Commodore’s Convoy Report EN74
(extract)
19.2.41
0730 Left Methil. Heavy snow squalls
0800 Pds. F.N. 10.
0900 Pad. W.N. Convoy.
1025 Enemy aeroplane, probably Ju88, dived out of snow squall to
SE passed over Athelsultan from Stb to Port. Released two time bombs
simultaneously from height of about 200 ft. These burst about 10 ft
from Stb side abreast of the bridge. Fire was opened after the
aeroplane passed over from one Hotchkiss gun, but without effect.
Plane circled the convoy once and disappeared in snow clouds to SW.
As far as could be ascertained damage to the ship was as follows:-
Hole about 2 ft in diameter on Stb side abaft foremast. Small hole
on Starboard side forward of mainmast, both at 22ft draft line.
Sheer strakes cracked, both sides in way of mainmast. All starboard
tanks leaking. Gyro compass out of action. ??? compass bowl thrown
out of binnacle and out of action. Steering compass unreliable. Ech
sounder out of order. In view of damage I decided that it was
advisable to return to harbour, and owing to the sea running, it was
impossible to transfer to another ship. Convoy was handed over to S
S Escort, HMT Lady Rosemary.
1330 Arrived Methil Anchorage.
From: The Commanding Officer HMS Gleaner, c/o GPO
To: Captain (D) Rosyth
Dated: 22nd February 1941
Subject: Report of additional AA escort to convoys EN74 and
WN87
Submitted:
On Tuesday 18th February I was at Rosyth and sailed for
Methil at 1130 in accordance with C in C’s 1343/17 February. Methil
Roads were reached at 1428 where Duty C was assumed until sailing of
FS17 at 2300. Gleaner then carried out duty A. Commanding Officer
attended Conference at Methil during the afternoon of 18th.
2. Convoy EN74 sailed at 0715, 19th February. Convoy
consisted of 11 ships with Commodore in Athelsultan and close escort
of Lady Rosemary (SO) and Cape Mariato. Primrose acted as additional
escort for HMS Sandhurst who was in tow of Tug Watermeyer. Gleaner
assumed screening position on port quarter of Convoy.
3. At 1055, 19th, whilst passing may Island, Commodore
reported he had been holed and was returning to harbour. He stated
that all compasses were out of order and that he had told Vice
Commodore to take over. It is not known how damage was sustained and
before information on this could be obtained from Commodore he had
disappeared from sight in the bad visibility prevailing. It was
found that Lorca (Vice Commodore) was not present and British
Valour, who the late Commodore had suggested as Vice Commodore, was
accordingly detailed as Commodore. Athelsultan was instructed to
report her condition through May Island. Cape Mariato escorted her
back a few miles and then rejoined convoy. C in C’s 1321/19
appointing Primrose in charge of convoy in absence was received at
1435.
4. Rattray Head was passed at 0104/20th and Duncansby
Head reached at 1015/20th. Gleaner left convoy off Dunnet
Head at 1130 and, entering Scapa by Hoxa Gate, secured to No. 7
buoy, Gutter Sound at 1333.
5. I sailed from Scapa at 1310 21st February and made
rendezvous with Convoy WN87 off Swilkie Point at 1500 taking station
on the starboard quarter of convoy. Convoy consisted of 16 ships
(Commodore in Clan MacGillivray) with close escort of Ullswater (SO)
and Saltarello. Two M/S Trawlers joined convoy from Scapa and three
Coasters also joined when off Duncansby Head at 1556. Rattray Head
was passed at 0130, 22nd February and May Island reached
at 1245. Gleaner remained with convoy until Largo Bay buoy had been
reached by last ships and then proceeded independently to Rosyth.
6. Relief of Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Commander K E Oom,
R.A.N. assumed command of HMS Gleaner as from pm 22nd
February vice Lieutenant Commanding H P Price DSO RN.
