My thanks to 'Kev' (Kevin Murphy), who is researching the history of HMS Pennywort (K111) , for emailing me the following information about HMS Rushen Castle which he unearthed when looking through his collection of convoy papers.

I have not been given the National Archives' document reference(s) (if indeed these are relevant) but the information presented fits comfortably with other documentation I hold for Rushen Castle, and therefore I believe it must be worthy of a mention.

Apparently, HMS "Gardiner" and HMS "Rushen Castle" sailed from Liverpool for Bangor Bay at 1900A 22nd December (1944) in accordance with FOIC Liverpool's 211215A/12.

Dense fog was encountered on arrival off Belfast Lough, and in view of the short time available (presumably because OS.100/KMS.74 was due to sail on 23rd December 1944 - see Convoy Web), it was considered advisable to remain outside.

'Kev' tells me that on 24th December Rushen Castle carried out two Squid attacks on what turned out to be a non-sub contact.

At 2100A 26th December in position 45deg: 59'N, 09deg: 58'W (ie approximately half-way between Liverpool and Gibraltar), "Gardiner" and "Rushen Castle" detached with the rescue ship "Empire Rest" to join MKS.72 in accordance with CinC WA 251762A.  Convoy Web indicates that, in any event, KMS.74 separated from OS.100 on 26th December 1944.

That was all 'Kev' could find regarding Rushen Castle, but as he said "every little helps" - it is another valuable part of the jigsaw which is Rushen Castle's history.