the English Channel. In February 1944, Balfour was part of the 1st Support Group, supporting convoys to the west of Ireland. In June 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy, and the 1st Escort Group, including Balfour, was one of six Escort Groups deployed to form a barrier about 130 miles west of Lands End to prevent German U-boats based in the French Atlantic ports from interfering with the landings. These Escort Groups were later moved into the Channel, and on 25 June 1944 the 1st Escort Group was searching south east of Torquay for a submarine that had torpedoed the frigate when Balfour detected a sonar contact. Balfour attacked with Hedgehog, which resulted in several explosions and a slick of oil. Balfour and sister ship then followed up with depth charges. At the time, the two frigates were credited with sinking with the loss of all hands. The Kriegsmarine had U-1191 listed as missing (no radio contact) since 12 June 1944. The Admiralty later withdrew the credit for sinking U-1191, declaring that the cause of that submarine's loss was unknown. Other sources indicate that Balfour and Affleck had attacked the wreck of the submarine , sank earlier the same day, and that U-1191 was sunk by British destroyers and frigates on 3 July. On the afternoon of 18 July 1944, Balfour attacked the submarine with depth charges. Although U-672 managed to slip away from Balfour, she was badly damaged, and early on 19 July, the submarine surfaced and was scuttled by its commanding officer. All hands (52 crew and officers) were rescued and spent the rest of the war as prisoners of war. This action took place in the English Channel north of Guernsey at position . In December 1944, Balfour was Senior Officer's ship in the 18th Escort Group, operating out of Greenock. By March–April 1945, Balfour had returned to the 1st Escort Group, operating out of Portsmouth against German submarines in the Channel. Disposal Following the end of the war, Balfour was returned to the United States, transferring back to the US Navy at New York on 25 October 1945, and keeping the name Balfour. She was sold on 28 October 1946. See also List of ship names of the Royal Navy Notes References External links Uboat.net page for HMS Balfour Uboat.net page for U-672 Uboat.net page for U-1191 captainclassfrigates.co.uk Captain-class frigates Buckley-class destroyer escorts World War II frigates