APPENDIX E.  
   
 
COPY OF NAVAL MESSAGES - ENCLOSURE TO H.M.S. DUNCAN's
 
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS WITH CONVOY O.N.S. 5.
 
 
__________________________________________________________________________
 
 
SECRET IMPORTANT
 
  Pass to NCSO Londonderry  
              CTG 24.7  
 
Addressed NCSO MERSEY  NCSO CLYDE  NCSO BELFAST  NCSO MILFORD HAVEN  NCSO LONDONDERRY  NCSO LOCH EWE  NCSO ORAN
Repeated CONNAV C IN C WA  C IN CNWA NSHQ  CT 24  CTG 24.7  ACIC HQCC  FONF
From ADMIRALTY.
 
  O.N.S. 5  
 
1) XA 270 degs Oversay 6 miles
  XB 56 01 10 02
  XC 58 12 12 59
  XD 60 58 20 03
  XE 61 04 31 10
  XF 56 08 39 06
  XG 48 57 43 05
  XH 44 30 45 00
  XJ 43 56 53 01
  XK 43 20 60 09
           
2) S 61 40 20 02
  T 61 42 31 47
  U 56 30 40 02
  V 50 03 43 35
  W 44 30 45 00
  X 43 56 53 01
  Y 43 20 60 09
 
     
  3)  Western position CC to CA  
                                                                    TOO 141605B  April  
 
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IMPORTANT
 
  TO:  C in CWA (R( ADMTY                                                              FROM:  B.7  
     
  Your 221904.  Harperley cannot declare this speed and is remaining with convoy.  Number 71 EMPIRE ADVOCATE did not join.  My position course and speed 55 47  07 52  281-7.5  
     
                                                                                 22200/B  
 
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IMMEDIATE
 
     
  TO:  escorts of ONS 5(R)  C in C.W.A.                                            FROM:  ADMTY  
          FOIC ICELAND, COMINCH, N.S.H. OTTAWA,  
          FOIC CTG 24.7  
     
  D/F Bearings on 11068 Kc's at 1111Z, indicate U-Boat has reported convoy.  
     
                                                                                        241449B  
 
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-2-
 
   
                                                          Naval Code Recorded.   Secret ashore.
  IMPORTANT  
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) ACIC                                                                   FROM:  B.7  
     
  ONS5.  P.C.S. at 1400B/24.  
  58 33'N  1344'W "X"  308 6.5  
  42 ships in company.  
     
  DUNCAN is topping up with fuel now.  
  Weather report 4771 9248.  
                                                                   241630B.  
 
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BN 347.
 
  IMMEDIATE.  
  TO:  Ships escorting   Convoy ONS 5 (R)                                 FROM:  ADMIRALTY  
          CinCWA FCC  Iceland COMINCH  
          HSH OTTAWA, AOC in C Coastal Command  
          CTG 24.7  
     
          My 241449.  
                  Further bearings make it unlikely that transmission was from vicinity of ONS 5.  
     
                                                                                                       241725B  
 
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                                                                      NK = Route considered preferable from  
                                                                                U-boat situation available.  
                                                                       BN 455.  
                                                            IMMEDIATE.  
  TO:  Escorts of ONS 5 COM DERRY VIDETTE,                                 FROM CinC.W.W.  
          AIG, 303  
     
  ONS 5.  NK.                    From.(XD) steer.  
  (XL) 62° 01' 28° 02' (XM) 61°  
  40' 32° 59' (XN) 57° 00' 41 58' thence (XG).  
     
  (ii)  Amend  Stragglers route.  
  Cancel (T) to (W) and substitute (A)  
  62°30' 28°01' (B) 62°20' 33°02' (C) 57°10' 43°30' (D) 50°00' 44°  
  10' (E) 45°30' 46°30'.  
  (iii)  ONSJ5 amended ICOMP 61°14'.  
  21°55' at 1000Z 26th                                                 251607Z  
 
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NAVAL CODE.
 
  IMPORTANT  
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) ACOC Escorts of ONS5                                            FROM:  B VII  
     
  Iceland portion joined at 1500Z.  During gale last night No. 93 BORNHOLM collided with No. 104 BERKEL, both damaged.  104 is continuing but BORNHOLM left unescorted for Reykjavik at 1400Z.  43 ships and all escorts present.  References my 241630B rubber hose burst after only 2 tons of oil had been received and  
     
     

 

 
 
     
 
-3-
 
   
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) ACIC Escorts of ONS5                                       FROM:  B VII
                                                                 (Continued)  
  Continual gales have prevented further attempts to fuel.  Percentage of fuel remaining at 0800Z today Monday 63.  Daily consumption at slowest possible speed is 8%.  If I cannot fuel DUNCAN before first day after passing position (XM) intend to proceed to Greenland for fuel.  Request SOPA may be warned and that I may be informed where fuel may be obtained.  Further signal will be made.  My P.C. & S 60°46'N 20°55'W "X" 295-4 Weather report 5772  0677.  
     
                                                                                               261500Z  
 
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IMMEDIATE
 
  TO:  C in C.W.A.                                                                                 FROM:  DUNCAN  
     
  Your 271016 Have just topped up complete.  My P.C.S. 61°25'N 23°49W "X" - 290 - 7  
  Weather Report 5781  1573  
                                                                         271100Z  
 
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                       IMMEDIATE.  
  TO:  Escorts ONS 5 (R)  AIG.303                                                          FROM:  CinCWA  
     
  ONS 5 N.K.   From (X.M)  
  Alter to (X.O) 060°35' North 037°40' West (XQ) 056°02' North  
  046°59' West thence to (XH).  
  Amend stragglers route (f)  60 44  38 10 (f)  56 20 47 00  
  (h)  50 05  46 30 thence to (e) omit (c) and (d)  
     
                                                                            28095Z  
 
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                                                   IMMEDIATE  
  TO:  Escorts of S.C.127 CinC.W.A.                                            FROM:  ADMIRALTY  
          Escorts of ONS 5  FOC Iceland  
          AOC IN C Coastal Command  
          CINC US Fleet, NSH OTTAWA.  
     
  Reference Admiralty Message 28  1005B, not repetition not to escort ONS 5.  D/F transmissions on series 1 at 0914Z and 1050Z indicate that convoy SC127 is being shadowed.  
     
                                                                                                  281321B  
 
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-4-
 
   
  IMMEDIATE.
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) ACIC, SC 127 SC EG4                                        FROM: B7  
     
  Submarine sighted 240° 22 7 miles ONS 5 POS 61°37'N 32°49W  
  "S" 245°6.  
  H/F D/F activity suggests several more in the vicinity  
  Weather report 4865-9026-  
                                                                                        282121Z.  
  4720 Refs."E" TOD  
                                    2223Z  
 
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  SECRET CODE,  IMMEDIATE  
  TO:  D S (R)  Escort Group 4th Escort                                                         FROM:  CinCWA  
          of SC 127  Escorts of ONS5  AIG 303  
     
  Detach HMS ORIBI forthwith to support ONS 5.  
  P C & S at 2120Z 061°  37°North  032°49'West 5 knots 243°.  
     
                                                                                        282333Z  
 
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IMMEDIATE
 
  TO:  Escorts of ONS 5, Escorts of                                                            FROM:  Admiralty  
          convoy SC 127(R)  CinCWA  FOC Iceland  
          AOC in C Coastal Command  COMINCH NSE  
                 OTTAWA  
     
  Reference Admiralty message 281 Latitude B.  Continuance of traffic ON Series 1 (last 2 transmissions at 1840Z 28th and 2033Z 28th) indicate that a convoy is being shadowed.  From D/F indication the possibility that ONS 5 may be the convoy shadowed cannot now be excluded.  
     
                                                                                     282340B  
 
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IMMEDIATE
 
     
  TO:  ONS 5 F.O. Newfoundland (R)  AIG 303                                   FROM: CinCWA  
                     ORIBI  
     
  Request that you will sail 3rd Escort Group forthwith at 15 knots to meet ONS 5 P.C.&S at 2120Z 28th 061°37'North 032°37'North 032°47'West 245° 6.  Cancel my 281547Z.  
     
                                                                                       299926Z  
     
 

 

 
 
     
 
-5-
 
   
 
IMMEDIATE
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  ACIC  ORIBI  ESCORTS ONS5                          FROM:  B7.  
          SO EG 3   SOEG4  Com Derry.  
     
 

My 282120.  This U-boat was detected by H/F D/F, sighted at 3,000 yards and attacked by eye.  No 46 contact in heavy sea.  Five other sweeps by escort during day failed to sight U-boats.  After dark escort drove off five attempted attacks from windward side during which 3 submarines were sighted.  Two of DUNCAN's attacks were very promising.  All 43 ships and escorts in company.  PENHALE No. 81 was sent to Iceland with defects.  DUNCAN has expended 35 depth charges.  My P C S 6120N 3434W "X" 245 - 7.

 
  Weather report 5527 8433.  
                                                                                290500Z  
 
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  TO:  NORTHERN GEM                                                                            FROM B7  
     
  I leave situation to you.  Make certain C.B.'s are destroyed.  
     
                                                                       0647  
 
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  TO:  DUNCAN                                                                           FROM: NORTHERN GEM  
     
  Captain of 42 informs C.B.'s were destroyed but is anxious about ship's log and charts as rendezvous were marked and possibility of ship being boarded.  All crew saved with exception those dead.  
                                                                                              290734.  
 
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  TO:  B 7                                                                                                        FROM:  N/GEM  
     
  Captain informs me C.B.'s were destroyed but is anxious about ship's log and charts as R/V's were marked and possibility of ship being boarded.  All crew saved with exception those dead.  
     
                                                                                                 0822  
 
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IMMEDIATE.
 
  TO:  AIG 303  ACIC SOEG3  ORIBI                                                         FROM: B 7  
          SO EG4  Escorts ONS5  
     
  ONS5 attacked in position 61 22N 35 09W at 0735Z by U-boat.  who attacked submerged from between No. 63 & 84.  Course of torpedo 180°  Convoy course 240°.  No. 42 McKEESPORT hit and subsequently sunk.  All crew in NORTHERN GEM.  No contact with submarine.  Weather report 5868  8156.  
                                                                                       291153Z.  
 
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-6-
 
   
  IMPORTANT
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  ACIC SOEG3                                             FROM: B7  
     
  ONS5 PCS at 1800Z 60°04'N 39°00'W "X" 220° 5-1/2.  ORIBI joined last night & topped up with fuel today.  Two U-boats in contact last night but did not attack.  Nothing heard so far today.  All 42 ships and escorts in company.  Weather 9180 9157.  
     
                                                                                         301700Z  
 
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  IMMEDIATE.  
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) ACIC                                                                       FROM: B 7  
                   SO EG 3  
     
  ONS5 almost stopped since 2000/30 in southwesterly gale.  Two U-boats in contact during night one of which attacked but was detected sighted and driven off by SNOWFLAKE.  Dropping depth charges a hazardous performance in this weather.  U-boats have shifted to series 8.  All 42 ships and escorts present but spread out.  My P.C. & S 59 33N 39 45W 225°.  2-1/2 knots.  Weather Report 5481  8858.  
     
                                                                                      010801  
 
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  TO:  Ships escorting ONS 5 (R) Escorts ON 180                             FROM:  NSHQ  
          COAC  FONF  FOCIC  C in CA & WI Admiralty  
                              Cominch.  
     
  Transmissions at 0502Z first and 0518Z second mostly on series 8 while yielding no fix due to poor direction appear to originate from vicinity of ONS5.  
     
                                                                                                     021234  
 
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IMMEDIATE
 
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  ACIC SO EG3  Escorts of                                   FROM: B 7  
              ONS 5  
     
  My 010801Z, your 011642Z and EGe'3 011600Z.  Gale has increased to force 10 and convoy is badly scattered.  When weather moderates and I can collect ships, course will be altered for position (XH).  Aircraft has reported Icebergs on Port Bow.  Further signal will be made.  Am in company with Commodore.  U-boats appear quiet.  My P C and S 59° 14'N 40° 10'W X 230° 1.  Please inform S.O.P.A. Greenland that DUNCAN does not now require fuel.  Weather Report 83 70  98 59.  
     
                                                                                      012000Z  
 
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-7-
 
   
 
IMMEDIATE.
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  Escort ONS 5  E.G.3                                           FROM:  B7  
                       O.N.180  ACIC  
     
  My 012000Z.  Twenty ships in company with Commodore.  Escorts and Liberator rounding up remainder.  ONS5 altered to 190° at 0900Z.  Speed 5 knots.  My position course and speed 59° 04'North 41° 17'West.  (X).  Request following rendezvous for stragglers be broadcast on BAMS  
  1200Z/3  56° 04'N  42° 03'W  
  1200Z/4  53° 27'N  42° 51' W.  
  Weather report 8872  1043  
     
                                                                         020991Z.  
 
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IMMEDIATE.
 
  TO:  Escorts of ONS 5 (R)  AIG 303                                                       FROM:  CinCWA.  
     
                                                                E.G. 3  
                                                                O.N.S. 5   Your 012000  
  inform Commodore NK.  On reforming of convoy alter course for (XR) 050° North 045° West thence XH.  
  (2)  No amendment to stragglers route.  
     
                                                                                   021709Z  
 
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  IMMEDIATE  
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  EG 3                                                                         FROM:  B 7  
              Escorts of ONS 5  
  My 020901Z.  ONS 5 P C S 57°38'N 41°48'W "X" 202° for (XR) 3.  
  Speed has dropped owing to more SW gales.  About 32 ships in company out of 42.  EG 3 joined at 20007Z.  My oil fuel percentage remaining 40, VIDETTE 51.  If weather does not improve DUNCAN must proceed to St. John's N.F. for fuel at dusk tonight Monday followed by VIDETTE on Wednesday, NORTHERN GEM has 70 survivors onboard.  Intend to send her to ST. JOHNS at dawn Tuesday.  BRITISH LADY has only 100 tons fuel available unless she proceeds to St. John's from (XR) but weather makes fuelling unlikely.  Remainder of groups oil fuel satisfactory lowest percentage 40.  Support Group Lowest 53.  
  Weather report 5471  0159.  
                                                        030801  
     
 

 

 
 
     
 
-8-
 
   
 
IMMEDIATE
  TO:  ESCORTS OF ONS (R) AIG 303                                                   FROM:  CinCWA  
                                  E.G.3  
     
  ONS5 Your 020901Z received too late to order rendezvous.  Comply with my 021709Z.  Stragglers not in contact with AN escort will be ordered to proceed direct to stragglers route SO St. Johns Newfoundland keeping as far West as ice permits.  
     
 
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IMPORTANT
 
  TO:  AIG 303 (R)  Escorts ONS 5                                                                    FROM: B 7  
                EG 3  
     
  My 030801Z, HMS DUNCAN left ONS 5 at 1400Z in position 57°34'N 42°00'W.  Course 200° 3 knots.  HMS TAY now SO close escort.  
  My position course and speed 56°25'N 42°27'W "S" 197° 7 knots, increasing to 12 knots when weather moderates.  Fuel will be very tight.  Weather report 4772  1459  
     
                                                                                       032201Z.  
 
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COPY OF NAVAL MESSAGE H.M.S. TAY ONS 5.
 
  __________________________________________________________________________
 
IMPORTANT.
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) DUNCAN ESCORTS OF ONS 5                                        FROM:  TAY  
     
  NORTHERN GEM detached for St. Johns at 0800Z.   
  31 ships PINK and 4 ships, PC and S  
  56 32N 40 50W 235 degrees 5 knots to leeward of convoy.  
     
  Suggest she be separately routed.  
  My PC and S 56 00N 42 45W 201 degrees 6-1/2 knots.  
     
                                                                  042005Z  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303                                                                                            FROM:  TAY  
     
  Convoy attacked in position 54 40 43 22.  
  1 ship torpedoed, still floating.  
                                                                                      0515Z,  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303 (R) Duncan                                                                       FROM:  TAY  
     
  ONS5 attacked in position 53 20 44 50  3 ships torpedoed, 2 floating, Possibility of salvage.  
     
                                                                            2000Z.  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303                                                                                          FROM:  TAY  
     
  ONS 5 attacked in position 55 N 43 W  3 ships sunk  
     
                                                                               050139Z.  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN                                                                       FROM:  TAY  
     
  Convoy attacked in position 5350 N 44 00 W.  
  1 ship torpedoed.  
     
                                                                                  051414Z.  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN                                                                       FROM:  TAY  
                     Escorts of ONS 5  
     
  My 050515Z and 05141Z.  
     
  Night attacks, surface, seven U-boats.  
  Day attack, submerged, one U-boat.  
     
  ORIBI sighted three U-boats on surface at 1110Z in position 55 30 N  43 40 W.  
     
  NORTHERN SPRAY with 143 survivors on board detached to St. Johns NF at 1600Z.  
     
 

 

 
 
     
 
-2-
 
   
  TO:  AIG 303 (R) DUNCAN                                                                          FROM:  TAY
                 Escorts of ONS 5  
     
  The following ships have been sunk:  
  NORTH BRITISH, HARPERLEY, WEST MAXIMUS, WENTWORTH, BRITISH CITY.  
  The following abandoned, not considered salvable:  
  HARBURY, DOLIUS.  
  Survivors from above ships in that order - 11, 38, 50, 42, 29, 44, 66.  
     
  Convoy still appears to be shadowed.  
     
  Am trying to oil destroyers from BRITISH LADY.  
  This will necessitate her proceeding subsequently to St. Johns, NF.  
     
  My Position, course and speed 53 38 N 44 32 W 202 degrees 7.5.  
     
  Weather report 9080  3042.  
     
                                                                                051601Z.  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN                                                                   FROM:  TAY  
     
  My 051601Z.  Following ships torpedoed:  
  GHARINDA, SELVISTAN, BONDE.  Survivors 92, 40, 12.  
  SELVISTAN sunk.  GHARINDA torpedoed forward.  
  One or two U-boats submerged attack  
     
  All escorts except TAY whose A/S temporarily out of action hunted with no results.  
     
  TAY picked up survivors.  
     
                                                                          060115Z.  
 
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  TO:  A.I.G. 303 (R) DUNCAN                                                                    FROM:  TAY  
     
  24 attacks were attempted on the convoy during the night.  All repulsed.  Five U-boats sunk.  ORIBI rammed one.  SUNFLOWER rammed one.  SNOWFLAKE destroyed one by depth charges.  VIDETTE claims hit with hedgehog.  LOOSESTRIFE depth charged one which surfaced and blew up.  
     
  ORIBI despatched this morning with OFFA.  
     
  SUNFLOWER has slight leak in forepeak and is in handsteering, remaining with convoy at convoy speed.  
     
  SNOWFLAKE has one depth charge remaining, LOOSESTRIFE 13.   
     
  Survivors TAY has 105  LOOSESTRIFE 71  SUNFLOWER 66.  
     
  My P.C.S. 51 55 N 44 30 W  195 deg. 7.  
     
                                                                                        061115Z  
     
 

 

 
 
     
 
-3-
 
   
  TO:  C in C NF Force (R) A.I.G. 303                                         FROM:  TAY
     
  BRITISH LADY has to proceed to St. Johns Newfoundland.  Request position in which she should be detached and whether escort will be arranged.  
     
                                                                                                    061955Z