No 1 Commando Troop Ship

November 1943 No 1 Commando left the United Kingdom for the Far East, but their troopship was bombed in the Mediterranean and had to divert to Egypt. Has anyone got any details regarding this, name of the ship, damage caused etc etc?
Thanks
Nigel

On 13 Nov 1943, No5 & 44RM embarked on the Reina Del Pacifico at Liverpool.

On 15 Nov 43 sailed to Gourock on the Clyde where they met with the main contingent of the convey which included Ranchi carrying No1, 42 RM & 3 SS Brigade HQ.

On 26 Nov 43 The convey, whilst passing Algiers, was attacked by German planes at 16.45hrs until 17.45 hrs. Ranchi was damaged and put into Alexandria for repairs. Two German planes were shot down to one of ours. air attack resumed at 1815hrs and continued till 1850hrs. A ship carrying US Servicemen was sunk - only 5 survivors.

[No1 and 42RM Cdos were accomodated at 158 Transit Camp whilst repairs to Ranchi were carried out]

On 19 Dec 43 Reina Del Pacifico docked at Bombay at 12.40hrs.

On 20 Dec 43, No5 & 44RM disembarked at 07.35, departed from Bombay railway station at 09.00hrs, arrived at Kedgaon (near Poona) at 17.40hrs.

On 15 Jan 44 The Dutch Troop, No10 (IA) Commando arrived.

On 21st Jan 44 No1 & 42 RM arrived after their enforced stay in Egypt.

Hope this helps,

Nick

Cheers Nick, thats great
:)

And it looks like Dad got to Christmas 1943 in Italy!

Meant egypt