From:
The Commanding Officer HMS Jason
To: Captain D. Rosyth
Date
1.2.41 No. RC31
Subject:
Convoys EN63 and WN76
The following report
on Convoys EN63 and WN76 is submitted:-
Jason left Methil at
0500/28th Jan as additional escort to EN63.
2. In bad weather
convoy arrived off Pentland Firth at 1230/29 without event.
3. Visibility was
poor, with a south-westerly gale, and three ships of WN76 were met
some 15 miles ahead of the Commodore – these appeared to be a
section which had been ordered to join the convoy off Dunnett
Head. The Commodore and escort were met near Duncansby Head, and,
since no information could be obtained concerning the rear portion
of WN75 which was supposed to join also, Jason took station
relative to the Commodore.
4. Despite the gale,
which moderated towards evening, surprisingly good speed was made.
5. The convoy arrived
off May Island at intervals during the forenoon of the 30th,
and Jason parted company from the Commodore off Methil at 1245/30.
6. Jason followed a
fleet unit and escort up harbour till, at 1415, signal times
1144/30 was received after being decoded. Jason was however
delayed by the fleet unit, whose escort turned and proceeded to
sea again. Jason being forced to wait and follow.
7. The convoy – rear
portion of WN75 – was met at 1950/30.
8. Signal timed
2048/30 was intercepted from St Apollo stating that the convoy was
then abeam of Bell Rock. Convoy was actually 11 miles north of
that position as Jason’s DR, run from passing Bell Rock
northbound, was quite accurate.
9. The weather
moderated to a light breeze during the night, and the convoy made
a large sweep to the SSE from Bell Rock, and at the time appeared
to be hove-to.
10. Convoy arrived off
Methil at 0815/31.
Lieutenant Commander
RN
