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Career information

Hugh Stirling MacKenzie RN was Captain of the boys training establishment HMS Ganges from 1959 to1960 at Shotley Gate near Ipswich.

Submarine HMS H 28 (N 28)

7 Mar 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with the new destroyer HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN). (1)

8 Mar 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed Campbeltown to Londonderry. [She made the passage under escort from a destroyer but the log of H 28 does not give the name of this ship.] (1)

9 Mar 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (1)

10 Mar 1941
Shortly after leaving for exercises in Lough Foyle, HMS H 28 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), collided with the British merchant Lairdbank (789 GRT, built 1936) which suddenly changed course and could not be evaded. Following the colission H 28 returned to Londonderry. (1)

11 Mar 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed Londonderry for Belfast where she was to be repaired. (1)

12 Mar 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Belfast. (1)

Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)

11 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed Sheerness for Rosyth. She made the passage in convoy FN 465. (2)

13 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (2)

14 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) shifted from Rosyth to Methill.

She departed for Tobermory later the same day escorted by HMS Tarantella (T/Lt. the Hon. R.A. Balfour, RNVR). (2)

16 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (2)

17 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban. (2)

18 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) shifted from Oban to Tobermory where she particapated in A/S exercises later the same day. (2)

22 May 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

23 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

24 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

26 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

27 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

1 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

1 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

2 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

5 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

9 Jun 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. After these exercises Lt. Martin took over command from Lt. Mackenzie. (3)

Submarine HMS Thrasher (N 37)

19 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included A/S exercises with and practice attacks on HMS Beryl. (4)

20 Oct 1941
Around 1550B/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Malta for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte off Benghazi.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher daily (1200 hours) during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

23 Oct 1941
At 1922B/23, on receipt of Capt. S.1's signal timed 1611B/23 giving the position of a convoy, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) set course to intercept. The signal stated that two small craft escorted by a destroyer were reported a 1100B/23 in position 31°50'N, 17°22'E on course 080° at a speed of 8 knots.

[We have no clue which ships this signal referred to.] (6)

24 Oct 1941
At 0744B/24, when south-west of Benghazi, in position 31°59'N, 19°51'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighed a Spica class torpedo boat on course 345° proceeding at a speed of 18 knots. She passed at a distance of 2000 yards and proceeded into Benghazi. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 1500B/24, when west-south-west of Benghazi, in position 32°04'N, 19°48'E, HMS Thrasher sighed three gunboats / minesweepers and two auxiliary schooners minesweeping in position 32°10'N, 19°51'E. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1606B/24, these ships were now proceeding southwards on what appeared to be an A/S sweep. An aircraft was patrolling overhead.

At 2110B/24, HMS Thrasher set course to intercept a convoy reported in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1445B/24 which stated that two merchant ships escorted by a destroyer had been sighed at 1047B/24, in position 35°24'N, 21°00'E, steering south. This must have referred to the convoy made up of the transports Bolsena (Italian, 2384 GRT, built 1918) and Iseo (Italian, 2366 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the Italian destroyer Strale. They had departed Brindisi for Benghazi around 1350B/20. The convoy had been at Navarino between 1050B/22 and 2050B/23 before continuing the passage to Benghazi where it arrived around 1330B/25. Strale dropped six 50-kg depth charges on a patch of oil observed at 0840B/24 in position 35°20’N, 21°00’E. At 1000B/25, the convoy was reinforced by the torpedo boat Polluce coming from Benghazi.

[Note: ULTRA had also revealed that the convoy made up of the transports Spezia (German 1825 GRT, built 1924) and Amba Aradam (Italian, 400 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Marcello Prestinari had sailed from Tripoli and was expected in Benghazi at 0300B/25 (actually arrived at 0820B/25).] (7)

25 Oct 1941
At 0950B/25, when north-west of Benghazi, in position 32°17'N, 19°50'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a Spica class torpedo boat on course 150° proceeding at a speed of 19 knots. Visibility was poor at times due to a heavy dust storm. No other ships were in company of this destroyer / torpedo boat. Lt. Mackenzie considered it unlikely that the convoy could have entered Benghazi through the searched channel he was patrolling off.

This was possibly the torpedo boat Polluce who had sailed from Benghazi at 1719B/24 to patrol the approaches to the harbour and returned at 1432B/25. (5)

26 Oct 1941
At 0942B/26, when north-west of Benghazi, in approximate position 32°22'N, 19°40'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted seven enemy A/S or minesweeping vessels operating on the northern and western edges of mine declared area QB 51. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1320B/26, HMS Thrasher was in position 32°19'N, 19°45.5'E awaiting the vessels indicated in Capt. S.10's signal timed 1247B/25 but no convoy appeared. [An ULTRA intercept had revealed that three destroyers with German troops were expected to arrive at Benghazi at 1300B/26. They were however delayed and only arrived at Benghazi on 4 November.] (5)

27 Oct 1941
At 0900B/27, when north-west of Benghazi, in approximate position 32°14.5'N, 19°52'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted enemy A/S craft and minesweepers proceeding to seaward up swept channel on very erratic and varying courses. Constant avoiding action was necessary during the entire forenoon. They occasionally appeared to sweep in pairs, occasionally singly, and were liable to alter course or formation at any time. One passed 200 yards under HMS Thrasher's stern and she was definitely towing a sweep wire. This sweeper subsequently proceeded into the heart of mine declared area QB 51 and continued its queen antics there. At no time did any one of them appear to be carrying out a deliberate sweep of the swept channel.

at 1705B/27, when in position 32°19.5'N, 20°03.5'E, HMS Thrasher sighted an 800-ton three-masted schooner in position 32°17'N, 20°11'E proceeding on course 215° at a speed of 6 knots. Too close inshore and too far to southward to enable an attack to be carried out. Set course to patrol to the northward of QB 51 during the night.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels seen during the day.] (5)

28 Oct 1941 (position 32.20, 20.10)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sank the schooner Esperia (Italian, 384 BRT, built 1925) with gunfire north-east of Benghazi, Libya in position 32°20'N, 20°10'E. She was en-route from Derna to Benghazi. The crew of the Esperia escaped in a boat and reached the shore near the signal station. There were no casualties.

0556B/28 - Dived in position 32°27'N, 20°08'E and set course to investigate the inshore north-eastern approach to Benghazi.

0930B/28 - While Thrasher was in position 32°19'N, 20°10'E sighted and commenced an attack on a three masted schooner of about 800 tons.

0941B/28 - Fired one torpedo that missed. The torpedo must have passed very close as the crew started to abandon ship.

1010B/28 - Surfaced and sank the schooner with 9 rounds of gunfire in position 32°20'N, 20°10'E.

1016B/28 - Dived.

1036B/28 - The schooner was observed to sink. Later a Crotone class minelayer and a Spica class torpedo boat were seen searching the area.

1900B/28 - Surfaced in position 32°24'5"N, 20°08'E and proceeded to intercept a convoy that was signalled in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1541B/28 (which stated that a convoy of two ships had been sighted at 0800B/28 in position 31°30'N, 17°06'E. Enemy course 090°, speed 6.5 knots.). (5)

29 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) patrolled to the south-west of Benghazi but the convoy referred to in the signal of yesterday was not seen.

This signal must have referred to the convoy made up of the transports Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927) and Pertusola (Italian, 1502 GRT, built 1882) as well as the auxiliary schooner Cora (Italian, 357 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cascino. They had departed Tripoli around 1600B/26 and arrived at Benghazi around 1400B/29.

At 1205B/29, HMS Thrasher sighted a 300 tons auxiliary schooner in position 31°58'N, 19°51'E. Enemy course was 020°, speed 7 knots. Perhaps this was the Cora but more likely it was an auxiliary schooner from the Benghazi local patrol.

Cora had engine defects which reduced her speed to 6 knots. Pertusola had also difficulties in the bad weather as her cargo had shifted and she had to take refuge at Misurata. Despite the bad weather, Brook and Cora escorted by Cascino proceeded to Benghazi, they were later joined by a minesweeper and an A/S motorboat (both unidentified in the Cascino report) from Benghazi and escorted in. (8)

30 Oct 1941
At 0800B/30, when in position 32°15.5N, 19°52E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) observed enemy A/S and/or minesweeping vessels bearing 155°. Enemy course was approximately 225°. There were four auxiliary schooners and two gunboats / minesweepers present.

At 0825B/30, another three schooners and one gunboat / minesweeper were seen bearing 210°, course 310°, speed 5 knots.

At 0915B/30, the enemy light craft were observed operating all together within about 3 miles of position 290° - Benghazi lighthouse - 12.5 miles. Their courses and formations were various.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted.] (5)

31 Oct 1941
At 0755B/31, when north of Benghazi, in position 32°19'N, 20°05.5'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) observed three large patches of smoke ahead. Enemy A/S craft and minesweepers were operating in the vicinity of the swept channel. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 0830B/31, in position 32°18'N, 20°04.5'E, HMS Thrasher sighted a three masted schooner of about 800 tons escorted by a gunboat / minesweeper. Enemy course was 030°, speed 6 knots. They were close inshore with an air escort of two aircraft overhead. It was not possible to get within torpedo range. This must have been the Rita which had left Benghazi at 0700B/31 for Derna. The escort must have been a local escort which later must have turned back. Rita appeared to have proceeded independently to Derna.

At 0910B/31, in position 32°17.5'N, 20°05.25'E, sighted a barquentine of 600 tons bearing 180°, range 5 miles. An attack was started.

At 0925B/31, the barquentine was observed to be stopped.

At 0933B/31, the attack was broken off as the barquentine was observed to be returning to Benghazi.

At 1510B/31, when in position 32°21'N, 20°11'E sighted the gunboat / minesweeper seen this morning escorting the schooner returning to Benghazi. (9)

1 Nov 1941 (position 32.32, 19.55)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is depth charged, by the Italian torpedo boat Polluce, while trying to attack a group of two ships.

Polluce had sailed from Benghazi at 1830B/31 with the auxiliary submarine chaser Cotugno to reinforce the escort of the convoy, when Thrasher was sighted at 0021B/1 at a distance of 8000 to 9000 metres and Polluce closed at 25 knots. At 0026B/1, the range was 5000 metres the submarine was seen to submerge in position 32°31'N, 20°29'20"E. The torpedo boat subsquently dropped four 100-kg, two 150-kg and three 50-kg depth charges, then reduced speed to put in the water a towing mine set at a depth of 30 metres. The mine was towed until 0455B/1 when the chase was ended to join the convoy.

Later she attacks a convoy with three torpedoes in position 32°32'N, 19°55'5"E but these all missed the intended target. This convoy was made up of the transports Capo Faro (Italian, 3476 GRT, built 1906) and Capo Arma (Italian, 3172 GRT, built 1905) escorted by Italian torpedo boat Procione. They had left Brindisi around 1000B/29 for Benghasi where they arrived around 0900B/29.

The convoy Capo Faro/Capo Arma/Procione had been attacked by aircraft between 0002B-0045B/1 and again at 0155B/1. At that time the convoy was in single file with Procione leading, Capo Faro followed by Capo Arma. According to the Procione report: at 0640B/1, she sighted Polluce which joined the escort, followed at 0720/1 by the submarine chaser Selve (ex-Yugoslav Galeb) and a motorboat. Polluce sighted the convoy which was split in two groups: (1) one merchant ship was escorted by Procione (2) one merchant ship escorted by the submarine chaser Cotugno (Selve is not mentioned). No submarine attack was observed by either torpedo boat. Two Cant Z.501 seaplanes took off from Benghazi to escort the convoy from 0630B/1 to 0930B/1.

A convoy consisting of the transports Iseo (Italian, 2366 GRT, built 1918) and Bolsena (Italian, 2384 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Procione sailed from Benghazi at 1830B/1. This was most probably the convoy referred by Captain S.1’s 1051A/31 as an ULTRA signal had reported its expected departure from Benghazi at 1630B/1 (Source: DEFE3/690/Frame 248).

1900B/31 - Surfaced in position 32°20'5"N, 20°10'E and patrolled to the North-East of Benghazi to try to intercept a convoy.

2035B/31 - In position 32°19'N, 20°07'E sighted two darkened vessels. Closed.

2045B/31 - Dived in position 32°18'N, 20°07'E. The ships were identified as a merchant vessel and an escort. An attack was not possible.

2015B/31 - Surfaced and chased the enemy. The convoy was about two nautical miles off. The larger vessel was identified as a Spica class torpedo boat and the smaller one was thought to be some sort of auxiliary vessel.

2113B/31 - Dived again. The two vessels were still in the area and could be seen several times through the periscope.

2340B/31 - Surfaced in position 32°21'5"N, 20°02'5"E and proceeded northwards still hoping to attack these ships.

0028B/1 - In position 32°27'N, 20°02'25"E sighted the torpedo boat coming straight towards at high speed so dived to 80 feet.

0032B/1 - First depth charges dropped but these were not close. Depth charges were dropped until 0049B/1.

0115B/1 - The H.E. of the torpedo boat faded away.

0256B/1 - Surfaced in position 32°32'N, 19°57'E.

0352B/1 - In position 32°31'25"N, 19°55'75"E sighted two darkened ships about 3.5 nautical miles away. Altered course towards.

0356B/1 - The two vessels were identified as torpedo boats (destroyers) and they were seen to turn towards so dived to 80 feet.

0419B/1 - Surfaced in position 32°31'75"N, 19°55'E.

0421B/1 - Sighted two darkened merchant vessels and two destroyers / torpedo boats. Turned towards.

0427B/1 - In position 32°32'N, 19°55'5"E fired three torpedoes at the rear and largest of the two merchant ships. All torpedoes missed their target. The attack was not observed.

0429B/1 - A destroyer / torpedo boat turned towards so dived to 80 feet.

0449B/1 - Surfaced in position 32°31'75"N, 19°56'E.

0614B/1 - Dived and approached the coast north-east of Benghazi.

1223B/1 - Turned to the seaward to intercept a convoy that was announced in a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1051A/31 [It appears this signal was referring to the convoy she had just attacked].

1900B/1 - Surfaced in position 32°31'5"N, 19°57'E. (8)

2 Nov 1941 (position 32.26, 20.08)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) fires two torpedoes against a Crotone-class minesweeper in position 32°26'N, 20°08'E. None of the torpedoes hit the target.

[We have no clue regarding the ships sighted although the transport Pertusola (Italian, 1502 GRT, built 1882) escorted by the auxiliary submarine chaser Zirona arrived at Benghazi from Buerat at 1200B/2. Supermarina only notes that at 1200B/2, the auxiliary submarine chaser Zuri sighted a submarine 12 miles west of Briana (Cyrenaica). (We could not find Briana on the map).]

0610B/2 - Dived in position 32°29'N, 20°10'5"E and patrolled the north-eastern approach to Benghazi.

0950B/2 - In position 32°23'N, 20°07'5"E sighted a Crotone-class minelayer and one smaller vessel bearing 140, distance 5 nautical miles, course 030°, speed 10 knots.

1015B/2 - Both vessels altered course to 330°
1042 hours - Both vessels stopped in position 32°24'N, 20°12'E. Closed for an attack.

1135B/2 - The enemy ships went ahead on a north-westerly course.

1236B/2 - In position 32°26'N, 20°08'E fired no.3 and 4 torpedo tubes against the Crotone-class minelayer from a range of 1400 yards. After firing Thrasher went deep. One minute and 8 seconds after firing the H.E. of the target and the torpedoes coincided. The torpedoes may have run under.

1242B/2 - The first of 13 depth charges was dropped. None were close. The last of the 13 depth charges was dropped at 1327B/2. Thrasher proceeded to the westward. Nothing was sighted for the rest of the day.

1856B/2 - Surfaced in position 32°28'5"N, 19°51'E and proceeded to the seaward. (5)

4 Nov 1941
At 1850B/4, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol to seaward of the main swept channel into Benghazi. Course was then set to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte as instructed in Capt. S.1's signal timed 2231B/2.

At 2029B/4, when east of Benghazi, in position 32°02.5'N, 19°26'E, sighted three darkened ships in line ahead, bearing 110°, range 4 miles. Enemy course 245°, speed 18 knots. Altered course towards.

2032B/4, Identified the vessels as single funnel destroyers.

2033B/4, The enemy turned to starboard, the rear destroyer was now right ahead. Dived to 120 feet and altered course to port.

2037B/4, Altered course to starboard. HE of the enemy vessels drawing across from starboard to port.

2045B/4, HE of the destroyers passed down the port side.

2050B/4, set course 244°.

2120B/4, HE faded out on a bearing of 350°. It was considered that these destroyers were carrying out a routine A/S patrol to the west and north of Benghazi.

[The three destroyers were the Antonio Da Noli, Emanuele Pessagno and Ugolino Vivaldi bringing German troops to Benghazi. This was the convoy earlier revealed by Ultra on 27 October. They reached Benghazi at 1610B/4.] (5)

6 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol to proceed to Malta. (5)

8 Nov 1941
Around 0800B/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Malta. (5)

10 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Malta. (10)

15 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is undocked. (10)

20 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted trials off Malta. (10)

22 Nov 1941
Around 1700B/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Malta for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic and later in the Ionian Sea.

For HMS Thrasher's daily positions and attack positions during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

25 Nov 1941 (position 40.37, 18.27)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian armed merchant cruiser Attilio Deffenu (3510 GRT, built 1929) about 20 nautical miles east of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy in position 40°37'N, 18°27'E. The Deffenu was escorting a convoy from Patras (departed there on the 24th) to Brindisi. The convoy was made up of the transports Caterina Madre (Italian, 4027 GRT, built 1904) and Resurrectio (Italian, 981 GRT, built 1894).

Earlier that day, in very bad visibility, several times the dim shapes of (a) ship / ships were seen but no attack was possible.

[The Italian convoy was proceeding at 6 knots. At 1655B/25, four torpedo wakes were observed from the Attilio Deffenu (Capitano di Corvetta Giuseppe Guglielmino), two of them skimming the surface of the water. From the Caterina Madre, one torpedo was observed to jump out of the water when it was discharged and initially mistook for a dolphin. The first torpedo passed under hold no.1 of the armed merchant cruiser without detonating, but the second hit in hold no.2. The next two torpedoes missed. The vessel remained afloat until 2058B/25. There were two killed and three wounded. At 1650B/25, the destroyer Strale escorting the transport Bosforo from Patras to Brindisi sighted ahead a column of water at a distance of 15000 metres, near a convoy which was preceding them (the Deffenu convoy), followed by another explosion about 1000 metres from this convoy. Her captain assumed that these were mines planted by the enemy in the searched channel. Strale ordered Bosforo to follow her by staying in her wake. At 1720B/25, Strale received an SOS from the Caterina Madre (the explosion had brought down the aerial of Deffenu and her SOS were not received) reporting the torpedoing of Attilio Deffenu. She ordered Bosforo to go ahead and, at 1840 hours, reached Deffenu who was still floating. She dropped thirty depth charges for intimidation purposes and sighted three lifeboats towing Carley floats (a fourth had capsized). Strale took on board a wounded rating and looked for survivors and finally picked up in all twelve of them and assumed the escort of the two merchant ships. Shortly after, MAS 552 arrived on the scene and assisted in the search for survivors. The tugs Pantelleria and Piroosa (? not legible) and the minesweeper RD 25 arrived at 2120B/25 but it was too late.]

0643B/25 - Dived in position 40°28'5"N, 18°31'5"E and proceeded north-west along the coast towards Brindisi.

1100B/25 - Heard HE bearing 210°. Came to periscope depth. Due to torrential rain the visibility was practically nil. Altered course towards the land.

1112B/25 - When in position 40°25'N, 18°23'E sighted, for a few seconds, the shape of a ship. At the same time three aircraft, thought to be JU-52 transport planes, were seen on a south-easterly course. Between 1120B/25 and 1145B/25 dim shapes of one or two ships were seen twice for a few moments each. No estimations were possible and the HE was poor, being overpowered by the noise the rain was making. The ships were proceeding to the north-west.

1145B/25 - Proceeded on a north-west course towards Brindisi.

Around 1400B/25 - The weather improved so did the visibility.

1551B/25 - In position 40°32'5"N, 18°18'E sighted two ships bearing 155°. Turned towards and commenced attack. The convoy proved to be three ships in line ahead about 1/2 mile apart. The first ship was estimated at 6000 tons, the second at 4000 tons and the 3rd at 2000 tons. Decided to fire at the leading and the second ship. Enemy course was 320°, speed 8 knots.

1653B/25 - In position 40°31'5"N, 18°13'E fired four torpedoes at the leading ship and turned to fire at the second ship. Before a salvo could be fired at the second ship the first ship was hit by one torpedo resulting in that the convoy scattered immediately. Thrasher continued to close in the hope of getting a further shot.

1704B/25 - Fired one torpedo at the second ship which appeared to be stopped at a range of 1000 yards. The torpedo missed and the ship got under way.

1708B/25 - A cloud of smoke was seen coming towards from Brindisi and approaching fast. Thrasher went deep and retired to the seaward. When last seen the ship hit was down by the bows, listing to starboard and the crew had abandoned ship.

1720 to 1800B/25 - Intermittent depth charging while Thrasher continued to retire to the North-East reloading the torpedo tubes.

1845B/25 - Lost contact with the ship that was hunting.

2105B/25 - Heard two distant explosions.

2113B/25 - Surfaced in position 40°39'N, 18°25'E and decided to carry out the first of the two special operations. (5)

26 Nov 1941
During the day HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) reconnoitred the coast north of Ulcinj, Yugoslavia (now Montenegro).

At 1240B/26, when in position 42°08'N, 19°00'E, sighted a transport of about 1000 tons hull down bearing 240°. The range could not be closed enough to start an attack. Enemy course was 300°, speed 10 knots. This ship may have just left Bar.

This was possibly the tanker Picci Fassio (Italian, 2261 GRT, built 1909) who sailed from Durazzo at 0700B/24 and was expected to arrive at Kotor at 1300B/25. She was expected to travel at 7 knots but the distance of only about 70 miles may have meant she had stopped in Bar.

HMS Thrasher surfaced at 1840B/26 and commenced patrolling off the coast near Bar but at 2004B/26, when she was in position 42°04'N, 18°57'E, a signal, timed 1747B/26, was received from Capt. S.1 cancelling the patrol in the Adriatic and the special operations. Course was then set to leave the Adriatic and patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (5)

28 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0020B/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) commenced patrolling near position 39°24'N, 18°30'E.

At 1617B/28, when in position 39°29'N, 18°34'E HE was heard (180 revs.) bearing 122°. Range must have been at least 10000 yards. Altered course to close but at 1646B/28, contact was lost on bearing 154°. Nothing was sighted through the periscope.

At 2314B/28, HMS Thrasher set course to the south-west corner of her patrol area on receipt of the NOIC Malta's signal timed 2231B/28 which stated that the Italian Fleet might be at sea. (5)

29 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1726B/29, when in position 39°20'N, 18°52'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) heard three distant torpedo explosions.

This was HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) attacking an Italian cruiser force. (5)

30 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0030B/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 0530B/29, ordering her to form a patrol line with HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) and HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN). (5)

1 Dec 1941
At 0650B/1, in position 39°40'N, 18°03'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), sighted a darkened destroyer bearing 305° at a range of 3.5 nautical miles. She appeared to be stopped. HMS Thrasher dived three minutes later.

At 0714B/1, the destroyer was heard to go ahead on a north-easterly course. On coming to periscope depth an auxiliary schooner was seen in the vicinity of the destroyers original position.

The destroyer sighted may have been any of the nine destroyers escorting the battleship Caio Duilio and the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi, Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta, Raimondo Montecuccoli and Muzio Attendolo returning to Taranto after covering convoys to Libya. The nine destroyers escorting these ships were the following; Aviere, Geniere, Camicia Nera, Granatiere, Alpino, Bersagliere, Fuciliere, Corazziere and Carabiniere. (5)

2 Dec 1941
At 0707B/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived in position 39°33'N, 17°50'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived and proceeded eastwards in accordance with NOIC Malta's signal timed 1128B/1.

At 1545B/2, in approximate position 39°33'N, 18°12'E, masts were sighted over the horizon bearing 233°. Course was altered to close. The masts appeared to be those of a fast merchant vessel on a west-north-westerly course. It was not possible to get within range so continued proceeding eastwards. [No clue regarding the identity of this vessel.] (5)

4 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2150B/4, when HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) was in position 39°18'N, 19°51'E (Near Corfu), a signal was received from Capt. S.1 (timed 1915B/4) ordering the submarine to patrol in position 39°30'N, 17°30'E. (5)

7 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1930B/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol as ordered in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1715B/6. (5)

8 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0708B/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is ordered to patrol in position area Q 1 (probably to the west-north-west of Navarino) proceeding through positions 36°10'N, 21°26'E and 37°10'N, 20°44'E (Capt. S.1's signal timed 0105B/8). (5)

9 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2050B/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1551B/9, ordering her to leave patrol. Course was set accordingly.

13 Dec 1941
At 1215B/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Alexandria. (5)

1 Jan 1942
At 1030B/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea and off the Gulf of Taranto.

On leaving harbour A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN). (11)

1 Jan 1942
For HMS Thrasher's daily and attack positions during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

4 Jan 1942
At 1640B/4, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) surfaced and then proceeded on the surface at best speed in accordance with NOIC Malta's signal timed 1151B/4 which stated that an enemy battleship, two cruisers and destroyers had been reported on a southerly course about 180 nautical miles to the westward.

At 1805B/4, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1523B/4, ordering her to patrol in position Z (39°12'N, 17°46'E) as part of a patrol line with HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) (position X, 39°05'N, 17°30'E) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) (position Y, 39°09'N, 17°39'E). (11)

5 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1215B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) were ordered to take up their positions as ordered in Capt. S.10's signal timed 1523B/4 as soon as possible. (12)

6 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0803B/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived while still 20 nautical miles short of her ordered patrol position. (11)

7 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1131B/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) received new orders. HMS Unbeaten was to remain in position X (39°05'N, 17°30'E). ORP Sokol and HMS Thrasher were to open out at 0001B/8 to 12 and 24 miles, 060°, respectively from HMS Unbeaten. (12)

9 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0038B/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.10's signal timed 1137B/8, ordering her to operate in 'Area G' (which must have been to the south-west of Corfu). Course was set accordingly. (11)

10 Jan 1942 (position 38.59, 19.52)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Fedora (Italian, 5016 GRT, built 1909) about 35 nautical miles north-east of Cape Dukato, Greece in position 38°59'N, 19°52'E. Fedora was escorted by the naval auxiliary Brindisi.

0106B/10 - In position 39°14'N, 19°41'E sighted a distant dark object bearing 310°, turned towards and closed.

0115B/10 - The object was identified as a medium seized merchant ship that was coming straight towards. The ship was accompanied by one smaller vessel. The enemy's course was 130°.

0120B/10 - Dived to attack from periscope depth. The weather on the surface was to rough for a surface attack. But the ships passed before an attack could be mounted.

0154B/10 - Surfaced and gave chase.

0355B/10 - Attacked on the surface and fired the first of four torpedoes at the largest vessel. The second and third torpedo of this salvo hit the target.

0358B/10 - Dived in position 38°59'N, 19°51'5"E.

0400B/10 - Heard loud breaking up noises.

0401B/10 - The first of about 20 depth charges was dropped. Depth charging continued for another two hours but none was close.

0500B/10 - Commenced reloading the torpedo tubes while proceeding to the north-west.

1845B/10 - Surfaced. (11)

16 Jan 1942
At 0150B/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) set course to proceed to position 39.33'N, 17.44'E, which was 'Position C' in a patrol line of three submarines. This was in accordance with instructions stated in Capt. S.10's signal timed 1005B/13. The other submarines in the patrol line were HMS Una (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN). (11)

20 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0010B/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol in accordance with Capt. S.10's signal timed 1227B/18. Course was set to return to Alexandria. (11)

25 Jan 1942
Around 1015B/25, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Alexandria. (11)

13 Feb 1942
Around 1630B/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto passing to the North of Crete while en-route.

For the daily and attack position of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.

(11)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) makes a torpedo attack on the transport Arkadia (German, 1756 GRT, built 1927) off Suda Bay, Crete, Greece. All torpedoes fired however missed their target.

She had been in convoy coming from Thessaloniki (which they had left around 1430B/13) with the transport Salzburg (German, 1742 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers 12 V 4, 12 V 6 and 12 V 7.

The Salzburg had entered Candia (Iraklion) around 0800B/16. Arkadia entered Suda Bay around 1400B/16. The three submarine chasers only entered Suda Bay around 1730B/16 after having hunted the submarine.

The convoy had also reinforced by the German auxiliary submarine chasers 13 V 4 and the Italian patrol boat D 6 at some point.

0413B/16 - In position 35°31'N, 24°55'E, sighted three darkened ships bearing 255°, distance 5 nautical miles. These were thought to be two transports and one escort on course 120° at a speed of 8 knots but this was not realised until 10 minutes later. Thrasher is however unable to get into an attack position and by 0429B/16, the ships were lost from sight against the land. From this time on the ships were only seen occasionally.

0443B/16, Three or four ships were sighted three miles ahead. One small trawler type vessel was stopped at a range of two miles while the remainder were circling all over the place apparently waiting for orders to enter Candia. Decided to close on main motors to try to get past the closest A/S vessel and then attack but before this could materialise the convoy formed up again and proceeded on course 150° with the small A/S vessel bringing up the rear. The attack had to be abandoned.

0520B/16 - Proceeded towards Suda Bay at full speed.

0730B/16 - Dived in position 060°, Cape Drepano distance 11.5 nautical miles.

0855B/16 - A small 1000 ton merchant ship escorted by a minesweeper or motor launch was sighted bearing 200°, distance 5 nautical miles. Their course was 120° and they had just left Suda Bay. Closed at speed to within 6000 yards. Could not get close enough and at that range Lt. MacKenzie did not considered it worth firing torpedoes so the attack was abandoned.

0945B/16 - Sighted one small patrol vessel in the entrance to Suda Bay.

1020B/16 - Saw one motor launch approaching from Suda Bay. It passed 2 nautical miles astern and disappeared at about 12 knots in a north-easterly direction.

1050B/16 - Saw one MAS boat leaving Suda Bay at high speed.

1055B/16 - The MAS boat stopped about 3000 yards away bearing 240°. Thrasher went deep and retired to the Eastward.

1150B/16 - Sighted a large two-masted schooner entering Suda Bay.

1155B/16 - Sighted one merchant vessel bearing 060°. Altered course and started an attack. The merchant ship was about 3000 tons and was deeply laden. Five escorts were seen, one ahead, one on each beam and one on each quarter. Three of the escorts were transmitting on Asdic. Also one or two aircraft were circling overhead.

1234B/16 - Fired the first of a salvo of four torpedoes from 2000 yards. A few seconds after firing the first torpedo a muffled explosion shook the submarine considerably, probably a bomb dropped by an aircraft. Less than a minute later machine gun bullets were heard striking the water. Almost three minutes after firing the first torpedo a loud distant explosion was hear followed ten seconds later by another. This might have been the torpedoes exploding or depth charges. Thrasher dived to 270 feet and retired to the Northward.

1245B/16 - The first of a total of 33 depth charges was dropped. Most were too close for comfort. Minor damage was caused.

1430B/16 - While at periscope depth three A/S vessels were seen to be still hunting. Aircraft were also seen. Thrasher went deep again and continued to retire while reloading the torpedo tubes.

1545B/16 - Came to periscope depth again. Nothing in sight.

1906B/16 - Surfaced. (13)

17 Feb 1942
Two bombs were removed from the deck and the casing of HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN). These bombs were dropped by an aircraft during the attack on the merchant yesterday.

0150B/17 - Discovered a large hole in the side of the gun platform and one unexploded bomb of about 100 lbs laying on the fore casing just forward of the gun. This bomb had only a small portion of it's tail attached to it, preventing it from rolling off the casing.

0240B/17 - Went to full speed astern and lowered into the water to let go the bomb over the bows. A further examination of the casing revealed another bomb inside the casing lying on the pressure hull just forward of the gun support. This bomb had to be dragged for 20 feet through the casing before it could be get out and dropped over the side at 0330 hours. This was accomplished by the first lieutenant Lt. P.S.W. Roberts, RN and petty officer T.W. Gould. They both received the Victoria Cross for this.

0335B/17 - Set course towards Cape Matapan.

0623B/17 - Dived. Closed to within five nautical miles from Cape Matapan and then set course to the Westward.

1926B/17 - Surfaced. (11)

18 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0055B/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2157B/17 ordering her to keep south of 38°12'N.

At 1407B/18, a signal was received from Capt. S.10 timed 1129B/18, ordering HMS Thrasher to proceed north of 38°12'N at 0001B/19 and to establish patrol near position 38°46'N, 20°31'E from 0001B/21. (11)

22 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2125B/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1334B/22 ordering her to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto preferably near position 40°00'N, 17°15'E. To proceed there HMS Thrasher was to proceed through position 39°33'N 17°40'E. (11)

24 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1320B/24, in approximate position 39°55'N, 17°25'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a merchant vessel bearing 200° at a range of about 5 miles on a course of 130°. The vessel appeared to be a hospital ship. Range could not be closed enough for a positive identification. (11)

26 Feb 1942
At 0145B/26, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2231B/25 ordering her to leave patrol P.M on the 26th.

At 1112B/26, a Curtatone-class torpedo boat was sighed carrying out an A/S patrol in position 40°09'N, 17°05'E. She was transmitting on Asdic. [This was most probably the Italian torpedo boat San Martino which had sailed from Taranto for trials and sonar exercises at 0930B/26 and returned at 1520B/26.]

At 1140B/26, the torpedo boat disappeared on a north-westerly course.

At 1355B/26, HE of two ships was heard bearing 310°. It was moving fast to the right but nothing could be seen through the periscope. Visibility at the time was around 6 miles. [This may have been the Italian auxiliary submarine chasers Monella and Stella who sailed from Taranto at 1020B/26 for hydrophone exercises.]

At 1430B/26, the HE faded out.

At 1950B/26, Thrasher surfaced and proceeded out of the Gulf of Taranto and set course for Alexandria as ordered in Capt. S.1's signal timed 2231B/25. (11)

5 Mar 1942
Around 0830B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Alexandria. (11)

11 Mar 1942
Around 1745B/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (14)

12 Mar 1942
Around 1245B/12, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Port Said. (14)

15 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) was docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (14)

27 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. She then immediately (around 1430B/27) left Port Said for Alexandria. (14)

27 Mar 1942
Around 0830B/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Alexandria.

29 Mar 1942
Around 1800B/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.

(11)

30 Mar 1942 (position 32.20, 28.12)
At 0350B/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is attacked by a friendly aircraft in position 32°20'N, 28°12'E. Two bombs are dropped but no damage is caused. (11)

1 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1806C/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1515C/1, ordering her to establish patrol in position 33°40'N, 19°20'E by 0001C/4. (11)

3 Apr 1942
At 1250C/3, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 0941C/3, cancelling the patrol position (33°40'N, 19°20'E) as given in his earlier signal timed 1515C/1 by 0001C/4. HMS Thrasher was now ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

At 1814C/3, Capt. S.1's signal timed 1609C/3 was received. This ordered HMS Thrasher to patrol in position 32°55'N, 15°25'E forthwith to operate against the Italian convoy operation Lupo which was made up of three convoys for Tripoli and a cover force for these convoys.

HMS Thrasher to intercept a convoy (' Convoy 1 ') made up of the transports Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941) and Unione (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1942) which had departed Taranto around 1250B/2 bound for Tripoli. They were escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio Da Noli, Euro and the torpedo boat Cigno. Euro had left the convoy around 2200B/2 and arrived at Bari at 0625B/3. At 0720B/3, Cigno was ordered to leave the convoy an proceed to Messina where she arrived at 1412B/3. The other two destroyers remained with the convoy.

' Convoy 2 ' was made up the transports Nino Bixio (Italian, 7137 GRT, built 1941) and Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941) which had departed Messina around 0030B/3 escorted by the destroyers Emanuele Pessagno, Folgore and the torpedo boat Centauro which all joined the now combined convoy.

' Convoy 3 ' had departed Augusta around 0200B/3, and was made up of the transports Gino Allegri (Italian, 6836 GRT, built 1941) and Monreale (Italian, 5323 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the destroyers Freccia, Nicolò Zeno and the torpedo boat Pallade which all also joined the combined convoy.

Cover was provided by the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia and Raimondo Montecuccoli escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Lanzerotto Malocello and Mitragliere. They had departed Taranto in the late afternoon / early evening of 2 April and returned there in the early evening of the 4th. Mitragliere had already parted company at 0931B/3 and arrived back at Taranto at 2230B/3.

The convoys were united at 0747B/3 in position 36°59'N, 16°47'E and the covering force joined at 0830B/3 and proceeded together until 2020B/3 when the covering force left and at 2110B/3, when, in position 34°03'N, 16°04'E, the three convoys separated again:
Monreale and Allegri escorted by Zeno (leader), Folgore and Centauro.
Monviso and Lerici escorted by Pessagno (leader), Freccia and Pallade.
Not confirmed: Unione and Nino Bixio escorted by Pigafetta (leader) and Da Noli.

There was no chance for HMS Thrasher to intercept this convoy which passed over 150 miles to the west.

The destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio Da Noli, Nicolò Zeno and Freccia did not enter Tripoli harbour but immediately returned to Italy. (15)

4 Apr 1942
At 1710C/4, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1515C/4, reporting that the important convoy had passed. HMS Thrasher was now ordered to return, if practicable, to position 33°40'N, 19°20'E by dawn on the 5th. This was however not possible even if HMS Thrasher would surface at one to run at high speed on the surface. Lt. Mackenzie therefore decided to remain on the west side of the Gulf of Sirte to proceed to position 32°55'N, 15°25'E. (11)

5 Apr 1942 (position 32.40, 15.32)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a convoy of two transport ships and a torpedo boat in position 32°40'N, 15°32'E. Thrasher is in a perfect position for an attack but as the ships are in ballast and high in the water and Thrashers torpedoes are set for fully laden ships Lt. Mackenzie has to break off the attack.

This was a convoy made up of the transports Sturla (German, 1397 GRT, built 1933, former French St. Guillaume, former Danish Estrid) and Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari and had left Benghazi at 1803B/3 for Tripoli where they arrived around 2215B/5. The convoy had an unventful passage and had sighed only a few drifting mines and a floating corpse in advance state of putrefaction.

0545C/5 - In position 32°40'N, 15°32'E sighted three darkened ships right ahead distance about 8 nautical miles. They were coming straight towards and were identified as two merchant ships and a torpedo boat.

0600C/5 - Dived to completed the attack. When range was 2000 yards it was noticed that the merchants were rather small ships in ballast with their propellers half out of the water. All torpedoes were set to either 10, 12 or 14 feet. The attack was abandoned as the torpedoes would have ran under. The escorting torpedo boat was identified as a Generali or Cosenz class.

2057C/5 - Surfaced in position 32°11'N, 15°30'7"E. (15)

7 Apr 1942
At 1323C/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a convoy of two, heavily laden, small transport ships and a Spica-class torpedo boat in position 32°22'N, 15°23'E. The range could not be closed to less than 8000 yards so no attack was possible. The convoy was obviously bound for Benghazi. HMS Thrasher set course to try to intercept the convoy later that night or the following day but the convoy was not seen again. Eventually at 2050C/8, HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course for Ras Tayonnes to try to intercept the convoy there around dawn on the 9th.

[For the composition of this convoy see the event for 9 April 1942.] (11)

9 Apr 1942 (position 31.49, 19.42)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Gala (Italian, 1029 GRT, built 1897) about 20 nautical miles west-south-west of Bengasi, Libya in position 31°49'N, 19°42'E. The other ship in the convoy was Rosa (Italian, 559 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Pallade and had left Tripoli at 1840B/6 for Benghazi. Rosa and Pallade arrived at Benghazi at 1015B/9. The convoy was proceeding at 6.9 knots when, at 0540B/9, a torpedo hit Gala on the bows. Two minutes later, she disappeared under the waves, bow first in position 31°53'30"N, 13°48'30"E. Pallade picked up twenty-two survivors and Rosa another fifteen. Gala had a crew of 31 and 27 military passengers (2 Italians and 25 Libyans). There were 21 victims: 7 Italians and 14 Libyans. At 0910B/9, Pallade transferred a seriously wounded survivor to the motorboat Cotugno who had sailed from Benghazi to meet the convoy as he would be put ashore faster.

0451C/9 - In position 31°52'N, 19°33'E sighted three darkened ships. Increased speed and altered course as to get ahead of them.

0604C/9 - Dived to complete the attack from periscope depth. The ships were soon identified as being the same as sighted 2 days before.

0635C/9 - In position 31°49'N, 19°42'E fired the first torpedo of a salvo of three from 2000 yards at the leading merchant ships that was of about 1500 tons.

0637C/9 - One torpedo hit the leading ship just forward of the bridge. Also fired the first torpedo of a salvo of three against the second merchant (2500 tons). The first torpedo broke surface upon firing. No hits were obtained.

0640C/9 - Went to 80 feet and retired to the south-west. No counter attack followed.

0700C/9 - Came to periscope depth. Northing was seen of the merchant that was hit. The second was seen to make off towards Benghazi at full speed and the torpedo boat was picking up survivors in the position of the attack.

0735C/9 - The destroyer was now searching the area and was joined by a trawler or patrol vessel. Also a seaplane was circling overhead so went to 80 feet, continued to retire to the south-west and reloaded the torpedo tubes.

2105C/9 - Surfaced. (15)

10 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0640C/10, in position 31°05'N, 19°53'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighed a Spica-class torpedo boat bearing 140°.

At 0653C/10, the enemy altered course towards and an attack was started but before this attack could be completed the enemy turned away around 0705C/10 and the attack had to be broken off. (11)

13 Apr 1942 (position 31.26, 18.56)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Atlas (German, 2297 GRT, built 1927) south-west of Bengasi, Libya in position 31°26'N, 18°56'E. She also sank the Italian lighter Pilo 210 (30 GRT) with gunfire in the same area.

Atlas was in convoy with Bravo (Italian, 1570 GRT, former Yugoslavian Junak, built 1921) and Amba Aradam (Italian, 400 GRT, built 1932). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Perseo and the German motor minesweepers R 10, R 11, R 14 and R 16. The convoy was proceeding from The convoy was proceeding from Tripoli to Benghazi.

Atlas was hit by two torpedoes on the port side and sank in four minutes, there were four victims. The motor minesweepers R 10 and R 11 went to her assistance and picked up 47 survivors while Perseo first dropped two 30-kg depth charges for intimidation purposes, then spotting the traces of the torpedo wake about 2000 metres in length, combed them and dropped at their end two 150-kg, three 100-kg and 50-kg depth charges. Observing that Amba Aradam had left the formation and gone south, the torpedo boat caught up with her and ordered her back then returned to the spot of the attack and dropped one 150-kg, three-100-kg and two 50-kg depth charges before rejoining the convoy, two of the motor German minesweepers were left behind to hunt the submarine.

12 April 1942
0700C/12 - Dived for a day of submerged patrol.

0924C/12 - Sighted one Spica class torpedo boat and three merchant ships bearing 210°, distance 7 to 8 nautical miles, course 090°. Altered course to close.

0950C/12 - The convoy altered course, range could not be closed further then 10000 yards so broke off the attack.

1307C/12 - Surfaced and set off to get ahead of the convoy for a night attack. The ships were most likely the same as sighted on 5 April now with a 2000 ton tanker with them. They were now also fully laden.

1316C/12 - Dived for an aircraft.

1335C/12 - Surfaced and continued the chase.

1656C/12 - Sighted masts and funnels bearing 105°. These were soon identified as the convoy. Altered course to get ahead of them.

1740C/12 - Lost sight of the convoy.

1900C/12 - Contact had not been regained so it seemed likely that they had altered course to the northward in the meantime.

1925C/12 - Sighted the upper works of a destroyer coming straight towards, bearing 045. Forced to alter right away and retired on a course of 225°.

1940C/12 - The destroyer altered course to the westward, not having sighted Thrasher at all. Altered course to get round him and to set off in pursuit of the main convoy.

1950C/12 - The destroyer, now about 8 nautical miles to the northward was seen to be escorting a small westbound merchant ship. This looked like the same ship that was missed on 9 April. This ship was now most likely returning in ballast to Tripoli.

13 April 1942

0700C/13 - Dived.

0855C/13 - In position 31°48'N, 19°17'E sighted masts and funnels bearing 270°. These were soon identified as being yesterday's convoy.

0930C/13 - The convoy was seen to have one fighter aircraft as escort and also three small patrol vessels were present.

1012C/13 - In position 31°26'N, 18°56'E fired the first of three torpedoes against the leading merchant ship from 1800 yards. Obtained two hits and the ship was seen to sink in five minutes. Breaking up noises and explosions were heard for another hour.

1015C/13 - The first of a total of 19 depth charges was dropped. These were dropped by the patrol vessels. The torpedo boat took no part in the counter attack. None of the depth charges were close. Thrasher went to 80 feet and retired to the southward.

1115C/13 - Came to periscope depth, sighted one patrol vessel, one lighter (most likely part of the deck cargo of the sunken ship) and a lot of wreckage in the position of the attack.

1120C/13 - The patrol vessel left the area to go after the convoy.

1302C/13 - Surfaced to sink the lighter by gunfire as it appeared undamaged.

1322C/13 - Sank the lighter with 15 rounds of gunfire of which 5 were hits.

1330C/13 - Proceeded on the surfaced towards position 33°09'N, 14°37'E (Position Z) as ordered by Captain S.10 in his signal timed 2252B/12. (15)

14 Apr 1942
At 1900C/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived in position Z, 33°09'N, 14°37'E. Distant explosions coming slowly nearer were heard throughout the afternoon and evening.

At 2030C/14, HMS Thrasher tried to communicate through Asdic (SS/T communication) with HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) which should be in the next billet but this was unsuccessful.

HMS Thrasher was to form part of a patrol line together with HMS Upholder and HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) though it seems very likely that, unbeknown to the British, HMS Upholder may already have been lost.

The patrol line was established to intercept an important convoy en-route from Italy to Tripoli. This convoy was made up of the transports Vettor Pisani (Italian, 6339 GRT, built 1939) and Reichenfels (German, 7744 GRT, built 1936). They had departed Naples around 0730B/13 for Tripoli. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Nicolo Zeno and the torpedo boat Pegaso.

The convoy merged with two more convoys, the first convoy to join was mad up of the transport Reginaldo Giuliani (Italian, 6837 GRT, built 1942) which had departed Brindisi around 1000B/13, escorted by the Italian destroyer Mitragliere and the Italian torpedo boat Arethusa. On these three convoys merging the Arethusa parted company.

Later also a convoy made up of the transport transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) joined. It had had departed Taranto around 1200B/13 escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia and Turbine.

The combined convoy arrived at Tripoli around 0930B/15. (11)

15 Apr 1942
At 0141C/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 2355B/14, ordering her to move patrol to position position Z (33°09'N, 14°37'E) 5 miles bearing 335°. The expected convoy was however not sighted.

At 1305C/15, a signal was received from Capt. S.10 ordering HMS Thrasher to patrol in position 33°16'N, 15°38'E by 2300B/15 to intercept a northbound convoy. [No convoy departed Tripoli on this day though.]

At 1330C/15, HMS Thrasher again tried to communicate through SS/T with HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) but yet again there came no reply.

At 1825C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced and proceeded full speed to the position ordered but at 2217C/15, a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 2021B/15 was received which cancelled his previous orders. HMS Thrasher then set course to patrol off Misurata. (11)

16 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0137C/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2333C/16, ordering her to return to Alexandria routed via Derna and Apollonia and through position 32°52'N, 25°44'E. Course was then set accordingly. (11)

19 Apr 1942 (position 32.53, 22.23)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) attacked the German landing barge F 184 with gunfire west of Derna, Libya in position 32°53'N, 22°23'E. Return fire from the barge and most likely also from shore forced Thrasher to break off the attack.

0633C/19 - Dived for a day of submerged patrol.

1408C/19 - In position 32°53'N, 22°23'E sighted one eastbound motor lighter bearing 220°, distant 2 nautical miles.

1416C/19 - Surfaced and engaged with the deck gun from 2000 yards. Fired 37 rounds for only one possible hit.

1422C/19 - Machine gun fire from the target and heavier gunfire from shore forced Lt. Mackenzie to break off the action and dive.

2107C/19 - Surfaced and proceeded towards Alexandria. (11)

22 Apr 1942
Around 0830C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Alexandria (11)

5 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Alexandria. (16)

6 May 1942
Around 1830C/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the southern Adriatic.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.

(11)

8 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2010C/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1731C/8 ordering her to establish patrol in position 36°06'N, 17°20'E by dawn on the 12th.

At 2032C/8, HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course and speed to comply with these orders. (11)

9 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2130C/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1931C/9 cancelling the order to patrol in position 36°06'N, 17°20'E by dawn on the 12th and ordering HMS Thrasher to establish patrol in position 34°24'N, 18°02'E by 1600C/11. This could only be achieved by running on the surface during daylight on either the 10th or the 11th. Lt. Mackenzie decided to do this on the 10th for the reason that if HMS Thrasher would be sighted from the air by enemy aircraft she should still be well clear of the ordered patrol position which therefore would not be compromised. (11)

11 May 1942
At 0035C/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2221C/10, amending the ordered patrol position to 34°05'N, 18°13'E.

At 2210C/11, Capt. S.1's signal timed 1931C/11, was received which stated that at 1654C/11 a convoy made up of three transports and three destroyers had been reported in position 35°44'N, 17°17'E. Enemy course was reported as north-west (300°), speed 6 knots. Earlier the convoy had been reported in position 36°16'N, 17°32'E on course 150° at 8 knots. It was anticipated that the convoy had reversed course after the Allied destroyer force sent after this convoy and made up of HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, DSO, RN) and HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSO, DSC, RN) had been reported by enemy reconnaissance aircraft.

The convoy referred to was made up of the transports Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926), Bolsena (Italian, 2384 GRT, built 1918) and Iseo (Italian, 2366 GRT, built 1918). They were escorted by the destroyers Folgore, Saetta and the torpedo boat Orsa. The Menes and Folgore had departed Naples at 1855B/9, the Bolsena and Orsa had departed Taranto around 2130B/9 and the Iseo and the Saetta had departed Brindisi at 2210B/9. These three convoys merged into 'Convoy L' at about 0630B/11 in poaition 36°10'N, 17°21'E. The combind convoy arrived at Bengasi around 1130B/13 - 1200B/13.

HMS Thrasher did not gain touch on this convoy. (15)

12 May 1942
At 0905C/12, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 0715C/12, ordering her to patrol in 'Area R' near Cape Santa Maria di Leuca at the eastern end of the Gulf of Taranto. Course was set to proceed accordingly. (11)

15 May 1942
At 0630C/15, in position 39°40'N, 18°42'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted the masts and funnel of a large merchant ship bearing 350°. Also the masts of a smaller ship hull down were sighted. They were on a course of 190°. The range could not be closed.

The ships sighted were the transport Petrarca (Italian, 3329 GRT, built 1910) en-route from Brindisi (departed around 2130B/14) to Benghazi (arrived around 1730B/17). She was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso.

At 0535B/15, Pegaso sighted a submarine (apparently HMS Thrasher) on the starboard side and made an alteration of course to avoid it after firing off two red Verey lights to alert Petrarca. The first Italian air escort arrived only at 0625/15.

HMS Thrasher had been offset by the stronger than expected current. Had she been in the intended position she would have been perfectly placed to attack the transport sighted. (17)

16 May 1942 (position 40.50, 17.40)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 40°50'N, 17°40'E. Three torpedoes were fired but they are sighted by the ship they were fired against and evaded. Thrasher is counter attacked with depth charges but manages to escape without damage.

The target of the attack was the Italian armed merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931). This ship was escorting the transport Ivorea (Italian, 3274 GRT, built 1908) together with the Italian torpedo boat Antonio Mosto which were en-route from Patras to Bari.

Italian sources state that at 1350B/16, Brioni sighted two torpedo tracks at a distance of 300 metres on the port side in position 40°50'N, 17°50'E, one passed under her amidships and the other missed by 30 metres. As she combed the tracks, two torpedoes (one only?) passed 10 metres from her stern. Following this attack, traffic between Bari and Brindisi was temporarily suspended. [This info is from the Taranto War Diaries (which includes Brindisi, Bari, Otranto, etc.). A report from the Antonio Mosto has so far not been found.]

0603C/16 - Dived for a day of submerged patrol in position 40°58'7"N, 17°51'E.

1100C/16 - In position 40°50'N, 17°32'E sighted masts and funnel of one small merchant ship. The ship was southbound and close inshore. It passed out of range.

1215C/16 - In position 40°54'N, 17°42'E sighted mast and funnels of one small northbound merchant ship. This one was also close inshore and passed out of range.

1414C/16 - In position 40°50'N, 17°40'E sighted two merchant ships escorted by one torpedo boat. They were approaching from Brindisi. They kept well clear of the coast. They were in line ahead, the torpedo boat leading and the largest merchant ship, about 5000 tons, bringing up the rear. It was a very modern looking motor ship, half laden, and armed forward and aft. Lt. Mackenzie decided to attack it and if possible also attack the leading merchant ship, a ship of about 3500 tons also half laden.

1447C/16 - Fired first torpedo of a salvo of three at the rear and largest merchant ship from 2300 yards. As soon as the last torpedo was fired altered course to attack the leading merchant ship.

1449C/16 - The rear merchant ship was seen to have altered course and running down the torpedo tracks. Thrasher went to 80 feet and retired to the north-west.

1453C/16 - First of 12 depth charges; the first three were dropped by the merchant ship which was fired at. It was very quick to run down the torpedo tracks and it's initial charges were close. The torpedo boat joined in the hunt after a few minutes and dropped several depth charges that were not close.

1515C/16 - Both ships proceeded to the north-west at high speed to rejoin the remaining ship of the convoy. Thrasher altered course to the northward and the torpedo tubes were reloaded.

1700 to 2000C/16 - Several aircraft were sighted patrolling the area to 20 miles from the attack.

2210C/16 - Surfaced in position 41°07'8"N, 17°37'2"E and proceeded towards Punta San Gargano along the coastal direct route between there and Brindisi. (18)

17 May 1942
At 0429C/17, in position 41°43'N, 16°42'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a southbound fully laden tanker bearing 020° at a range of one mile. HMS Thrasher altered course to starboard to attack but shortly afterwards a destroyer, which was on the starboard side of the tanker, was sighted at a range of 1000 yards. HMS Thrasher dived to complete the attack but the opportunity to fire torpedoes had now passed.

HMS Thrasher surfaced at 0445C/17 and gave chase with the intention to overtake the target and then attack from submerged after sunrise. The plan worked well until the target changed course after HMS Thrasher had submerged to complete the attack. The attack had to be abandoned at 0710C/17.

Most probably the ships sighed were the tanker Lina Campanella (Italian, 3210 GRT, built 1893) escorted by the torpedo boat Rosolino Pilo. They sailed from Trieste at 1540B/15 and arrived at Bari at 0850B/17.

At 0735C/17, a Mirabello-class destroyer and a 2000 tons transport apparently fitted out a naval auxiliary (looked like Brindisi-class) ware sighted in position 41°22'N, 17°00'E. HMS Thrasher altered course to close but the range could not be closed further than 8000 yards so no attack was possible. These were most likely the Italian destroyer Augusto Riboty and the Italian armed merchant cruiser Zara (1976 GRT, built 1931).

The transport Calino (Italian, 5186 GRT, built 1940) escorted by the destroyer Augusto Riboty and armed merchant cruiser Zara sailed from Patras at 1200B/16 at arrived at Bari at 0800B/17 [Marina Taranto only mentions the arrival of Zara and Riboty but often misses ships]. Note: Calino was to take 280 naval ratings from Italy to Rhodes. (11)

18 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1225C/18, in position 41°52'N, 16°19'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted three northbound transports, all were in ballast. They were escorted by an armed merchant cruiser of about 2000 tons. An attack was commenced but the range could not be closed enough to fire torpedoes at the targets which were difficult to make out against the land and the attack was abondoned. (11)

19 May 1942 (position 41.01, 17.16)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Penelope (Italian, 1160 GRT, built 1907) about 5 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli, Italy in position 41°01'N, 17°16'E.

Penelope had sailed at 0530B/19 from Bari for Taranto.

The torpedo boat sighted at 1300C/19 was probably the Giacomo Medici who sailed from Bari at 1130B/17 for an A/S sweep toward Polignano and returned at 1800B/19.

The torpedo boat sighted at 1920C/19 was certainly Giuseppe Missori who sailed at 1330B/19 from Bari and returned at 1910B/19.

0532C/19 - Dived in position 41°09'N, 17°08'E and closed the coast 10 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli.

0830C/19 - In position 41°02'N, 17°17'E sighted masts and funnel of one heavily laden merchant ship of about 3500 tons approaching from the direction of Bari. Commenced attack.

0852C/19 - In position 41°00'6"N, 17°15'6"E fired the first of three torpedoes from a range of 800 yards.

0853C/19 - Two torpedoes hit the target, the third missed astern and exploded when hitting the shore.

0900C/19 - Proceeded to the north-west towards Bari, reloading the torpedo tubes in the meantime.

1300C/19 - In position 41°07'N, 17°07'E sighted one Abba-class torpedo boat and one auxiliary schooner approaching from the direction of Bari, apparently carrying out an A/S sweep. They remained within 2000 yards, proceeding at slow speed, until 1400 hours when the torpedo boat proceeded to the south-east and the schooner retired towards Bari.

1630C/19 - In position 41°11'N, 17°03'E sighted one small armed tug steaming out of Bari on a course of 070°. When in position 9 nautical miles 070° from Bari it slowed down and started circling about. Altered course to close its position. The tug was probably waiting to pilot a ship into Bari. If this ship appeared so much the better, it not Lt. Mackenzie intended to surface and sink the tug with gunfire as soon as it shows signs of returning to Bari.

1920C/19 - In position 41°15'N, 16°59'E sighted one very effectively camouflaged torpedo boat, the Giuseppe Missori approaching from the eastward, course 250°, speed 15 knots. The tug joined up with the torpedo boat and they both proceeded into Bari.

2226C/19 - Surfaced in position 41°15'N, 17°03'2"E. (11)

20 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0305C/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2315C/20, ordering her to return to Alexandria arriving there on the 26th or if possible on the 25th. Lt. Mackenzie however decided that with 11 torpedoes still on board and having spent only five days in the Adriatic to stay a little longer and to return to Alexandria on the 28th. Capt. S.1 writes in his report that he fully concurred with Lt. Mackenzie's decision. (11)

21 May 1942
At 1030C/21, in position 40°23'N, 18°25'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted three auxiliary schooners, apparently minesweeping, coming up from Otranto. They were close inshore. On reaching the San Cataldo lighthouse they turned round and made off to the south-east. They were tempting targets for a gun action but it was hoped bigger prey may come our way and it was decided not to disclose the presence of the submarine.

At 2315C/21, in position 40°25'N, 18°30'E, HMS Thrasher sighted an escorted darkened ship bearing 270° at a range of about 6 miles. Thrasher turned and gave chase at 14 knots but after a long chase Thrasher had gained very little. After 1.5 hours the range was still over 3 miles ahead and now approaching Brindisi. As it was now clearly impossible to overtake and attack before the enemy arrived at Brindisi the chase was reluctantly abandoned.

The ships sighted were most likely the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) and her escort, the Italian destroyer Emanuele Pessagno. They were en-route from Benghazi (left around 1930B/19) to Brindisi (arrived at 0055B/22). (15)

26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Birkenhead. (19)

28 May 1942
Around 0745C/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Alexandria. (11)

31 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted post refit trials off Liverpool. (19)

8 Jun 1942
Around 1800C/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol the Central Mediterranean ranging from Tobruk to Tripoli and the Islands of the west coast of Greece.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.

(11)

13 Jun 1942
At 1554C/13, while patrolling submerged in position 36°02'N, 20°35'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a periscope or W/T mast about 500 yards off on the starboard beam. One minute later loud HE was picked up on the starboard quarter and HMS Thrasher quickly increased speed and went to 90 feet to avoid being rammed.

The other submarine was HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) which was next in the patrol line to HMS Thrasher. HMS Taku reported seeing a periscope (British type) at 1543C/13 300 yards ahead.

HMS Thrasher had commenced patrolling in position Y (36°02'N, 20°32'E) of the patrol line at 0400C/4.

HMS Taku was patrolling in position X of the patrol line.

The submarines spotted each other on the surface around 2130C/13 and identities were exchanged. (11)

14 Jun 1942
At 2351C/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) proceeded to take up a new patrol position; Y 1, 35°18'N, 19°42'E. (11)

15 Jun 1942
At 0058C/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived in accordance with Capt. S.1's instructions in his signal timed 1851C/14 ordering the submarines on the (V-Z) patrol line to be submerged from 0100C/15 to 0200C/15.

At 0100C/15, HMS Thrasher received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2356C/14, ordering the submarines on the (V-Z) patrol line to postpone taking up their new positions on the (V-Z one) patrol line until the 16th. The submarines were ordered to return to their positions on the original (V-Z) patrol line. HMS Thrasher altered course to comply.

At 0159C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced.

At 0220C/15, HMS Thrasher received an enemy report from an aircraft that at 0200 hours an enemy battleship and two cruisers had been sighted in position 37°30'N, 19°35'E. Enemy course and speed were also given. HMS Thrasher altered course to the north-west and later to the west to try to intercept.

By 0600C/15, no further enemy reports had been received. By now it was broad daylight but nothing was in sight. HMS Thrasher then altered course to proceed to 'Position Y'.

At 0632C/15, an aircraft report was received stating that the force reported earlier was in position 37°05'N, 19°15'E steering 240° at 20 knots. HMS Thrasher was not in a position to try to intercept.

At 0653C/15, HMS Thrasher dived and continued her passage to 'Position Y'.

At 0801C/15, HMS Thrasher received Capt. S.1's signal timed 0601C/15, ordering the submarines on the V-Z patrol line to steer 150° at 3 knots while submerged. HMS Thrasher set course accordingly.

At 0923C/15, HMS Thrasher received an enemy report that at 0828 hours, two battleships, three cruisers and nine destroyers were in position 35°22'N, 19°14'E steering 140° at 18 knots.

At 1140C/15, HMS Thrasher and the other four submarines on the V-Z patrol line were ordered to proceed to their positions as originally ordered in their patrol orders for Operation Vigorous with D 4 as the 15th but with the convoy delayed 6 hours. HMS Thrasher then surfaced to proceed to her new patrol position. it had been impossible to be in her position at the ordered time while proceeding submerged. This signal was later cancelled and it became apparent that HMS Thrasher had missed several signals sent to the submarines. Also the signal that were received had a far too long delay to act on the movements of the enemy battlefleet. Lt. Mackenzie therefore decided to act now on the reports received from reconnaissance aircraft.

Later the submarines were also ordered by Capt. S.1 to try to intercept the enemy battlefleet by acting on the reports they received.

At 2038C/15, HMS Thrasher, which had dived at 2015C/15, sighted the masts and tops of funnels of three large warships bearing 120° at a range of 9 to 10 miles. HMS Thrasher altered course and closed at full speed to attack. Position was 35°52'N, 20°35'E.

This was most probably the Italian Battle Squadron made up of the battleships Littorio, Vittorio Veneto, heavy cruiser Gorizia, light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi and Emanuele Filiberto Duca D'Aosta. They were escorted by three squadrons of destroyers (ten destroyers in total): Alpino, Bersagliere, Mitragliere, Legionario, Freccia, Folgore, Aviere, Geniere, Camicia Nera and Corazziere: [note: the heavy cruiser, Trento had been sunk earlier in the day].

At 2101C/15, the enemy was bearing 030° at a range of 14000 yards but the range was now opening so the attack had to be abandoned.

At 2120C/15, HMS Thrasher lost sight of the enemy. They were last seen on an approximate course of 330°.

At 2146C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced and passed an enemy report. (11)

16 Jun 1942
At 0410C/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2321C/16, which gave new patrol positions for all submarines on patrol. HMS Thrasher's new patrol position was given as 38°30'N, 20°18'E. This position was roughly 150 miles to the north and Lt. Mackenzie doubted this position to be correct. It bore no relation to the positions ordered for the other submarines, which were such as to indicate definitely that they were still covering the passage of the convoy to Malta. It was therefore strange that HMS Thrasher was banished to an obscure position just north of Cephalonia and on which did not even cover the Levkas - Cephalonia channel. Also it was not possible to reach this position before dawn on the 16th which had been ordered.

So at 0709C/16, HMS Thrasher broke radio silence and passed a signal to Capt. S.1 requesting confirmation of the position ordered. Pending answer course was set to proceed to position 36°30'N, 20°18'E, which Lt. Mackenzie thought might be the correct position intended. This position was reached at 0928C/16 and HMS Thrasher then dived to patrol in that position.

At 1410C/16, a signal from Capt. S.1 was received ordering HMS Thrasher to patrol in the position as ordered in the original signal, diving by day. Course was set accordingly. (11)

17 Jun 1942
At 0602C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived and continued on submerged towards her ordered patrol position. On reaching it course was set, still submerged, to close Cape Dukato.

At 2210C/17, Capt. S.1's signal timed 1833C/17, which ordered her to patrol off Taranto in a line with other submarines. She was to proceed with despatch and course was set accordingly.

However at 2223C/17, Capt. S.1's signal timed 2015C/17 was received which ordered HMS Thrasher to arrive in her new patrol position only by dawn on the 20th. Course was therefore reversed and HMS Thrasher patrolled off Cape Dukato during the night. (11)

18 Jun 1942
At 0541C/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived and commenced to patrol submerged near Cape Dukato.

At 1015C/18, in position 38°40'N 20°28'E, an ML was sighted bearing 120° which was escorting two small auxiliary schooners. Range was about 4 nautical miles and the enemy was proceeding on course 190°. The two schooners appeared to be minesweeping and kept close inshore to Levkas Island. They eventually rounded Cape Dukato and disappeared to the south-eastward.

At 1445C/18, in position 38°37'N 20°26'E, a small merchant vessel, of about 1200 tons, was sighted bearing 090°. Range was 5 miles and the enemy was proceeding northwards. An attack was not possible.at

At 2223C/18, HMS Thrasher surfaced and continued her patrol near Cape Dukato until 2353C/18 when course was set for the Gulf of Taranto.

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (11)

19 Jun 1942
At 0240C/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0013C/19, ordering her to postpone taking up the patrol position off Taranto for 24 hours. Course was therefore set to return to the Cape Dukato area.

At 0533C/19, HMS Thrasher dived and during the day she patrolled submerged to the west of Levkas Island.

At 0915C/19, three small auxiliary schooners were sighted. They were escorted by an ML type of vessel. They were minesweeping on a southerly course close to the north-westward of Cape Dukato.

At 2154/19, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2059C/19, was received ordering HMS Thrasher and boats from the 10th Submarine Flotilla to form a patrol line to the west of Kefalonia Island. Course was then set to comply.

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (11)

20 Jun 1942
At 0040C/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2205C/19, that on taking up her ordered patrol position in the line she was to proceed submerged at 3 knots on course 145°. This patrol was to be ended at 2130C/20 when HMS Thrasher was to return to her patrol position off Cape Dukato and the boats from the 10th Submarine Flotilla were to return to Alexandria.

At 0050A/20, HMS Thrasher received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2259C/19 ordering her to close the land at dawn and obtain a good fix and then dive to proceed to the patrol position (as ordered in the signal timed 2059C/19) to arrive at 1200C/20.

At 0401A/20, a signal was received from Capt. S.1 timed 0401C/20, that the ordered patrol line was to be moved 267°, 22 miles.

Around 1100A/20, HMS Thrasher was in her ordered position.

At 1600A/20, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1211C/20, ordering her to proceed to patrol off Cape Dukato proceeding through position 37°56'N. 20°03'E. Course was set to comply.

At 2230A/20, HMS Thrasher, which had surfaced at 2147A/20, received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1915C/20, that heavy traffic of small ships was reported between Tripoli and Benghazi. Course was set to operate on this route as to where the ships left the Libyan coast to cross the Gulf of Sirte.

At 2240A/20, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1945C/20 was received. This ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed on the surface as far as 34°N at Lt. Mackenzie's discretion. (11)

21 Jun 1942
At 0905C/21, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0631C/21, giving the approximate position in which a Wellington aircraft was in distress. This position was 10 nautical miles to the east of HMS Thrasher's current position so course was set to search but nothing was seen and after searching for an hour the original course was resumed. (11)

22 Jun 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) attacked the transport Sant Antonio (Italian, 1480 GRT, former Yugoslavian Anton, built 1919) in the Gulf of Sirte in position 32°13.5'N, 15°38.5'E. She was in convoy with the transport Regulus (Italian, 1085 GRT, built 1884) and the schooner Maria Gabriella (Italian, 288 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Perseo. The convoy had sailed from Tripoli at 1827B/21 for Benghazi.

1630C/22, In position 32°11'N, 15°32'E, the masts and funnels of two merchant vessels (2500 and 2000 tons estimated) and one Spica-class torpedo boat were sighted bearing 280°. Range was 8 to 10 nautical miles. Enemy course was 095°. The sea was calm and unpleasantly clear. An attack was commenced.

1710C/22, The convoy was seen to include a schooner (about 300 tons) and that one or two aircraft were also escorting the convoy which was advancing very slowly.

1745C/22, Attacked the second ship in line which was the larger of the two but the setup of the attack did not go as planned making the attack more difficult.

1751C/22, In position 32°13.5'N, 15°38.5'E, fired two torpedoes at the rear merchant ship but both missed. No counter attack followed but the escort searched the vicinity for 20 minutes after which she dropped two depth charged and then made off to rejoin the convoy.

According to Italian sources, at 1700B/22, Sant Antonio signalled 'MAB' which was not understood by Perseo. The torpedo boat closed the transport to request explanation and was told that 'MAB' meant she had sighted a torpedo track. The attack had not been observed by the CA 311 bomber escorting the convoy. Perseo immediately went to action station and dropped four 30-kg depth charges for intimidation. The position was 32°08'N, 15°42'E.

1953C/22, Thrasher surfaced and gave chase.

2008C/22, Sighed the masts and funnels of the convoy bearing 105°. Two or three aircraft were seen patrolling over the convoy. Thrasher commenced to work round to the northward of the convoy.

2035C/22, One of the aircraft came straight towards from the direction of the convoy. Dived.

2108C/22, Two more aircraft were seen to leave the convoy to return to their bases.

2123C/22, Surfaced in position 32°12'N, 15°53'E and continued the chase on course 100°.

2218C/22, Sighted a light flashing in morse code bearing 120°. Altered course to close.

2245C/22, Sighted the convoy bearing 120° on an approximate course of 120°. Altered course to get ahead of the convoy keeping to the northward. (15)

23 Jun 1942 (position 31.53, 16.35)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Sant Antonio (Italian, 1480 GRT, former Yugoslavian Anton, built 1919) in the Gulf of Sirte in position 31°54'N, 16°36'E. The target had been in convoy with the transport Regulus (Italian, 1085 GRT, built 1884). The convoy was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Perseo.

According to Italian sources Sant Antonio was torpedoed by HMS Thrasher at 0033B/23. Perseo recovered 31 survivors from a crew of 35, one crew member had already been transferred the previous day to the torpedo boat but had died from a cerebral commotion. At 1036B/23, three seriously wounded were transferred to a seaplane but it broke its right wing as it was taking off in heavy seas and the torpedo boat had to recover the six aircraft crew members and the three wounded.

Following the attack HMS Thrasher retired to the north-west. She patrolled near Misurata during the day.

0050C/23, Thrasher was now in a position six nautical miles right ahead of the convoy. She dived to make a submerged attack.

0133C/23, In position 31°54'N, 16°36'E, three torpedoes were fired at the larger (2500 tons) of the two transports. One hit was obtained. A slight and ineffective counter attack was carried out by the escorting torpedo boat. The transport that was hit was heard to break up. (15)

24 Jun 1942
At 1130C/24, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted three auxiliary schooners, apparently minesweeping, in position 32°38'N, 14°49'E. They were not attacked.

At 1500C/24, when in position 32°28'N, 15°01'E, HMS Thrasher sighted a patrolling seaplane. It was thought a convoy might be coming our way but nothing appeared and the seaplane departed the area after about 1.5 hours.

At 2218C/24, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1645C/24 was received ordering HMS Thrasher to return to Alexandria while patrolling along the Libyan coast en-route back to base.

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (11)

25 Jun 1942
At 1810C/25, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1525C/25, that at 1445C/25, an enemy convoy of one merchant vessel and two torpedo boats had been sighted in position 32°01'N, 18°59'E and was expected to pass through position 33°04'N 14°36'E about 1031C/26. HMS Thrasher altered course to the south-east to try to intercept should these ships proceed in a direct line between these two positions.

This signal referred to the transport Anna Maria Gualdi (Italian, 3289 GRT, built 1908) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Perseo, Generale Carlo Montanari and Pegaso (the last one was only a local escort until 1305B/25). The convoy sailed from Benghazi at 0729B/25 and arrived at Tripoli at 1250B/26. ULTRA had revealed that the steamer was carrying 300 POW's but HMS Trasher and also HMS Turbulent were not informed of this.

At 2345C/25, nothing had been sighted and HMS Thrasher resumed her original course. (15)

26 Jun 1942
At 0908C/26, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0701C/26, which ordered her to proceed with all despatch (but dived by day) to position 32°55'N, 23°10'E and patrol there. (11)

27 Jun 1942
At 1755C/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighed two German E or R boats in position 33°02'N, 21°52'E. They were proceeding westwards at 15 knots. They were not attacked.

These were the German R-boats R 11 and R 12 en-route from Tobruk (departed around 0955B/26) to Benghazi (arrived around 0526B/28. From 1955B/26 to 1217B/27 they had been at Derna due to the bad weather conditions encountered during their passage westwards. (20)

28 Jun 1942
At 0030C/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2221C/27, amending the ordered patrol position (as in Capt. S.1's signal timed 0701C/26) to 33°01'N, 22°39'E. Course was set accordingly.

At 0550C/28, a submarine was sighted on the starboard quarter at a distance of 3 to 4 nautical miles. Position was 33°01'N, 22°35'E. HMS Thrasher dived to close at full speed.

At 0605C/28, the submarine, thought to be Italian, dived. HE was heard for several minutes but it faded out at 0615C/28 and the attack was reluctantly broken off.

The submarine sighted was indeed Italian, as it was the Zoea which was en-route from Taranto to Derna.

At 0910C/28, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0647C/28. This stated that at 0605C/28, a 3000 tons merchant vessel had been sighted in position 34°48'N, 22°39'E, steering 180° at 20 knots. This must have referred to the sloop Diana. Also two small escorted merchant vessels were sighted in position 35°18'N, 23°21'E, steering 184° at 6.5 knots. This most likely referred to the small transport Pontinia (Italian, 725 GRT, built 1881) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Calatafimi which had left Iraklion (Candia) around 1020B/27 for Tobruk where they arrived around 1430B/28. Pontinia was the first Italian vessel to enter Tobruk after its fall in January 1941. The 3000 tons merchant vessel should pass through HMS Thrasher's position at 1130C/28 but nothing was sighted.

At 1806C/28, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1245C/28 ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed at dusk towards position 33°08'N, 23°10'E and patrol there so as to be able to intercept the two smaller merchant vessels reported in the signal timed 0647C/28. (15)

29 Jun 1942 (position 33.30, 23.30)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian sloop Diana (1568 tons, built 1940) north of Tobruk, Libya in position 33°30'N, 23°30'E.

The Diana was en-route from Messina to Tobruk.

The Italian hospital ship Arno (7785 GRT, built 1912) was sailed from Benghazi and German S-boats from Tobruk to rescue the survivors, 146 were picked up but one died soon after (in all 336 were killed). This was a success that can be credited to ULTRA.

0026C/29, In position 33°07'N, 23°08'E, bombed by an enemy aircraft. Dived. This aircraft glided in from down moon at very low level with its engines shut off. It dropped three or four bombs which fell within 50 yards. The first indication was the flashes from the bombs exploding on striking the water. The aircraft was then seen passing close overhead.

0044C/29, Picked up HE of two ships bearing 250°. Turned towards, closed and came up to periscope depth. Nothing however could be seen although periscope visibility was excellent.

0100C/29, Identified the HE as a destroyer and two merchant vessels. After having just been bombed decided not to take the risk and surface so continued to close submerged.

0115C/29, Sighted the very faint blur of one ship bearing 240° at an estimated range of 5 to 6 nautical miles. Its course could not be made out.

0130C/29, Nothing in sight and the HE was getting faint on bearing 210°. Now two courses of action could be taken; to abandon this attack and set course to patrol in the position assigned by Capt. S.1 or to give chase to the convoy. Lt. Mackenzie decided for the former.

0226C/29, Surfaced and set course for position 33°01'N, 22°39'E while charging the main batteries.

0242C/29, Received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 0055C/29, cancelling the previous ordered patrol position and ordering Thrasher to patrol on north-south courses through position 33°18'N, 23°20'E from 0801C/29 so as to be able to intercept the reported 3000 tons fast merchant vessel.

0553C/29, Dived.

0748C/29, Commenced patrolling on courses of 360° and 180° through position 33°18'N, 23°20'E.

1125C/29, Sighed masts in position 33°21'N, 23°20'E, bearing 360° distance eight nautical miles away. The ship appeared to be coming straight towards. Five minutes later it could be seen that the vessel was a small auxiliary travelling at high speed. This ship must be carrying a very important cargo.

1144C/29, fired six torpedoes from 600 yards. No less than four hits [two according to Italian sources] were obtained and the ship sank quickly. There was an immediate counter attack by motor torpedo boats (these had not been seen previously). 17 depth charges were dropped. At 1240C/29 Thrasher returned to periscope depth. At the place of the attack a few rafts were seen as well as two motor torpedo boats.

1902C/29, Received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1515C/29, ordering Thrasher to proceed to Haifa instead of Alexandria and to arrive at dawn on July 5th. (11)

30 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2136C/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) surfaced and set course for Haifa. She had patrolled close inshore to the east of Tobruk during the day but had sighted nothing. (21)

4 Jul 1942 (position 32.48, 33.36)
Around 0645C/4, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Beirut.

Earlier that morning HMS Thrasher attacked but missed German U-boat U-77 in position 32°48'N, 33°36'E.

0859C/4, In position 32°48'N, 33°36'E sighted a German U-boat bearing 060°, range 2500 yards, course 290°.

0903C/4, Fired a salvo of three torpedoes from 3000 yards. All torpedoes missed. The German U-boat increased speed and turned away. Thrasher surfaced to engage the enemy with the deck gun. The Germans dived so did Thrasher. The Germans reported two torpedoes passing at a distance of 50 meters to port. (22)

17 Jul 1942
Around 1945C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for Port Said. (23)

19 Jul 1942
Around 0745C/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was almost immediately docked in the floating dock. (23)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) was undocked. (23)

26 Jul 1942
Around 1800C/26, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for patrol. Later that evening she is bombed in error by a British Swordfish aircraft in position 31°46.5'N, 32°24.5'E. Thrasher them returned to Port Said early the following morning and is under repair for about a month due to the damage sustained.

This was a Swordfish (piloted by Sub.Lt Stuart) of 815 Squadron which dropped four depth charges on the submarine which was thought to be enemy. (24)

3 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (25)

14 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) is undocked. (25)

25 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted exercises and trials off Port Said during which she was escorted by HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN).

At 1315 hours an enemy submarine was reported in position 32°03'N, 31°40'E. HMS Jervis and HMS Kelvin then proceeded to that area to hunt the sumarine reincorced the next day by HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN). They did not made contact with the enemy which was in fact the German submarine U-205.

The destroyers returned to Alexandria on the 26th. (26)

29 Aug 1942
Around 1920C/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed from Port Said for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Tobruk and Derna.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.

(24)

1 Sep 1942
At 2119C/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1935C/1, ordering her to proceed to a position 20 nautical miles north-west of Tobruk if it could be reached by 1100C/2. As this could only be done by running on the surface for two hours after sunrise Lt. Mackenzie decided against this.

2233C/1, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1240C1/, ordering her to proceed to the north-east of Derna just inside the 100 fathom line. Course was set accordingly. (24)

2 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1906C/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1738C/2, ordering her to patrol in position 33°06'N, 23°40'E by 0800C/3. (24)

3 Sep 1942
At 0645C/3, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived and commenced a submerged patrol in position 33°06'N, 23°40'E as ordered in Capt. S.1's signal, timed 1738C/2. Various aircraft were seen throughout the day and a very distant patch of smoke was sighted bearing 090° at 1130C/3 but nothing developed.

At 2251C/3, Capt. S.1's signal timed 1420C/3, was received ordering HMS Thrasher to proceed to position 32°53'N, 24°08'E to intercept six medium seized southbound vessels reported by aircraft in position 34°42'N, 23°30'E, course 164°, speed 8 knots at 1310C/3. This must have referred to the convoy made up of the transports Davide Bianchi (Italian, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Padenna (Italian, 1589 GRT, built 1904) and Sportivo (Italian, 1598 GRT, built 1900). They had departed Piraeus around 0800B/2 for Tobruk. They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Lupo, Castore, Calliope and Polluce. During the afternoon of 3 September 1942 the convoy was attacked several timed from the air and around 2200B/3, the convoy split into two sections. The Davide Bianchi and Sportivo made up one section escorted by Calliope and Polluce while the Padenna escorted by Lupo and Castore made up the other section. During the following night the air attacks continued and around 0150B/4, the Davide Bianchi was hit and set on fire. She sank north-west of Tobruk in position 32°49'N, 23°27'E. Later that night Padenna was torpedoed and sunk by HMS Thrasher [see below]. Finally around 0505B/4, the Polluce was hit by aircraft bombs. She was taken in tow by Calliope but sank around 0735B/4 in position 32°38'N, 23°38'E. The four remaining ships all arrived at Tobruk late in the morning of September 4th. (27)

4 Sep 1942 (position 32.44, 24.11)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Padenna (Italian, 1589 GRT, built 1904) about 40 nautical miles north of Tobruk, Libya in position 32°44'N, 24°11'E. The Padenna was escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Lupo and Castore.

Accoring to Italian sources, at 025?B/4, the torpedo boat Castore observed a hit on the Padenna. At 0331/4, the transport sank. At 0357/4, the torpedo boat lowered a lifeboat which picked up nine survivors including one seriously wounded. Lupo also sent a lifeboat which picked up another five survivors. Due to air attacks, further attempts to pick up survivors were abandoned. Twenty were missing, including her captain.

0215C/4, in position 33°00'N, 24°04'E sighted three darkened shapes bearing 105°, distant about 6 nautical miles. Altered course to close. Five minutes later the objects were seen to be two destroyers and one medium seized merchant ship on a southerly course. One destroyer was stationed ahead and one astern. The latter one was carrying out wide sweeps on either quarter of the merchant ship. Thrasher proceeded to work ahead of the merchant ship. (The ships sighted were actually were the Italian merchant Padenna and the Italian torpedo boats Lupo and Castore, these were detached from a larger convoy after being attacked by USAAF bombers).

0318C/4, dived to complete the attack from periscope depth.

0355C/4, fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes at the merchant vessel, that was estimated to be of about 5000 tons, from 2000 yards. Two hits were obtained.

0400C/4, retired to the northward. Both destroyers carried out a search for about one hour. One passed overhead but both destroyers failed to gain contact and no depth charges were dropped. A third destroyer was heard to come up at high speed from the direction of Tobruk around 0440C/4 and joined the search.

0906C/4, Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0745C/4, which stated that aircraft had reported, at 0500C/4, a tanker on fire in position 32°50'N, 23°30'E. Trasher altered course investigate but nothing was sighted nut nothing was sighted. [This most likely referred to the Davide Bianchi which had been bomber earlier that night, see also the event for 3 September 1942.]

During the afternoon and evening the Italian hospital ship Virgilio (11718 GRT, built 1928) was seen searching the area.

At 1458C/4, a signal was received from Capt. S.1 timed 1315C/4. It gave Thrasher freedom of action in the Tobruk area. (27)

5 Sep 1942
At 0220C/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sighted two destroyers in position 33°03'N, 23°15'E. They were right ahead of the submarine on an opposite course so Thrasher dived.The destroyers were later heard to be hunting in the distance and also a few depth charges were dropped.

This was most likely the torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari escorting the transport Albachiara (Italian, 1245 GRT, built 1904) from Benghazi to Tobruk. Albachiara was sunk by HMS Traveller fifteen minutes later. Montanari dropped seven depth charges and it is probable that Thrasher mistook the torpedo hit by HMS Traveller for one of the depth charges she heard.

At 0340C/5, HMS Thrasher and proceeded to the north-west.

At 0426C/5, when in position 33°06'N, 23°07'E, what was thought to be a Spica-class torpedo boat was sighted bearing 110° oon course 310°. HMS Thrasher again dived, surfacing a little over an hour later. During the day HMS Thrasher patrolled to the north and north-east of Derna.

The ' torpedo boat ' sighed may have been HMS Traveller though, who reported having sighted a submarine at 0424C/5. There is also a possibility that it was indeed a torpedo boat as the Italian Lupo had sailed from Tobruk at 1737B/4 for Piraeus. (24)

6 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2125C/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1850C/6 which ordered her to patrol in position 32°31'N, 23°34'E by dawn on the 8th. (24)

7 Sep 1942
At 1510C/7, when north-north-east of Ras el Hilal, in position 33°00'N, 22°14'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sighted the masts and funnels of two small merchant vessels escorted by two destroyers / torpedo boats. They were proceeding on course 315°. They must have passed close inshore to the south of Thrasher and were only sighted when they came clear of the land to the westward.

The ships sighted were the transports Pertusola (Italian, 1502 GRT, built 1882) and Sportivo (Italian, 1598 GRT, built 1900). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Castore and Generale Carlo Montanari. They had left Tobruk around 1800B/6 for Benghasi where they arrived around noon or shortly after noon on the 8th. They had been of Ras el Hilal around 1400B/7.

At 2216C/7, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1 which ordered her to be in position 7 miles bearing 085° from position 32°31'N, 23°34'E by dawn on the 8th. (27)

8 Sep 1942
At 0633C/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived and commenced to patrol near position 32°32'N, 23°43'E.

From 0730C/8 onwards the enemy air activity in the area was intense. Two or three aircraft were constantly in sight searching the area. It led to great hopes of the important convoy reported by aircraft on the previous day coming to this position.

At 0920C/8 smoke was sighted bearing 300°. HMS Thrasher altered course towards.

At 0930C/8 the masts of a large transport and the tops of the masts of various other vessels were sighted bearing 290°. Distance was about 10 nautical miles. Enemy course was approximately 210°. HMS Thrasher altered course to the south-west and ran in at full submerged speed.

1010C/8, the convoy was seen to consist of two transports escorted by four destroyers and innumerable aircraft. Ten minutes later the convoy passed ahead at a range of 7 miles. Enemy course was still 210°. This was very disappointing as they passed very close to the original position HMS Thrasher had been ordered to patrol in.

The ships sighted were the transport Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) and the naval auxiliary (armed merchant cruiser) Brioni (Italian, 1987 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by the destroyers Geniere, Lampo and the torpedo boats Orione and Partenope which were en-route to Tobruk where they arrived around 1400B/8.

At 1025C/8, HMS Thrasher altered course to the southward in the hope to intercept the convoy if it changed course towards Tobruk but nnothing more was seen of it.

At 1605C/8, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1325C8, which stated that HMS Traveller and HMS Thrasher had now freedom of action in the Tobruk area keeping west and east of 23°07'E respectively. It was suggested that HMS Thrasher was to patrol near position 32°50'N, 23°31'E.

At 2133C/5, a signal was received from Capt. S.1 which reported that a transport escorted by a destroyer had been sighted in position 32°16'N, 23°46'E steering 000° at 7 knots. HMS Thrasher set course to intercept but nothing was seen of them during this very dark night. [We have no clue which ships this signal referred to.]

Ankara and her escort had been part of a bigger convoy operation to North Africa.

The transports Ankara and Sestriere (7992 GRT, built 1942) sailed at 0150B/6 from Brindisi for Tobruk. They were escorted by the destroyers Aviere (escort leader), Legionario, Lampo and the torpedo boats Pegaso and Partenope sailed at 0150/6 from Brindisi for Tobruk.

The transports Ravello (6142 GRT, 1941) and Manara (7124 GRT, 1942) escorted by the destroyers Fuciliere (leader), Bombardiere, Pallade, Corsaro, Freccia, Camicia Nera and Geniere sailed from Taranto at 0122B/6.

The two convoys merged at 1106B/6 and became known as convoy 'Landa' and the destroyer Aviere assumed overall command.

The torpedo boat Procione had sailed from Piraeus and joined the convoy at 1508B/6.

The convoy was attacked by nine (or eleven) torpedo bombers. Manara was hit by a torpedo at 1530B/6, taken in tow by Freccia and escorted by Legionario and Procione proceeded to the bay of Arilla (Corfu) where she was beached. Ravello had five wounded and Corsaro transferred a medic to treat them. Ankara had three slightly wounded.

At 1830B/6, the convoy split in two with Sestriere and Ravello were to go to Benghazi and Ankara to Tobruk. The two convoys re-united again at 0740B/7.

The convoy was attacked by HMS P 34 at 0921C/7, Sestriere and Ravello were missed by torpedoes.

At 1148C/7, four destroyers from the convoy were sighted by HMS P 43.

The convoy came under air attack at 1820B/7 without result and split again at 2000B/7. Sestriere and Ravello escorted by Aviere, Corsaro, Legionario, Camicia Nera, Pegaso and Pallade proceeded to Benghazi. Ankara escorted by Geniere, Lampo, Fuciliere, Bombardiere and Partenope continued to Tobruk.

The Ankara convoy came under air attack and Fuciliere was hit by a bomb at about midnight 7/8. Bombardiere was detached to escort her to Sfakia (Crete). At about the same time, the Benghazi convoy also came under air attack without result.

Auxiliary Brioni and torpedo boat Orione sailed from Suda at 1330B/7 and 1902B/6 to reinforce the Ankara convoy which they did at 0636B/8.

Ravello and Sestriere escorted by Aviere, Corsaro, Legionario, Camicia Nera, Pegaso and Pallade arrived at Benghazi at 1100B/8.

Ankara, escorted by Brioni, Geniere, Lampo, Partenope and Orione arrived at Tobruk at about 1315-1400B/8. (27)

9 Sep 1942
At 0642C/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived to patrol near position 32°50'N, 23°31'E but nothing was sighted all day.

At 1502C/9 a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1255C/9 which ordered HMS Thrasher to patrol in position 33°10'N, 22°37'E to intercept three small transports and two unknown vessels reported by aircraft at 1136C/9 in position 33°01'N, 21°07'E steering 083° at 5 knots. Course was then set to comply.

This signal most likely referred to the small transports Kreta (German, 853 GRT, built 1866, former Greek Arcadia) and Siculo (Italian, 1480 GRT, built 1906) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Castore and Generale Antonio Cascino. The auxiliary minesweeper Santa Gilla (50 GRT, built 1931) was also with the convoy which had sailed from Benghazi at 1830B/8.

Nothing was however seen during the night of 9/10 September of this convoy which arrived safely at Tobruk around 1840C/10.

Accoding to Italian sources , at 1150B/10, Cascino was detached to rescue the survivors of the Italian hospital ship Arno (7785 GRT, built 1912) sunk by a torpedo bomber. At 1815B/10, Castore was ordered by Marina Tobruk to assist Cascino and turned back. The remaining three vessels entered Tobruk around 1840B/10, followed at 1920-1940B/10 by the two torpedo boats. (27)

10 Sep 1942
At 0245C/10, having seen nothing of the expected convoy, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) set course for the north-western approaches to Tobruk to try to intercept the convoy there.

At 0255C/10, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 0140C/10, which gave the position, course and speed at 0115C/10 of a transport and a destroyer as 33°02'N, 20°34'E, 064°, 10 knots. HMS Traveller and HMS Thrasher were ordered to intercept west of 21°30'E. HMS Thrasher altered course to intercept which should be possible.

At 0649C/10, HMS Thrasher dived in position 33°37'N, 21°42'E to patrol on the expected line of advance of the enemy convoy.

At 0850C/10, in position 33°33'N, 21°43'E a medium sized transport of about 4000 tons was sighted bearing 190° which was escorted by a destroyer and an aircraft. Range was 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 055°. HMS Thrasher commenced attack and closed at speed to do so.

At 0920C/10 three torpedoes were fired from 4500 yards. All missed. The attack was apparently not observed as no counter attack followed. The target was the transport Petrarca (3329 GRT, built 1910) which was en-route from Benghazi (departed around 1730-1842B/9) to Piraeus (arrived 2345B/11) escorted by the destroyer Lampo and the torpedo boat Pallade.

At 1502C/10, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1325C/10, giving her freedom of action in the Tobruk area. After surfacing at 2010C/10, HMS Thrasher set course to patrol between Derna and Ras el Tin where she eventually would patrol for the next few days.

Italian sources regarding the convoy state that at 0822B/10, an escorting aircraft signalled the presence of a submarine and the convoy turned to port to avoid it. At 0833B/10, Petrarca signalled a torpedo track. There was no counter attack. (27)

13 Sep 1942
At 0041C/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 which ordered her to keep clear of the area south of 32°40'N and east of 23°50'E from 0500C/13.

At 0651C/13, HMS Thrasher dived for a day of submerged patrol to the north and north-east of Ras el Tin.

At 2000C/13, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1730C/13, giving an aircraft report of one transport and one destroyer at 1640C/13, in position 34°48'N, 23°11'E, course 185°, speed 9 knots. It also stated that the target would be illuminated by flares between 0230C/14 and 0300C/14. HMS Thrasher surfaced and proceeded to a position to intercept at about 0230C/14. [We have been unable to find enemy shipping movements through this area at this time though.] (24)

14 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0028C/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 which stated that the signal received earlier about the transport and destroyer was unreliable and that illumination would not take place. [We indeed can't find any ships en-route from Greece to Tobruk at this time.]

At 0647C/14, HMS Thrasher dived to, one again, patrol between Derna and Ras-el-Tin.

At 2000C/14, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1630C/14, which ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed to 'Area K' and giving Cape Krio, the south-west corner of Crete as the best focal point. So HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course accordingly. (24)

15 Sep 1942
At 0055C/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) intercepted an aircraft report of one large transport and five small craft in position 33°40'N, 22°51'E, course 180°, speed 9 knots. Time of sighting was 0035C/15. HMS Thrasher altered course to the westward to intercept them, their track was about 10 nautical miles to the west.

The convoy reported was made up of the tanker Alberto Fassio (Italian, 2289 GRT, built 1914) and the Italian motorized lighters MZ 721, MZ 729, MZ 730, MZ 763 and MZ 764 [source is the report of the Cassiopea.]. They were escorted by the German destroyer Hermes (former Greek Vasilefs Georgios) and the Italian torpedo boat Cassiopea. The convoy arrived at Tobruk around 1215B/15 except MZ 764 which had proceeded to Derna.

By 0200C/15, nothing had been sighted except some distant flares to the southward. Course was then altered to the northwards to continue the passage towards Cape Krio. (27)

16 Sep 1942
At 1458C/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which was patrolling to the westward of Cape Krio, received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1305C/16, which ordered her to patrol in the vicinity of position 35°10'N, 23°24'E until 2000C/17. Course was set accordingly.

At 1958C/16, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1735C/16, giving position 35°05'N, 23°14'E as an alternative to patrol in.

At 2040C/16, HMS Thrasher surfaced. Nothing had been sighted.

At 2211C/16, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1832C/16, ordering her to leave patrol P.M. on the 17th and proceed to Beirut. (24)

17 Sep 1942
At 0310C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived near position 35°05'N, 23°14'E and commenced to patrol in the area.

At 0634C/17, an aircraft was sighed two miles to the westward on a southerly course. Dived.

At 0650C/17, HMS Thrasher returned to periscope depth and sighed an enemy aircraft making some sort of recognition signal to the eastward. It seemed likely this aircraft was in contact with some sort of surface ships so course was altered to the eastward.

At 0710C/17, smoke was sighted bearing 115°.

At 0715C/17, in position 35°02'N, 22°50'E, the masts and funnel of a transport were sighted bearing 115°. Range was about 8 miles and enemy course was 080°. Further to the south and considerably closer was a destroyer and one aircraft carrying out a search. It was thought that the aircraft sighted earlier had sighted HMS Thrasher diving and had reported this to the destroyer.

HMS Thrasher altered course to the north-east to close Cape Krio to try to remain ahead of the enemy. Ten minutes later the destroyer and aircraft made off towards the east to rejoin the transport and nothing more was seen of them.

At 1040C/17, in position 35°07'N, 22°52'E, masts and a funnel were sighed bearing 170° at a range of about 9 miles. HMS Thrasher immediately turned towards to start closing to attack.

At 1055C/17, the contact had developed into a large merchant vessel with an escort of three destroyers and about half a dozen of aircraft. They were proceeding roughly to the north. One destroyer was stationed ahead and the other two were on each beam of the transport.

By 1110C/17, HMS Thrasher found herself in a position that an attack was no longer possible due to a failure in setup by Lt. Mackenzie. This was very much regretted.

These ships must have been the transport Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) and her escorts, the German destroyer Hermes (former Greek Vasilefs Georgios) and the Italian torpedo boats Cassiopea and Castelfidardo. They had left Tobruk around 1600B/16 and arrived at Pireaus around 0030B/18.

At 2005C/17, HMS Thrasher surfaced and left patrol to proceed to Beirut as routed in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1832C/16.

HMS Thrasher had also missed the opportunity to attack a convoy made up of the transports Corso Fougier (Italian, 1359 GRT, built 1906), Nerucci (Italian, 1180 GRT, built 1892) and Dora (German, 795 GRT, built 1898) escorted by the torpedo boats Sirio and Lupo and on passage from Suda to Tobruk. They passed farther east and crossed the Ankara convoy at 0750B/17 in approximate position 34°40'N, 23°00'E. (27)

22 Sep 1942
Around 0650C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Beirut. (24)

5 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. These included A/S exercises with first HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and later with HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN). (28)

6 Oct 1942
Around 1830C/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and also to conduct a special operation.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher daily (1200 hours) during this patrol see the map below.

(29)

9 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1515C/9, in position 37°08'N, 26°40'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sighed a 500 ton coaster bound from Leros to Padmos. She passed out of range. (29)

10 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) patrolled off the Doro Channel during the day. A few caiques were seen but all passed well out of range. (29)

11 Oct 1942

Operation Jupiter

At 0640C/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived in position 38°52'N, 23°54'E and commenced to close the coast of Euboea.

It was decided to try to land the party of three men in Vlakhia Bay as they desired. The weather was however not very promising but by the evening in had improved.

At 2010C/11, HMS Thrasher surfaced and 15 minutes later the Folbots and stores were on the casing. HMS Thrasher then trimmed down and commenced closing the coast. Weather conditions now seemed almost perfect, no wind, sea calm except for a light swell. The night was very dark with the sky overcast.

At 2100C/11, HMS Thrasher was about half a mile from Vlakhia Bay when the Folbots were launched and attempts were made to embark the party. Unfortunately the first Folbot capsized just after the second member of its crew got into it. It broke up while being salvaged and had eventually to be abandoned. The rubber boat was then got up, to carry one men and some stores, with the other two men and the remaining stores in the last Folbot. Another mishap then occurred, the second Folbot capsized while its second passenger was embarking. It was successfully salvaged and further efforts were made to embark the party. This however, they refused to do, and would not even consider being landedo one at a time in the Folbot with Sub.Lt. Lawson paddling it. They could not be persuaded to change their minds and so the landing had to be abandoned for the time being. In the end (see below) the operation was not carried out.

By 2300C/11, the boats were back below deck and course was set to operate on the shipping route to Saloniki. (24)

12 Oct 1942 (position 39.56, 24.17)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sank the Greek schooner Panagia / SYR 291 with gunfire in the Aegean Sea, about 15 nautical miles east of Cape Drepano, Sithonia peninsula, Greece in position 39°56'N, 24°17'E. (1 dead, 11 survivors).

Later Thrasher sank the Greek schooner Agios Nikolaos / SAM 111 (also in German service) about 10 nautical miles south-west of Cape Pinnes, Athos peninsula, Greece in position 40°01'N, 24°10'E. (7 survivors).

As a result of these two sinkings the sailing of small vessels in the northern Aegean was suspended for a few days.

0655C/12, Dived in position 39°45'N, 24°20'E. I had not been possible to reach the Saloniki - Pireaus route during the night so it had been decided to patrol along the probable track of any caiques bound for Lemnos or Mitylene.

1230C/12, In position 39°59'N, 24°17'E sighted a 200 ton schooner to the north-west on a south-easterly course. Closed.

1354C/12, Surfaced in position 39°56'N, 24°17'E and fired one shot across its bows. The crew reacted immediately, three diving over the side climbing in the small boat towing astern and rowing off at full speed. The remaining crew members were not so keen to take to the water and had to be encouraged by a few more rounds, which however failed to move them until the schooner was actually hit. Once they had abandoned ship the schooner was finished off.

1408C/12, Ceased fire, the schooner had been well holed and was settling slowly. The rowing boat was seen to return to pick up the other members of the crew.

1411C/12, Dived and proceeded to the north-west.

1510C/12, It was noticed that the schooner was still afloat and had not settled any further so it was decided to return to finish her off.

1539C/12, Surfaced and boarded the schooner. Some German money and a large sum of Greek money was recovered as well as the ships papers. The schooner was used for trading between Mudros and Saloniki. The cargo consisted of empty oil drums.

1610C/12, Fire was set to the schooner and proceeded to the north-west to intercept another 200 ton schooner about 8 nautical miles away sailing westward.

1643C/12, Fired a shot across the schooners bow. The crew abandoned ship at once.

1655C/12, In position 40°01'N, 24°10'E fired a few rounds at the schooner but these had little effect in making it settle so proceeded alongside to set it on fire. The cargo in the hold could not be identified due to the deck cargo of wood.

1730C/12, Cast off from the schooner leaving her well ablaze.

1818C/12, Dived.

2008C/12, Surfaced in position 39°49'N 24°16'E and proceed to patrol throughout the night on the Saloniki to Piraeus route between Cape Cassandra and the Skopelos Channel. (29)

13 Oct 1942
At 0602C/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived in position 39°50'N, 23°23'E for a patrolling 'destroyer' off Cape Kassandra. During the day HMS Thrasher patrolled to the south of Cape Kassandra.

At 0920C/13, an Italian Sella-class destroyer was seen in position 39°49'N, 23°23'E. She passed three miles to the west of HMS Thrasher on course 165° at 22 knots. This was the Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo which had left Saloniki at 0402B/13 to make rendezvous with the transport Col di Lana (5891 GRT, built 1926) coming from Tobruk escorted by the destroyer Freccia and torpedo boat Perseo. The Castelfidardo was to take over the escort of the transport to Saloniki so that the original escort could proceed to Piraeus.

According to Italian sources Castelfidardo was off Cape Kassandra at 0804B/13. She met the Col di Lana convoy at 1245B/13 in position 38°13'N, 24°36.8'E (Perseo claims they met at 1409B/13) and and took over the escort, arriving with the transport at Saloniki, at 0925B/14. Shortly after meeting Castelfidardo, Freccia and Perseo turned back and reached Piraeus respectively at 1830B/13 and 2040B/13.

During the day a schooner and a few caiques were seen by HMS Thrasher but they were not attacked as owing to the destroyer activity it was hoped that bigger prey might be coming. (30)

14 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) patrolled submerged to the southward of Cape Kassandra during the day but no targets were sighted. Visibility was bad and also HE could not be picked up by the hydrophones due to sound of heavy rainstorms.

At 2035C/14, HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course to patrol to the north of the Skopelos Channel.

At 2258C/14, a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1948C/14, was received which stated that two laden ships were expected to leave the Dardanelles shortly for Piraeus and that they were likely to pass through the Doro Channel within the next 48 hours.

At 2332C/14, HMS Thrasher dived in position 39°21'N, 23°32'E for a small dark shape thought to have possibly been an motor torpedo boat. shortly afterwards faint HE was picked up proceeding southwards. On surfacing at 2354C/14 nothing was seen though faint HE was heard for almost another hour. (24)

15 Oct 1942
At 2045C/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which is en-route to patrol off the Doro Channel, received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1901C/15, that the first of the two ships referred to in his signal timed 1948C/14 was expected to leave the Dardanelles around dawn on the 16th.

The ship referred to in this signal was most likely the tanker Celeno (Italian, 3741 GRT, built 1899) which had left Istanbul around 1400C/15 for Pireaus. On leaving the Dardanelles she was to be joined by the Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo which had left Saloniki at 1647C/15 to proceed to the rendezvous. In the end Castelfidardo had to put into Mudros at 1415C/16 and the tanker remained in the Dardanelles due to the very bad weather (gale) conditions.

Accoding to Italian sources Castelfidardo sailed from Mudros at 0645B/19 to escort Celeno to Mudros but apparently she missed the rendezvous (perhaps due to the bad weather) and Castefildardo returned to Mudros at 1906B/19. Castelfidardo sailed again from Mudros at 0633B/20 and finally picked up Celeno off the Dardanelles. They arrived at Piraeus at 1234B/21. (31)

17 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1135C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which was still patrolling, in bad weather conditions, off the Doro Channel but had sighed nothing so far, received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1022C/17, which gave information that the enemy ship referred to in his signal timed 1901C/15 had probably been delayed by the bad weather. HMS Thrasher was ordered to continue to patrol off the Doro Channel to intercept it. (24)

18 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1959C/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which had spent another day patrolling of the Doro Channel as ordered but had sighed only some caiques, was now ordered by Capt. S.1, in his signal timed, 1803C/18, to patrol off the western approaches to the Rhodes Channel. To get there in time all a second attempt to carry out Operation Jupiter had to be abondoned. HMS Thrasher then left the Doro Channel area for Rhodes around 2200C/18. Nothing was sighed of the expected ship coming from the Dardanelles which should have arrived off the Doro Channel by 2200 hours if it had left the Dardanelles by dawn today. [In the end the tanker only left the Dardenelles in the morning of the 19th.] (32)

19 Oct 1942 (position 36.43, 26.41)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper / tug Roma (130 GRT, built 1930) with gunfire off Stampalia, Greece in position 36°43'N, 26°41'E. Several more ships / warships had been sighted during the day.

Accoding to Italian sources there were no survivors from the Roma. A body was recovered a few days later.

0220C/19, In position 37°19'N, 25°42'E, sighted an illuminated hospital ship bearing 090°. Range was about 12 nautical miles. The ship was steering 270°. At 0315C/19, the hospital ship passed five miles to the northward heading for the Steno pass.

0700C/19, Dived in position 37°13'N, 26°20'E for submerged patrol.

0920C/19, In position 37°12'N, 26°26'E, sighed a destroyer, accompanied by a seaplane, bearing 040°, range 8 miles, course 315° and speed 20 knots. Ten minutes later the destroyer altered course to proceed to the northward.

1130C/19, In position 37°10'N, 26°29'E, sighted a large transport escorted by two destroyers bearing 350°, course 110°, speed 14 knots. Commenced to close at full submerged speed to attack. [We have been unable to identify these ships.]

1200C/19, The transport passed out of range on an easterly course bearing 040° at a range of 10 miles.

2000C/19, Surfaced in position 37°02'N, 26°50'E and set course to continue the passage towards the Rhodes area.

2258C/19, In position 36°43'N, 26°41'E sighted a small darkened ship bearing 280°, distance 6 nautical miles, course 040°. Altered course to get ahead.

2311C/19, Dived to make an attack from periscope depth by moonlight. Almost immediately the target was seen to be a small steam tug passing much closer than had been anticipated.

2323C/19, Surfaced and gave chase.

2350C/19, Opened fire on the tug. It sank after 35 minutes. HMS Thrasher then set course to continue her passage towards the Rhodes area. (24)

20 Oct 1942 (position 36.26, 27.54)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the naval auxiliary Lero (Italian, 1980 GRT, built 1936) between Symi and Rhodes Islands, Greece in position 36°26'N, 27°54'E.

Lero was en-route from Rhodes to Leros and was escorted by the Italian destroyers Quintino Sella and Francesco Crispi.

1430C/20, In position 36°26'N, 27°54'E sighted a destroyer bearing 125°, 8 nautical miles distant on a course of 250°. Ten minutes later this was seen to be the starboard wing escort of a 2000 ton passenger ship, proceeding along the 100 fathom line off the north-west coast of Rhoades, with another destroyer stationed ahead. Altered course and ran in at full speed but there seemed little hope of getting closer than 6000 yards to start an attack.

1530C/20, The enemy altered course towards, range was now about 3500 yards.

1535C/20, Fired a salvo of four torpedoes against the merchant ship. One hit was obtained. The ship was heard to break up. One of the destroyers picked up the crew of the sinking ship while the other counter-attacked. 18 Depth charges were dropped but none were close.

1600C/20, While at periscope depth only the two destroyers were sighted, the target must have sunk.

1630C/20, The destroyers were joined in their hunt by three MAS-boats. 15 Minutes later the destroyers were seen to leave the area to the north-west. Thrasher retired westwards.

2155C/20, Thrasher surfaced in position 36°20'N, 27°40'E and continued proceeding to the westwards intending to patrol on the Piraeus - Crete route. (29)

21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0650C/21, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived to the east-south-east of Anafi Island in position 36°12'N, 26°04'E and continued proceeding submerged to the westward during the day.

At 1140C/21, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1010C/21, which stated that a division of troops was expected to arrive at Rhodes shortly.

At 2000C/21, HMS Thrasher surfaced to the south of Santorini Island in position 36°12'N, 25°24'E. Course was then set to the eastward to return to the Rhodes area. (24)

22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0644C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived, north of Tilos Island, in the western approaches to Rhodes, in position 36°33'N, 27°21'E.

At 1407C/22, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1057C/22, which stated that the enemy troops were expected to arrive at Rhodes within the 36 hours.

At 1955C/22, HMS Thrasher surfaced in position 36°35'N, 27°27'E. Nothing had been sighted during the day. (24)

23 Oct 1942
At 0644C/23, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived, north-east of Tilos Island, in the western approaches to Rhodes, in position 36°34'N, 27°31'E.

At 1942C/22, HMS Thrasher surfaced north of Chalki Island, in position 36°19'N, 27°36'E. Nothing of interest had been sighted during the day except for patrolling enemy aircraft until around 1030C/22. HMS Thrasher then set course to patrol to the east of Amorgos Island on the Piraeus - Rhodes shipping route.

At 2220C/22, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1947C/22, which stated that HMS Thrasher now had freedom of action in the Aegean south of 37°20'N. She was also ordered to pass through the Skarpanto Channel by daylight on the 25th and arrive at Beirut on the 28th. (24)

24 Oct 1942
At 0707C/24, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived in position 36°54'N, 26°24'E. She patrolled to the south-east of the eastern end of Amorgos Island.

At 0810C/24, in position 36°55'N, 26°25'E sighted what was thought to be a large transport approaching from the north-west. This however proved to be an armed trawler. At 0825C/24, the trawler was seen to man its gun and turn towards. HMS Thrasher had apparently been sighted. The submarine went deep and retired to the south-west. [We have been unable to identify this trawler.]

At 1030C/24, the trawler, and a seaplane which had meanwhile joined, departed the area.

At 1430C/24, a MAS-boat arrived and patrolled in the area until 1730C/24. [We have been unable to identify this MAS boat.]

At 1811C/24, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1636C/24, which stated that we had probably been sighted that morning.

At 1950C/24, HMS Thrasher surfaced in position 36°48'N, 26°18'E and set course for the Scarpanto Strait while passing to the west of Stampalia.

At 2315C/24, HMS Thrasher dived in position 36°26'N, 26°03'E to avoid a patrolling A/S trawler. HMS Thrasher surfaced at 0026C/25 and continued her passage. (24)

25 Oct 1942 (position 36.08, 26.45)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) attacked an enemy convoy west of Rhodes. No hits were obtained. The convoy was made up of the transports Argentina (Italian, 5085 GRT, built 1907) and Italia (Italian, 5018 GRT, built 1905). The Italian auxiliary Barletta (1975 GRT, built 1931) was also part of the convoy. Escort was provided by the Italian torpedo boats Lupo, Climene and Libra. The convoy was on the return trip from Rhodes to Piraeus.

0340C/25, In position 36°08'N, 26°45'E sighted two merchant ships (estimated at 3000 ton each) and three destroyers. Range was 8 nautical miles. Altered course towards to attack.

0350C/25, Dived to complete the attack from periscope depth by the light of the full moon. One destroyer was zig-zagging ahead of the merchant ships, with the other two destroyers one on each quarter.

0422C/25, Fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards. Two at each of the merchant ships. All torpedoes missed. The tracks were seen and two of the destroyers started a hunt but only three distant depth charges were dropped at 0500 hours.

According to Italian sources, at 0335B/25, the torpedo boat Lupo sighted four torpedo tracks, fired a green Verey light and a single round to alert the other ships in the convoy.

0600C/25, One of the destroyers made off the the north-west.

0620C/25, The remaining destroyer was in contact with Asdic now.

0628C/25, A very accurate depth charge attack followed. Between 0630C/25 and 0800C/25 six accurate depth charge attacks were carried out. The patterns varied from four to six depth charges. Thrasher then finally got under a density layer at 270 feet, contact was lost and only three more depth charges were dropped. Thrasher now managed to creep away. Fortunately only minor damage was sustained during the depth charging. (24)

28 Oct 1942
Around 0720C/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Beirut. This patrol completes her Mediterranean deployment as she is to return to the U.K. to undergo a refit. (29)

11 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Beirut. (33)

14 Nov 1942
Around 1700B/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut bound for the U.K. where she is going to refit. En-route she is to deliver stores and torpedoes to Malta. Also seven passengers for the U.K. and four for Malta were on board.

For the daily positions of HMS Thrasher during this passage to the U.K. see the map below.

(29)

22 Nov 1942
Around 1400B/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. She had been joined around 1151B/22, by the minesweeper HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR) which then swept her in.

During 22 and 23 November, the stores and all torpedoes on board were unloaoded. (34)

25 Nov 1942
Around 1240A/25, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was escorted out by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (34)

27 Nov 1942
At 0156A/27, in position 38°09'N, 10°41'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived for a northbound transport in ballast escorted by a destroyer. The transport could not be attacked as HMS Thrasher had no torpedoes on board.

No enemy report was made as there were no other allied units in the area.

The transport sighted was most probably the Caterina Costa (Italian, 8060 GRT, built 1942) which was en-route from Bizerta to Naples escorted by the torpedo boats Sirio and Groppo.

According to Italian sources this convoy was proceeding at a speed of 12.5 knots. An aircraft was first sighted at 2130B/26, and flares were dropped at 2230B/26 and again at 2305B/26 and at the same time a torpedo explosion was heard, apparently at the end of its course. An air attack was observed at long distance, and it was believed to be on the Procione convoy. At 0125B/27, an aircraft attacked Sirio with a torpedo from a distance of 500 metres but it was easily avoided. No submarines were sighted. (35)

2 Dec 1942
Around 1120A/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

Earlier that day, at 0728A/2, a submarine was sighted bearing 240° at a range of two nautical miles in position 36°28'N, 04°34'W. It was thought this may be HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) which was returning to Gibraltar from patrol but subsequent investigation showed that it was not her. The submarine was challenged and HMS Thrasher turned to the north too evade. The other submarine showed a thin red stream or trail and subsequently dived. Subsequent investigation at Gibraltar showed that the submarine had not been HMS Sturgeon

The German submarine U-81 was also operating in this area though apparently a bit further to the east. She also reported nothing of interest so most likely also was not the submarine sighted. Perhaps the submarine sighted was Spanish. (36)

3 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) was wiped (degaussing) at Gibraltar. (37)

5 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Gibraltar. (37)

6 Dec 1942
At 1117A/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for the United Kingdom. (29)

14 Dec 1942
Around 2115A/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived at Falmouth. She was escorted in by HMS Finesse (T/Lt. J.E. Freestone, RNR) and HMS William Mannel (Skr. H.J. Meyer, RNR).

HMS Thrasher had encountered heavy weather during the later stages of her passage to the U.K. which had also caused some damage to the submarine. It was therefore decided to proceed to Falmouth to effect some repairs. (29)

17 Dec 1942
Around 1430A/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Unst (T/Lt. J.R. Smith, RNR). (38)

18 Dec 1942
Aroound 1100A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Fort Blockhouse, the submarine base at Portsmouth. (29)

19 Dec 1942
Around 1600A/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. They were escorted by HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. S.C. Larner, RNR). (37)

20 Dec 1942
Around 1230A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. They where they both to be taken in hand for refit at the Chatham Dockyard for a refit and main motor repairs respectively. (37)

21 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (37)

Submarine HMS Tantalus (P 318)

31 May 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She is escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (39)

1 Jun 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training off the Scottish west coast. (39)

3 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted full power trials on the measured mile. (40)

4 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (40)

5 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (40)

6 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (40)

7 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (40)

8 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (40)

9 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted log calibration trials on the measured mile. (40)

10 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (40)

12 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (40)

14 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

15 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

16 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

17 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

18 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

19 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

20 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (40)

21 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (40)

24 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. Later the same day radar exercises were carried out with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (40)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Campbeltown for Port H.H.Z. She makes the passage together with HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (40)

27 Jun 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Port H.H.Z. Later the same day she and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed again for Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800 hours.

At Scapa Flow Tantalus was to participate in A/S exercises. (40)

28 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (40)

29 Jun 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (40)

30 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (40)

1 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

2 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

3 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

5 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

6 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

7 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

8 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

9 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

11 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (41)

12 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

One of the ships with which exercises were carried out was HMS Diomede (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN).

HMS Diomede also conducted torpedo firing exercises. (41)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa flow for Holy Loch. She makes the passage together with HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and FFS Curie. They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (41)

16 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (41)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (41)

20 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (41)

21 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. She was escorted by HMS ML 239 (T/Lt. O.H.W. Richards, RNVR). (41)

22 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (41)

23 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (41)

25 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (41)

27 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (41)

29 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises off Larne during which they made practice attacks on each other. (41)

30 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (41)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne.

[No log is available for August 1943, therefore no details for this month can be provided other then the events currently listed.] (41)

25 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. (42)

27 Aug 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Leriwck. She departed for her 1st war patrol (work-up patrol) later the same day. She is to patrol in the Norwegian and Arctic Ocean as far north as Spitsbergen.

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

8 Sep 1943
At 0630 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) surfaced in position 75°15'N, 11°52'E and proceeded north at full speed to intercept German task force sighted of Spitsbergen.

At 2135 hours HMS Tantalus dived in position 78°04'N, 13°10'E and closed Icefjord (43)

9 Sep 1943
During the night HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) entered the Icefjord, Spitsbergen. Barentsburg was seen to be on fire but there was no sign of the enemy

At 0746 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus surfaced in position 78°08'N, 13°00'E. (43)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and BAR, RN) sights a German U-boat of Spitsbergen in position 78°03'N, 12°16'N but when she dived to attack contact was lost.

(All times are zone -1)
0410 hours - Dived in position 78°08'N, 12°14'E
2126 hours - Surfaced in position 78°05'N, 12°28'E
2155 hours - In position 78°03'N, 12°16'E sighted a surfaced U-boat right ahead about 4-5000 yards away, Dived to attack but nothing could be seen through the periscope (U-boat was possibly U-277)
2203 hours - HE (160 revs.) heard bearing 280°, contact was however not obtained / 2318 hours - Surfaced in position 78°03'7N, 12°14'E, as Tantalus was to the west of the U-boat against the light of the horizon and the U-boat was against the land Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie though it not wise to search for the U-boat and proceeded to the seaward. (43)

14 Sep 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) enters the Icefjord at Spitsbergen to have a closer look at the damage at Barentsburg.

(All times are zone -1)
0408 hours - Dived in position 78°09'N, 12°50'E and set course to enter the Icefjord to have a look at Barentsburg. At Barentsburg no survivors of the German raid were seen, the place looked deserted and completely wrecked.
1400 hours - Set course to the northward to depart from Icefjord
2125 hours - Surfaced in position 78°04'N, 13°06'E and set course for Lerwick. (43)

21 Sep 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (43)

24 Sep 1943
At 1653 hours (time zone -1), HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), slipped and departed Lerwick bound for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (44)

26 Sep 1943
At 1230 hours (time zone -1), HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) berthed alongside HMS Wolfe at Holy Loch. (44)

28 Sep 1943
At 1630 hours (time zone -1), HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), departed from Holy Loch for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Huddersfield Town (A/Skr.Lt. J.H. Consadine, DSC, RNR). (44)

1 Oct 1943
At 1740 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth and secures at Fort Blockhouse. Here she is to be modified for her deployment in the Far East. (45)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Portsmouth in No.10 dock. (45)

31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (46)

7 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Portsmouth. (47)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Portsmouth for Larne via Plymouth. She was escorted until off Plymouth by the Free French submarine chaser Chasseur 10 when HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) joined and HMS Rosevean (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Hill, DSC, RNVR) took over the escort. (47)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Larne for further training. (47)

15 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (47)

17 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (47)

18 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN).

Later the same day, HMS Tantalus and HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) carried out attack exercises on each other. (47)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN). (47)

20 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN). (47)

21 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN). (47)

22 Jan 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from the Larne area for Holy Loch where she arrived later on the same day. She was escorted by ML 224 (T/Lt. A.S. Batham, RNVR). (47)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is briefly docked for a final inspection in the floating dock at Holy Loch (AFD 7). She left dock after a few hours.

At 2025 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus departed from Holy Loch for her outward passage to the Far East. She is to perform a brief patrol along the Portuguese coast on the passage to Gibraltar.

Daily positions (1200 hours) for 3 February to 11 February 1944, the time spent in the patrol area of the Portuguese coast:
3 February 39°37'N, 09°26'W
4 February 39°33'N, 09°34'W
5 February 39°35'5N, 09°18'W
6 February 39°35'N, 09°16'W
7 February 39°35'N, 09°42'W
8 February 39°34'N, 09°26'5W
9 February 39°35'5N, 09°30'W
10 February 39°36'N, 09°20'W
11 February 39°36'5N, 09°33'W

For Tantalus daily positions during the passage to the Far East see the map below.

(47)

13 Feb 1944
At 1455 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) entered Gibraltar harbour. (48)

17 Feb 1944
At 0815 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Gibraltar harbour and takes station in convoy KMS-41 for the passage to Malta. (48)

23 Feb 1944
Around 0730 hours (time zone -1) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) parts company with convoy KMS-41 and proceeded to Port Said. (48)

26 Feb 1944
1800 hours (time zone -2) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) enters Port Said harbour. (48)

7 Mar 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar) transits the Suez Canal. She stays at Ismalia during the night. She proceeded to Aden the following day. (49)

13 Mar 1944
At 1800 hours (time zone -3) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar) arrived at Aden. (49)

16 Mar 1944
At 1045 hours (time zone -3) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar) slipped her moorings at Aden and proceeded to Colombo. (49)

25 Mar 1944
At 1750 hours (time zone -6,5) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar) arrived at Colombo and secures on HrMs Plancius. (49)

26 Mar 1944
At 1800 hours (time zone -6,5) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) passes the gate at Colombo bound for Trincomalee. (49)

28 Mar 1944
At 1045 hours (time zone -6,5) HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee.

10 Apr 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included A/S exercises with the US destroyers USS Dunlap (Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN). (50)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee at 1850 hours (time zone -6.5) for her 2nd war patrol (1st in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the Straits of Malacca. Tantalus passed the boom at 1910 hours and parted company with HMS Taurus and escort HMS Maid Marion at 0000 hours.

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

17 Apr 1944 (position 6.15, 98.25)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is fired upon by an unknown enemy submarine. A torpedo was heard approaching but it missed.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1000 hours - In position 06°15'N, 98°25'E sighted what is thought to be a periscope, dived
1015 hours - Came to periscope depth
1034 - When about to surface the HE of a torpedo approaching was heard so Tantalus remained below (Note German U-1062 / U-532 in area but further to the west, might have been a Japanese submarine; candidates I-37, I-166)
1437 hours - Surfaced in position 06°23'N, 98°25'E
1500 hours - sighted a large junk in position 06°23'N, 98°33'E bearing 090° distance 10 nautical miles
1530 hours - Passed floating wreckage (43)

19 Apr 1944 (position 3.03, 99.59)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank a Malaysian tug Kampung Besar (300 GRT) with gunfire in the Malacca Strait in position 03°03'5N, 99°59'5E.

(all times are zone -6,5)
0522 hours - Dived in position 03°21'N, 99°55'E
1400 hours - In position 03°09'N, 100°02'E sighted the masts of a convoy of five small ships, Tantalus was unable to get into attack position as she was too far off
1700 hours - In position 03°06'N, 100°00'E sighted one small ship approaching from the south-east
1715 hours - Commenced attack on this vessel that turned out to be a medium sized tug of about 300 tons towing a couple of barges. The tug was keeping close inshore
1747 hours - The tug was seen to alter course to the westward and in so doing increasing range most likely to enter Kampung Besar anchorage (position 03°05'N, 99°52'E) to spent the night there. As Tantalus was bumping along the bottom at periscope depth it was decided to surface and engage with the deck gun
1750 - Surfaced in position 03°03'5N, 99°59'5E and opened fire from 2800 yards. The third round was a hit and brought the target to a standstill
1800 hours - Fire was checked after 44 round with 14 hits and the target was seen to be on fire. As Tantalus was in very shallow water with fishing vessels all around Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decided to retire to the seaward
2315 hours - In position 03°35'N, 100°32'E sighted a destroyer or torpedo boat one nautical mile away and coming towards. Dived to 150 feet. HE was not heard after 0035/20th (43)

29 Apr 1944 (position 3.19, 99.44)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank the Malaysian Pulo Salanama (ca. 400 GRT) with gunfire in Malacca Strait in position 03°19'N, 99°44'E

(all times are zone -6.5)
0258 hours - While to the eastward of Pulo Pandang sighted a dark object ahead laying stopped. It did not look like a junk or sampan sighted frequently. Closed to investigate. When range was about a mile it was identified as a submarine chaser and course was altered right away. Tantalus was lucky in not being sighted
0508 hours - Dived in position 03°16'5N, 99°51'E
1138 hours - In position 03°19'N, 99°44'E sighted smoke and masts approaching from the south-east. A few minutes later a seaplane was sighted patrolling to the seaward. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie started an attack. By 1230 hours it was realised that the target was very small and not worth a torpedo. As the seaplane was not sighted for a while it was decided to attack with the gun
1242 hours - Surfaced astern of the target and opened fire at a range of 2000 yards. At 1247 hours fire was checked as the crew began to abandon ship. Tantalus closed with the intention to hole the ship at the waterline. At 1250 hours the ship was seen to get underway again so fire was at once re-opened. The 2nd round was a hit in the targets engine room, a dense cloud of black smoke went up and in a minute the target was ablaze from end to end. The target was an ancient looking coaster of about 400 tons with a diesel engine aft
1258 hours - Dived and proceeded to the northward
1400 hours - Two submarine chasers and one motor trawler were seen closing the burning wreck from different directions. By the time they had closed the burning wreck Tantalus was well clear to the north. By 1500 hours a seaplane had joined the hunt. In all seven depth charges were dropped between 1500 and 1530 hours but all were well off
1832 hours - Surfaced in position 03°33'5N, 99°43'5E and proceeded further northward (43)

3 May 1944 (position 11.00, 92.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Amagi Maru (3165 GRT, built 1924) about 40 nautical miles south of Port Blair, Andaman Islands in position 11°00'N, 92°00'E.

(all times are zone -6.5)
1 May 1944
0528 hours - In position 06°21'N, 97°33'E. Morning sights have just been taken and when about to dive one of the lookouts sighted a puff of smoke on the horizon. Tantalus turned towards and increased speed. More smoke was sighted a few minutes later.
0650 hours - Now sighted the two masts of one ship with a lot of smoke from a second ship behind it.
0740 hours - Both ships were lost out of sight due to a rainstorm.
0825 hours - Both ships emerged suddenly from the rainstorm. Range was about 8 nautical miles. The ships masts were kept just above the horizon as Tantalus worked her way around to get into a position of attack although this would take most of the day. During the day the ships were identified as a merchant and an escort. The escort produced a lot of smoke making it rather easy to keep contact.
1625 hours - Dived in position 07°59'N, 95°47'E and commenced attack on the merchant ship that was laden and of about 3500-4500 tons. The escort was identified as a minesweeper.
1748 hours - Four torpedoes were fired but these all missed or went under. The escort dropped four depth charges but these did no damage.
1901 hours - Surfaced in position 08°01'N, 95°46'E and gave chase.

2 May 1944
0418 hours - The enemy was sighted again about 5 nautical miles away. Tantalus manoeuvred for attack.
0719 hours - In position 09°25'N, 94°20'E sighted a seaplane about 12 nautical miles away. Tantalus slowed down so the wake would not be so visible as Tantalus was also right up sun.
0721 hours - The aircraft was seen to alter course directly towards.
0722 hours - Dived
0900 hours - The aircraft was no longer in sight.
0955 hours - Surfaced in position 09°28'N, 94°15'E and continued the chase
1843 hours - Dived in position 10°55'N, 93°00'E, later a small escort joined the small convoy from the northward.
2008 hours - Fired the first of a salvo of six torpedoes (tubes 1 to 6) from 4000 yards away. Three and a half minutes after firing the first torpedo one explosion was heard and all HE off the target stopped. Tantalus went deep and retired to the southward. The escorts dropped eleven depth charges but these were way off.
2100 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Spotted one escort about a mile astern and the target laying stopped about three miles away to the north-east. Tantalus went deep and started to close the target
2230 hours - Came to periscope depth again. The target was still laying stopped. The minesweeper was patrolling about a mile away to the westward with the smaller escort further off on the same bearing. The ballast pump had to be run to maintain trim at periscope depth and this was probably heard by the minesweeper as it speeded up and between 2247 and 2257 hours dropped eight depth charges but none were close. Tantalus went deep again and continued to close the target. Between 2325 and 2327 hours another nine depth charges were dropped but one again not close
2345 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was now to the south a bit further off then hoped but still laying stopped. It appeared to be slightly down by the stern
2357 hours - Fired no 11. tube from 3000-4000 yards
2400 hours - The torpedo hit the target and it went down in a few minutes. Tantalus went deep and retired to the eastward.

3 May 1944
0008 hours - 8 depth charges dropped but once again not close.
0113 hours - Surfaced in position 11°02'N, 93°05'E. Both escorts were visible about five miles away and there was no sign of the target. Tantalus retired stern on the escorts.
0544 hours - Dived in position 10°06'N, 93°49'E
1852 hours - Surfaced in position 10°00'N, 93°27'E and set a course for Trincomalee.

Note: The Amagi Maru had left Singapore on 28 April 1944 bound for Port Blair. She carried 600 Japanese troops. Escort was provided by the minelayer Hatsutaka (offsite link) and the auxiliary minesweeper Keinan Maru No.5. On 2 May Keinan Maru No.5 was detached and auxiliary minesweeper Kyo Maru No.1 replaced her. (43)

6 May 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at 1040 hours (time zone -6.5) at Trincomalee. (43)

7 May 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 9. (51)

10 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (51)

20 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (51)

24 May 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee at 1650 hours (time zone -6.5) for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the Straits of Malacca. Escort was provided by HMS Magnolia.

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

1 Jun 1944 (position 4.09, 100.28)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is detected by an enemy patrol vessel and depth charged in position 04°09'N, 100°28'5E. No damage was done.

0400 hours - In position 04°09'N, 100°28'5E sighted a dark object bearing 250° about 2 nautical miles away. At 0404 hours the object opened a very accurate fire. Tantalus crash dived to 80 feet.
0409 hours - 5 depth charges were dropped fairly close. The enemy made a circle around Tantalus and then moved off to the Westward where he stopped and was heard transmitting on Asdic. Tantalus continued to close the Southern entrance to the Dindings while submerged.
0530 hours - Tantalus came to periscope depth and sighted the enemy patrol vessel about four nautical miles away to the North Westward. The vessel continued searching to the Westward for the whole day. It was also joined by a seaplane.
1345 hours - An A/S trawler and the patrol vessel sighted earlier that day were sighted closing in from the seaward. They carried out an A/S sweep. All unnecessary machinery aboard Tantalus was stopped. The A/S trawler came very close but did however not detect Tantalus.
1530 hours - Both enemy vessels retired to the seaward. Later they were seen proceeding Northwards. They were later also joined by a seaplane.
1903 hours - Surfaced in position 04°04'N, 100°29'E and proceeded to seaward. Intention was to return to the southern entrance to the Dindings to lay mines on the next day. (43)

2 Jun 1944 (position 4.08, 100.35)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) lays mines in the Strait of Malacca in position 04°08'N, 100°35'E.

0456 hours - Dived in position 04°01'N, 100°21'E and set a course for the Southern entrance to the Dindings.
1035 hours - In position 04°04'N, 100°31'E sighted an A/S trawler bearing 053°, distance 3 nautical miles. The trawler was coming towards at slow speed. All unnecessary machinery was stopped when the range had closed to 3000 yards. Tantalus remained at periscope depth. Tantalus was not heard or seen and the trawler passed 1200 yards astern.
1130 hours a seaplane was sighted that patrolled nearby for half an hour and then disappeared in the same direction as the A/S trawler.

1300-1530 hours - Laid 12 mines in position 04°08'N, 100°35'E
1304 hours, mines 1-4, position of first mine 04°07'40N, 100°35'10E, direction of lay 090°.
1424 hours, mines 5-8, position of first mine 04°08'05N, 100°35'00E, direction of lay 090°.
1528 hours, mines 9-12, position of first mine 04°08'15N, 100°35'27E, direction of lay 280°.
All mines were spaced 480 feet apart.

During the lay a submarine chaser, with a circling seaplane overhead, passed at slow speed on a southerly course about 5 nautical miles to the westward. After the lay Tantalus proceeded seawards.
1700 hours - An A/S trawler was seen patrolling off the Northern entrance to the Dindings.
1815 hours - Two more A/S vessels were sighted to the Northward, closing at slow speed. By 1900 hours the vessels were within 2000 yards and were still closing on a steady bearing. Tantalus went deep. When it was seen that there was nothing in sight at 2015 hours Tantalus surfaced in position 04°10'N, 100°23'S. One torpedo boat was sighted bearing 340°, distance about 5 nautical miles. Tantalus retired to the Southward. Due to the heavy A/S activity Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decided to leave the Dindings area for now. (43)

10 Jun 1944 (position 3.05, 99.56)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank the Japanese army cargo ship Hiyoshi Maru (536 GRT, former Dutch Mandar, built 1929) with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca in position 03°05'N, 99°56'E.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0517 hours - Dived in position 03°08'N, 100°09'E and closed the Jumpul Bank
0845 hours - In position 03°06'N, 100°02'E sighted the mast and part of a ship bearing 290°. Ran in towards the Jumpul Bank at full speed to intercept
0910 hours - The target was seen to be the same or a very similar ship, to that unsuccessfully attacked with gunfire two days before. It was followed at intervals of 1200 yards by three coasters of 400 tons each. All ships were on a course 140°, speed 5 knots. All were deeply laden
0938 hours - Surfaced and opened fire at the merchant ship from 1500 yards. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie had hoped to put the merchant ship out of action with a few rounds and then deal with the coasters. Although hit repeatedly the merchant made an effort to escape into shallow water to the south and had to be followed which allowed the three coasters to escape to the north-west
0945 hours - The bridge and after part of the merchant was a mass of flames but it engines were still going and he was turning slowly in circles
0950 hours - Fire was ceased as the target had stopped by now and was settling. By now the crew had abandoned ship. Tantalus now headed north-east in pursuit of the three coasters
1010 hours - The nearest coaster was now only 4000 yards away and was rapidly overtaken but a Japanese aircraft appeared that forced Tantalus to break of the pursuit and dive to safety. Course was set to the South-West. The original target was seen to sink at 1105 hours
1200 hours - Two twin engined bombers were seen searching the area of attack, these searches continued throughout the whole forenoon
1840 hours - Surfaced in position 03°02'N, 100°17'E and set course to return to the Sembilan Islands (43)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at 1610 hours (time zone -6.5) at Trincomalee. (43)

3 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (52)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee at 1840 hours (time zone -6.5) for her 4th war patrol (3rd in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the Straits of Malacca. Escort to Tantalus and HMS Stoic was provided by HMS Maid Marion.

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

15 Jul 1944 (position 4.01, 100.10)
While on patrol in the Malacca Straits in position In position 04°01'N, 100°10'E HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sights a medium sized merchant ship. She gave chase but was unable to get into an attack position.

(All times are zone -6,5)
15 July 1944
0520 hours - Dived in position 03°56'N, 100°11'E and closed the Southern entrance of the Dindings during the day
1853 hours - Surfaced in position 04°11'N, 100°22'E and set a course to close Pulo Jerak and then to patrol towards the One Fathom Bank
2156 hours - In position 04°01'N, 100°10'E, sighted a dark shape bearing 210°. Turned towards and closed slowly
2202 hours - The target was identified as a medium seized merchant ship with two escorts, Tantalus manoeuvred to get into attack position
2204 hours - The starboard escort opened fire at Tantalus and both escorts altered course to close. Dived and altered course towards the target
2215 hours - One of the escorts passed fairly close and five depth charges were dropped fairly accurately. Tantalus went to 150 feet and proceeded to the eastward
2345 hours - Surfaced in position 04°02'N, 100°13'E and set off to the northward in pursuit of the merchant ship

16 July 1944
0010 hours - Taken under fire by an unseen ship on the port beam. Most likely it was one of the escorts encountered previously. Tantalus crash dived to 150 feet
0028 hours - The escort was in contact with asdic and dropped four depth charges. These were close enough to cause minor damage
0038 hours - Three more depth charges were dropped but these were not as close as the ones dropped ten minutes before
0050 hours - Another set of three depth charges were dropped close, but not so close as to cause any damage. The escort seems to have lost contact after this set of depth charges. HE and asdic transmissions however were heard for over an hour
0315 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to the south-east to finish charging
0520 hours - Dived in position 03°45'N, 100°31'E and proceeded towards the One Fathom Bank
1835 hours - Surfaced in position 03°26'N, 100°26'E and proceeded during the night so as to dive at dawn in the One Fathom Bank Channel (43)

17 Jul 1944 (position 2.54, 100.54)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) tries to attack the Japanese submarine I-166 (offsite link) with torpedoes in the Strait of Malacca In position 02°43'N, 100°54'5E. Due to a sudden change of course of the enemy submarine Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie did not fire his torpedoes. I-166 was sunk later that day by HMS Telemachus.

0510 hours - Dived in position 02°53'N, 100°53'E
0630 hours - In position 02°43'N, 100°54'5E Sighted an object bearing 250°. The object was almost immediately identified as the conning tower of a large Japanese submarine, estimated course 130°, range 9000 yards. Tantalus manoeuvred to get into attack position. When the range had closed to 6000 yards the enemy turned away and left Tantalus almost unable to attack. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decided not to fire as he thought HMS Telemachus that was patrolling to the South-West might have a better chance (how right he was soon proven to be ! )
1300 hours - In position 02°57'N, 100°52'E sighted 2 A/S vessels bearing 300°, distant 4 miles, course 130°. They passed at a distance of 3000 yards
1854 hours - Surfaced in position 03°01'N, 100°40'E and set a course to the northward and later to the eastward to patrol between Pulo Jerak and Klang Strait (43)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at 1315 hours (time zone -6.5) at Trincomalee. (43)

18 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (53)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (53)

24 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (53)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, RN) departed from Trincomalee at 1138 hours (time zone -6.5) for her 5th war patrol (4th in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the Straits of Malacca and after this patrol she is to proceed to Fremantle, Australia

(all times are zone -6.5)
To sea for exercises before leaving on patrol. Lt. J. Nash, RN took temporary command as Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie left the ship sick
1138 hours - Slipped from HMS Maidstone and proceeded to exercise area
2344 hours - Completed exercises and left for patrol

For HMS Tantalus daily positions (1200 hours) during this patrol see the map below

(43)

29 Aug 1944 (position 7.23, 96.17)
While transiting the Andaman Sea HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) has a narrow escape when she is attacked by a Japanese aircraft in position 07°23'N, 96°17'E.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0858 hours - In position 07°23'N, 96°17'E crash dived when an aircraft was spotted. The aircraft was spotted very late and when it passed over HMS Tantalus the Officer of the Watch was still on the bridge. For some reason unknown it did not drop a bomb or fired it machine guns probably thinking we were Japanese as we did not dive. When the aircraft turned round it dropped a bomb when Tantalus was at 70 feet. The bomb was close enough for the navigational lights on the bridge to be smashed. The aircraft kept patrolling the area until almost three hours later. A narrow escape
1156 hours - Surfaced in position 07°15'N, 96°27'E
1302 hours - Aircraft sighted, crash dived
1330 hours - Surfaced in position 07°07'N, 96°27'E and proceeded to the eastwards as it was now impossible to arrive in the Penang area at dawn
1423 hours - Dived for aircraft in position 07°06'5N, 96°39'E
1445 hours - Surfaced (43)

31 Aug 1944 (position 5.50, 100.10)
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) sank a Siamese sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca in position 05°50'N, 100°10'5E. She also damaged another with gunfire.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0446 hours - Dived in position 05°58'N, 100°02'E and patrolled to the eastward of the Bunting Islands down towards Penang
0930 hours - Sighted an aircraft approaching from the South. The aircraft passed over Tantalus and then proceeded to patrol to the North and South about 6 to 8 nautical miles to the seaward. Around noon he disappeared to the North-West
1630 hours - Sighted a junk coming down from the North, Tantalus altered course to intercept
1725 hours - The junk passed close to the Port side as Lt. Nash examined her through the periscope. She was not very big, around 30 tons, but was heavily laden and also had a deck cargo of sacks, probably rice. Lt. Nash decided to sink her / 1736 hours - Surfaced in position 05°50'N, 100°10'5E and opened fire with the deck gun from the junks Starboard quarter from 850 yards. The first round hit but after a good beginning the shooting became a bit erratic . After 10 hits Lt.Nash ordered to check fire
1748 hours - The junk was seen to sink with a sudden and spectacular nose dive. Tantalus now proceeded Northwards where a group of junks was spotted about 5 nautical miles away
1803 hours - Opened fire on a junk of about 30 tons at a range of 4400 yards. Ten rounds were fire of which two hit before at 1811 hours an auxiliary patrol vessel was sighted coming towards us from the haze at the Starboard side. Lt. Nash broke off the action, dived and retired seawards. Whatever enemy it was it was not a determined one as nothing further was seen of it
1915 hours - Surfaced in position 05°55'N, 100°08'E (43)

1 Sep 1944 (position 4.51, 100.06)
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is lightly damaged when she is attacked by a Japanese patrol vessel in the Straits of Malacca.

(all times are zone -6,5)
0241 hours - Sighted what is thought to be an enemy escort vessel altered course away and made a wide detour around him
0459 hours - Dived in position 04°54'N, 100°05'E
0618 hours - Sighted mast and funnel of a ship coming up from the South-East, Tantalus turned to attack, this contact however turned out to be an enemy A/S vessel
0700 hours - 4 Depth charges dropped in position 04°51'N, 100°06'E
0702 hours - 2 Depth charges dropped
0737 hours - 3 Depth charges dropped, during these attacks Tantalus was slightly damaged
1210 hours - Came to periscope depth, the sea was empty and land was far astern
1855 hours - Surfaced in position 04°50'N, 99°43'E and set course to patrol of Pulo Perak
2100 hours - Altered course to patrol of Pulo Jarak after receiving a signal from Captain (S) 4 giving Tantalus also freedom of action in nearby area's (43)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) damaged two lighters with gunfire in position 03°11'N, 99°50'E. Later on this day HMS Tantalus attacks a convoy of coasters in position 03°08'5N, 99°59'5E, two salvo's of two torpedoes each were fired. The destruction of two coasters was claimed.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0502 hours - Dived in position 03°07'5N, 100°02'5E and closed the coast
0740 hours - Sighted smoke, then a mast and funnel, Tantalus was however too far to the North to get in an attack position
0839 hours - Again sighted smoke, mast and a funnel, Tantalus was however still a bit too far to the North but non the les she tried to intercept
0910 hours - When just about to surface for gun action another bigger target was sighted coming from the North, Tantalus turned to intercept this larger prey
0921 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The target was unfortunately just a small tug towing two lighters. Fire was opened on the tug from 4500 yards. The tug immediately cast her tow, turned stern on and made off as fast as possible. Twelve rounds were scored but no hits were obtained. Fire was now shifted to the lighters. Lt. Nash had to open the range slightly in order to get into deeper water. Two of the twenty rounds fired were hits. As the targets proved very difficult to hit at this range fire was checked at 0937 hours. Tantalus now made off to get into deeper water and also a few junks were seen coming up from the South-East however at 0940 hours an aircraft was sighted approaching from the South-East. Dived in position 03°12'N, 99°53'E and retired to seawards. Tantalus was not attacked
1038 hours - Altered course down the coast to take up an more strategic position
1352 hours - In position 03°08'5N, 99°59'5E sighted a convoy of coasters on a South-easterly course. There were six ships of between 600 and 800 tons all with funnels aft. They were steaming in line ahead. To the seaward there was a Japanese submarine chaser. Lt. Nash decided to fire two torpedoes at each of the three leading ships when at 1406 hours two bombs exploded nearby
1410 hours - Fired two salvo's of two torpedoes each at the leading ships of the convoy before the attack was broken off as an aircraft was seen coming towards. Also Tantalus was right ahead of the submarine chaser. Tantalus went deep and retired seawards. At 1412, 1413 and 1415 hour torpedo explosions were heard. It was now found out that not four but three torpedoes were fired. Lt. Nash claims two sinkings
1710 hours - Sighted an aircraft patrolling astern
1857 hours - Surfaced in position 03°12'5N, 100°06'E and set course to patrol of the Brother Islands (43)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) claims to have damaged a tug with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca in position 03°06'3N, 100°00'E.

0515 hours - Dived in position 03°18'N, 99°49'E
1705 hours - Sighted a tug coming up to coast, Tantalus turned to intercept
1715 hours - In position 03°06'3N, 100°00'E, surfaced and opened fire at 5000 yards. After the first rounds the tug turned towards the shore and made off at her best speed. One hit was scored just abaft the bridge
1727 hours - Fire was checked as Tantalus was getting into too shallow water for comfort
1753 hours - The tug was now grounded and Tantalus re-opened fire. After firing 58 rounds (with only 40 rounds left) fire was checked again as the target proved difficult to hit from this range (Tantalus could not get closer due to the shallow water)
1752 hours - Set course to the Eastward. The tug was left aground in position 03°04'7N, 99°58'E (43)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) attacks a Japanese patrol vessel with three torpedoes in the Straits of Malacca. The torpedoes however missed the target.

0159 hours - In position 04°13'5N, 100°20'5E sighted a large patrol vessel bearing 010°. A rain squall had just passed and she was less than a mile away. Turned away at once feeling sure we must be sighted at any moment, but the patrol vessel continued steadily on her course, about 150°, offering such an inviting target that Lt. Nash decided to have a go at her with a stern salvo
0206 hours - Fired three torpedoes from about 3000 yards and increased speed to 14 knots. The torpedoes however missed or ran under their target. Three minutes after firing the Japanese woke up and turned towards and gave chase. Lt. Nash swung Tantalus gradually to the Northwards but the enemy appeared to be gaining
0236 hours - Dived in position 04°16'N, 100°14'5E expecting the worst. The enemy however did not approach very close and after a while made off in a North-Westerly direction
0335 hours- Altered course to patrol off Penang during the day
1900 hours - Surfaced in position 04°53'N, 100°12'5E (43)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) tries to intercept a merchant ship in the Straits of Malacca. The efforts however fails due to the escorts.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0247 hours - In position 06°16'N, 98°28'E sighted what looked like a patrol vessel to the Northward. Tantalus turned away. The enemy appeared to be on a Southerly course. Tantalus kept stern on the her as the bearing passed towards the East
0317 hours - The enemy altered course towards and appeared to give chase although she was three nautical miles astern. Lt. Nash could not believe that Tantalus was spotted but at 0345 hours the enemy was still in pursuit and appeared to be gaining so Tantalus dived in position 06°14'N, 98°18'E and changed course to the North. The enemy approached and listened with hydrophones but failed to locate Tantalus
0431 hours - Just as the submarine chaser was moving off to the westward more H.E. was heard bearing 070°. This sounded like a merchant ship accompanied by another chaser. The merchant ship appeared to be going very fast and passed very close and appeared to be heading for Sabang. Tantalus altered course to try to catch up
0452 hours - At periscope depth nothing could be seen and H.E. had faded bearing 260° Lt. Nash considered that Tantalus had been detected by sound or by radar by the Port wing escort of this convoy who had turned to the south about 0247 hours to investigate and had detected Tantalus at 0317 hours. Trying to evade this escort Tantalus had stumbled onto the track of this convoy
0457 hours - Surfaced and gave chase trying to work round the Starboard flank of the merchant ship
0506 hours - Sighted a submarine chaser to the South. Tantalus turned to the North to get clear before dawn broke
0515 hours - The chaser was out of sight for several minutes so Tantalus changed course again to chase the merchant ship again
0535 hours - The chaser was sighted again to the South. Tantalus again turned away. However in the rapidly improving light Tantalus was sighted after a few minutes. The chaser turned towards and gave chase. She appeared to be gaining slowly and as Tantalus would have to dive in the end anyway so at ...
... 0603 hours - Dived to 180 feet in position 06°25'N, 98°13'5E and rigged for depth charging. The chaser was about seven nautical miles astern. Tantalus turned 90° to Port and ran fast for ten minutes before reducing to silent speed
0624 hours - The chaser could be heard approaching on the Port quarter but did not come close
0630 hours - Two depth charges exploded a comfortable distance away. H.E. faded out bearing 120° as Tantalus continued to the West
0735 hours - Tantalus came to periscope depth and five minutes later sighted the mast and funnel of the chaser about four nautical miles to the South-East patrolling back and forth
0802 hours - The chaser was seen approaching so Tantalus went deep again. By now it was out of the question that the merchant ship heard earlier could be intercepted
0910 hours - Came to periscope depth, northing in sight
0931 hours - Surfaced in position 06°26'N, 08°03'E but almost at once a seaplane was sighted patrolling about ten nautical miles to the East so Tantalus dived again. The seaplane did not sight Tantalus
0940 hours - Sighted smoke, then a mast, bearing 060. This seemed to be another merchant ship and the seaplane was most likely part of the escort. Tantalus turned on a closing course
0955 hours - The course of the enemy was for Sabang but Tantalus had to go deep as the seaplane was seen to approach. Tantalus continued on her course to intercept
1020 hours - The enemy was recognized as a submarine chaser and not a merchant ship so Tantalus went deep again. Almost at once the chasers diesel H.E. and Asdic transmissions could be heard. The chaser passed to the North of Tantalus and eventually H.E. was heard to fade out to the West
1225 hours - Heard the submarine chaser passing to the South and the H.E. fading away to the East
1330 hours - Nothing in sight
1341 hours - Surfaced in position 06°20'5N, 97°57'E
1352 hours - Sighted a bomber about five nautical miles away bearing 360°. He had already started a dive towards so Tantalus dived in position 06°21'N, 98°02'E and turned 90 degrees to Starboard
1356 hours - One bomb exploded fairly close
1358 hours - Three more bombs even closer. Lt Nash realised Tantalus was getting nowhere on the surface and that the enemy had realised that the submarine sighted wanted to go in a westerly direction. Tantalus remained deep and steered to the North
1625 hours - Upon coming to periscope depth a submarine chaser was sighted bearing 020 about two nautical miles away. Tantalus altered course to 200 degrees. The chaser did not locate Tantalus and did not come closer
1655 hours - A pattern of eight depth charges was heard to explode some miles away
1806 hours - Altered course to the West
1904 hours - Surfaced in position 07°26'N, 97°24'5E
2043 hours - An unseen enemy opened fire on Tantalus from bearing 020°. Tantalus dived in position 06°31'N, 97°33'E. The H.E. and Asdic transmissions of two submarine chasers could be heard
2052 hours - Two depth charges exploded but not very close. Lt. Nash decided to make a big detour around Sabang as he gained little by trying to steer West
2345 hours - Surfaced in position 06°30'5N, 97°44'5E and steered 060 while charging (43)

18 Sep 1944 (position -9.56, 103.41)
While en-route from the patrol area to Australia HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is attacked by an aircraft in position 09°56'S, 103°41'E. The aircraft dropped a bomb but no damage was done.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0943 hours - In position 09°56'S, 103°41'E an aircraft was sighted between two clouds only one mile away. Dived. The aircraft was beam on and must have sighted Tantalus at the same time for he dropped a bomb which was not very close
1016 hours - Surfaced
1023 hours - Aircraft detected by radar, dived
1101 hours - Surfaced
1114 hours - Sighted aircraft bearing 240° about 10 nautical miles. The aircraft was seen to turn towards. Dived in position 10°01'S, 103°44'E
1250 hours - Surfaced
1321 hours - Two aircraft were sighted bearing 200, distance 5 nautical miles. Dived in position 10°08'S, 103°52'E
1523 hours - Surfaced (43)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) enters Exmouth Gulf to take on board some fuel.

(all times are zone -6.5)
0523 hours - Entered Exmouth Gulf
0952 hours - Secured to fuel barge
1645 hours - Slipped from fuel barge and proceeded (43)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in Far Eastern waters) at Fremantle, Australia. (43)

6 Oct 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Fremantle in USS ARD 10. (54)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (54)

13 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Durnig 13/14 October 1944, HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (54)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Fremantle at 1145 hours (time zone -8) for her 6th war patrol (5th in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the southern part of the South China Sea to the east of Singapore Straits. Escort to Tantalus was provided by HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. F.W. Roberts, RANR(S)).

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) enters Exmouth Gulf to top off with fuel.

(all times are zone -8)
0500 hours - Entered Exmouth Gulf to top off with fuel
0815 hours - Secured alongside oiler and commenced fuelling
1640 hours - Slipped from oiler
1930 hours - Passed entrance to Exmouth Gulf and set course for Lombok Strait (43)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) begins her passage of Lombok Strait.

(time zone -8)
2345 hours - Increased speed to 14 knots and entered Lombok Strait on its Eastern side. Set course up the centre and made an uneventful passage (43)

28 Oct 1944 (position 1.10, 105.12)
While in position 01°10'N, 105°12'E HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sights a medium seized merchant ship approaching Singapore from the east. The pursuit had to be broken off as it becomes clear that Tantalus is too close to the eastern entrance of Singapore Strait to make a complete 'end around' during daylight.

(all times zone -8)
0601 hours - As dawn was breaking sighted an object bearing 212° distance about six nautical miles, in position 01°10'N, 105°12'E. Altered course away to remain unsighted against the lighter horizon and gradually worked round to the north-west. By 0615 hours the object could be identified as the funnel and two masts of a medium sized merchant ship on a course a little north of west. Tantalus was not in a favourable position , being abaft his beam and not very far to go before he entered Singapore Strait. Increased speed and set a course to the north-west in the hope of getting ahead of him. During the chase it was seen that the merchant was accompanied by two smaller vessels, most likely escorts, one on each quarter. By 0720 hours we were still abaft his beam, in sight of land, and it was plain that Tantalus would not get ahead in a position to attack until well inside Singapore Strait so the pursuit was broken off
0829 hours - In position 01°25'N, 105°15'E dived for radar contact with an aircraft bearing 285°, 50000 yards. It was not the intention to dive for an aircraft at this range but the Officer of the watch thought the range was 15000 yards so he was right in diving when the aircraft had been at that range
0938 hours - Surfaced. Three minutes later the radar detected an aircraft bearing 290 distant 20000 yards. Dived again at 0945 hours. As we did not yet know what air patrols, if any, were maintained off the eastern entrance to Singapore Strait it was decided to remain submerged all day. (43)

30 Oct 1944 (position 2.38, 107.50)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) encounters an unidentified submarine in position 02°38'N, 107°50'E. Neither submarine attacks. Tantalus lost contact soon after the sighting.

(all times are zone -8)
Maintained surface patrol
0815 hours - In position 02°14'N, 106°46'E dived for radar report and sighting of two aircraft, bearing 275°, distant 23000 yards
0908 hours - Surfaced and continued patrol
1815 hours - In position 02°38'N, 107°50'E sighted what was first thought to be a junk bearing 070°, range about 10 nautical miles. In the rays of the setting sun it had a distinct reddish appearance, like a junks sail, but as soon as the sun had sunk behind a low cloud, it lost it junk-like look, and was seen to have a tall single mast - generally more like a conning tower and a raised periscope
1824 hours - Turned away and increased speed to work round and close the object from the Northward, away from the light horizon against which we must have been clearly visible. As Tantalus turned a puff of smoke appeared low down on each side of the object and it rapidly disappeared. The puffs of smoke were exactly what one might have expected from a submarine increasing speed. Tantalus made a sweep to the Northward and then to the East, but nothing further was sighted
2000 hours - Set course to the Southward to clear the shipping route in order to clean out No. 3 main ballast tank, the fuel in which had been finished two days previously (43)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sets course for the Api Passage.

(all times are zone -8)
0202 hours - Received a signal that USS Gurnard had spotted two merchant ships of Miri, Borneo. They were thought to be bound for Singapore
0400 hours - Tantalus set course to patrol off the Api Passage to intercept
1118 hours - In position 02°08'N, 107°44'E dived for an aircraft
1138 hours - Surfaced
1144 - In position 02°08'N, 107°46'E dived again for an aircraft
1250 hours - Surfaced in position 02°07'N, 107°45'E
2130 hours - The weather has changed and Tantalus was now in a storm with limited visibility (43)

2 Nov 1944 (position 0.48, 107.43)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese cargo ship Hachijin Maru (1915 GRT, built 1943) and damaged the Japanese submarine chaser Ch-1 (266 tons, offsite link) about 225 nautical miles east of Singapore in position 00°48'N, 107°43'E.

(all times are zone -8)
0315 hours - Nothing had been sighted and it was thought possible that the expected ships had got through under cover of the storm. Set course to the South-West along the coast of Borneo. Around midday course was set to pass through the Tembelan Islands
1417 hours - In position 00°40'N, 107°48'E, sighted several columns of smoke bearing 285°. Proceeded to close. By 1455 hours the masts and funnels of several ships were visible, between 260 and 270° on an easterly course
1504 hours - Dived to attack in position 00°48'N, 107°44'E. All went well for a further 30 minutes but then a heavy rainstorm reduced visibility. Tantalus manoeuvred to get into what was thought to be the best attack position
1603 hours - Sighted a submarine chaser about 200 yards away. The submarine chaser passed ahead of Tantalus. Visibility increased slightly to about 500 yards
1610 hours - The outline of a torpedo boat or destroyer was sighted. It was lost in the rain almost at once
1613 hours - Sighted a small blurred object thought to be yet another escort
1615 hours - Sighted two very dim shapes. Just over a minute later another dim shape was sighted. Half a minute later one of the shapes was identified as a funnel-aft merchant ship
1618 hours - Fired two torpedoes against this merchant ship from about 400 yards. Two explosions were heard 17 and 24 seconds after firing the first torpedo. A quick look through the periscope after the second explosion showed the target almost enveloped in spray and smoke. The ships HE stopped and breaking up noises were heard for a few minutes. Position was 00°45'N, 107°44'E. The nearest escort, a submarine chaser, was only 200 yards away so Tantalus went deep. Tantalus was now hunted by this and two other escorts but they never gained contact and no depth charges were dropped. (Lt.Cdr. MacKenzie identified the target as Taga Maru (2868 GRT, built 1939) but this was not the case (The convoy encountered was convoy Sima-4 and consisted of the following ships; cargo ship Hachijin Maru (1915 GRT, built 1943), tanker Ayagiri Maru (2854 GRT, built 1944), cargo ship Atsuta Maru (2725 GRT, built 1943) and cargo ship Toyo Maru (2725 GRT, built 1943), escort was provided by the submarine chasers Ch-1, Ch-19, Ch-26, Ch-36 (all offsite links). This convoy had left Singapore the previous day bound for Manila. The ship sunk by Tantalus was the Hachijin Maru, Ch-1 is also reported to be damaged, the nature of the damage is however not clear to me)
1745 hours - All had been quiet for 20 minutes so came to periscope depth. One escort could be seen astern patrolling the position of the attack. Visibility was still poor but nothing else was in sight. Proceeded to the eastward reloading tubes 1 and 2 in the meantime
1936 hours - Surfaced in position 00°44'5N, 107°51'E and set course to the Api passage. The intention was to attack the convoy again the following day. However Tantalus was ordered to proceed to a position East of Singapore Strait to perform air-sea rescue duties (43)

3 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus receives a signal that the airstrikes for which they had to abandon the pursuit of yesterdays convoy are postponed.

(all times are zone -8)
0905 hours - In position 01°48'N, 107°15'E an aircraft detected by radar but as the range opened up there was no need to dive
1025 hours - In position 01°49'N, 107°02'E detected and sighted an aircraft, dived
1049 hours - Surfaced
1245 hours - In position 01°51'N, 106°37'E radar detected two aircraft but as range was opening up there was no need to dive
1345 hours - Another aircraft appeared briefly on the radar screen but it soon disappeared
1347 hours - Received a signal that tomorrows air strikes had been postponed. Continued on a course towards Singapore Strait (43)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus receives a signal that the airstrikes will take place at 0900 hours/5 November.

(all times are zone -8)
0035 hours - Received a signal that the airstrikes would take place at 0900 hours on 5 November. Tantalus was then to be in position 01°45'N, 105°00'E to carry out lifeguard duties from 0800 hours to sunset. In the meantime Tantalus patrolled along the traffic route from Singapore to north-west of the Anamba Islands. (43)

5 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is in position for air/sea rescue duties but no action is required. After the air attacks course is set to patrol off Pulo Tenggol.

(all times are zone -8)
0800 hours - Patrolled as ordered the previous day
0821 hours - In position 01°44'N, 104°58'E, sighted the masts and later the bridge and two funnels of a destroyer bearing 285°, range 9 to 10 nautical miles, approximate course was 045°, speed was 15 knots. Tantalus retired to the South-East and South to keep clear. Regaining station as soon as she had gone passed
0945 hours - In position 01°36'N, 105°00'E sighted one unidentified aircraft, possibly a fighter, bearing 260°, distance 10000 yards, course 240°, height 5000 feet
1400 hours - In position 01°45'N, 105°00'E sighted a large transport aircraft bearing 300°, distance 7000 yards, course 240°, height 4000 feet
1830 hours - Set course to patrol up the east coast of Malaya to patrol near Pulo Tenggol (43)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) spots two submarine chasers 03°38'N, 104°24'E. She evades them but Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decides to remain in the area in the hope that some 'bigger prey' might come this way. One again he has to let go his intentions when a signal is received ordering Tantalus south for air/sea rescue duties the following day.

(all times are zone -8)
1404 hours - In position 02°55'N, 104°26'E sighted one transport aircraft bearing 280°, distant 12 nautical miles on a southerly course
1516 hours - In position 03°38'N, 104°24'E sighted two submarine chasers, bearing 030°, range 10 nautical miles. They closed and followed for a short time and appeared to be carrying out a A/S sweep on a south-easterly course. It was thought they might be a prelude of something bigger and better coming up later
1550 hours - Course was resumed to the north-west in full hopes of a decent target showing up that night or on the following day
1848 hours - Received a signal ordering Tantalus to be in position 01°45'N, 105°00'E again from 0800 to 1200 hours on the following day
2030 hours - Reluctantly altered course to comply with the signal received earlier (43)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is in position for air/sea rescue duties as ordered. After these she again proceeded to the North to patrol in the Pulo Tenggol area.

(all times are zone -8)
0800 hours - Patrolled as ordered the previous day
1200 hours - Proceeded to the Northward and after dark to the North-West, to continue patrol of the East coast of Malaya (43)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is depth charged when she tries to attack a Japanese merchant ship. The attack had to be broken off.

(all times are zone -8)
0815 hours - While on a northerly course in position 03°44'N, 103°53'E sighted smoke bearing 330°. Increased speed and closed
0845 hours - Sighted the masts and funnel of one ship bearing 320° on a southerly course. Tantalus turned to the south-west to gain a position to dive and attack
0928 hours - Tantalus was now right ahead of the ship, its course 180°, and the masts of two escorts could be seen
0948 hours - Sighted an aircraft that was not detected by radar. The aircraft was only five nautical miles off and was flying rather high. It was hoped it was a transport plane and that it had not sighted us. Tantalus dived in position 03°37'N, 103°43'E. The depth of the water was only 12 to 13 fathoms
1110 hours - Started attack. The target was a two-masted, single funnelled coal burning merchant ship of about 5000 tons, on a steady course of 185°, speed 9 knots. There were two escorts, one on its port (seaward) beam and one ahead, both zigging independently and sweeping on Asdic. At the start of the attack Tantalus was fine on the targets port bow, but at 1123 hours Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decided to run across and attack from its starboard and least protected side. This was easily accomplished and at 1200 hours, range 5000 yards, angle on the bow 15, Tantalus started to turn in to a firing course. At this time the nearer escort was 2000 yards ahead and had appeared to have ceased weaving. At 1205 hours he however altered towards on a steady bearing. At 1210 hours he was getting a bit close and hoisted a string of flags. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie took Tantalus deep and one minute later the escort passed overhead. In the meantime Tantalus continued to turn in and was regaining periscope depth, hoping the escort had not detected us. The escort however turned round and came back over Tantalus. It was fairly evident that he was in A/S contact with Tantalus. Also the other escort was heard approaching so the attack was broken off. Tantalus went deep and hugged along the bottom at 60 feet. The first escort was in A/S contact and kept astern of Tantalus. The other escort kept to the seaward
1240 hours - The first escort passed overhead and dropped nine depth charges. The first two were fairly close and did some light damage. The other seven did no damage
1250 hours - The escort passed overhead again but dropped nothing. Thereafter he seemed to have lost contact
1315 hours - The escorts H.E. and Asdic transmissions faded out to the seaward
1330 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find the merchant and one escorts far off to the south, zig-zagging furiously. The other escort was trying to catch up on them. Tantalus proceeded to the seaward
1640 hours - Surfaced in position 03°28'2N, 03°55'2E and set course for Pulo Tenggol. (43)

11 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank the Japanese coaster Pahang Maru (approx. 200 GRT) with gunfire of the east coast of Malaya in position 04°28'3N, 103°36'E.

(all times are zone -8)
1055 hours - In position 04°36'N, 103°46'E radar detected an aircraft bearing 295°, range 12000 yards. Dived
1123 hours - Surfaced in position 04°36'N, 103°45'E. 15 minutes later smoke was sighted bearing 190°. Course was altered toward and speed was increased
1200 hours - A mast and a funnel was in sight and course was altered towards the coast to get inshore and ahead of the ship
1238 hours - Dived in position 04°35'N, 103°37'E, being almost right ahead of the vessel, which was proceeding on an approximate course of 340°. For forty minutes its smoke continued to be seen, but then there occurred a long blank
1350 hours - Tantalus surfaced in position 04°36'N, 103°35'5E to see what had happened
1400 hours - More smoke could now be seen
1410 hours - The mast and funnel were again sighted
1419 hours - Dived in position 04°31'5N, 103°36'8E to continue the attack with the ship once again coming our way
1515 hours - The target is now identified as a small coaster that must have some problems with her engine
1617 hours - Surfaced in position 04°28'N, 103°35'2E to attack the target with the deck gun. The first round fired was a hit and started a fire amidships and subsequent rounds another in the engine room. After five rounds fire was checked and the crew abandoned ship. Then another ten rounds were fired to finish her off. At 1630 the forward end started to sink in position 04°28'3N, 103°36'E (The name of the ship was Pahang Maru, She was bound from Kuantan to Bangkok with 75 drums of oil fuel and 9 drums of lubricating oil. She was to load 250 tons of Rice in Bangkok for the return to Kuantan). The next half hour was spent in picking up the survivors who consisted of nine Malays, one Chinese and one Japanese soldier. The latter had swum well clear of the others and initially refused to be picked up. After an unsuccessful attempt to drown himself he eventually took hold of a line and was hauled aboard. He was very frightened and was burnt about the face. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie decided to get rid of the native crew as soon as possible / 1800 hours - Put the native crew aboard a Chinese junk in position 04°22'N, 103°32'E
1817 hours - Cast off from the junk and set course to patrol the traffic route passing North-West of the Anamba and Natuna Islands. During the night No.5 main ballast tank was cleaned out (the fuel that had been in it had been used two days previously) (43)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) tries to intercept a merchant on a course towards Singapore. As Tantalus has to change course due to actions of the escort she eventually runs out of time to get ahead of the merchant before it enters Singapore Strait.

(all times are zone -8)
Patrolled of the Eastern end of Singapore Strait
0740 hours - In position 01°23'N, 105°23'E sighted distant smoke bearing 311°. Increased speed and altered course to close
0756 hours - Altered further to the westward, the enemy was heading for Singapore
0850 hours - In position 01°33'N, 104°58'E sighted the masts and funnel of a medium seized merchant ship bearing 305°, course roughly 250°. It now became a race as who was to get to Singapore Strait first. Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie closed as much as possible, until the bridge, foc'sle and poop of the merchant and the bridge of the escort were visible
0953 hours - The escort altered course and made a sweep towards Tantalus forcing Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie to open range
1000 hours - Resumed the chase
1030 hours - Altered course towards to close the range, being favoured by a rainstorm
1050 hours - The chase had to be abandoned as it was impossible to get ahead of the enemy before they entered Singapore Strait
1246 hours - Dived in position 01°09'4N, 105°07'6E for an aircraft sighted bearing 280°, range 12 nautical miles
1310 hours - Surfaced in position 01°08'8N, 105°08'8E (43)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a merchant ship. The attack fails as a torpedo explodes prematurely most likely effecting the other one's as well.

(all times are zone -8)
0817 hours - In position 05°03'S, 114°24'E while on a southerly course towards Lombok, when three ships emerged suddenly from a rainstorm to the South of Tantalus. The nearest, an escort, whose masts, funnel and bridge were clearly visible bearing 175°, range about 8 nautical miles. The next ship was considerably further away and looked like a small merchant ship, of the third and most distant ship only the masts were visible but they looked like a warships. All were on a northerly course. Tantalus turned to the North and increased speed, hoping that the nearest escort had not spotted us. But as he started to follow Tantalus it soon became clear that Tantalus was spotted. Fortunately the escort was slower then Tantalus and gradually dropped astern until at 0900 hours he gave up the chase and altered to the eastward to rejoin the other two ships, which have been making off to the north-east
0903 hours - Altered course to regain contact
0920 hours - sighted all three ships bearing 180° on a course to the North
0927 hours - Dived in position 04°55'N, 114°28'E and turned towards to attack
1003 hours - All three ships were in view and were identified as one small to medium transport, with one funnel and two masts, size 2000-3000 tons. The other ships were escort vessels, one submarine chasers and one ex-whaler. From the start of the attack Tantalus was nicely placed, fine on the starboard bow of the target, which was not zigging. The targets speed was estimated at 12 knots bearing 005°. The attack however did not went well as Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie turned in to late
1028 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. However 30 seconds after firing the first torpedo one of the torpedoes explode prematurely taking another one with it as well. The other two were probably also affected. Due to this the target was not hit. The nearest escort, the whaler, turned towards and came rushing towards us. Tantalus went to 70 feet and retired to the south-west. The escort was searching with Asdic but failed to gain contact
1050 hours - Came to periscope depth and saw him hunting 3000 yards away
1105 hours - The whaler was seen moving off to the North, where he was joined by his companion and were seen searching an area 6 to 10 nautical miles to the North of Tantalus until ...
... 1330 hours - Tantalus reloaded the torpedo tubes while withdrawing on a course of 200°
1435 hours - Surfaced in position 05°05'5S, 114°25'5E and set course to the western end of Kangean Island en route to Lombok Strait (43)

6 Dec 1944
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at 0750 hours (time zone -8) at Fremantle. (43)

13 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (55)

15 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is put back in the water. (55)

29 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Durnig 29/30 December 1944, HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (55)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Fremantle at 1557 hours (time zone -8) for her 7th war patrol (6th in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the southern part of the South China Sea to the east of Singapore Straits.

For HMS Tantalus daily (1200 hours) positions during this patrol see the map below.

(43)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) topped up with fuel at Exmouth Gulf.

(all times are zone -8)
0550 hours - Entered Exmouth Gulf
0654 hours - Secured alongside HMS Sturdy alongside the oiler
1757 hours - Slipped from HMS Sturdy and proceeded out of Exmouth Gulf passing the entrance at 2030 hours (43)

11 Jan 1945
Due to the bad weather HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) had to abandon her first attempt to transit Lombok Strait.

(all times are zone -8)
0130 hours - Entered the southern entrance of Lombok Strait. Due to the very bad weather the transfer of Lombok Strait was abandoned as it was impossible to navigate. (43)

12 Jan 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) transits Lombok Strait northbound.

(all times are zone -8)
0030 hours - Once again entered the southern entrance of Lombok Strait
0350 hours - Transfer of Lombok Strait completed
0845 hours - In position 07°23'N, 115°24'E radar detected an aircraft bearing 060°, range 30000 yards. It was sighted soon afterwards but there was no need to dive as the range was opening
1013 hours - Dived in position 07°12'S, 115°20'E for an aircraft sighted bearing 020°, range about 10 nautical miles. Tantalus remained dived to make the passage between the western end of Kangean Island and Kemirian Island. Several small sailing craft were spotted during the afternoon
1923 hours - Surfaced in position 06°59'S, 115°07'E and set course for the southern entrance to Karimata Strait, passing north of Bawean Island (43)

30 Jan 1945 (position -1.26, 105.01)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank the Japanese sea truck Taisei Maru No. 12 (120 GRT) with gunfire off Bangka Strait in position 01°26'S, 105°01'E.

(all times are zone -8)
Patrolled along the route between Banka and Lingga Island
1205 hours - While on a southerly course in the northern approaches to Banka Strait sighted a small vessel bearing 185°, range about 8 nautical miles on an opposite course. Dived in position 01°28'S, 105°02'E
1300 hours - Identified the target as a heavily laden sea-truck
1341 hours - Surfaced 800 yards off for gun action. The target increased speed and turned towards. The first hit (the 4th or 5th round) disabled the enemy's steering. It then proceeded round in small circles. By 1350 hours a round in the engine room stopped the enemy. It was also on fire
1407 hours - The enemy rolled over and sank in position 01°26'5S, 105°01'E
1419 hours - After a lot of manoeuvring and chasing one unwilling Japanese survivor was hauled out of the water
1440 hours - One other survivor was picked up, this was the only non-Japanese on board, a Malay who spoke English and a little Japanese. He was delighted to be picked up and was willing to be of assistance. The remaining survivors, some 20 in number, all Japanese, refused to be picked up with many of them trying to drown themselves when approached, were left in the water. The enemy vessel was en-route from Java to Singapore. The cargo (90 tons in all) consisted of rice, sugar and brandy. Her normal crew was 20 Japanese and the Malay who was the 'dogsboy' and slave (43)

31 Jan 1945 (position -0.28, 105.18)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank a Japanese fishing vessel with gunfire in the southern part of the South China Sea in position 00°28'S, 105°18'E.

(all times are zone -8)
Patrolled to the South and South-East of Lingga
1135 hours - In position 00°34'S, 105°16'E sighted a small ship bearing 055°, range about 8 nautical miles, on a north-westerly course. Closed on the surface, identifying the vessel as a small sea-truck or lugger of about 50 tons. The ship was diesel powered and heavily laden
1203 hours - When the range was 1000 yards, fired a shot across it's bow. It turned away at once and hoisted the Japanese flag
1206 hours - Opened fire while chasing the enemy. The first round that hit brought the enemy to a standstill and setting it on fire. The crew abandoned ship
1230 hours - After a few more rounds the ship sank in position 00°28'S, 105°18'E. 12 survivors were picked up, 10 Chinese and 2 Japanese (1 Japanese was killed in the attack. 1 Japanese refused to be picked up. The ship was a fishing vessel and was on its way to Singapore, fully laden with fish
1255 hours - Set course for Gaspar Strait
1912 hours - Received a signal to pick up a downed aircraft pilot
2130 hours - Arrived in the position where the pilot had ditched. Searched during the night for the pilot but unable to find him (43)

1 Feb 1945 (position -1.31, 105.29)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sank a Japanese tug and three lighters in the southern part of the South China Sea in position 01°31'S, 105°29'E.

(all times are zone -8)
Continued to search for the airman but now in the direction of Banka Island
1020 hours - In position 01°31'S, 105°29'E sighted an eastbound tug towing four large lighters four nautical miles to the south-east. The tug of about 50 tons, one coal laden wooden lighter and one empty iron lighter were sunk by gunfire. One other coal laden wooden lighter was sunk by demolition charges. These three lighters were all of 100 tons. The fourth lighter, an empty wooden one, was left for the survivors. While all this was being accomplished a small motor launch was sighted approaching from the eastward, it was also towing a lighter, and shortly after mid-day it was closed and hailed and eventually persuaded to come alongside. The crew of the tug was Malay and there were no Japanese on board. The 10 Chinese survivors were then put on board this tug. Tantalus then continued the search for the airman during the afternoon
2320 hours - Sent a signal to base of the intention to patrol 10 more days and with a request to join HMS Tradewind that was patrolling to the North of Singapore. Permission for this was signalled to Tantalus the next day. (43)

11 Feb 1945 (position 3.36, 107.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) sights a Japanese force in position 03°36'N, 107°00'E. She tries to get into an attack position but is unable to do so due the high speed of the enemy and a patrolling aircraft. She sets off in pursuit hoping that the enemy would be slowed down in some way.

(all times are zone -8)
Patrolling to the east of the Anamba Islands
0651 hours - Dived for trim in position 03°08'N, 106°40'E
0728 hours - Surfaced
1102 hours - Dived in position 03°30'N, 106°55'E for two high-flying aircraft sighted bearing 120°, range 12 nautical miles on a south-westerly course
1227 hours - Surfaced
1245 hours - In position 03°36'N, 107°00'E sighted the fore-tops and masts of two Japanese battleships and the masts of a third ship, bearing 125°, range 17 nautical miles; they appeared to be on a course of 025°. (These ships were the Japanese battleship-carriers Ise and Hyuga and the light cruiser Oyodo, they were escorted by the destroyers Kasumi, Asashimo and Hatsushimo (all offsite links), they had left Singapore on the same day and were bound for Japan). Tantalus increased to full speed and tried to work ahead of the ships to get into an attack position
1425 hours - Sighted an aircraft coming towards so dived in position 03°53'N, 107°10'E. This ended the effort to get ahead of the ships and attack them
1654 hours - Surfaced and sent an enemy report and continued to the north-east at 14 knots but the chance of catching up with the enemy was slim but it was always possible that they were slowed down (43)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) abandons the pursuit of the Japanese force. She begins the return trip to Fremantle. (43)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at 1055 hours (time zone -8) at Fremantle. (43)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Fremantle in USS ARD 10. (56)

13 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (56)

25 Mar 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Fremantle for the U.K. where she is to refit.

For HMS Tantalus daily positions (1200 hours) see the map below.

(56)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (57)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for Aden. (57)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden. (57)

28 Apr 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Port Said. (57)

3 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (58)

8 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (58)

11 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (58)

14 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (58)

18 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (58)

20 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. She is to sail in convoy MKS.102G (Gibraltar-Liverpool). (58)

27 May 1945
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) left convoy MKS.102G to proceed to Portsmouth where she arrived later the same day. (58)

1 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Portsmouth for Dundee.

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