After some time on convoy escort duty, "Walney" was selected for Operation Reservist as part of the Allied invasion of French North Africa. "Walney", together with "Hartland" were to break into Oran harbour and land troops that would tank control of key facilities before they could be destroyed. She got into the harbour but was hit repeatedly by French guns. She just made to the jetty and survivors were able to get off but were subsequently captured, "Walney" then sank. Her captain, Frederick Thornton Peters was awarded the Victoria Cross "for valour in taking H.M.S. Walney, in an