to Archangel, Dvina Bar was crossed at 0530C 22^nd June and after fuelling at Economia I secured alongside Krasni Quay at 1120C 22^nd June. Report of Commanding Officer HMS BRITOMART

22.6.43	Archangel (Dvina Bar)		?
28.6.43	BRITOMART started a second icebreaker escort on the 28^th June… On arrival at Cape Orlov Teraki at 1700C 28^th June BRITOMART was asked to operate SA sweep and this sweep was maintained until arrival at the Kara Strait.
3.7.43	Archangel		?

Crew of Britomart
'Guard of Honour for General Martel'
'Grosni Quay, Archangel. July 1943'
(Source: Jack Barlow)

(Note: General Sir Giffard Le Quesne Martel became the head of the British Military Mission to the Soviet Union in early 1943)

24.7.43	As we were nearing the Kola Inlet action stations was sounded and before we could get up there, bombs were dropping all around and our guns were opening up. Four Ju88’s had made the attack, setting a merchantman on fire. BRITOMART stood by the merchantman while we saw the other two home. Then dashed back and helped to put out fire. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
26.7.43	Kola Inlet		1.8.43
3.8.43	Dvina Bar		15.8.43
17.8.43	Archangel		28.8.43
29.8.43	Kola Inlet		1.9.43
1.9.43	HMS BRITOMART sailed from the Kola Inlet for Archangel on the 1^st September with personnel, mail and stores ex destroyers of Operation ‘Lorry’, and arrived there on 3^rd September. Report of SBNO North Russia
3.9.43	Dvina Bar		10.9.43
11.9.43	Two groups of merchant ships were sailed from Archangel to the Kola Inlet during the month with cargoes, chiefly timber, for Russian requirements. The usual endless wrangles and arguments, notably on the subject of coal, accompanied the movements, and much energy was expended in the effort to make sure that our allies kept to their side of the bargain. The first group, composed of Empire Scott, Empire Fortune and Empire Bard left the Dvina on the 11^th September, escorted by Russian destroyers and HMS BRITOMART, and arrived in the Kola Inlet on the 13^th September. Enemy aircraft were active in the approaches at the time of their arrival and shot down an MBR flying boat on A/S patrol. No damage was done to the ships as the attack was not pressed home, the only other casualty being one Russian hurricane shot down by the Empire Fortune. As regards the latter incident it was the same old story of the fighter escort flying close to and over the convoy during air attack despite repeated requests to keep at least 1500 yards distant, with full reasons given for the necessity for this, but apparently they will not be told. However there is some hope that now the lesson may sink in as the Russians themselves admit it was the fighter’s own fault; it is alleged that stern disciplinary measures will be taken in future with any offender in this respect. Fortunately on this occasion the pilot was uninjured. Report of SBNO North Russia
13.9.43	Kola Inlet		20.9.43	The second group, the Atlantic, Empire Kinsman and Empire Elgar, left the Dvina on the evening of 16^th September escorted by Russian destroyers reinforced along the Murman coast by HMS BRITOMART, and arrived at the Kola Inlet early on the 19^th September. Their sailing time had been adjusted to bring them to their destination during the hours of darkness so as to avoid the risk of air attack. Report of SBNO North Russia 20/9 Soviet Navy Staff want to know whether Admiralty would consider an offer to purchase BRITOMART and Jason
?	Murmansk		29.9.43
29.9.43	Group two, consisting of Empire Kinsman and Atlantic, escorted by Russian destroyers and BRITOMART returned to the Dvina River on the 29^th September, arriving on the 2^nd October. Report of SBNO North Russia
2.10.43	Archangel		4.10.43
6.10.43	Kola Inlet		11.10.43	BRITOMART can be taken in hand for refit at Plymouth 18/11
6.10.43	Today, Sunday, the skipper gave us our first bit of news about going home. We, ourselves and BRITOMART … should be home before Christmas. All this came about because the lads had started to kick up a fuss about not being given any news. We all thought we were going to be left up there to rot. I agree we’ve only been up here 8 months, but 8 months in this joint is enough to send anyone screwy. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
29.10.43	BRITOMART and ourselves topped right up with oil today. At 10pm tonight I heard the best bit of news I’ve heard for 8 months, our two reliefs are due tomorrow. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
30.10.43	Time 05.45 and I have just come off the Quarterdecks after seeing our two reliefs, Seagull and Harrier, secure astern. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
1.11.43	Jason and BRITOMART form part of the Ocean escort for RA54A (13 ships), with Harrier and Seagull providing part of the local eastern escort from 1/11 to 3/11. Halcyon joined as part of the local western escort off Iceland from 10/11 to 13/11. Thick fog delayed the convoy but also hid it from the enemy and it arrived unmolested at Loch Ewe on 15/11.
1.11.43	At his moment, 12.30 pm, we are slowly making our way up the River Dvina, our first stage on the journey home. Two signals received this morning by us and BRITOMART: To Jason and BRITOMART From SBNO Archangel (Captain Maund) Good Bye. A safe landfall and a pleasant leave. Thank you very much for all your splendid work in the White Sea. We shall miss both ships very much. To Jason and BRITOMART From SBNO North Russia (Rear Admiral Archer) In wishing you good bye and God speed I would like to add my sincere thanks for the excellent work you have both put in whilst in these waters. I have always felt every confidence that with either or both ships on a job it would be well done, and it has been. May you have a well deserved leave. You leave an excellent name behind you. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
With this convoy went HMS Jason (Commander H G A Lewis RN) and HMS BRITOMART (Lt Commander S S Stamwitz DSC) who had also made a lengthy stay in North Russia. I cannot speak too highly of the service they have given during this period or the manner in which both Commanding Officers have maintained the morale of their ships’ companies. They leave a very good name behind them with the Russians who even offered to buy the ships, so impressed were they. E R Archer Rear Admiral, SBNO North Russia Source: 26^th MONTHLY REPORT – 1^st October to 21^st November
13.11.43	Entered the boom at Scapa 2.00 a.m. Have done just over 3,000 miles and not even a sign of jerry all the way, pity all convoys can’t be like that. Secured along with BRITOMART to a buoy. 11.30a.m. cleared lower deck and Vice Admiral Burnett thanked us for the good job of work we had done under such trying conditions. 6.30 p.m. We are headed for refit at Portsmouth. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
14.11.43	Last night was the worst night I’ve had in the Navy. We came round Pentland Firth and round Cape Wrath with a full gale blowing. I don’t mind admitting I was scared stiff, we all but turned over three or four times. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
16.11.43	Falmouth	19.11.43
16.11.43	SECRET To Jason and BRITOMART From C in C Home Fleet Welcome back on completion of ten months very good work under trying conditions. As the only British Naval Units working constantly in North Russian ports the minesweepers and trawlers are always under observation and it is by their conduct, both in operations and ashore, that the British Navy is largely judged. You have set a very high standard for others to follow and I hope you will have a very good leave. Able Seaman Clarke, HMS Jason
19.11.43	Plymouth	2.3.44		Taken in hand 22/11 Devonport. Refit DU (11 weeks approx)