Source: ADM 199/1104
On 13th September a
signal from Rear Admiral (D) was intercepted from which it was learned that the
convoy had been attacked by 37 torpedo bombers, and 10 more ships had been lost.
Previous losses were unknown here at this time. Intercepted signals also
indicated that large numbers of U-boats were operating in the vicinity,
and that no renewed attacks by aircraft had caused no further losses. But on
18th September, Malcolm reported that an attack by high level and two waves of
torpedo bombers had been made in the vicinity of Cape Kanin, resulting in the
loss of SS Kentucky. At least four aircraft had been destroyed. The Russian Naval
Staff hope to be able to salve the cargo from the Kentucky.
On 19th September,
SBNO Archangel's signal arrived giving news of the arrival at Dvina Bar of the
convoy, less 13 ships lost. Heavy weather at the time prevented the convoy from proceeding
On 20th September the
convoy was still weather bound in Dvina Roads, but that five ships had passed up
harbour, and that it was hoped to berth the remainder on the following day. An
attack during the day by 24 Ju88's had caused no damage and two aircraft
were shot down.
The following day,
news was received that 24 ships had been berthed and were discharging. Three
ships of the convoy and HMS Daneman (whose coal had become exhausted) were
aground in the vicinity of the bar. Sporadic and ineffective bombing attacks
were made by the enemy on this day.
The arrangements made
by the Rear Admiral (D) in having the survivors from the ships sunk in PQ18
transferred at sea to the homegoing HM Ships of the covering force was most
welcome, as it disposed of the inevitable difficulties of housing and feeding
them ashore at Archangel for an indefinite period, and of their return passage
to the United Kingdom in improvised accommodation in merchant ships of QP15.
September the three merchant ships which had grounded were refloated and berthed
up harbour. HMS Daneman has not yet been refloated (7th Oct) but salvage work on
her is proceeding, and I am informed it is hoped to refloat her undamaged.
There were several
air raids an the Archangel area during the last nights of the month, but these
were mainly centred on the city, and were so wide of the discharging places at
Bakharitsa and Ekonomia as to show either lack of skill or determination on the
part of the bombers, especially as each attack was preceded by a reconnaissance
aircraft earlier in the day.
The convoy of 18 ships sailed from
Archangel on 13th September, but SS Ironclad returned to
harbour with defective steering gear. The ocean escort consisted of
2 escorts, 3 fleet minesweepers, the A.A. ships Palomares
and Pozarica, 3 corvettes and 4 trawlers. Local
escort was provided by 4 fleet minesweepers.
loaded with apetite, left Murmansk on 8th September for Archangel and joined the
convoy. She had been under repair for 6 months after damage sustained in bombing
On 6th September Group Captain Hopps,
accompanied by Wing Commander Crosbie, arrived in my Headquarters so as to
coordinate the direction of British Forces operating in North Russia during the
passage of the convoy.
The Hamden aircraft which flew from
the United Kingdom to Vaenga aerodrome in readiness to act against enemy surface
forces during the passage of the convoys are still at Vaenga. Two of these
aircraft, as far as is known, have been destroyed in bombing attacks on the aerodrome,
and four have suffered superficial damage.
CONFIRMATION OF U-BOAT SUNK
As reported in Enemy Intelligence
report dated 18th September, a Russian M/S trawler met with an obstruction in
67.27N, 41.20E where HM Ships Bramble and
Seagull carried out a successful attack on a U-boat (8th July 1942).
Several hundred tons of provisions
have arrived in PQ18 and are being retained in Archangel as the initial reserve
for survivors, HM Ships and Merchant Ships. This unexpectedly large consignment
together with the measures now in hand should establish fully adequate reserves
in North Russia to meet all emergencies.
Clothing: Half of the 500 sets of
naval clothing, including warm gear, being sent out in PQ18 was unfortunately
lost. Replacement has been requested.
Douglas Fisher Rear Admiral