21 April 1944

ANNEX "F" TO OPERATION PLAN NO. 2-44

Serial 00144

CONVOY AND ESCORT PLAN

  1. Assault Forces "O" and "U" will sail in groups from their assembly positions as to adhere to the timing which will be laid down in ANCXF Operation orders (ON Series). They will follow the routes given in ON-17 - Swept Channels and Routing.

  2. Fast convoys carrying the initial assault waves will be sailed to arrive in the transport areas as soon as possible after these areas have been swept and in any case not later than H-4 hours. Slow convoys will be sailed to arrive in the assault area in accordance with the Approach Plan, Annex G and in time to deploy with assault waves. They should be phased so as not to interfere with the assembly of the initial boat waves.

  3. LST arriving on the first tide will, for the most part, have tows and should if practicable be sailed in separate groups to arrive about H hour and in time to unload at the beginning of H.W. stand.

  4. The Nevada, Texas, Arkansas, and bombarding cruisers of the WNTF may proceed independently of the assault forces but, as they will use the same swept channels, their movements will be phased by the Assault Force Commanders.

  5. Follow-up Force "B" will sail in groups from their assembly positions to arrive off the beaches on the second and third tide and in accordance with the Follow-up Plan, Annex H.

  6. Appendix 1 gives the convoy program for the assault phase prior to build-up.

  7. Convoys will employ swept channels as follows:
    Force "O" (Fast)(1st tide) No. 3
    Force "O" (Slow)(1st tide) No. 4
    Force "O" (Fast and Slow)(2nd and 3rd tides) No. 3 or No. 34
    Force "O" (Return) No. 4 or starboard hand of No. 34
    Force "U" (Fast)(1st tide) No. 1
    Force "U" (Slow)(1st tide) No. 2
    Force "U" (Fast and Slow)(2nd and 3rd tides) No. 1
    Force "U" (Slow)(3rd tide) No. 34
    Force "U" (Return) No. 2, 4 or starboard hand of No. 34
    Force "B" (Fast and Slow)(2nd and 3rd tides) No. 3 or No. 34
    Note: Convoy B-2 can use channel No. 1 if desired because of both B-1 and O-3 using No. 3 at approximately the same time.

  8. For the assembly and build-up escorts will be operated in groups by Commander-in-Chief, Home Commands as allocated by the ANCXF. Some escorts will be lent to the Naval Assault and Follow-up Force Commanders for the period of the assault. These escorts are in addition to the bombarding destroyers and certain

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    U.S. escort types and must return with convoys to the U.K. as soon as possible after the assault. M.L. after initial escort will be formed into pools and may not always operate with the same escort groups.

  1. The escorts allocated to each force are shown in Appendix 2 and must be returned as indicated therein for the formation of escort groups. Escorts other than fore-support ships will be allocated at any time between Assault and Follow-up Forces by NCWTF as the necessity becomes apparent.

  2. Instructions for the clearance of shipping and craft, and for the convoy and escort program during the build-up are given in the Build-up Plan, Annex I. Distance tables between U.K. ports and the assault areas are given in Appendix XV to Operation "NEPTUNE" Naval Plan and in ON 18.

  3. Assault convoys will be sailed by the Commanders-in-Chief, Home Commands and Flag Officers-in-Charge in accordance with the detailed requirements of Task Force and Assault and Follow-up Force Commanders. Large convoys of major landing craft may be further divided into sections where tactical plan and number of escorts will permit. As ships and craft are unloaded in the assault area they will be reformed and sailed with escort by the Assault Force Commanders until Far Shore Shuttle Control has been established under the Naval Commander, Western Task Force about D plus two day. Later, this will be turned over to FOWEST. Sailing signals will be made by the sailing authority to NCWTF, C-in-C PORTSMOUTH, local TURCO if known, ANCXF and the Admiralty.

  4. The lettered positions as contained in the Auxiliary Vessels Signal Book will be used as reference points for the purposes of rendezvous.

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Convoy Instructions

  1. Convoy groups will be required to conform to narrow swept channels throughout the passage of the assault area. This restriction will result in formations of considerable length which present a most favorable target to all forms of attack. Evasive maneuvers will be severely curtailed.

  2. The necessity for keeping closed up cannot be stressed too much. Strong cross currents are to be expected and emphasis should be placed on keeping in the channel rather than on maintaining formation in column, as there will be a tendency to tail-off under the prevailing conditions.

  3. Other than the ever-present danger of mines, initially aircraft and E-boat attacks may be expected. Air coverage during daylight will be substantial. Attacks during periods of low visibility are to be expected and escorts and support craft should be disposed as to give maximum protection in the direction from which the attack may most likely develop. Good reason should exist before a flank is left unguarded and, in general, ships mounting the best A.A. armament should be so positioned with a view to presenting the best all around defense available.

  4. Detailed instructions for the conduct of escorts and description of enemy tactics to be expected are given in ON 15. The following are extracts from these orders:

    1. "The responsibilities of the Senior Officer of the escort and the Commodore are laid down in C.B. 04024(41), paras. 30-36 as amended by C.A.F.O. P. 477/42. In accordance with these instructions the responsibility for the safety from enemy action of both the convoy and the escort rests with the Senior Officer of the escort."
       
      "Occasions may arise when the Commanding Officer of one of H.M. Ships in or near the convoy is senior to the Senior Officer of the escort and may wish to assume that responsibility. In such an event he is to state definitely his intention of so doing. Except in exceptional circumstances, however, the Senior Officer of the escort should be left to handle the escorts and convoy during U-boat, E-boat and air attacks."

    2. "The Senior Officer is normally to make an enemy report to the shore authority. If, however, the escort engaging the enemy is doubtful whether the Senior Officer is making this report he should himself make one. It is better to duplicate the report than risk no report being made."

    3. " 'The Conduct of Anti-U-Boat Operations' (C.B. 4097) is to be the guide for all A/S vessels taking part in Operation NEPTUNE. The convoy A/S escort section (C.B. 4097(11)(42)), however, refers mainly to ocean convoys and U-boats must be expected to use different tactics against NEPTUNE convoys. In addition the threat to our convoys from E-boats makes it necessary to modify these instructions to some extent."

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      The instructions given in paragraph 44, et sequi, of ON 15 are, therefore, to be followed in preference to C.B. 4097 when they conflict.

      "With reference to C.B. 4097(11)(42) para. 703, in the restricted waters of the ENGLISH and BRISTOL CHANNELS the destruction of any U-boat which shows itself is all important and will directly contribute to the safety of all NEPTUNE convoys. Any A/S vessel which gains contact with a U-boat must hunt it until the U-boat is destroyed or until contact is finally lost."

    1. Should the enemy retire the escorts must make every effort to maintain touch with them so that they can be brought to action by our destroyer covering force."

    2. "On being attacked by glider bombs. Make codeword "TIPTREE" and act in accordance with the instructions given in C.A.F.O. 546/44."

    3. "Merchant ships which have been damaged by enemy action or marine accident are never to be sunk if they may be capable of salvage, without reference to the shore authority concerned, even though they may be a danger to navigation. (See ON 14, Section E, para. 3)."

      4. "If the damaged ship is in danger of sinking in shallow water in a searched channel every effort must be made to move her clear of the channel."

    4. "Signals will be made daily giving the expected positions of our covering forces during the following night (See ON 1, para. 37, and Appendix VIII)."

  1. Smoke will not be used by assault forces at night in the swept channels.

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ADDITIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF THIS ANNEX:

CinC Portsmouth (2)
CinC Plymouth (2)
TURCO
NOIC Poole (2)
NOIC Portland (2)
RNO Teignmouth (2)
RNO Brixham (2)
NOIC Dartmouth (2)
RNO Salcombe (2)
RNO Fowey (2)
FOIC Falmouth (2)
Spares Force "O" (40)
Spares Force "U" (40)
Spares Force "B" (20)

 

A. G. KIRK,
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,
Naval Commander Western Task Force.

 

/s/
R. T. CRAGG,
Flag Secretary.

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APPENDIX 1

 

FORECAST OF ASSAULT CONVOYS

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive Swept
Channel		 Remarks
8(a) O-1 Fast PORTLAND D-1 2 Flagships (AGC) (CA)(1),
4 APA, 3 XAP, 2 LSI(L),
3 LSI(H), 3 LSI(S)
4 LCH, 33 LCI(L)
1 LSD(20 LCM)(2)		 D
1st Tide		 3 (1) AUGUSTA (CA) will proceed from Portland in O-1 F. If she proceeds from Plymouth, she will join BELLONA and other support ships enroute from Belfast off Plymouth, and further join O-1 F support ships.
Sail to arrive after daylight.
8(b) O-2A Slow PORTLAND D-1 127 LCT(5&6), 2 LCT(4)*
5 LCC, 7 LCF, 5 LCG,
2 LCT(CB), 8 LCT(A),
8 PCT(HE), 9 LCT(R),
28 LCP(L) Smokers, 6 LCM(CRU)		 D
1st Tide		 4 *From Force "B".

See para. 11 to Annex F.
8(c) O-2B Slow PORTLAND D-1 10 LST
(10 Rhinos)
1 FDT (Fighter Director)		 D
1st Tide		 4  
8(d) O-3 Slow PORTLAND D-1 14 LST
(10 Rhinos)		 D
2nd Tide		 3 Joined by 12 stores coasters at Area Z. See Serial 9(d).
All numbers of craft are gross.
 
NOTE: (1) Escorts will be assigned by Assault Force Commanders.		 Note: Fast - 12 knots
Slow -  5 knots

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FORECAST OF ASSAULT CONVOYS (continued)

DARTMOUTH INCLUDES TORBAY

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive Swept
Channel		 Remarks
9(a) U-1 Fast DARTMOUTH D-1 3 APA, 1 LSI(L)
2 LCH, 47 LCI(L)		 D
1st Tide		 1 1 BM join off Portland.
9(b) U-2A Slow DARTMOUTH
SALCOMBE		 D-2 36 LCT(4), 116 LCT(5&6)
4 LCC, 4 LCF, 4 LCG
8 LCT(A), 5 LCT(R)
50 LCM(3)
3 LCM(CRU)
*14 LCP(L) Smokers		 D
1st Tide		 2 *Towed from Salcombe.
See para. 11 to Annex F.
9(c) U-2B Slow DARTMOUTH D-2 5 LST
(5 Rhinos)		 D
1st Tide		 2  
9(d) U-3 Slow DARTMOUTH
SALCOMBE		 D-1 17 LST
(6 Rhinos)		 D
2nd Tide		 1 Joined by 4 stores coasters at entrance to channel No. 1.
9(e) & 19 U-4 Slow Salcombe D-1 (Airborne)
8 LST
8 Causeways
8 Blisters & Repair Barge		 D+1
1st Tide		 34 Join B-3 convoy off Salcombe.
All numbers of craft are gross.
 
NOTE: (1) Escorts will be assigned by Assault Force Commanders.		 Note: Fast - 12 knots
Slow - 5 knots

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FORECAST OF ASSAULT CONVOYS (continued)

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive Swept
Channel		 Remarks
11(a)) B-1 Slow PLYMOUTH
FOWEY		 D-1 18 LST, 46 LCT(4) D
2nd Tide		 3 or 34 See Paragraph 11 to Annex F.
11(b) B-2 Fast PLYMOUTH D-1 2 Flagships (DE)(AKA)
13 LCI(L)(one is an LCH)		 D
2nd Tide		 3 or 34  
11(c) B-3 Slow FALMOUTH D-1 31 LST
20 Causeways, 8 Blisters
12 Pontoon Tugs, 10 Warping Tugs
1 Repair Barge		 D+1
1st Tide		 3 or 34 Escorts - 143rd E.G. plus 1 trawler. U-4 joins at Plymouth.
All numbers of craft are gross.
 
NOTE: (1) Escorts for B-1 and B-2 will be assigned by the Force Commanders.		 Note: Fast - 12 knots
Slow - 5 knots

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FORECAST OF ASSAULT CONVOYS (continued)

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive Swept
Channel		 Remarks
  Fire Support Force "O" BELFAST D-1 2 BB, 4 CL D 3 Proceed with DD escort and Fire Support Force "U" to rendezvous off Portland with O-1 F as directed by Cmdr., Assault Force "O".
  Fire Support Force "U" BELFAST D-1 1 BB, 3 CA, 2 CL D 1 Proceed with DD escort and Fire Support Force "O" to rendezvous off Portland with U-1 F as directed by Comdr. Assault Force "U".
  "U" Sweeps Fast Channel DARTMOUTH D-1 *16th MS Flotilla (BR)
"A" Flotilla - 11 AM (US)
"Y" Flotilla - 11 YMS (US)		 D 1 *Sweeps channel
  "U" Sweeps Slow Channel DARTMOUTH D-1 *14th MS Flotilla (BR)
132nd MS Flotilla (MMS)(BR)		 D 2 *Sweeps channel
  "O" Sweeps Fast Channel PORTLAND D-1 *31st MS Flotilla (BR)
167th MS Flotilla (BYMS)		 D 3 *Sweeps channel
  "O" Sweeps Slow Channel PORTLAND D-1 *4th MS Flotilla (BR)
104th MS Flotilla (MMS)(BR)		 D 4 *Sweeps channel
Note: (1) 4th and 14th Flotillas make return sweeps toward U.K. Other flotillas sweep the Assault Area.
(2) Escorts will be assigned by Assault Force Commanders.

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FORECAST OF MISCELLANEOUS CONVOYS

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive Swept
Channel		 Remarks
  O-C SOLENT D 8 Stores Coasters D
2nd Tide		 3 or 34 Join O-3 at area Z.
  U-C SOLENT D 4 Stores Coasters D
2nd Tide		 1 Join O-3 at area Z, then U-3 at entrance to channel No. 1.
  O-4 POOLE D-1 6 LCM(CRU), 65 LCM(3)
36 LBV (Stores), 9 Fueling Trawlers
3 LBW, 20 LBO, 8 LBE		 D
P.M.		 3 or 34 Phase so as not to interfere with O-3.
  U-5 POOLE D-1 3 LCM(CRU), 17 LCM(3)
18 LBV (Stores), 5 Fueling Trawlers
3 LBW, 20 LBO, 4 LBE		 D
P.M.		 1 Phase so as not to interfere with U-3.
  O-5 POOLE D 53 LCM(3), 36 LBV, 8 LBE
2 LBW, 2 LBK		 D+1
A.M.		 3 or 34 ML escort need not be returned by 2300 D day but may be retained until escort completed.
  U-6 POOLE D 18 LBV, 4 LBE, 2 LBK D+1
A.M.		 3 or 34 ML escort need not be returned by 2300 D day but may be retained until escort completed.
All numbers of craft are gross.
Note: Escorts, where necessary, will be assigned by Assault Force Commanders. A navigation leader (ML) is required for O-4, O-5, U-5, and U-6 convoys.

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FORECAST OF MISCELLANEOUS CONVOYS (continued)

Serial
No.		 Convoy Leave Date Composition Arrive* Swept
Channel		 Remarks
  Salvage "O" FALMOUTH D-1 2 AT, 1 ATR D
1st Tide		 3 Proceed as directed by Cmdr. Force "O" to arrive about H hour.
  Salvage "U" FALMOUTH D-1 2 AT, 1 ATR D
1st Tide		 1 Proceed as directed by Cmdr. Force "U" to arrive about H hour.
  Tow
U.B. 1		 EXMOUTH D-1 10 Stores Barges and 5 Tugs D+1 34 6 Barges to OMAHA.
4 Barges to UTAH.
Escort 2 A/S Trawlers Force "O"
  Tow
U.B. 2		 EXMOUTH D 6 Stores Barges and 3 Tugs D+2 34 4 Barges to OMAHA.
2 Barges to UTAH.
Escort 2 A/S Trawlers Force "U"
  Tow
U.B. 3		 EXMOUTH D+1 6 Stores Barges and 3 Tugs D+3 34 4 Barges to OMAHA.
2 Barges to UTAH.
Escort 1 A/S Trawler Force "O" and 1 A/S Trawler Force "U".
NOTES: *Delivered on day shown and beached as directed. Stores to be held in beach reserve.
Serial No., where shown, corresponds with that given in ON 13.
Tugs will be allocated by ANCXF from MULBERRY A pool.

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APPENDIX 2

 

ALLOCATION OF DESTROYERS AND ESCORTS

 

The source document was missing page 1 of this Appendix. If this material is located elsewhere, this page will be updated.

- HyperWar Editor.

 

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ALLOCATION OF DESTROYERS AND ESCORTS (continued)

Ships Remarks
 
Force "U"
DesDivs 20 and 34 (8 DD) Fire-support ships.
DesDiv 119, GLENNON, JEFFERS (7 DD) Loaned from Coastal Force. Join area screen and reserve fire-support on arrival.
SOEMBA (1 PG) (DU) Fire-support ship.
2 Corvettes (Fr) ACONIT and RENONCULE to 108th E.G., FALMOUTH.
Y2 Flotilla (7 YMS) May be used for escort.
7 PC Join area screen after assault.
7 SC Miscellaneous services.
3 A/S Trawlers (Br) Escort UB-2 and UB-3.
7 ML (Br) To FALMOUTH.
3 HDML (Br) To ISLE OF WIGHT area.
12 PT To area screen.
1 PT Service to Flagship.
10 Sea Rescue Craft Return to POOLE with APA and LSI.
 
Force "B"
ELLYSON, HAMBLETON, RODMAN (3 DD) Loaned from Control Force. Join area screen and reserve fire-support on arrival.
2 Old Destroyers (Br) VOLUNTEER to 144th E.G., MILFORD-HAVEN. VIMY to 141st E.G., MILFORD-HAVEN.
2 Hunts (Br) Escort returning convoys.
MALOY (1 DE) Return Comdr. Force "B" to U.K. then join area screen.
2 Corvettes (Br) KITCHNER to 141st E.G., MILFORD-HAVEN. AZALEA to 142nd E.G., MILFORD-HAVEN.
2 PC
2 SC Miscellaneous services.
3 A/S Trawlers (Br) Escort returning convoys.
5 Sea Rescue Craft Return to POOLE with LST and LCI(L).
NOTES: (1) Escorts will be assigned to convoy groups by the Force Commanders.
(2) Convoy B-3 will be escorted by 143rd E.G. plus 1 A/S Trawler.
(3) Escorts which are to be returned to a specific port or area in U.K. will be sailed by 2300 on D-day (See ON 9). ML which escort Convoys O-5 and U-6 may be retained until escort completed.

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