Commodore's Convoy Report EN72
(extract)
Weighed anchor at 0600, 15th February 1941 and
proceeded to sea in accordance with previous instructions. Weather
conditions throughout this voyage were very indifferent, mainly
strong E to SE winds with rough sea, and occasional snow and hail
showers. Convoy, however, arrived at destination (Loch Ewe) intact
at 1130, 17th February and made average speed of 8
knots.
On
Saturday 15th inst., at 1810 Girdle Ness 050˚ 14 miles
my ship La Pampa was attacked by a single Heinkel 111. Enemy
approached my port beam rapidly from direction of Aberdeen coast
and dropped three bombs from a height of approx 250 feet, the
first two simultaneously which did not explode, the third falling
some 50 feet from my port beam exploded on making contact with the
sea, but did no damage to vessel. Continuing his flight to
eastwards he crossed over starboard bow escort vessel (HMT Foxtrot) then turned and crossed the front of convoy,
sweeping down entire port column using his machine gun, finally
crossing rear of convoy and made off to eastward.
Practically all vessels engaged the enemy, during short period of
attack, but due to poor visibility which was about 2 miles,
accompanied by low cloud and drizzling rain I cannot say whether
enemy was damaged in any way.
