Convoy EN71
Extract from Commodore’s Report:
At
1825 on the 13.2.41 while in a position midway between Aberdeen and
Stonehaven the convoy was attacked bu two enemy bombers. They
approached from the westward passed well ahead of the convoy and
then turned to the attack. One plane approached the head of the
convoy at right-angles to the line of advance and dropped a bomb
close to the Cape Rodney who was Vice Commodore at head of starboard
column. The plane then attacked Daldorch Commodores ship with
machine gun fire. A spirited reply was made by 12 pdr. and machine
guns from a number of ships. I regret to say that a merchant seaman
in Daldorch was struck and eventually died from this attack. With
the exception of the Cape Rodney no ship sustained damage and I
believe no casualties were suffered other than the described. The
planes making this attack flew very low – probably no more than 20
feet above the water – and only increased height a little before
dropping the bomb. The weather throughout that day was strong ESE
wind, squally, visibility moderate to good. Kites could not be flown
owing to the strength of wind. During the night of the 13th/14th
the wind dropped to a fresh breeze and an attempt to fly kites was
made at 0500 on the 14th. For about an hour a kite in
Daldorch flew with moderate success but then dived into the sea and
was badly damaged. Two further attempts were made to fly kites but
these failed owing to the wind being too far abaft the beam.
No
aerial escort was sighted at any time on the day of the attack.
Wm C
Meek
Cdr R N R
_________________________________________________________
SECRET
From: The Commanding Officer HMS Gleaner, c/o GPO
To:
Captain (D), Rosyth
Dated 15th February Ref No
33/22A
Subject: Report of proceedings as additional AA Escort to
Convoy EN71 and return to Rosyth
Submitted:
On
12th February 1941 I was at Rosyth and, in accordance
with C in C’s 0902/12, I sailed at 1500 for Methil and arrived there
at 1810 assuming Duty ‘A’ until 0430, 13th when Convoy
EN71 sailed (Daldorch – Commodore’s ship), with Pirouette and
Gavotte as close escort.
2.
May
Island was passed at 0815 and Gleaner assumed screening station on
starboard quarter of convoy, escorting Trawlers being on either bow.
A mine, believed to be a German Type X was sighted at 1530 and sunk
by rifle fire from Gleaner in position 100 Tod Head 7 ½ miles. One
of its horns was hit and knocked off without exploding the mine.
3.
Enemy air attack by two Heinkels 111K commenced at 1820 in position
57˚12’N; 01˚41’W and continued until 1900. ‘Help’ signal was passed
at 1825 (see Gleaner’s 32/22A of 14th February 1941). One
hit by bomb on SS Oregoni is known to have been obtained, whilst
several ships were machine gunned and a Seaman in Daldorch died of
wounds received. Rattray Head was passed at 2200, 13th
February.
4.
At dawn, 14th, off Duncanby Head, only 9 ships of Convoy
were in sight. Neither Pirouette nor Gavotte were present but
Curacoa was in station on port quarter of convoy. Commodore reported
that he had a seriously wounded man on board and requested
permission to proceed to Thurso to disembark him. I approved and
told him to report to N.O i/c Thurso via WSS Dunnet Head. He then
requested me to take charge of the convoy in his absence and, on
referring to Curacoa, I received instructions to remain with EN71
until Escort overhauled and rear portion of WN84 was met. Very rough
seas were experienced off Duncansby Head at 0900 and for several
hours in the forenoon of 14th Feb no headway was made off
this headland. Wind was against tide and there was a heavy following
sea. It was most difficult to steer; ship at times yawed 45˚ off her
course and was heavily pooped once. As the strength of the tide
lessened so did the seas, and at 1300, Swilkie Point was rounded.
Eight ships of WN84 with one Trawler in company passed on opposite
course at 1045. Commodore informed me at 1456 that wounded seaman
had died and that he had passed a signal by a Destroyer requesting
that arrangements be made to land him at Loch Ewe.
5.
On overhauling. Gothland, Empire Straits and Ring were ordered to
proceed independently to Oban at best speed in accordance with
ACWA’s 1127/13. Oregoni was diverted to Loch Ewe by instructions
from Commodore and, at 1530, Gleaner turned to the eastwards in
position 56˚45’N; 03˚38’W. There were then 14 ships with Commodore
and two escorting Trawlers. Gavotte was informed of what ships had
received instructions as shown above. My 1611/14 addressed to ACWA
repeated C in C Rosyth, FO I/c Orkneys and Shetlands was despatched
reporting position of affairs and, that as no other ships of WN84
had been sighted. I was attempting to overhaul leading portion.
6. I
passed Duncansby Head at 1850, 14th, but from then
onwards had to reduce speed gradually owing to the heavy head seas.
After 0200, 15th, speed was gradually increased again.
Rattray Head was not sighted but was estimated to be abeam at 0430,
15th. May Island was reached at 1300, 15th,
and I proceeded to Rosyth. WN84, nor any ships belonging to it and
straggling, were not sighted on the return journey.
Hugh
Price
Lieutenant Commander in Command
