Convoy Escort Groups - 140th E.G. & 142th E.G. June 1944

I'm looking for make up of two Naval Escort Groups during Operation Neptune in June 1944.

Source: Naval Historical Branch (mod.uk)

Convoy E.B.C.5. escorted by 140th E.G on 8 June 1944.



and Convoy E.B.C.7. escorted by 142nd E.G. on 12 June 1944.

 

140th E.G

VIDETTE
DAHLIA
T45
T46​

142nd E.G.

VESPER
ALBERNI
T26
T27​

Source: ON 13.–Instructions for the Build Up, Appendix III–Composition of Escort Groups

V&W Class Destroyers:

D48 VIDETTE
D55 VESPER​

Flower Class Corvettes:

K59 DAHLIA
K103 ALBERNI (RCN)
​

Admiralty Trawlers:

T45 TURQUOISE
T46 BERBERIS
T26 LILAC
T27 SAPPHIRE​

Source: https://www.commsmuseum.co.uk/publications/ships pennant numbers.pdf

Michel

 

Thank you Michel Sabarly excellent work.

John.

 

Question for Michel Sabarly and Hugh MacLean

What sort of spacing between ships was adopted by merchant convoys during Operation Neptune.

Thanks, John.

 

General Instructions for the Conduct of Convoys
....34. (a) Convoys should normally be organised in four columns using the standard Form A.1(N) shown in ON 13, Appendix IX. Columns should be 3 cables apart, and ships in column 2 cables apart.
....(b) When in a narrow channel the Commodore should, however, form the convoy into two columns or, if necessary, one. Before sailing Masters should be warned to expect this manœuvre.

Source: ON 13.–Instructions for the Build Up, Section B.–Shipping

Michel

 

Michel Sabarly and Hugh MacLean

Follow up to my post on Escort Groups for the coaster Empire Cliff.

I'm researching the coaster Empire Cliff first trip to Omaha sector as part of Convoy E.B.C.7. which arrived there on 13 June 1944 at 0600. From her log book and crew list I have worked out that she returned to Cardiff on 27 June at 11:55 am. I can't find the Empire Cliff return trip recorded in the Hauge convoy data base. Its likely she was part of convoy F.B.C.10 which departed the Seine Bay on 25 June 1944 and arrived in Bristol Channel on 27 June 1944.

Operation Neptune War diary for the 25 June 1944, doesn't mention convoy F.B.C.10 but does record returning convoy B.D.10. (which I think is a misprint) which includes one ship for Cardiff, which I believe is the Empire Cliff.



Source: war_diary_naval_1944_06---day-16-to-day-30.pdf (page 646)

I would welcome your thoughts on my research and any information on Escort group 156 too.

Thanks again, John in Shetland

 

I believe "E.G. 156" is also a typo, for "E.G. 136", because:

(a) EG 156 is not listed in ON;
(b) the War Diary further says "S.O. in 1 - 84" which is probably I84 KEPPEL, part of EG 136;
(c) EGs 136 to 144, less a few exceptions, are all based at MILFORD HAVEN during Assembly and escort the initial EBC 1 to 4 Convoys​

See composition of EG 136 on page 218:
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/77475917?objectPage=1097

Michel

 

Michel Sabarly you have cracked it, thank you.

Convoy E.B.C.20. arrived in the seine Bay on 25 June 1944 with escorts KEPPEL and ROSELYS, they would have turned around later that day to escort Convoy F.B.C.10. to the Bristol Channel.