Trying to find out whether or not a relative is entitled to the Arctic Star ... saw this on the internet saying that HMS ONSLOW was due to join convoy JW51b at 67N 10W. HMS CHIDDINGFOLD had escorted convoy from Loch Ewe and due to detach at 66N 10W. Is this an obvious answer or am I missing something? I presume if ONSLOW joined at 67N 10W then CHIDDINGFOLD would not of detached until ONSLOW had arrived??? *** HMS CHIDDINGFOLD IS THE SHIP THAT MY RELATIVE SERVED ON*** Cheers Dan
Dan, Looking at your record in the second image it would appear your assumption would be correct, that the CHIDDINGFOLD was with the convoy when the ONSLOW joined, however to me, that does not prove that the ONSLOW joined where it was due to. Log books are, in my opinion, the document to look at. Mark
Dan I agree with Mark you will need to provide evidence of his service in the Arctic theatre and ADM 199/2550 should hopefully tell you that. Notes on websites, no matter how good or accurate, can only be used as a guide for you to find out more. Regards Hugh
Dan It does state "JW51b approximate position 67N 010W. " - I guess the operative word is 'approximate', as Mark says log books should say - others may be able to add. Just out of interest what is the difference in miles between 66, 32 N and 67N 010W ?? TD
Went to Kew today ... convoy notes transcribed Ocean escort joined at 65° 58'N 09° 20'W Local escort left a short while after
Can find no further evidence that the Chiddingfold got more north than 65 58 or how far it carried on until turning Although a Chiddingfold veteran was posthumously awarded the Arctic Star in 2013 ... awaiting contact from daughter. Search Chiddingfold George Redhead Arctic Star Peterborough to find article via google
No comments in the movements log bar the departures and arrivals from Scapa, Aultbea (Loch Ewe) and Seidisfjord. Have emailed both George Redheads daughter and also the Navy library at Portsmouth