The convoy encountered extreme severe weather, which forced six merchant ships, the cruiser Sheffield and the escort carrier  to turn back, but also prevented German forces from making effective attacks, with no merchant ships being sunk. Orwell sailed with the return convoy, RA 53 which left Kola Bay on 1 March, leaving the convoy on 10 March. Three ships of the convoy were sunk by German U-boats, while a fourth ship foundered.
The convoy faced severe weather, forcing six merchant ships, the cruiser Sheffield and the escort carrier to turn back, but also hindering German forces from launching effective attacks, with no merchant ships being sunk. Orwell sailed with the return convoy, RA 53 which left Kola Bay on 1 March, leaving the convoy on 10 March. Three ships of the convoy were sunk by German U-boats, while a fourth ship foundered.