|
|
HMS Harrier
|
Date of Arrival |
Place |
Date
of Departure |
Orders, Remarks etc |
|
2.1.40 |
Aberdeen |
? |
|
|
11.1.40 |
Invergordon |
12.1.40 |
|
|
12.1.40 |
Invergordon |
24.1.40 |
|
|
25.1.40 |
Invergordon |
? |
|
|
3.2.40 |
HARRIER endeavoured to
tow the Minesweeper SPHINX after she was, bombed 15 miles from Kinnaird Head, but owing to rough weather, the tow parted three times
and the SPHINX eventually turned turtle and sank. |
|
3.2.40 |
Source: ADM 1/10785
Report of HMS HARRIER into the loss of HMS Sphinx
HMS HARRIER weighed and proceeded from Invergordon at
1248 on Saturday, February 3rd 1940 to render assistance
to HMS Speedwell who had reported that she was towing HMS Sphinx,
badly damaged by enemy aircraft attack. The Medical Officer from the
base was embarked.
At 1917 contact was made in approximate position 57°
58’ N and 2° 33’ W. HMS Speedwell informed me that her tow had
parted at 1250 and the HMS Skipjack was towing HMS Sphinx at 3
knots, also that HM Ships Boreas and Brazen were screening. HARRIER
took station on the port beam of HMS Speedwell, course 220 speed 3
knots.
The weather was very bad and deteriorating rapidly
and the night very dark. At 2157 HMS Speedwell reported that the tow
had again parted. HMS HARRIER proceeded to HMS Sphinx and attempted
to take her in tow. At about 2300 a grass line from HMS Sphinx was
got onboard and HMS Sphinx informed me that her 3˝” wire was bent to
it. The grass was hove in but no wire was attached. By this time HMS
HARRIER had drifted a long way leeward.
At about 0100 HMS Sphinx asked for a ship to go
alongside to evacuate wounded. HMS Speedwell was the nearest ship
and made two attempts to go alongside but desisted owing to danger
of sinking HMS Sphinx, who reported that she was lying comfortably.
HM Ships HARRIER and Skipjack made a lee for this operation.
At 0245 HMS HARRIER proceeded to HMS Sphinx with the
intention of getting a wire in to hold her into the wind. At 0300
HMS Sphinx informed me that she was going to abandon ship. HMS
Speedwell was ordered to proceed alongside and evacuate the ship’s
company, and HMS Skipjack to keep to leeward of HMS Sphinx to pick
up boats or survivors in the water. Contact between HMS HARRIER and
destroyers was not established at this time.
HMS HARRIER was manoeuvred to windward of HMS Sphinx
and lay beam to sea discharging oil and afforded the greatest
possible lee. HMS Speedwell managed to get alongside HMS Sphinx at
her second attempt and took off a few ratings. At about 0340 HMS
Boreas joined HMS Speedwell and between them they made several
attempts to get alongside. HMS Boreas succeeded in taking a few men
off. The weather at this time was exceedingly bad and a full south
easterly gale blowing and a very high sea running. HMS Brazen was
screening around the operations.
Searchlights were used to illuminate the scene. At
0455 HMS Sphinx capsized and all ships closed the wreck and looked
for survivors. Position approximately 136 Clyth Ness 10 miles. HMS
Boreas succeeded in rescuing 36 ratings and 2 officers.
At about 0600 HMS Boreas requested that a Medical
Officer should be sent on board as soon as possible, and HMS HARRIER
ordered her to proceed in company to nearest shelter which was
Dornock Firth. HM Ships Speedwell and Skipjack were ordered to
remain by the wreck until daylight and continue searching for
survivors.
At 0835 signal was made to HMS Speedwell asking
whether wreck was still afloat and number of survivors rescued.
Reply was received at 0905 that there was no sign of wreck of any
more survivors.
The Medical Officer was transferred to HMS Boreas at
0945 and ships then proceeded to Invergordon.
The behaviour of Officers and men of HMS Sphinx was
deserving of the highest praise and was in the best traditions of
the Service. The handling of HM Ships Speedwell and Boreas was
magnificently carried out but the weather was so appalling that it
was impossible to keep alongside the wreck long enough to evacuate
any number of men.
|
|
4.2.40 |
At about 0100 HMS Sphinx asked for a ship to go alongside to
evacuate wounded. HMS Speedwell was the nearest ship and made two
attempts to go alongside but desisted owing to danger of sinking HMS
Sphinx, who reported that she was lying comfortably. HM Ships
HARRIER and Skipjack made a lee for this operation.
At 0245 HMS HARRIER proceeded to HMS Sphinx with the
intention of getting a wire in to hold her into the wind. At 0300
HMS Sphinx informed me that she was going to abandon ship. HMS
Speedwell was ordered to proceed alongside and evacuate the ship’s
company, and HMS Skipjack to keep to leeward of HMS Sphinx to pick
up boats or survivors in the water. Contact between HMS HARRIER and
destroyers was not established at this time.
HMS HARRIER was manoeuvred to windward of HMS Sphinx
and lay beam to sea discharging oil and afforded the greatest
possible lee. HMS Speedwell managed to get alongside HMS Sphinx at
her second attempt and took off a few ratings. At about 0340 HMS
Boreas joined HMS Speedwell and between them they made several
attempts to get alongside. HMS Boreas succeeded in taking a few men
off. The weather at this time was exceedingly bad and a full south
easterly gale blowing and a very high sea running. HMS Brazen was
screening around the operations.
Searchlights were used to illuminate the scene. At
0455 HMS Sphinx capsized and all ships closed the wreck and looked
for survivors. Position approximately 136 Clyth Ness 10 miles. HMS
Boreas succeeded in rescuing 36 ratings and 2 officers.
At about 0600 HMS Boreas requested that a Medical
Officer should be sent on board as soon as possible, and HMS HARRIER
ordered her to proceed in company to nearest shelter which was
Dornock Firth. HM Ships Speedwell and Skipjack were ordered to
remain by the wreck until daylight and continue searching for
survivors.
At 0835 signal was made to HMS Speedwell asking
whether wreck was still afloat and number of survivors rescued.
Reply was received at 0905 that there was no sign of wreck of any
more survivors.
The Medical Officer was
transferred to HMS Boreas at 0945 and ships then proceeded to
Invergordon.
|
|
4.2.40 |
Invergordon |
18.2.40 |
|
|
19.2.40 |
Aberdeen |
? |
|
|
? |
Invergordon |
28.2.40 |
|
|
1.3.40 |
Humber |
19.3.40 |
|
|
22.3.40 |
Source: ADM199/184 Report on clearing sweep 5th
MSF.
From:
The Senior Officer 5th M/S Flotilla, HMS GOSSAMER
Date: 24th March 1940
To: Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover
Report on Clearance Operation
Submitted: Herewith is forwarded
report on clearance operation ordered by VA Dover’s 1107/21/3/40
and 1641/21/3/40 and carried out on Good Friday 22nd
March 1940. One mine was cut by gunfire.
Sweepers: Gossamer, HARRIER,
Speedwell, Niger, Salamander
Danlayers: Grey Mist, Sargasso, Nautilas, Comfort.
Point of interest:-
The work could have been
completed much more expeditiously and a wider area covered with
good danlayers. As it was, several hours were wasted in sweeping
water already covered and the flotilla had to anchor off an
unlighted coast in the dark, at 2030.
Of the 4 danlayers only two were
capable of keeping up with the flotilla at 9 knots. Dans were laid
with only two pellets, and consequently disappeared altogether
when the tidal stream was at it as maximum. On one occasion the
wrong line of dans was pointed.
While no doubt the danlayers
worked hard and did their best through a long day, it is desired
to emphasise the necessity of a permanent danlaying force attached
to the flotilla.
The mine swept was marked ‘For
Winston Churchill’.
No significance is now attached
to the partings of sweeps reported by signal. At the time an
obstruction was suspected, but the wires showed signs of having
struck the bottom during a turn at reduced speed.
R Ross
Commander
SO 5th M/S Flotilla
|
|
23.3.40 |
From: The Senior Officer 5th M/S Flotilla, HMS
GOSSAMER
Date: 24th March 1940
To: Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover
Submitted: Herewith is forwarded report on clearance operation
ordered by VA Dover’s 1107/21/3/40 and 1641/21/3/40 and carried
out on Saturday 23rd March 1940.
Flotilla sailed at 0600 to carry out a clearance sweep. In the
absence of danlayers each ship sent 2 dans to Salamander before
weighing.
During the first lap visibility shut down to less than 1 cable.
Sweeps were got in and the force concentrated at the buoy. On the
weather lifting about noon a thorough search of the area in K
formation was decided upon. This was continued until 1740 and
resulted in the sweeping of four mines, widely scattered about the
area. It was submitted that the channel was unsafe until a proper
clearance could be carried out. This is proceeding on subsequent
days. Three mines were sunk by gunfire, one exploded by gunfire.
A large number of British H mines were also seen adrift and four
of these were sunk by gunfire.
R Ross Commander
SO 5th M/S Flotilla
|
|
29.3.40 |
Source: ADM 199/184 Mine
clearance sweep by Fifth MSF (Extracts)
Minesweeping Reports on Operations 29th March to 1st
April 1940 (extracts)
From: Senior Officer, 5th M/S Flotilla, HMS Gossamer
Date: 31st March 1940
To: Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover
Clearance sweep on 29th March 1940
SCZ 125 from Centre Line to 1 ˝ miles South between meridian 2° 00’
E and 2° 07’ E.
Sweepers: Gossamer,
HARRIER, Niger, Speedwell
Danlayers: Sargasso, Comfort, Nautilas
No mines were encountered till the signal for ‘in sweeps’ was about
to be hoisted in the SE corner of Area, when one was cut by second
ship. German type ‘Y’ moored mine, sunk by gunfire. Cross tide
sweeping was necessitated by the fact that only one danlayer was
available capable of the speed of the flotilla. There were several
partings but these are attributed to old wires and bad weather.
There was no evidence of any anti-sweeping devices.
R
Ross Commander
S.O. 5th M/S Flotilla
|
|
1.4.40 |
From: Senior Officer, 5th M/S Flotilla, HMS Gossamer
Date: 1st April 1940
To: Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover
Minesweeping Report, Sunday 31st March 1940
Sweepers: Gossamer,
Speedwell, Leda, HARRIER
Danlayers: Sargasso, Grey Mist
Later assisted by Emperor of India as mine clearer.
This proved an interesting day. As the area to be swept included a
bank with 5 fathom patches running down the centre, ‘A’ sweep was
chosen. As the flotilla approached the 1st lap in ‘J’
formation a sudden fog descended and the visibility fell to ˝ cable.
It lifted just in time to show R buoy in correct position for the 1st
lap. This shows the advantage of having a qualified navigator (who
had joined the previous evening).
Five mines were cut. One exploded, the rest were destroyed by
gunfire.
Anti-Sweeping Devices
As was to be expected partings were frequent due to shallow patches.
One was also an undoubted explosive cutter, the mine belonging to
which was swept. Another slight explosion failed to part the sweeps
or bring up a mine.
Two hours of the afternoon were spent in reeling on new wires etc.,
while waiting for the tide to rise. One more lap was then completed
and a re-sweep made over a small piece missed owing to partings.
Danlaying.
A
great improvement has been made now that Sargasso and Grey Mist have
got accustomed to working with the flotilla, but even these vessels
were unable to maintain sweeping speed in the existing weather
conditions. (Wind SW force 4)
R
Ross Commander
S.O. 5th M/S Flotilla
|
|
? |
Dover |
20.5.40 |
To join 6th
M/S Flotilla
6/4 Completed boiler
cleaning |
|
13.5.40 |
Lady Brassey has been
sent to West Hinder to take over towing of Bussum from HARRIER. |
|
25.5.40 |
25/5 While sweeping ahead
of a convoy off Zeebrugge HARRIER was damaged by bomb. One 550lb bomb,
which failed to explode, passing through the upper deck and out
through the port side of the stoker’s mess causing minor damage on the
way. However five near misses caused serious damage, reducing her
speed to 10 knots and HARRIER then spent seven weeks under repair. |
|
? |
Sheerness |
26.5.40 |
On 25 May, HARRIER was
sweeping ahead of a convoy off Zeebrugge when she was attacked by
Junkers Ju88s. One 550lb bomb scored a direct hit on bridge structure
passed through the forecastle and went out through the port side of
the stoker’s mess causing minor structural damage on the way. A second
bomb missed but caused more serious damage, the mining effect
fracturing machinery castings and reducing the speed to 10 knots.
HARRIER shot down one of the Ju88s with her 0.5in machine guns.
25/5 Damage to HARRIER is
beyond resources of Sheerness Dockyard. Time to repair estimated about
4 weeks.
26./5 Damage to HARRIER is
considerable. Consider ship could steam to London with tug in
attendance. No question of repairs in one week
In tow for Blackwall |
|
26.5.40 |
Gravesend |
10.7.40 |
28/5 Completes end of
June
13/6 Completes 3/7
6/7 Date of completion
deferred until 9/7
8/7 From FO i/c London:
10/7 Sail for Sheerness arriving same day. On completion of sea
trials, which begin 11/7, sail as ordered by C in C Nore. |
|
10.7.40 |
Sheerness |
11.7.40 |
For Harwich to resume
East Coast minesweeping duties |
|
? |
Harwich |
14.7.40 |
|
|
14.7.40 |
Harwich |
15.7.40 |
|
|
17.7.40 |
Harwich |
19.7.40 |
|
|
|
Yarmouth |
|
Taken in hand 25/7.
Repairs and alterations. Completes 1/8 |
|
1.8.40 |
Harwich |
2.8.40 |
Resumed East Coast
minesweeping duties |
|
3.8.40 |
At
sea & Harwich |
|
Six
Fleet sweepers sweeping convoys through XYZ channel. |
|
4.8.40 |
At sea |
|
Clearing sweep new channel close to Shipwash 20’ X 2’. Poor
visibility. 2 mines cut. 1200 SPEEDWELL rejoined flotilla. 1623,
anchored in thick fog. (Eight Fleet sweepers.) |
|
5.8.40 |
At sea |
|
Continued at dawn. Completed channel 2000. Anchored Shipway. 0640 one
mine each cut by HUSSAR, SPEEDWELL and HARRIER in position 201’ 3.2
miles from 54A buoy while sweeping outer eastern lap of channel. |
|
6.8.40 |
At sea |
|
Clearing channel joining new channel, eight Fleet sweepers. Completed
clearance 2115. Anchored Shipway. |
|
7.8.40 |
At
sea & Harwich |
|
High percentage search…with eight fleet sweepers…Sweeping X to Y on
return. Returned to Harwich. |
|
|
Source: ADM 199 184 Minesweeping Operations in Harwich area Awards
(Extracts)
Some minor
actions against aircraft have been omitted from the (above) report
but, like all Flotillas operating in this vicinity, hostile aircraft
have been engaged almost daily.
I consider
that all officers and men in the Flotilla have carried out their
duties cheerfully and efficiently and I find it most difficult to
single out and for individual mention. A few names are however,
submitted on the attached list.
R P Hinton
Commander
Senior Officer Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla
------------------------------------
Comment from: The Flag Officer in
Charge, Harwich, 12th August 1940
The operations covered by these
reports entailed a degree of hard work, determination and technical
skill which reflects the highest credit on all concerned and showed
a very fine spirit to exist in the Minesweeping Force at Harwich.
Admiral12th August 1940
Comment from: R Drax, Admiral, The Nore, 14th August 1940
The remarks of the Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich are
fully concurred in. The zeal and devotion to duty of the minesweeping
flotillas deserve the fullest recognition that can be given,
particularly in view of the fact that their work is done out of sight
and in the constant expectation of air attack. Very early recognition
would be very welcome and specially appropriate at the present time.
|
|
8.8.40 |
Harwich |
9.8.40 |
|
|
10.8.40 |
Harwich |
17.8.40 |
|
|
17.8.40 |
Yarmouth |
? |
MS6 in Gossamer is to
take HARRIER under her orders and complete the clearance of the Would
for magnetic mines, ships to be based on Yarmouth. |
|
2.9.40 |
Harwich
|
3.9.40 |
|
|
3.9.40 |
Gt Yarmouth |
|
30/9 Gossamer is to join
6th MSF to form LL pair with HARRIER. |
|
2.10.40 |
Humber |
18.10.40 |
17.10.40 HARRIER to be
sailed as soon as convenient to join 4th MSF at Harwich |
|
19.10.40 |
Harwich |
20.10.40 |
|
|
22.10.40 |
Harwich |
22.10.40 |
|
|
24.10.40 |
Harwich |
28.10.40 |
|
|
28.10.40 |
Harwich |
29.10.40 |
|
|
29.10.40 |
Harwich |
30.10.40 |
|
|
30.10.40 |
Harwich |
2.11.40 |
|
|
|
ADM 199 184 HMS HARRIER
Minesweeping Reports Oct 1940 (Extracts)
HMS HARRIER
Minesweeping Reports
30th
October 1940
Area:
QZS148 from 54A Buoy to Aldeburgh Light Float.
Sweepers: HARRIER, Lydd, Saltash
Danlayers: Duchess of Rothesay, Lorna Doone.
Two German
type ‘Y’ moored mines swept and sunk.
1st
November 1940
Area:
QZS148 from 54A Buoy to Aldeburgh Light Float.
Sweepers: HARRIER, Lydd, Saltash
Danlayers: Duchess of Rothesay, Lorna Doone, Marmion and
Queen Empress
Swept three
German moored mines, two were sunk and one exploded in sweep. Type
unknown. Description: 5 leaden horns, length exceeding normal,
countersunk top, with red painted band. Observed 6” bottle screw
connection joining mine to mooring wire.
|
|
2.11.40 |
Harwich |
4.11.40 |
|
|
|
4th November 1940
Area:
QZS148 from 52 Buoy to position ‘X’
Sweepers: HARRIER, Speedwell, Lydd, Elgin, Saltash
Mine disposal vessel: Gossamer
Two German
anti-sweeping devices cut.
5th
November 1940
Area:
QZS148 from position ‘O’ to position ‘Z’
Sweepers: HARRIER, Gossamer, Lydd, Saltash
Two German
‘X’ type moored mines swept and sunk. One German anti-sweeping
conical float cut.
|
|
4.11.40 |
Harwich |
5.11.40 |
|
|
5.11.40 |
Harwich |
6.11.40 |
|
|
6.11.40 |
Harwich |
10.11.40 |
|
|
11.11.40 |
Harwich |
20.11.40 |
|
|
21.11.40 |
Humber |
27.11.40 |
|
|
27.11.40 |
Harwich |
29.11.40 |
|
|
29.11.40 |
Harwich |
10.12.40 |
|
|
10.12.40 |
Harwich |
27.12.40 |
|
|
27.12.40 |
Harwich |
29.12.40 |
|
|
29.12.40 |
Harwich |
2.1.41 |
|
|
