Operation Counterblast--12/13 Nov. 1944

[jainso31]

This action was an attack by an RN Squadron on a German Convoy in Norwegian Waters during 12/13 Nov.1944
.
The object of Operation "Counterblast" was the destruction of enemy shipping off the south-west coast of Norway, where the absence of fjords and off shore islands forced shipping out into the open. Owing to enemy mine fields, shore batteries, and other hazards, no operation had been undertaken in this area for nearly four years, The ships taking part in the attack --HM Ships KENT (8X8" guns), BELLONA (8X5.25" guns), MYNGS, VERULAM, ZAMBESI, and HMCS ALGONQUIN all with 4X4.5" guns -- sailed from Scapa Flow on 12 November, late in the evening, and arrived off the prescribed coastal area twenty four hours later on a calm, clear night. Forming in loose line ahead, they began a sweep parallel to the Norwegian coast and about seven miles off shore.

At 2300 an enemy convoy KS257 which was moving up the coast was contacted by radar. As the range closed rapidly, the plot indicated five merchant ships and three M/S escorts (1X4"gun), approaching with another three SC boats (1X3.5") gun to the southward. The attacking force opened fire at 2313 at a range of 5000 yards. Because of excellent star shell illumination by HMS BELLONA, several targets were plainly visible and quickly engaged. ALGONQUIN opened fire on an escort vessel at 2314 and obtained a hit with the first salvo. This target, which was also being engaged by other ships ahead, burst into flames within a minute. The enemy ships, although taken by surprise, fought back with determination. During the first few minutes of action, escort vessels closed their attackers in the face of the hopeless odds, while the merchant ships tried to move in toward the coast and the protection of the shore batteries. However at least six of the enemy were ablaze and sinking within the first five minutes, and by 2341 every enemy ship in sight was either sunk or in flames. The British cruisers and destroyers withdrew to the north-west.

The four destroyers returned to the scene of action a few minutes later with orders to finish off any enemy ships that were still afloat. Only three such ships could be found, and one of these was grounded and burning. They were promptly engaged and demolished, making a total of eight enemy ships destroyed out of the eleven which had been sighted. Within fifteen minutes the destroyers were once again withdrawing to join the cruisers, and the operation was over.

This highly successful attack was fought entirely within range of enemy shore batteries which had opened fire on our ships during both phases of the action. However by great good fortune none of our ships was seriously hit. Fire from all the ships of the striking force was accurate and intensive, although not one of them could claim to have sunk a specific enemy ship unaided. HMCS ALGONQUIN, fighting her first surface action, hit each target in succession with her first salvo, and the efficiency of both her personnel and her equipment was judged to be of a high standard. Operation "Counterblast" completed, the ships returned to Scapa Flow. As they entered the base, the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet signalled hearty congratulations upon their successful operation.
Four freighters had been sunk- (one the Rosenburg escaped); along with four of the escorts=I M/S + 3 SC and damaged the other two M/S.
NB I would appreciate some advice/and or comment about this thread
jainso31

[jainso31]

As an addendum to the foregoing-statistics reflect the intensity of this action.
Algonquin expended 315 rounds of 4.7"(66 starshell) and 160 X40mm rounds.
32 rounds of German 37mm and 20mm gunfire struck Verulam ,killing two and wounding five.Six 20mm rounds hit Zambesi,the only other Allied ship damaged
This action at sea was overshadowed by the sinking of the Tirpitz by RAF Lancaster bombers and Tallboy bombs that morning.

jainso31

[KizmeRD]

Summing up afterwards, Admiral McGrigor said, “We caught the Hun in his nightshirt. His shore batteries did not interfere until a quarter of an hour after the show started, although once I was so close to the land that I had to alter course to avoid a shallow patch. I will give their ships their due, they fought back very courageously.” ’

As I understand it, the enemy shore batteries were only about two and a half miles away. That said, and the fact that there were defensive minefields in the vicinity too - the British ships were lucky to escape this action without loss (fortune favours the brave).

Michael

[jainso31]

My thanks for that Michael-I was not too happy with the Intro.but it was all that I could find.It was looking to me like shooting fish in a barrel-particularly in view of the odds stacked against the Germans.This a piece from Vince O'Hara's account of this engagement and I quote:-
"The drifting pyrotechnics were very effective and the Allied ships couldv see their targets.UJ1221 and 1223 (sub chasers) had the misfortune to be on the engaged side.They were new ships with inexperienced crews;their lookouts had just sighted the British force when they found themselves exposed and then,at 23.14,deluged by gunfire.Algonquin,for one ,claimed hits with her first salvo.The Allied destroyers overwhelmed these two escorts as the German ships returned fire and fled to the coast.Then shells detonated the ex French freighter Cornouaille's(3324T) cargo of ammunition and she exploded violently.The British had also sunk M416 (Minesweeper) at 23.30and then the freighter Greif (996T),
By midnight the battle had run into the range of the shore batteries,which counterilluminated and returned fire with their large calibre guns.Despite the danger McGrigor signalled Finish off the Enemy"
Obviously there is more but it does not feel right to continue at this juncture.
PS where did you find the info. about the minefield??I wholly agree with you about this minefield and the possible losses it could inflict
jainso31

[jainso31]

The underneath attachment is a signal from HMS KENT to HOME FLEET,SCAPA after the engagement


Kent Signal-01.jpg


jainso31

[KizmeRD]

Here's a brief German account of the action...

On the night of 12/13 Nov.1944, a Brit. Naval force comprising of the heavy cruiser Kent, the light cruiser Bellona, and the destroyers Myngs, Verulam, Zambesi and Algonquin (Canada) engaged the German convoy KS-357-ST south-east of Egersund.
Two out of four freighters are sunk, Grief (996 GRT) & Cornouaille (frz.3324 GRT), and of the escort vessels, two minesweepers M 427 & M 416, and three sub-chasers UJ 1221, UJ 1223 & UJ 1713 are also sunk.

Obviously, during this night-time engagement, the smaller German naval escorts were outgunned and overwelmed by a vastly superior Royal Navy force, tipped-off by Ultra intercepts.

The German account goes on to state that rescue measures on the morning 13 Nov. were interrupted by air strikes from RAF Mosquitos belonging to 235 & 248 Sqd (Banff Strike Wing). Minesweeper R 32 and air traffic control boat Fl.B 529 are lost and UJ 1754 damaged. Beaufighters of 144 RAF Sqd. Attack Rekka Fjord attacking the Freighter Rosenburg (1964 GRT) and Mosquitos from 143 & 235 Sqd. fire on and sink the Trawler Sardinen (177 GRT) and damage the small freighter Gula (264 GRT).

Michael

[jainso31]

Originally Posted by KizmeRD

Here's a brief German account of the action...

On the night of 12/13 Nov.1944, a Brit. Naval force comprising of the heavy cruiser Kent, the light cruiser Bellona, and the destroyers Myngs, Verulam, Zambesi and Algonquin (Canada) engaged the German convoy KS-357-ST south-east of Egersund.
Two out of four freighters are sunk, Grief (996 GRT) & Cornouaille (frz.3324 GRT), and of the escort vessels, two minesweepers M 427 & M 416, and three sub-chasers UJ 1221, UJ 1223 & UJ 1713 are also sunk.

Obviously, during this night-time engagement, the smaller German naval escorts were outgunned and overwelmed by a vastly superior Royal Navy force, tipped-off by Ultra intercepts.

The German account goes on to state that rescue measures on the morning 13 Nov. were interrupted by air strikes from RAF Mosquitos belonging to 235 & 248 Sqd (Banff Strike Wing). Minesweeper R 32 and air traffic control boat Fl.B 529 are lost and UJ 1754 damaged. Beaufighters of 144 RAF Sqd. Attack Rekka Fjord attacking the Freighter Rosenburg (1964 GRT) and Mosquitos from 143 & 235 Sqd. fire on and sink the Trawler Sardinen (177 GRT) and damage the small freighter Gula (264 GRT).

Michael

Many thanks for your posting Michael - it seems to tie in with the last piece of Vince's story which I will quote:-
"The destroyers went in firing rapidly,turned and launched torpedoes;and came out firing rapidly.UJ1713 escaped the initial slaughter;but when she lingered to assist survivors the destroyers caught and severely damaged her.
They also hit M446 and the freighter Palermo,M427 was so shot up she had to be beached at Rekkefjord,nine miles south of Egersund,where she capsized and sank at 13.00 on the 13th November.UJ1713 also sank the next morning.Rosenberg was the only German ship to escape unscathed"
I note the air strikes by the Banff Wing included an attack on the Rosenberg (1964T).
R/Adm McGrigor came back to this area in January 1945- for another strike on an escorted convoy.

jainso31