SECRET
287
FROM ....... . THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. LEEDS.
DATE ........ 23rd June, 1941.....................................REF. S2/30
TO ............. THE CAPTAIN (D), ROSYTH
SUBJECT: REPORT ON CONVOY E.C.36 from the NORE to MAY ISLAND.
REPORT June 21st to 23rd, 1941
SUBMITTED.
Commodore.
Commander E.R. Taylor, R.N.R. in the Polish Ship "KATOWICE".
Vice-Commodore.
Escorts.
H.M.S Leeds. (Nore - Methil)
H.M.S. Valorous. (Nore - Methil)
H.M.S. Holderness. (Nore - 18B Buoy)
H.M.T. Tango. (Sunk - 57A Buoy)
H.M.T. Lady Philomena. (Sunk - 18B Buoy)
H.M.T. Peter Hendriks. (Sunk - 54E Buoy)
Additional cover provided by H.M.S. Eglinton and H.M.S. Walpole.
Ships
in
Convoy
From Southend
44*
Bound to
Humber
3
Harwich
1
Tees
6
Yarmouth
1
Sunderland
5
Humber
6
Tyne
19
Tees
2
Blyth
5
Tyne Ports
6
Methil
9*
Ports North of Methil
11
60
58
*.......Also 7 Fishing Trawlers from Humber to Pentland Firth.
..........Includes H.M.Tug"Stalwart" towing A.F.C.12, counted as one ship.
1.............Convoy E.C.36 (Slow) consisting of 44 ships under the escort of H.M.S. Leeds, Valorous and Holderness, left the Nore Lt at 0630/21. A good start was made favoured by fine weather.
2.............At 1540 in the vicinity of 54E Buoy two mines exploded, one under the fore part of s.s.Gasfire and the other
50 yards to starboard of her. Nos 1 and 2 holds flooded and Nos 3 and 4 making water - No serious casualties.
H.M. Trawler "Peter Hendriks" took off survivors and attempted to tow wreck due West out of channel - Tugs were asked for. The s.s.Gasfire was bound for Sunderland.
3.............Convoy maintained a good average speed and passed No.5 Buoy two hours ahead of schedule - but had to reduce to allow stragglers to catch up before dusk.
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3. (Count). Escorts were