Exercise Tiger

H 21. HMS Scimitar, the Destroyer detailed for Convoy T4 (45) but owing to damaged Bow was unable to take her station as lead escort.

This soumds like a massive bs by both sides up to me!!

Hello Julie,

Admiral Moon USN did hold an enquiry shortly after the tradegy in which Admiral Sir Ralph Leatham RN had allowed both CO's of the British ships to attend. But to raise just two points in answer to your question, HMS Azelea's C.O., Lt Cdr Gedder RNR, was asked about the length of time between his first receiving the signal of .."E-boats in the vicinity".. (at midnight, from Plymouth Command) and the eventual attack (at around 2am)- his reply was that it took a long time to decipher the message- Also his assertion that "during the battle he never saw the attacking E-boats", was not questioned in depth (even though E-boats had been picked up on 'Azelea's radar just before the attack began). It must be remembered that the 'Enquiry' was not a formal 'Court Martial' where these 'statements' and 'evidence' from the several other 'witnesses' would certainly have been questioned more thoroughly.

Source- USN NRS601- Tiger File 270752 MOD-

Regards

Graham Jinks has forwarded two interesting pictures taken during the placing of commemorative plaques upon the wreck of LST 507. Although one is very dark- it is from 50mtrs below- they are both worthy images to assist us in remembering this tragic episode of World War Two

Am interested in contact with any BMPT members that can read German , asking for their help in locating/translating German language military documents relating to Allied activity in the Naples, Italy  area from July 22- August 6,1944.

I can also be contated privately at cebudragolady@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Jonathan P Alter