HMS Coventry: Continued from Page 1 January 1941 finds the HMS Coventry still under repair at Alexandria Harbour until the damage bow section has been replaced. Repairs were completed on 20 January and the ship was returned to service with a "bow down" attitude and ship's speed restricted to 23 knots. The ship deployed on escort duty with Convoy AN-13 on passage from Port Said to Piraeus, Greece with the Ulster Prince, Lanarkshire, and City of Pretoria., returning to Alexandria on 23 January. Deployed again on 31 January in escort of Convoy AN-14 to Piraeus, Greece. Convoy arrived at Piraeus on 02 February. February saw the Coventry deployed on the 14th on escort duty for Military Convoy AC-1 consisting 2 ASW Trawlers and 2 Corvettes bound for Benghazi, Libya. Convoy under air attack on 17 February and arriving at Benghazi on 18 February and then being redirected back to Tobruk on the same day in escort of 2 ships due to harbour limitations and inadequate air defenses located at Behghazi. The "HMS Coventry" (post-conversion) Detached from escort duties approximately 120 miles from Malta while on passage to Tobruk and redirected to escort Convoy Op.MC-8 on 21 February on passage to Alexandria, arriving 23 February. Deployed 27 February 1940 as escort for the 4-ship Convoy AN-16 to Piraeus, Greece. During passage, foul weather encountered on 01 March resulted in the convoy being dispersed. The Coventry then returned to Alexandria with possible structural damage to the bow section of the ship which had been replaced in January. Underway again on 05 April with the Destroyers HMAS Stuart, HMS Hereward, and Corvette HMS Hyacinth as escort for the 2-ship Convoy AN-17 from Alexandria to Piraeus, Greece. Arrived at Piraeus on 08 March and departed for return to Alexandria. Arrived at Alexandria on 12 March 1941. Joined a convoy off of Crete on 14 March, but was forced to divert to Suda Bay, Crete due to foul weather. Deployed on 19 March with the HMS Calcutta for Anti-Aircraft defense of troop convoys on passage to Piraeus. Ships under sustained aerial attack. Provided Convoy Escort duty with other ships of the Mediterranean Fleet for a convoy enroute to Malta on 21 March. Detached with the HMS Calcutta for Anti-Aircraft defense duties for the 9-ship Convoy AN-22 to Piraeus, Greece. Deployed as Anti-Aircraft defense escort on 25 March with the 10-ship Convoy AS-22. Convoy came under aerial attack on 26 March by 24 German Ju88 aircraft, of which 6 aircraft where shot down. Continued convoy escort duties for Crete and Piraeus convoys from 29 March through 10 April 1941. On 11 April, deployed with 3 Destroyers as escort for a fast merchant ship into the Aegean Sea. Came under attack by Romanian Dorneir aircraft. Provided Anti-Aircraft defense with Destroyers HMAS Waterhen, HMAS Stuart, and HMAS Voyager on 16 April for the storeship Glenglye enroute for Bardia for an assault by the 7th Commando Unit and a detachment of the Royal Tank Unit. Unable to land the Units this date due to high sea state. Provided Anti-Aircraft cover on 19 April 1941 for landing of troops at Bardia, Libya by the storeship Glengyle. The "HMS Glenglye" at Port Said 1941. While providing escort for 2 merchant ships on 23 April, redirected to detach with Destroyers HMS Diamond, Griffin, and Wryneck to provide defense of the 2-ship Convoy ANF-29 from Alexandria to Suda Bay as part of Operation DEMON (the evacuation of Greece). Embarked troops at Megara, Greece on 25 April for evacuation to Suda Bay with Destroyers HMS Diamond, Griffin, Wryneck, and Decoy. Under sustained aerial attacks during the evacuation. The following day, 26 April, the Coventry sailed for Suda Bay with the Destroyers HMS Diamond, Griffin, Wryneck, and Decoy. and HMAS ships Vendetta and Waterhen while under heavy aerial attack. During the attacks, a 4-inch shell detonated prematurely, killing Petty Officer Arthur E. BANNELL (P/J 114430) and injuring other members of the crew. Firing of th 4-inch gunmounts was then restricted to emergency use only due to excessive barrel wear. Departed Suda Bay, Crete on 27 April with HMS Calcutta and HMAS Stuart on passage to Alexandria in escort of the 5-ship Convoy GA-14, arriving at Alexandria on 29 April. After arrival at Alexandria on this date, all 4-inch gun barrels were replaced. May 1941 saw command of the HMS Coventry transferred from Captain David Gilmour, RN, to Captain William Power Carne, RN. On 06 May the Coventry sailed with the Mediterranean Fleet to provide escort for the 5-ship Convoy of Operation Tiger plus 19 escorts delivering tanks from Malta to Alexandria, joining the convoy on 09 May. (Note: The convoy lost one ship, the Empire Song, enroute along with her much needed cargo of tanks.) Detached from the group later on 18 May with HMS Phoebe and HMS Dido to assist the Hospital Ship MV Abba which was under attack off of Crete by German Stuka aircraft, although Red Cross Markings were clearly present. Note:Petty Officer Alfred Edward Sephton was posthumously awarded the Victorian Cross of the Mediterranean Battle for "Great Courage and Endurance" on 18 May while the HMS Coventry was providing defense for the MV Abba. 30-year old Petty Officer Sephton was director-layer during the battle when he was hit by machine-gun fire, the bullet passing through him and injuring and able seaman beside him. Despite being hit and partially blinded, he remained at his station and carried out his duties until the attack was over, dying of his wounds the following day. This award, which is the highest British award for gallantry in the face of the enemy was the first one awarded in the Mediterrannean Battle. This Victoria Cross was placed on display in Coventry Cathedral but was stolen on 25 September 1990. The HMS Coventry embarked 700 troops of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 16 May and landed them at Tintokioun, Crete with the Sloop Auckland and Austrailian ships HMAS Voyager and Waterhen. After disembarking the troops, deployed on 17 May on patrol in the Kaso Strait-Leros, Crete area. On 19 May, with Cruisers HMS Dido, Phoebe, and Destroyers HMAS Juno, Kandahar, and Kingston, deployed to repel invasion craft of the German Operation Merkur (20 May-01 June 1941). Returned to Alexandria on 21 May and disembarked wounded personnel. Then deployed on 23 May with HMAS Auckland and HMAS Flamingo carrying the 16th Infantry Brigade HQ, 900 troops of the Queen's Royal Regiment (New Zealand), and 18 vehicles on passage to Timbakion, Crete. However, the ships were recalled before landing the troops. During the return passage to Alexandria in the early morning of 23 May 1941, the Coventry picked up a low flying aircraft on its radar approximately 5 miles from the ship's position. The aircraft suddenly changed direction towards the aircraft and the Commanding Officer was about to order "Open Fire" when the aircraft fired a recognition signal. Flying close to the ship the aircraft requested position information and, once it was given, departed in the direction of Alexandria only to reappear approximately 10 minutes later. The aircraft ditched in the water near the ship and the Conventry recovered the 7-man crew of the aircraft of the No. 37 Wellington Bomber Squadron which had been detailed to attack Maleme, Crete, become lost, and ran out of fuel. Picture of the Wellington aircraft after ditching near the "HMS Coventry". Provided escort on 26 May for the troopship Glenroy with HMS Jaguar, and HMS Stuart carrying reinforcements to Timbakion, Crete. Directed to return to Alexandria prior to landing the troops due to aerial attacks making landing impossible. Deployed on 28 May with Cruisers HMS Phoebe, Perth, Calcutta, and Destroyers Hasty, Janus, and Jervis for evacuation of troops from Sphakia, Crete. Provided Anti-Aircraft defense at Sphakia with the Calcutta on 29 May until returning to Alexandria on 30 May while still under attack. Returned to Sphakia, Crete on 01 June with the Calcutta and continued to provide Anti-Aircraft defense during the evacuation of troops. Under attack while in transit, receiving damage from a near miss. HMS Calcutta was lost after being hit by two bombs from a German Ju-88. Rescued 225 survivors. Deployed on 05 June in support of Operation Exporter off of Syria. Escorted the S.S. Glengyle from Port Said with commandoes of the No. 11 Commando Unit onboard for an attack on Litani bridge in order to delay the retreat of French Vichy forces. Landing delayed due to foul weather. Remained on patrol off of Tyre, Syria until weather cleared on 07 June. Provided Anti-Aircraft cover during the landings. Continued on patrol and shore defense operations off of Tyre, Syria on 08 June, joining Cruisers HMS Ajax, Phoebe, and Destroyers HMS Jackal, Janus, and Kandahar. Involved in Anti-Aircraft defense on 09 June off of Tyre, Syria defending attacks by German Ju-88 and fighter aircraft on pipelines. (Battle of Litani.) On 14 June 1941, while on patrol off of Saida, Lebanon with HMAS Leander, HMS Ilex and HMS Isis, engaged two Vichy Destroyers (Guépard or Aigle class) at long range (20,000 yards). Followed the Destroyers to Beirut. Encountered fire from shore batteries and was forced to withdraw. Came under aerial attack later that day. From 20-27 June deployed on Anti-Aircraft defense Guradship duty at Haifa, Israel. Encountered periodic daytime and nighttime aerial attacks throughout this period. Upon completion of Guardship duties at Haifa, Israel, returned to Alexandria on 27 June for "Rest and Relaxation" period which was regularly interrupted by air raids throughout. On 10 July 1941, while in the harbor of Alexandria, an aircraft laid mine exploded near the ship. No damage resulted from the explosion. Returned to operational status upon completion of "Rest and Relaxation" period. Deployed to Beirut on 16 June with Convoy LE-(?) and resumed Anti-Aircraft Guardship duties with HMS Carlisle until returning to Alexandria on 13 August 1941 The "HMS Coventry" at Suez, 1941 Conducted escort duty on 18 August for HMS Barham from Port Said to Alexandria upon the ship's returned from overhaul in Durban, South Africa. Deployed again on 19 August as escort for the troopships HE DE France, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Orion to Port Tewfik (Suez). After arriving at Port Tewfik, assigned duty as Anti-Aircraft Guardship on 21 August for ships making passage from Safe Anchorage area in the Gulf of Suez to Port Tewfik. Prevented low-level aerial attacks by maintaining a 4-inch barrage. Relieved on 29 August 1941 as Anti-Aircraft Guardship between Port Tewfik and Gulf of Suez Safe Anchorages by the HMS Carlisle. Deployed for convoy defense duties. On late 06, or early 07 September 1941, rescued crew of the American cargo ship S.S. Steel Seafarer which had been sunk by aerial attack on 05 September near Shadwan Island. Returned to Safe Anchorage area on 16 September where the HMS Galatea and HMS Naiad, among others, had arrived as reinforcements. Unable to return to Anti-Aircraft Guardship duties due to problems with the ship's Radar systems. Returned to Port Tewfik for repairs. Upon completion of Radar repairs, returned to the Safe Anchorage area on 29 September and continued Guardship duties until 03 October. Escorted 2 troopships through the Suez Canal and then to Alexandria, shooting down an enemy mine-laying aircraft while enroute. On 08 October 1941 joined a southbound convoy as escort through the Red Sea, arriving at Aden on 12 or 13 October. After refuelling at Aden on 13 October, provided escort for a Norwegian tanker into the Port of Aden. On 15 October, departed Aden with a Greek Destroyer on passage to Bombay, India. Upon arrival on 19 October the HMS Coventry went into an overhaul period which lasted until the ship's return to operational status in May of 1942. During the overhaul the Coventry received a new bow section and her boilers were re-tubed, among other repairs. Additionally, command of the ship was transferred to Captain Ronald John Robert Dendy, RN. Upon completion of the Coventry's overhaul in May of 1942, the ship was loaded with a shipment of gold bullion and departed Bombay on passge to Alexandria, making a port call at Jeddah where the bullion was offloaded onto a dhow for transfer ashore. The Coventry then departed Jeddah, making a port call at Port Sudan, before making passage to Alexandria where she arrived in early June. Upon arrival at Alexandria, the ship was fitted with two additional 20mm Oerlikon guns at this time. On 11 June 1942, the Coventry deployed with three Destroyers as a diversion tactic for the Malta relief Convoy MW-11 as part of Operation Vigorous which consisted of 12 ships and 35-37 military escorts enroute from Haifa to Malta via Alexandria and Tobruk. The convoy came under sustained attacks which resulted in the loss of the HMS Hermione (torpedoed by U205 south of Crete), HMAS Nestor (scuttled due to battle damage), HMS Airedale, HMS Hasty (off of Derna, Libya), MTB-259 (foundered in heavy weather), and two merchant ships of Convoy MW-11C, the Aagtekirk and Bhutan. On 15 June the decision was made to cancel the operation and the ships returned to Alexandria on 16 June 1942. Photo taken from "HMS Arethusa" during an attack on Operation Vigorous Convoy MW-11. After the failed Operation Vigorous, the HMS Coventry was re-deployed to the Gulf of Suez where she resumed Anti-Aircraft Guardship duties at Abu Zenima. The following July the Coventry provided escort for the Battleship Queen Elizabeth for part of the ship's transit through the Red Sea on passage to the United States for overhaul, after which, she was re-deployed off of the coast of Syria for Anti-Aircraft defense duties. In August, the Coventry was deployed at Haifa, Israel for Anti-Aircraft duty until being detached with other units of the Mediterranean Fleet as part of a diversionary sweep during passage of convoy of Operation Pedestal. Upon completion of the sweep, re-deployed to the Gulf of Suez for Anti-Aircraft Guardship duty until returning to Alexandria on 03 September to prepare for participation in Operation Agreement (assault on Tobruk). The Loss of the HMS Coventry: Departed Alexandria on 12 September 1942 with Destroyers Belvoir, Croome, Dulverton, and Hursley to Tobruk to provide anti-aircraft defense cover for landing forces on 13 September. Joined Destroyers Aldenham, Beaufort, Exmoor, Hurworth, Sikh, and Zulu on 13 September. Under attack by dive bombers after the HMS Sikh and HMS Zulu attempted to enter the port at Tobruk with the HMS Sikh being heavily damaged and eventually sank on just off the coast of Tobruk on 14 September while the HMS Zulu attempted to tow the damaged ship clear. At approximately 1140 on 14 September 1942 while the Coventry was located north of Mersa Matruh, she was attacked by a group of 16 German Ju-87's/88's of I/LG.1, X° Fliegerkorps, based at Iraklion, Crete (Capt. Joachim Helbig). The Coventry suffered 4 direct hits during the attack, 3 of which exploded in the Engineering spaces, and the 4th destroying the ship's bow. Photo taken from the "HMS Zulu" 14 Sept. 1942. The "HMS Coventry" can be seen sinking in the background. Captain Dendy, with the HMS Coventry dead in the water and with 64 men dead, orders abandon ship. The HMS Beaufort is able to come alongside forward to take off some of the crew, while the HMS Dulverton rescued men in the water. At 1515 the ship is scuttled by the HMS Zulu at position 32º48'N / 28º17'E in over 2500 meters of water. Sadly, the Zulu would also be lost an hour later..... Casualty List: (MPK=Missing Presumed Killed) ALDRED, Albert A, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, P/MX 64988, killed ARMSTRONG, Roland, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 260989, killed AVERY, William J, Leading Seaman, P/J 103418, killed BAGGALEY, Arnold, Telegraphist, P/JX 156053, killed BALL, Geoffrey C, Able Seaman, RNVR, C/LD/X 4240, killed BARNES, Brian L, Telegraphist, P/JX 199347, killed BATES, Archibald S, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 298120, killed BINKS, Kenneth P, Act/Chief Engine Room Artificer, P/MX 48216, killed BOYDEN, Wilfred, Able Seaman, P/SSX 20582, killed BRIDLE, Oliver W, Able Seaman, P/J 104599, killed BROWN, Joseph, Act/Leading Seaman, P/SSX 21434, killed BUCKLEY, Thomas, Ty/Act/Yeoman of Signals, C/JX 144721, killed BYRNE, Stanley W, Able Seaman, C/JX 175657, killed COLE, Leonard G, Leading Wireman, P/MX 62438, killed COOK, Douglas G, Stoker 1c, C/KX 96754, killed COURTNEY, Cecil H, Act/Petty Officer Telegraphist, P/JX 148037, killed DAVEY, Norman H, Chief Petty Officer Stoker, D/KX 75204, killed DAVIS, Horace F, Stoker 1c, P/KX 91265, killed DAVIS, Reginald G M, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 220591, killed DAWES, John R, Ty/Leading Signalman, D/JX 144958, killed DODGSON, Frank, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 207604, killed DREWE, Douglas A V, Able Seaman, C/JX 246514, killed FRANCIS, Horace V, Able Seaman, P/JX 178512, killed GIBSON, Arthur, Stoker 1c, P/KX 109506, killed GRAYSON, Jack, Able Seaman, P/JX 246894, killed GREEN, Harry, Act/Able Seaman, P/JX 272919, killed HANCOCK, George, Leading Seaman, P/J 70752, killed HILL, Henry, Cook (S), P/MX 83789, killed HOPKINS, Robert E, Able Seaman, C/JX 154018, killed JOB, Richard H, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 298398, killed JOHNSON, Herbert R, Shipwright 1c, C/KX 47378, killed JONES, Amos, Able Seaman, C/JX 300961, killed JORDAN, Joseph M, Able Seaman, D/SSX 26263, killed JUDGE, Robert F, Able Seaman, C/JX 300088, killed KENNEDY, Charles, Able Seaman, C/JX 211975, killed KIRBY, Timothy W, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 223532, killed LATHWELL, Frederick J, Stoker 2c, P/KX 130529, killed LOWE, Derek S R, Canteen Assistant, NAAFI, MPK LYNCH, Lawrence, Able Seaman, P/JX 290399, killed MARCH, George A, Ty/Lieutenant (E), MPK MINES, James C, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 82796, killed PENNINGTON, Joseph G, Able Seaman, D/JX 285503, killed PEPPER, Thomas F, Able Seaman, P/JX 259562, killed PLATT, George E, Petty Officer, D/JX 162271 (late J 99606), killed POWELL, Leonard W R, Chief Petty Officer, P/J 106441, killed RANDALL, Victor N, Chief Petty Officer Cook, P/MX 54247, killed REES, William H C, Lieutenant, MPK RUSSELL, Francis E, Stoker 1c, P/KX 116504, killed SIMPSON, Richard, Ordnance Artificer 1c, D/M 35676, killed SMITH, Bernard W, Able Seaman, D/JX 178584, killed SPEED, John H, Leading Stoker, RNR, P/K 63085, killed STARK, George, Canteen Assistant, NAAFI, MPK SULLIVAN, George, Able Seaman, RNVR, C/LD/X 1780, killed TAYLOR, Wilfred, Cook (S), D/MX 61574, killed THOMAS, John A, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 290933, killed THOMAS, Richard, Able Seaman, P/JX 264856, killed VOISEY, William A, Act/Joiner 4c, C/MX 77731, killed WAITE, Norman P, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/JX 204110, killed WALDRON, Frank E, Able Seaman, P/JX 286470, killed WEEKS, John R T, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 296821, killed WILDE, David S, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 294562, killed WILLIAMS, Howell M, Signalman, D/JX 196511, killed WOOD, Leslie, Able Seaman, P/SSX 27945, killed WOODS, Alec M, Warrant Engineer, MPK References: Janes's Fighting Ships of World War I (ISBN 1 85170 378 0) Janes's Fighting Ships of World War II (ISBN 0 517 67963 9) http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Coventry.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/categories/c1183/gallery/index_26.shtml" http://ilfracombegolfclub.com/index.php http://www.hmshood.org.uk/reference/official/adm53/adm53-78912.htm http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_2cm-70_mk234.htm http://www.sonsofdamien.co.uk/dehavilland%201.htm http://www.dehavilland.ukf.net/_DH%20full%20prodn%20list.txt http://www.seaclimate.com/2/2_15.html http://www.bluestarline.org/arandora.html http://www.regiamarina.net/operations/hats/hats_it.htm http://riv.co.nz/rnza/units/6fd/6fd3.htm http://www.seawaves.com/newsletters/TDIH/december/13Dec.txt http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Ships/HMSCoventry.html http://www.merchantnavyofficers.com/royalnavy4.html http://www.steelnavy.com/LaterCClass.htm http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/photolibrary/index.php?cat=1297 http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/ceres_class.htm#HMS%20Coventry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Coventry_(D43) http://www.uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1198.html http://www.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/21/creteegypt/standcrete09.htm http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Operation_Agreement http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/Operations.htm The Royal Navy and the Mediterranean (By G. A. Titterton, David Brown, Great Britain Admiralty. Historical Section) Shipwrecks of Egypt related to the HMS Coventry: HMS Calcutta    HMS Carlisle    HMS Galatea    Gnat    MTB-259    HMS Naiad    S.S. Steel Seafarer This site is operated on income derived from advertising and sales.