Dumbarton Castle joined B5 Escort Group and moved from anti-submarine patrols to Gibraltar convoy work. The junior officer recalls a route extending to 30 degrees west before turning north or south to avoid German aircraft. The corvette often accompanied an escort carrier as it turned into wind to launch or recover aircraft, and landing accidents were frequent. Other assignments included escorting tankers between convoys so they could refuel the escorts. The convoys normally moved at eight knots, with weather and stragglers reducing that speed. A Gibraltar round trip usually took about five weeks, followed by a week alongside while boiler cleaning proceeded.
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Gibraltar convoys, escort carriers and refuelling duties
Gibraltar escort work combined a wide Atlantic route, carrier flying support, tanker movements and recurring boiler maintenance.