The convoy system a brief look at its history

[Kapitan]

A new article focusing on the Naval convoy throughout the ages

I stress this is brief 1,500 words in total I try to keep all the articles to that sort of length as its more digestible to the average reader who may not be as learned in the subject.

I would have liked to put a lot more into it, but had I done so then it would have likely have run into the 10s of thousands of words or an article with substantial sub articles.

So therefore I do feel that this one doesn't have the meat on it that the articles I normally produce do, and therefore I don't have that warm fuzzy feeling about it.

With that said it has kind of made me think a bit about things namely the articles I have been doing for Navy General Board.

Most of you know I work in Logistics, supply chain and transport and have done so for a considerable time (nearly 20 years ) I have been procrastinating on doing a blog type website about the industry covering various subjects and analysis current day and historical however I do have my apprehensions.

First off I have restrictions on what I can write subject wise anyways, and secondly the industry for many tends to come across in the publics view as somewhat boring IMHO.

So in two minds with that one.

But alas here is the link to the article hope you enjoy https://www.navygeneralboard.com/a-b...of-the-convoy/

[Aktungbby]

Your article leaves out the most famous convoy battle of all! John Paul Jones famous encounter with HMS Serapis aboard the Bonhomme Richard was actually a convoy attack which the able British commander won;the convoy he was shepparding escaped to British ports. John Paul, enroute to a career as a successful Russian rear admiral, obviously knew it: he accepted the surrendering English captain Pearson's sword; saying "you have fought like a hero"...

Sir Richard Pearson (1731–1806) was a British naval officer who was captain of the ship HMS Serapis during the American Revolution. As a lieutenant in the East Indies he did well during the Seven Years' War, where he was severely wounded. He was subsequently unable to obtain a commission because his senior officers twice died before they could fulfil their promises. He finally obtained post rank as a captain in 1773. In 1779, in command of the Serapis, 44 guns, and escorting a large convoy from the Baltic, he was attacked off Flamborough Head by an American rebel squadron under John Paul Jones in the Bonhomme Richard, 42 guns. This famous action ended in Pearson surrendering the Serapis to Jones but not before his spirited defense had covered the escape of the valuable convoy. The Bonhomme Richard ended up sinking following the capture, forcing Jones to lose his own ship and return to port in Pearson's captured vessel. Pearson was considered a hero in his homeland after the battle. He was knighted, received presents from the merchants and the freedoms of several towns. Most importantly, they had fully achieved their mission, which was to protect the convoy. When they returned home, about the beginning of November, they were honoured by the towns of Kingston upon Hull and Scarborough and were rewarded by both the Russia Company, principal owner of vessels in the convoy, and the Royal Exchange Assurance Company. Pearson even gained a knighthood. In 1780, to honour him for his actions in protecting the convoy, Pearson was presented with three Coconut Cups mounted in silver by Wakelin & Taylor. In 1782, the Royal Navy took the unusual step of naming a new ship Serapis- an acknowledgement rarely given to a vessel which lost a battle. John Paul Jones was later asked how he felt about the captain whom he had defeated in battle being knighted, and he reportedly said: "I'd like to meet him on the high seas again; I'll make him a lord!"

< John Paul's humor was as bad as my own! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle...amborough_Head

[Jimbuna]

My late father would have found that article very interesting had he still been around Blair.

[Kapitan]

Thankyou guys sorry its so brief and yes missed out quite a bit unfortunately I have to write to a rough limit.
There is so much more id have liked to put in like as Aktungbby said with his post plus convoys into the arctic and operation pedestal etc

Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?

[mapuc]

They came from every corner of the world, sailor who let them enrolled on a allied cargo ship.

I know that there was men from both of my parents side who either fought for the allied or the nazis.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?

Lied about his age and went gun running in the Spanish Civil War where his ship was the first Brit to be bombed in Barcelona Harbour.

Took the boys over and then brought them back from Dunkirk.

Last ship to leave Marseille at the fall of France, taking aboard some French Admiral.

Was on the only convoy that sailed to Murmansk without an escort.

Landed the Canadians in the first wave at Normandy.

Plus a few more 'exploits' as he used to call them.

I blame him for my lifelong interest in military warfare, especially the WWII era.

Rather shockingly imho he was awarded a medal in the mid eighties by the then Russian ambassador to London, not receiving any similar recognition until almost a decade later after I approached the Foreign Secretary who was at the time an associate of mine.

A pathetically small enamel badge of the Red Duster.

[Kapitan]

Sounds like your dad had some great adventures and stories to tell would have been nice to sit down for a afternoon and have a chat.

I don't know why but the Russians have always seemed more forward when it came to awarding the merchant navy convoy veterans we just seem to put them in foot notes and brush off their achievements.

After all Churchill did say it was the worst journey in the world, they should be recognised by the UK too.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Sounds like your dad had some great adventures and stories to tell would have been nice to sit down for a afternoon and have a chat.

I don't know why but the Russians have always seemed more forward when it came to awarding the merchant navy convoy veterans we just seem to put them in foot notes and brush off their achievements.

After all Churchill did say it was the worst journey in the world, they should be recognised by the UK too.

When he spoke about his 'exploits' he always did it with an element of pride but he was equally quick to admit that he and everyone around him "we were just boys and all as equally scared as one another".

[Kapitan]

WOW What a collection !

to your Dad and I am very impressed with those awards something to keep in the family for sure !

[Jimbuna]

Appreciated Blair and both awards are safely tucked away in my study, waiting to be passed on to my lad who just happened to pass his first Pilot qualification yesterday.

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Thankyou guys sorry its so brief and yes missed out quite a bit unfortunately I have to write to a rough limit.
There is so much more id have liked to put in like as Aktungbby said with his post plus convoys into the arctic and operation pedestal etc

Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?

Great write up as usual, Blair. The convoy system may become particularly relevant If the Ukrainian war broadens and escalates. I expect it to broaden.

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Lied about his age and went gun running in the Spanish Civil War where his ship was the first Brit to be bombed in Barcelona Harbour.

Took the boys over and then brought them back from Dunkirk.

Last ship to leave Marseille at the fall of France, taking aboard some French Admiral.

Was on the only convoy that sailed to Murmansk without an escort.

Landed the Canadians in the first wave at Normandy.

Plus a few more 'exploits' as he used to call them.

I blame him for my lifelong interest in military warfare, especially the WWII era.

Rather shockingly imho he was awarded a medal in the mid eighties by the then Russian ambassador to London, not receiving any similar recognition until almost a decade later after I approached the Foreign Secretary who was at the time an associate of mine.

A pathetically small enamel badge of the Red Duster.

I had family in WW2 that lied about their age to get into the service then, as well. I think there were a good number that lied about their young ages as well to get into the fight. I believe they coined the phrase in the U.S calling those allies in WW2, The Greatest Generation. I certainly believe that applies to the lads in the U.K, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S and many other countries. They were all " boys " then but I believe they were all very special.

A great uncle had a steel plate in his forehead as the result of a head injury he received close to the Ardennes mountains as part of Siege of Bastogne and battle of the Bulge. He never spoke of his experiences and has since passed away. He was a good man. Others in my family battled in the Pacific as part of the Island hopping and fighting under Macarthur.

It's great you have the Keepsakes, Jim. I doubt you needed them however, to know your dad was special too.
Btw, Congratulations to young Jim on his passing his qualifications.

[Jimbuna]

God Bless em all CW

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

God Bless em all CW

Amen to that, Jim.

[Kapitan]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Appreciated Blair and both awards are safely tucked away in my study, waiting to be passed on to my lad who just happened to pass his first Pilot qualification yesterday.

My warmest congratulations to your son on passing his test yesterday and may any other endeavors he undertakes be fruitful.

[Kapitan]

Great write up as usual, Blair. The convoy system may become particularly relevant If the Ukrainian war broadens and escalates. I expect it to broaden.

Thankyou CW it is much appreciated.