John Maurice Mansfield DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 22 Dec 1893 | Easthampstead, Berkshire, England | |
| Died | 4 Feb 1949 | (55) | Lower Woodford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England |
| Ranks
Decorations
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Warship Commands listed for John Maurice Mansfield, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Devonshire (39) | Capt. | Heavy cruiser | 10 May 1939 | 29 Oct 1940 |
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Events related to this officer
Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (39)
7 Sep 1939
Convoy Green 1.
The convoy departed Gibraltar on 7 September 1939. Destination of the convoy was for most ships Suez but several ships were detached for Mediterranean ports en-route.
On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alpera (British, 1777 GRT, built 1920), Andalusian (British, 3082 GRT, built 1918), Balmore (British, 1925 GRT, built 1920), Bandar Shahpour (British, 5236 GRT, built 1927), Blackhill (British, 2492 GRT, built 1919), Brighton I (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Oxford (British, 2759 GRT, built 1926), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Draco (British, 2018 GRT, built 1922), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Garesfield (British, 2168 GRT, built 1924), Laomedon (British, 6491 GRT, built 1912), Kyle Glen (British, 3670 GRT, built 1917), Lassell (British, 7417 GRT, built 1922), Llandaff Castle (British, 10799 GRT, built 1926), Loch Maddy (British, 4996 GRT, built 1934), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Mardinian (British, 2434 GRT, built 1919), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Mervyn (British, 3402 GRT, built 1924), Rosewood (British (tanker), 5989 GRT, built 1931), Star of Egypt (British, 4372 GRT, built 1921) and Uskmouth (British, 2482 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Douglas (Cdr. R.F.B. Swinley, RN), HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN), HMS Vidette (Cdr.(Retd.) D.R. Brocklebank, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. W.J.B. Handley, RN).
Around 1600A/8, the French destroyers L'Alcyon (Lt.Cdr. V.A.M. Albertas) and Trombe (A.A.M. Lepotier) joined the convoy escort [No details available on when they left the convoy.]
Also on 8 September, the merchant vessel Marklyn arrived at Melilla after having parted company with the convoy.
On 9 September, the merchant vessel Balmore arrived at Oran.
Around 0630A/10, the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. D. de Pass, RN) and HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) joined and HMS Douglas, HMS Velox, HMS Vidette and HMS Vortigern then parted company to return to Gibraltar.
Also on the 10th, the merchant vessel Uskmouth arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy.
Around 1100A/11, the merchant vessel Blackhill parted company to proceed to Bone.
Around 0400A/12, the merchant vessel Mervyn parted company to proceed to Bizerta.
Around 0845A/13, the destroyers HMS Garland (Cdr. C.A.N. Chatwin, RN), HMS Gipsy (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Crossley, RN), HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) joined coming from Malta.
Around 0945A/13, the Malta bound ships, Andalusian, City of Oxford, Destro, Draco, Mardinian, parted company with the convoy escorted by HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMS Nubian and HMS Zulu.
On the 14th, the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) joined the convoy.
On 16 September 1939, the merchant vessels Dromore and Rosewood arrived at Piraeus after having been detached from the convoy.
Also on 16 September 1939, HMS Garland was damaged by a depth charge explosion. A depth charge was dropped at to slow a speed and damaged the stern. Another depth charge then broke loose and exploded under the ship. She was taken in tow by HMS Griffin. They arrived at Alexandria on 17 September 1939.
On 18 September 1939, the merchant vessel Frederick S Fales arrived at Istanbul after having been detached from the convoy.
Also on 18 September 1939, the merchant vessels Alpera, Bighton I, Garesfield, Laomedon, Kyle Glen, Llandaff Castle, Lylepark and Star of Egypt arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.
The remainder of the convoy, Bandar Shahpour, British Faith, City of Christchurch, Elizabeth Massey and Loch Maddy arrived at Port Said on the 18th.
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Cover for this convoy had been provided by ships from the Mediterranean Fleet, these were the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN), light cruiser HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.R. Moore, CB, DSO, CVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Afridi (Capt. G.H. Cresswell, DSC, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. F.R. Parham, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. R.F. Jolly, RN) and HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN).
9 Sep 1939
Convoy Blue 1.
The convoy departed Port Said on 9 September 1939. Destination of the convoy was Gibraltar.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), British Science (British, 7138 GRT, built 1931), Calchas (British, 10304 GRT, built 1921), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), City of Adelaide (British, 6589 GRT, built 1920), City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Kioto (British, 3297 GRT, built 1918), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Mahratta (British, 6990 GRT, built 1917), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Makalla (British, 6677 GRT, built 1918), Memnon (British, 7506 GRT, built 1931) and Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926).
The RFA tanker Aldersdale (8402 GRT, built 1937) was also with them.
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. C.F. Tower, MVO, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN) and the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN).
Around 0515B/10, the merchant vessels Frances Massey (British, 4212 GRT, built 1927) and Palestinian Prince (British, 1960 GRT, built 1936) joined coming from Alexandria which they had departed around 1230B/9. The RFA tanker Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937) was also with them. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) which then returned to Alexandria.
Around 1730B/13, HMS Aberdeen parted company with the convoy.
Around 0100B/14, the Largs Bay parted company with the convoy to proceed to Malta.
Around 0845B/14, the Frances Massey with the convoy to proceed to Malta.
Around 1130B/14, the merchant vessels Estrellano (British, 1982 GRT, built 1920) and Fabian (British, 3059 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 19 September 1939.
29 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (1)
2 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (2)
11 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (2)
13 Oct 1939
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria.
At Malta she was almost immediately docked in No.4 Dock at the Malta Dockyard for repairs to her rudder. (2)
20 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) is undocked. (2)
24 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. (2)
26 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (2)
12 Nov 1939
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) proceeded to the Devonport Dockyard for some urgent repairs. (3)
21 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth for the Clyde. (4)
22 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Plymouth. (4)
9 Dec 1939
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol to relieve HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN). She was ordered to patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap.
Later she was ordered to provide cover for troop convoy TC 1 proceeding from Newfoundland to the U.K. She returned to the patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap on 17 December.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TC 1 ' for 10 December 1939.] (5)
22 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845A/22, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Northern Patrol.
She departed again around 1800A/22 to resume patrol. (5)
27 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from the Northern Patrol. (5)
3 Jan 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol south of Iceland. (6)
10 Jan 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from the Northern Patrol. At Rosyth degaussing equiment was fitted. (6)
18 Jan 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. (7)
19 Jan 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. (7)
20 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Denmark Strait. (6)
2 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from the Northern Patrol. (8)
7 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol to relieve HMS Suffolk (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN).
HMS Devonshire was to patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap while HMS Berwick was to patrol in the Denmark Strait. (9)
9 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0009Z/9, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) encountered the Norwegian merchant vessel Trafalgar (5542 GRT, built 1938) which was en-route to New York.
At 0920Z/9, a boarding party was sent over to inspect the ship for contraband. The boarding party returned around 1043Z/9 and the ship was released. (8)
20 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from the Northern Patrol. (8)
22 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Greenock, Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN, struck his flag in HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN) and then hoisted it in HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN).
HMS Devonshire then departed Greenock for the Rosyth Dockyard for a short refit. (9)
23 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Greenock. (8)
24 Feb 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN) is docked in No.2 Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard.
The ship was at 36 hours notice for sea. Opportunity was taken to effect minor repairs and to blank off main deck scuttles. (8)
2 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN, rehoisted his flag in HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN). (10)
9 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN) is undocked. (11)
15 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Rosyth for the Denmark Strait patrol. (12)
28 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from patrol. (12)
2 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Rosyth. (13)
3 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Greenock. (13)
9 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During enemy air attacks on the fleet in the afternoon of 9 April 1940, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) both sustained some light splinter damage due to near misses. (14)
11 Apr 1940
Around 1500A/11, in position 64°34'N, 07°31'E, the heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) were detached from the Fleet to carry out a search for enemy shipping in Inner Lead between Trondheim and the Vestfjord.
Also assigned to Vice-Admiral Cunningham's Force were the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN). These destroyers at that time had been detached from the Fleet. They were then ordered, by W/T, to search Nansen Fjord, paying particular attention to Namsos and then to join Vice-Admiral Cunningham's Force in position 64°38'N, 10°10'E at 2100A/11. On doing so they reported that they had encountered no enemy shipping.
Meanwhile HMS Inglefield and HMS Imogen had been ordered to search as much of Indreleia to southward as possible before dark, entering and leaving at Buholmraasa. They were to rejoin the cruisers at the same rendezvous position as for HMS Ilex and HMS Isis. On rejoining they reported they had searched up to 64°00'N, but had encountered no enemy shipping.
The Force then proceeded to the north-west until 0100A/12 after which course was set to close the coast.
At 0500A/12, HMS Isis and HMS Imogen were detached off Kya Light in position 64°28'N, 10°13'E with orders to get pilots at Rørvik and then to examine the Indrelea as far as Åsvær Fjord (66°17'N, 12°18'E) after which they were to proceed out to sea.
Meanwhile, the cruisers and two remaining destroyers proceeded northwards.
Around 1530A/12, HMS Isis and HMS Imogen rejoined and she reported that the destroyers had been cheered by the Norwegian population and that they had encountered the Norwegian gunboat Nordkapp which reported that they had sunk the German tanker Kattegat (6031 GRT, built 1928) [she was later salvaged though].
The Force rejoined the Fleet around 0930A/13. The destroyers were soon afterwards ordered to proceed to Skjelfjord, Lofoten Islands to fuel. (15)
14 Apr 1940
Around 0700A/14, the heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), in position 69°30'N, 16°05'E, parted company with the fleet when the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) returned from fuelling.
HMS Berwick with HMS Inglefield and HMS Imogen were then detached to investigate Andfjord, Vågsfjorden and adjacent inlets.
HMS Devonshire with HMS Ilex and HMS Isis meanwhile proceeded to examine Ringvassøy and Kvaløy Fjords where D/F bearings had showed the possible presence of an enemy vessel. At 0940A/14 the destroyers were sent into the fjords while HMS Devonshire remained at sea but she later went to Tromsø, arriving around 1500A/14. The destroyers were ordered to conduct A/S patrols in the north and south entrance to Tromsø.
The source of the D/F bearings proved to be a Norwegian seaplane. A delegation made up of the British Vice Consol, the Senior Norwegain Naval Officer, the Harbour Master and the Chief Operator of the Tromsø W/T station visited the Vice-Admiral to inform him of the local situation. Later the Vice-Admiral had a meeting with a Norwegian General.
At 2100A/14, HMS Devonshire, HMS Ilex and HMS Isis departed Tromsø for Kirkenes. HMS Berwick and her two destroyers were ordered to join them north of the North Cape around 0700A/15.
At 0100A/15, HMS Ilex and HMS Isis were detached in position 70°15'N, 20°28'E to join the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN). HMS Imogen had meanwhile been detached by HMS Berwick at 2320A/15 for the same purpose.
Around 0700A/15, HMS Devonshire was joined by HMS Berwick and HMS Inglefield. They arrived at Kirkenes around 1600A/15. The cruisers were ready to embark one battalion each of Norwegian troops but the Major in charge of the troops had been ordered to sent only battalion to Tromsø. This battalion was already embarked in the transport Dronning Maud (1505 GRT, built 1925) and their supplies and merchanical transport had already sailed in another transport escorted by an armed trawler. The British Force had sighted this ship while they were en-route to Kirkenes. A Liaison Officer from the Royal Norwegian Navy now boarded HMS Devonshire and joined the Vice-Admiral's staff. He had also with him a complete set of Norwegian charts of the area for which the Vice-Admiral had asked.
Around 1800A/15, a signal was received from the Kirkenes Coastal Wireless Station reporting the presence of two warships off Petsamo. HMS Inglefield was then sent out to investigate. The warships were found to be Russian and were guard ships of the Uragan / Shtorm class. When Inglefield started to shadow these ships she was taken under fire by Russian shore batteries.
Another transport, the Kong Haakon (874 GRT, built 1904) and the above mentioned Dronning Maud departed Kirkenes around 1800A/15. The Dronning Maud was to call at Vardø.
HMS Berwick and HMS Inglefield were ordered to provide cover for the Kong Haakon and the transport and trawler that had sailed earlier.
HMS Devonshire sailed at 2000A/15 to provide cover for the Dronning Maud for its onward voyage to Tromsø.
HMS Inglefield reported that while on her way to join HMS Berwick she had encountered a Russian submarine of the SHCH-class on the surface near Vardø. The submarine was flying her colours.
HMS Devonshire arrived at Tromsø around 1645A/16. There she found HMS Furious who had established a destroyer patrol in the northern and southern approaches to the anchorage.
The Norwegian transport arrived during the night of 16/17 April 1940.
HMS Inglefield arrived shortly after 0500A/17.
HMS Berwick arrived around 0730A/17.
At Tromsø, HMS Furious and the destroyers started fuelling from local resources but the refuelling rate was very slow. Non the less all destroyer were able to fuel to the maximum. HMS Furious was able to embark 700 tons bringing her bunkers back to 40%.
Around 0005A/18, HMS Imogen was sent to Kirkenes to escort transports with a second batallion from there to Tromsø. The convoy with HMS Imogen returned to Tromsø around 2130A/19.
Around 1200A/18, HMS Furious got underway for flying operations during which she was escorted by HMS Ilex and HMS Isis. Around 1500A/18, HMS Furious was attacked by German aircraft during which she was near missed several times and damage was sustained to her hull and turbine blades. HMS Furious and her escorts returned to the anchorage around 2115A/18.
HMS Inglefield which was on A/S patrol in the northern approaches to the achorage was ordered to proceed to pick up a wounded British aviator from HMS Furious.
Around 2200A/18, the RFA tanker War Pindari (5548 GRT, built 1920) arrived escorted by the destroyer HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN). HMS Berwick then embarked 400 tons of FFO. After the fuelling of HMS Berwick was completed, the oiler went alongside HMS Furious to complete her with fuel as she was to remain in the area.
Around 0800A/19, HMS Devonshire, HMS Berwick and HMS Inglefield then departed Tromsø for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1000A/21. (15)
8 May 1940
Around 1430A/8, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Northern Norway.
Around 2045A/10, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN).
HMS Devonshire and HMS Westcott arrived at Tromso around 2235A/10. HMS Volunteer remained out on A/S patrol in the northern entrance to the anchorage.
HMS Devonshire then topped off HMS Westcott with fuel after which this destroyer took over the A/S patrol from HMS Volunteer. (16)
11 May 1940
Around 1300A/11, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Tromso for Kirkenes.
She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).
The destroyer HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) was unable to sail with them due to defects and was ordered to sail as soon as she was able to.
Later in the afternoon HMS Westcott reported a hole in her Asdic dome and that she was only able to use her Asdic at very slow speed.
HMS Devonshire arrived at Kirkenes around 1215A/12. HMS Westcott remained out in the Kors Fjord on A/S patrol.
Around 1630A/12, HMS Volunteer arrived and after disembarking a contingent of Royal Marines relieved HMS Westcott on patrol in the Kors Fjord.
Around 2030A/12, HMS Westcott sailed to take over the A/S patrol from HMS Volunteer which went alongside HMS Devonshire shortly after 2100A/11, to effect more repairs and also fuel from the cruiser.
Around 0300A/13, HMS Volunteer departed to take over the A/S patrol from HMS Westcott which then returned and oiled from HMS Devonshire and proceeded on patrol again around 0830A/13.
HMS Devonshire departed Kirkenes around 0900A/13 and was then joined by the destroyers in Kors Fjord.
Around 1300A/14, they made rendezvous, in position 70°53'N, 15°47'E, with the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and her destroyer screen which at that time was made up of HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN). HMS Westcott and HMS Volunteer then joined the carrier.
HMS Devonshire had been ordered to proceed to Tromso where she arrived around 0150A/15. She then commenced fuelling. The following day she had completed up to 75%. (16)
18 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The Walrus aircraft of HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), which was still at Tromso, was shot down by a German aircraft. The pilot was killed and the other two crew members were brought back to HMS Devonshire by the Norwegians. The telegraphist / gunner however died shortly afterwards from his wounds. (10)
21 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A replacement Walrus aircraft for HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), which was still at Tromso, arrived. (10)
23 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1950A/23, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), which was still at Tromso, was attacked by a single German aircraft. Four bombs were dropped, none hit but all were near misses. The ship was badly shaken but no damage was sustained. (10)
24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1250A/24, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Tromso for Kirkenes where she arrived around 1300A/25. (16)
25 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2015A/25, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Kirkenes for Hammerfest where she arrived around 1650A/26. (16)
26 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1930A/26, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Hammerfest to patrol off the North Cape. (16)
28 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600A/28, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Tromso from patrol. At Tromso she took in 750 tons of fuel. (16)
29 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0045A/29, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Tromso to patrol off the North Cape. (16)
31 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845A/31, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Hammerfest from patrol. (16)
1 Jun 1940
Around 1145A/1, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Hammerfest for Tromso where she arrived around 2030A/1.
The following day HMS Devonshire took in 680 tons of fuel. (17)
3 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800A/3, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Tromso to patrol off the North Cape. (17)
5 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900A/5, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Tromso from patrol.
Around 2000A/5, HMS Devonshire departed Tromso to patrol off the North Cape. (17)
7 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830A/7, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Tromso from patrol.
There she embarked important passengers for evacuation to England, these included the Norwegian King, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, ten other ministers, diplomats and the families of some of the above as well as staff members. A total of 55 persons went aboard. On top of these several political refugees and also military personnel boarded the ship. In total 435 men and 26 women boarded HMS Devonshire for passage to England.
Around 2000A/5, HMS Devonshire then departed Tromso for the U.K. (17)
10 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930A/10, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock where all passengers were immediately disembarked. (17)
14 Jun 1940
Around 1800A/14, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) got underway from Greenock to land on her aircraft. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN). HMS Furious had on board £ 18 million of gold bullion.
Around 2030A/14, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) also departed from Greenock to join the other ships after which course was set for Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Around 2100A/15, HMS Echo, HMS Witherington and HMS Hambledon parted company to return to the U.K.
Around 1100A/17, HMS Devonshire parted company with HMS Furious which now went on to Halifax unescorted. HMS Devonshire set course to return to the U.K. (Clyde).
At 1818A/17, HMS Devonshire received Admiralty signal timed 1658A/17 ordering her to proceed to Halifax so course was reversed.
Around 0300P/19, HMS Devonshire overtook HMS Furious and now rejoined the aircraft carrier.
Around 1855P/21, HMS Furious and HMS Devonshire, which were about to enter the harbour of Halifax encountered the French light cruiser Emile Bertin (Capt. R.M.J. Battet) which just left the harbour for an unknown destination. HMS Devonshire, which had about 46% fuel remaining, had been ordered to shadow the French cruiser. HMS Furious meanwhile entered the harbour arriving around 2000P/21.
HMS Devonshire obtained contact with Emile Bertin which stated that she was en-route to Martinique.
Around 0900P/22, HMS Devonshire set course for Halifax having been ordered to do so.
HMS Devonshire arrived at Halifax around 0600P/23. (18)
1 Jul 1940
Around 0900P/1, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) (loaded with new aircraft for the U.K.), heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and the troop transport Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914) departed Halifax for the U.K. or Iceland. They were escorted by the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).
Around 0600P/2, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Ottawa parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 2000P/3, HMS Furious was detached to proceed to the U.K. while HMS Devonshire and the Empress of Australia set course for Iceland.
Around 0900N/5, the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) joined HMS Furious.
Around 1230N/6, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN) and HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) joined.
Around 0300A/7, HMS Sussex parted company and proceeded to Greenock arriving there around 0730A/7.
Around 1300A/7, HMS Furious, HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock, HMS Hesperus and HMS Highlander arrived at Liverpool.
Meanwhile HMS Devonshire and the Empress of Australia had continued on towards Reykjavik. HMS Devonshire parted company with the troopship around 0945A/7. HMS Devonshire then set course for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1930A/8. (19)
13 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)
15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (21)
16 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. She was immediately docked in No.1 Dock. (21)
22 Jul 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) is undocked. (21)
23 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. (21)
24 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. (21)
6 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. On departed HA gunnery exercises were carried out. (22)
7 Aug 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow.
She was kept at short notice to raise steam for anti-invasion duty. (22)
29 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Freetown, Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) to HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN). (23)
12 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Monoka to patrol the area to the north-west of Libreville. (24)
17 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Lagos from patrol. (24)
19 Oct 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) departed Lagos to patrol off Libreville. (24)
20 Oct 1940
At 0715A/7, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN). HMS Delhi was detached to Manola and HMS Devonshire took over the patrol off Libreville. (25)
23 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1215A/23, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Manoka having left patrol at 0001A/23. (24)
29 Oct 1940
Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Devonshire (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) to HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN). HMS Delhi was actually not present at the time Vice-Admiral Cunningham left HMS Devonshire but he first proceeded to Duala for a meeting and returned later after HMS Delhi had returned from patrol.
Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, also departed HMS Devonshire to take up an appointment in the U.K. The ships Executive Officer tanking command of the ship until the arrival of the replacement Commanding Officer.
HMS Devonshire departed Manoka around 0445A/29 to relieve HMS Delhi on the Libreville patrol. (25)
Sources
- ADM 53/108301
- ADM 53/108302
- ADM 53/108303 + ADM 199/2552
- ADM 53/108303
- ADM 53/108304
- ADM 53/112004
- ADM 53/111558 + ADM 53/112004
- ADM 53/112005
- ADM 53/111559 + ADM 53/112005
- ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112006
- ADM 53/112006 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112007 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/111561 + ADM 53/112007
- ADM 53/111561 + ADM 53/112007 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112008 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112009 + ADM 388
- ADM 53/112009 + ADM 53/112270 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112010 + ADM 53/112270 + ADM 53/113291 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112010
- ADM 53/112010 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112011 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 199/381 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/112012 + ADM 199/388
- ADM 53/111967 + ADM 53/112012 + ADM 199/388
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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