From: The Commanding Officer HMS Jason
To: Captain D. Rosyth
Date: 11.3.41 No. RC 40
Subject: Convoys EN 83 and WN 96
The following report as additional AA escort to convoys EN 83 and
WN 96 is submitted:
2.
Jason left Methil with EN 83 at 0230 9th Mar. The
convoy straggled badly during the day, and, before sunset, the
Commodore was instructed to ease speed to enable the rear ships to
close up.
3.
Contact was made by R/T with the fighter escort after sunset, but
the fighters were unable to locate the convoy. Communication was
then established with the base by R/T and the convoys exact
position given in code.
4.
At 1940, in moonlight, but with surface visibility only 2-3
miles, a Heinkel came straight in at the convoy from green 70 at a
height of about 250 feet. Jason opened fire, and a 4” shell must
have passed very close to the aircraft as it crossed about 1000
yards ahead of the ship, as it is thought probable that its
bombing aim was affected, since a stick of five bombs were dropped
at a ship 1000 yards on Jason’s beam, and all missed astern and
over. The aircraft then opened fire on several ships with machine
gun.
5. Contact was immediately made with the fighters, and the
position given in plain language, but, as it was almost dark, the
fighters apparently landed.
6. At 2047 tracer was seen at the head of the convoy, port side,
Jason then being towards the rear. One bomb was dropped, hitting
the Commodore’s ship; the plane then made off to the eastward.
7. The S.O. Escort was in attendance on the Commodore so Jason
continued with the convoy, instructing the S.O. to make all
necessary signals.
8. As considerable delay was apparent before the vice-commodore
took charge, the remaining trawler was finally instructed to take
over the convoy when it appeared that the alteration of course off
Buchan Ness was being delayed.
9. Jason transferred to WH 96 at 1030/10, and arrived at May I at
0310 without event.
10. WN 96 made good 9 ¾ knots from passing Rattray Head, despite
an apparent reduction before dark to enable the rear ships to
close up.
REPORT OF COMMODORE (extract)
10. Brief narrative of the voyage, noting any important
incidents.
0230/9/3/41 Convoy weighed and proceeded in 2 columns at 6
knots. 17 ships – strong NE wind, rough sea
0720/9 Hoisted signal “Fly Kites”. Wind decreasing.
Convoy badly straggled. Reduced speed to allow rear ships to
close up.
0830/9 Air escort arrived (Anson)
1120/9 Convoy now in formation – proceeded at 6 ½ knots
as we are 3 hours astern of schedule and weather now moderate.
NE wind and slight head sea.
1440/9 Enemy bomber attacked Vice Commodore from
seaward flying very low – dropped two bombs and machine gunned.
Bombs missed and did not explode – no damage. Ships in range
opened fire. Bomber escaped apparently undamaged.
1527/9 3 fighters sighted
1745/9 Close hauled kites – one hour before sunset – no
fighters in sight.
1940/9 Enemy aircraft sighted to Eastward – hoisted
kites – vessels in range opened fire.
1950/9 Explosion heard astern – vessels in convoy
firing intermittently at aircraft. Bright moonlight – fine and
clear.
2055/9 Bomber sighted on port beam of convoy went right
ahead and then turned direct towards Commodore’s ship “Esmond”
flying very low and machine gunning – dropped large bomb which
exploded in No. 4 hatch. “Esmond” fired 5 belts of machine gun
ammunition ay short range direct at enemy approaching.
“Esmond’s” steering gear out of action. Engines stopped and on
fire aft.
HMT
Lady Rosemary standing by. Signalled her to wireless for tug and
to take me in tow. Seven wounded including one convoy signalman
(Holloway).
2200/9 Tow rope passed to Lady Rosemary but parted on
taking weight. Engineers reported they could now use engines.
Fire on after deck and vessel sounded round and discovered not
to be making water. Proceeded under own steam with jury rudder
to anchorage 7 miles south of Peterhead. Lady Rosemary standing
by.
