Michael Frederic Roberts Ainslie DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 20 Jun 1913 | ||
| Died | 14 Jan 1987 | (73) |
| Ranks
Retired: 20 Jun 1963 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Michael Frederic Roberts Ainslie, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS P 511 (P 511) | Lt. | Submarine | 11 Jan 1942 | 10 Apr 1942 |
| HMS Shakespeare (P 221) | Lt. | Submarine | 10 Apr 1942 | 1 Mar 1944 |
| HMS Trusty (N 45) | Lt. | Submarine | 1 Mar 1944 | 17 Apr 1944 |
| HMS Thrasher (N 37) | Lt. | Submarine | 21 Apr 1944 | 6 Nov 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS P 511 (P 511)
11 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
15 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
20 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was docked at Kames Bay. (1)
27 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay. She then returned to Rothesay. (1)
28 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Ardishaig. (1)
29 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises with MA/SB's off Ardishaig. (1)
30 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises with MA/SB's off Ardishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she returned to Rothesay. (1)
31 Jan 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
3 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. Off Campbeltown she participated in A/S exercises with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (2)
4 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)
5 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (2)
6 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (2)
8 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)
9 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (2)
10 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR), HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR). (2)
11 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR), HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN). (2)
13 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR), HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (2)
14 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (2)
15 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR), HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (2)
16 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR), HMS Spaniel, HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (2)
17 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR), HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (2)
18 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR), HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN). (2)
19 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN), HMS Spaniel, HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (2)
20 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)
22 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR), HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (2)
23 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR). (2)
24 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (2)
25 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)
26 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)
28 Feb 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (2)
4 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)
8 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)
10 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Arrochar for torpedo discharge trials. (3)
11 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)
12 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)
13 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)
14 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (3)
16 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (3)
17 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (3)
18 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Spaniel, HMS Carina (Lt. R.A.H. Lord, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)
19 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)
20 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)
21 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (3)
22 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. Passage north through the Minches was made together with HMS P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR). (3)
24 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (3)
25 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, OBE, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN). (3)
26 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and two MA/SB's. (3)
27 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN). (3)
28 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). (3)
30 Mar 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN). (3)
1 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN) and later with A/S drifters of the local defence. (4)
2 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN) and later with ML's. (4)
3 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Punjabi (Lt.Cdr. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN), HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and HMS Chiddingfold (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (4)
4 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Huddart, RN). (4)
5 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Foula (T/Lt.Cdr. E.R.O.C. Greenstreet, RNVR). (4)
6 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (4)
10 Apr 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban and back. Upon returning to Tobermory Lt. Watson took over as Commanding Officer from Lt. Ainslie. (4)
Submarine HMS Shakespeare (P 221)
8 Jul 1942
P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (5)
9 Jul 1942
P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training.
[As no log is available for the month of July 1942 no further details for this month can be given.] (5)
3 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (6)
4 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (6)
5 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) completed her night exercises in the Clyde area following which she proceeded to Holy Loch. (6)
9 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
10 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with members of the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (6)
11 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and attack exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
12 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
13 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (5)
15 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 1st war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to perform an A/S patrol in the Norwegian Sea in Zone K.103 (between 63°30'N and 62°50'N and between 00°30'E and 00°30'W).
For the daily positions of HMS P 211 during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
26 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. With the exception of hydrophone effects heard twice, the patrol was uneventful. (7)
7 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover for convoy operations (PQ 18 and QP 14) to and from Northern Russia.
For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
23 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. Again the patrol was uneventful. (7)
24 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN) and HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (5)
26 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (5)
11 Oct 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. The passage South through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) and HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR).
For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this passage see the map below.
(7)
21 Oct 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)
1 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Algiers to aid in Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 211 during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
4 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark a folbot was launched to do further reconnaissance of Apples Beach for Operation TORCH. It was manned by Lt. L.G. Lyne, RN and Lt. P.D. Thomas, RNR. Due to the worsening weather situation the folbot crew could not be picked up and they were captured by a Vichy-French trawler. (7)
5 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark she returned to the folbot rendez-vous position to wait in vain for the return of the folbot crew launched the night before. (7)
6 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) again performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark she returned to the folbot rendez-vous position to wait the return of the folbot crew launched two nights before. As they failed to show up it became evident that they had either perished or captured. (7)
7 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) made a final periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark a folbot was launched to mark 'Apple White beach'. This was a rather small beach not so easy to find. The folbot to mark 'Appel Green beach' was not launched as this beach rather easy to find. At 2135 hours P 221 was in her beacon position and began flashing to seaward as well as transmitting on R.D.F. One hour later the landing convoy came in sight. (7)
8 Nov 1942
With her task off Algiers completed HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Marittimo Island to the West of Sicily. (7)
11 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol off Cape Bon. (7)
12 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol off Cani Rocks. (7)
16 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy convoy and missed the German merchant Menes (5609 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the torpedo boat Clio on their way to Bizerta. Two hits were claimed but this was not the case.
(All times are zone -1) 0818 hours - Heard faint HE bearing 120°. Came to periscope depth but sighted nothing.
0840 hours - Sighted the upper works of one medium seized merchant vessel and the masts of a destroyer bearing 180°. Range was about 6 nautical miles. Could not close enough to attack.
0922 hours - Heard HE bearing 030°. On coming to periscope depth sighted a 5000 tons merchant vessel and one Dardo-class destroyer and 2 Cant 506 aircraft. Started attack. The destroyer was 1000 yards ahead.
0942 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes. Two hits were observed. (No position is listed in the patrol report. P 221 was ordered to patrol near 37°37'N, 10°49'E.)
0951 hours - Depth charging commenced. Only 2 of the depth charges that were dropped were close.
1040 hours - Saw 2 Cant 506 aircraft circling in the position of the attack. Could see nothing else but visibility was rather bad due to a rainsquall.
According to Italian sources three torpedo tracks had been seen by Clio and she dropped three depth charges before rejoining Menes. (7)
25 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar.
She returned with defects to the main motors. These could not be repaired at Gibraltar and it was decided to send her back to the U.K. (7)
7 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. She was to return to the U.K. for repairs to her main motors.
For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this passage see the map below.
(7)
16 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Falmouth. The weather was so bad that her escort could no leave harbour to meet her. (7)
17 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. She made the passage together with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Unst (T/Lt. J.R. Smith, RNR). (7)
18 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (7)
19 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. She made the passage together with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. S.C. Larner, RNR). (5)
20 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. She then went to the Chatham dockyard for repairs to her main motors. (5)
3 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) competed refit and repairs to her main motors at Chatham dockyard. (8)
5 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Chatham dockyard to Sheerness. (8)
6 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS ML 464. Later escort duties were taken over by HMS ML 535. (8)
7 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (8)
8 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (8)
11 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted towards Bishops Rock by HMS Asie (Skr. E.A. Mutten, RNR).
While en-route Shakespeare was ordered to several patrol positions to intercept an expected German blockade runner due to arrive in France, making this her 4th war patrol.
For the daily positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
15 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 44°57'N, 13°50'W. (7)
16 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 44°57'N, 10°01'W. (7)
17 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to remain on the surface to increase the chance of sighting the blockade runner. Later she was ordered to proceed with despath 60 nautical miles to the East. In the evening she was ordered to return to her initial patrol position as it had become clear that she was unable to intercept the expected blockade runner. (7)
18 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to continue her passage to Gibraltar. (7)
24 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Gibraltar. (7)
28 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers.
For the daily positions of HMS Shakespeare during this passage see the map below.
(8)
1 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers. (9)
9 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off South-East Sardinia.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
13 Apr 1943 (position 38.39, 9.26)
At 0142 hours (zone -1), in position 38°39'N, 09°26'E HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was bombed by an enemy aircraft. Upon sighting the aircraft Shakespeare dived. When she was at 40 feet something hit the after casing with a loud crack. This was thought to be a bomb but fortunately it did not explode. (7)
26 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)
8 May 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Corsica.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
13 May 1943 (position 41.20, 10.16)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessels Sant' Anna M. (156 GRT, built 1900) and Adelina (80 GRT, built 1891) with gunfire to the East of the Strait of Bonifacio in position 41°20'N, 10°16'E.
(All times are zone -1) 1708 hours - Sighted the mast of 2 schooners to the Westward. When about to surface after having closed submerged as much as possible when an aircraft appeared near the schooners. She then carried out an A/S patrol preventing Shakespeare from surfacing and engaging the schooners.
1907 hours - Surfaced after the aircraft had left the area. The schooners were now just visible hull down to the North-East. Proceeded to chase them.
2011 hours - Opened fire from 1000 yards. Fired 52 rounds and obtained at least 20 hits on each vessel.
2045 hours - Left the area. One schooner had sunk and the other was settling fast. (7)
20 May 1943
At 1320 hours (zone -1) HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) surfaced to bombard aircraft hangars near Calvi, Corsica, France. 20 Rounds were fired. After 5 minutes shore batteries opened fire on HMS Shakespeare so the action was broken off and Shakespeare dived and retired from the scene.
Land targets in French territories were not supposed to be shelled by submarines but Ainslie was not aware of it. Italian authorities reported 14 rounds falling on the airport but there was insignificant damage and no casualties. (7)
24 May 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)
5 Jun 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon, Southern France.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
19 Jun 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is mistakenly bombed by Allied aircraft in position 37°30'N, 03°48'E. This was very unfortunate as Shakespeare had just sighted an enemy U-boat and was about to attack it. This U-boat was most likely the German U-73.
At 0409 hours however the Officer of the Watch reported an aircraft attacking from the Starboard beam. The aircraft fired rockets but fortunately Shakespeare was not hit. The attack on the U-boat was now off course out of the question.
Later the same day HMS Shakespeare ended her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)
23 Jun 1943
During 23 and 24 June 1943 HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. In these exercises Shakespeare was to act as a beacon. (10)
1 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to aid in the Allied Landings on Sicily. She was to act as a beacon during the landings at Gela.
For the daily positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
7 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived off Gela, Sicily, Italy to reconnoitre the landing beaches. (7)
8 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted further reconnaissance off Gela, Sicily, Italy. She also laid a buoy in her beacon position. (7)
9 Jul 1943
In the evening HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was in her beacon position and succesfully contacted her escort, the US destroyer USS Cole at 2215 hours. Around 0100/10 the beacon duties were completed and HMS Shakespeare set course for Malta escorted by USS Cole. (7)
10 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)
22 Jul 1943
During the night of 22 and 23 July 1943 HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These exercises included the launching and recovery of folbots. (11)
25 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissances of the Gulf of Gioia by COPP 5).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shakespeare during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
30 Jul 1943
At 2215 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Lt. Kent and Leading Seaman Thomas for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0315/1.
2 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2212 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Captain Matheson and Lt. Stanbury for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0434/3.
3 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2123 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Lt. Kent and Able Seaman Nichols for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0434/3.
6 Aug 1943 (position 39.01, 12.40)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes at what is identified as an Italian light cruiser to the North-West of Ustica. All torpedoes missed their target. These were the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia and Raimondo Montecuccoli (7th Division) who were carrying a raid on the Sicilian coast, they had sailed unescorted from La Spezia but returned without making contact with the enemy.
(All times are zone -1) 0303 hours - In position 39°01'N, 12°40'E a darkened object was sighted abaft the Starboard beam. The Officer of the Watch quite rightly turned stern on until the object had been identified.
0305 hours - Identified the object as an Italian light cruiser of the Condoterri-class. Started attack but Shakespeare was not in a favourable attack position at a rather long range.
0310 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 6000 yards. No hits were obtained as the speed was under-estimated.
The attack was unobserved and the torpedoes must have missed from a wide margin. (7)
9 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)
24 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to aid in the Allied Landings on the Italian Mainland at Salerno. She carried a beach reconnaissance unit made up of Lt. R.N. Stanbury, RN, Captain P.D. Patterson, RE (both of COPP 5) and Captain G.B. Courtney, MBE, Captain E.J.A. Lunn and Sergeant J. Gilmour (all three from SBS). As before she was to act as a beacon during these landings.
As no log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)
30 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) entered the Gulf of Salerno to search for mines with the M.D.U. (Mine Detector Unit). She successfully located a minefield.
Later on the day she conducted a periscope reconnaissance.
During the night a folbot was launched for beach reconnaissance. The folbot party successfully returned after almost 7 hours. (7)
31 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of beaches in the Bay of Salerno.
During the night a folbot was launched for beach reconnaissance. The folbot party successfully returned after 6 hours.
(7)
2 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) had now left Salerno Bay and sent a report of her reconnaissance. She then set course to patrol the North-Western approaches to the Gulf of Naples. (7)
5 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) patrolled to the South West of Isola di Capri. (7)
6 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) returned to the vicinity of Salerno Bay. (7)
7 Sep 1943 (position 40.15, 14.30)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian submarine Velella about 18 nautical miles east of Licosa Island, south of Salerno, Italy in position 40°15'N, 14°30'E. There were no survivors.
The other submarine was Benedetto Brin. The two Italian submarines had sailed from Naples to attack the Salerno landings. The loss of Velella was tragic, she was the last Italian submarine to be lost by enemy action as in a few hours Italian submarines would be ordered to surrender to Allied forces.
(All times are zone -2) 1953 hours - The Asdic operator reported HE. It was nearly dark. Sighed two submarines steering a course of 135°. They were about 1 nautical mile apart. Started attacking the one who would be against the remaining light in the Western sky the longest. The other was soon lost against the land.
2003 hours - Fired a full salvo of 6 torpedoes from what was thought to be 1200 yards but was more like 800 yards in hindsight. No less than 4 hits were observed and the enemy submarine disintegrated. The other submarine was heard to continue its passage Southbound but at a higher speed.
2015 hours - Another submarine was heard going south but it was never sighted.
2114 hours - Surfaced to withdraw from the scene to report the 2 southbound submarines. (7)
8 Sep 1943
Off Licosa Point, at 1345 hours, HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) sighted a northbound Italian submarine but was prevented from attack as she was near her beacon position and did not want to compromise it. This was most probably Alagi returning to base because of defects. The British submarine remained on the bottom until 2135 hours when she surfaced and successfully contacted her escort, the US destroyer USS Cole and commenced her beacon duties. At 2340 hours, she transferred her beach pilots to USS PC-624. Around 0030/09 the beacon duties were completed and HMS Shakespeare set course for Algiers escorted by USS Cole until 12°00'E (7)
12 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)
26 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was docked at Algiers. (12)
29 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was undocked. (12)
1 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed from Algiers for her 11th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) in the Gulf of Genoa.
As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed.
4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) had barely reached her patrol position off Cape di Noli when she was recalled to be transferred to the Eastern Mediterranean.
7 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers after a brief and uneventful patrol.
10 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Beirut together with HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN). They made part of the passage in convoy KMS 28.
As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (13)
13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta and departed later the same day to continue her passage to Beirut.
18 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut where she joined the 1st Submarine Flotilla. (13)
21 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (7)
26 Oct 1943 (position 38.06, 25.00)
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SYR 404 / Aghios Konstantinos (22 GRT) in position 38°06'N, 25°22'E.
(All times are zone -3) 1720 hours - Sighted a large two-masted caique bound for Khios. Decided to remain dived in the hope of bigger prey. If nothing came we could then surface and chase the caique.
1940 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to intercept the caique.
2055 hours - Sank the caique with gunfire. (7)
12 Nov 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (7)
26 Nov 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Malta as Shakespeare had to return to the U.K. for a refit.
As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (7)
3 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel Eleftheria with gunfire off Kos, Greece.
(All times are zone -3) 1145 hours - Sighted a two-masted Southbound caique of about 100 tons. She was fully laden.
1249 hours - Surfaced and engaged with the 3" gun and the Oerlikon.
1254 hours - Dived as shore batteries on Kos had opened fire. The target had been hit several times.
1259 hours - The target was seen to sink. The crew had abandoned ship in a small boat and were seen rowing to the Turkish coast which was the nearest.
German sources reported that the caique Eleotherios had only her rudder damaged and escaped to Santorin. (7)
11 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)
12 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta in company with HMS Universal and HMS Unseen, escorted by HMS Klo and they joined up with convoy GUS 24 for passage to Gibraltar.
As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (13)
16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The convoy was attacked by a U-boat (U-73) which was sunk.
17 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (13)
28 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth.
For the daily positions of HMS Shakespeare during this passage see the map below.
(13)
4 Jan 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (13)
Submarine HMS Trusty (N 45)
1 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Rothesay for Scapa Flow together with HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN). They are escorted by Norwegian patrol vessel Narvik. (14)
3 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. Here she is to participate in A/S and attack exercises. (14)
6 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts independent attack exercises. (14)
7 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises during which the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN) served as target. (14)
8 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Bermuda (Capt. J.S. Bethell, CBE, RN). (14)
9 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Berwick (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN). (14)
10 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts A/S exercises with the Canadian destroyer HMCS Algonquin (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and later with the British destroyer HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RD, RNR). (14)
14 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN). (14)
15 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN) served as target. Most likely the carrier was escorted by HMS Savage (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, DSO, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (14)
16 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Lerwick where she arrived later the same day.
After topping up with fuel and fresh water Trusty departed from for her 13th war patrol. She is to patrol of Western Norway, Skudesnes Fjord area.
For the daily positions of HMS Trusty during this patrol see the map below.
(15)
22 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick. (15)
24 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick for Dundee. She made the passage together with HMS Unbroken (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) and HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) that were both to proceed to Blyth. They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (14)
25 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (14)
30 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Dundee for Lerwick. She is escorted by HMS Gorgon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Mugford, RNR). (14)
31 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (14)
1 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifts from Lerwick to Scapa Flow. She is escorted by HMS Gorgon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Mugford, RNR). (16)
5 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Berwick (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN). (16)
6 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts A/S exercises with the Norwegian destroyer HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte) and later with the Greek destroyer RHN Salamis. (16)
7 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN) which was conducting gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)
10 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts exercises with HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN). (16)
14 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Dundee. She is escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (16)
15 Apr 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (16)
Submarine HMS Thrasher (N 37)
1 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (18)
17 Jun 1944
With her refit completed, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), departed Birkenhead for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark. (18)
18 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (18)
19 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Holy Loch. While based at Holy Loch she underwent a period of trials and training before being sent on a deployment to the Far East. (18)
22 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)
23 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)
24 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)
28 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (18)
29 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Cutty Sark. (18)
30 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Cutty Sark. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Thrasher proceeded to Holy Loch. (18)
4 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) serving as target. (19)
5 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (19)
7 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (19)
11 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
12 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
13 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
14 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
15 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
16 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (18)
17 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
18 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
19 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
20 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)
21 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (19)
22 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (19)
23 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (19)
24 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) serving as target. (19)
25 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (19)
26 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (19)
27 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked and then departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (19)
30 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (19)
31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (19)
1 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
2 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
3 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
4 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
5 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
7 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
8 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
9 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
9 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
9 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
10 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
11 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
12 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (20)
13 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (20)
15 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)
17 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. (20)
18 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (20)
20 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group B 2. These included night exercises. (20)
21 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (20)
22 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (20)
23 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. These included night exercises. (20)
24 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (20)
25 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (20)
31 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (20)
2 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) serving as target. These included night exercises. (21)
3 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (21)
11 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)
12 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (21)
13 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (21)
18 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN), HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Utsira (Lt. S. Valvatne). The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (22)
21 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 16th war patrol. This is the 1st patrol of her third commission, a work-up patrol in the Norwegian Sea to hunt enemy submarines.
For the daily positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
29 Sep 1944
At 1640 hours, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), made rendes-vous with HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN) and their escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN). (22)
29 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (20)
30 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (22)
1 Oct 1944
At 0500 hours, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), departed Tobermory for Holy Loch ending her 16th war patrol there at 1800 hours (22)
11 Oct 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for the Far East. The first leg of the trip takes her to Gibraltar and she made the passage in convoy OS-92 / KMS-66. (23)
26 Oct 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (24)
28 Oct 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. (24)
3 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (24)
10 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (24)
14 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (24)
23 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden (arrival date at Aden is unknown to us). (24)
30 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (24)
12 Dec 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (24)
9 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 17th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol off the west coast of Siam.
No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (22)
22 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank four Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.
(all times are zone -6,5)
1256 hours - During investigation of the Butang Group of islands sighted a junk and surfaced. Ordered the crew to their small boat. Opened the range to 1500 yards and sank the junk (20 tons, no cargo) with 9 rounds of gunfire.
During this action a second junk was sighted to the eastward. Closed this junk. The junk was slightly smaller, estimated at 15 tons and was carrying a cargo of rubber. Took the crew on board and sank the junk with demolition charges. Set course to investigate Pulo Tenga.
While closing the islands sighted the sails of two more junks to the northward. Both junks were estimated to be 20 tons. One was empty and the other contained bicycles, one motor bicycle and some machinery. Both crews were taken on board before their junks were sunk. Also a small boat of one of the junks was taken on board to assist in the landing of the unwanted members of the junks crews.
In the evening all crewmembers of the junks (minus one) were landed at Pulo Mulon. Thrasher now proceeded northwards (22)
27 Jan 1945 (position 8.56, 98.13)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam in position 08°56'N, 98°13'E.
(all times are zone -6,5)
1248 hours - Surfaced and commenced a surface sweep along the coast.
1400 hours - In position 08°56'N, 98°13'E sighted three junks of about 60 tons each, northbound and close inshore a few miles south of Koh Gah.
1445 hours - Fired two warning shots which had the desired effect and the crews abandoned their ships very smartly. Fire was opened from 3000 yards as a closer range was not possible due to the shallow water. Two of the junks were sunk by gunfire sat this range. It is therefore unknown what their cargos consisted of. The third junk on being abandoned swung round and sailed towards deeper water. It was therefore possible to board her. The junk was found to carry a cargo of soap and nuts. The junk was sunk with demolition charges. Thrasher now continued southward. (22)
28 Jan 1945 (position 7.06, 99.31)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges of the west coast of Siam in position 07°06'N, 99°31'E.
(all times are zone -6,5)
1200 hours - In position 07°06'N, 99°31'E the sails of a junk were sighted. While closing this junk a motor driven junk was sighted approaching the first one from the south-east. A third junk was being towed by this motor-junk. Continued to close and opened fire from 4000 yards. The motor driven junk quickly slipped its tow and departed the scene at its best speed. Despite several near misses this junk managed to escape. This was also because the gun jammed several times due to faulty ammunition. Both other junks (of 40 tons each) were sunk by gunfire.
1500 hours - Closed a southbound junk of 20 tons. The crew was taken on board and the junk, that was loaded with rice, was sunk by demolition charges. The crew was later put on board a fishing vessel with the exception of one Chinese.
1600 hours - Set course towards Trincomalee. (22)
2 Feb 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Trincomalee. In the period between this en the next patrol Thrasher was docked but the dates are (for the moment) unknown to us. (22)
3 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 18th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to carry out a special operation followed by in the Northern end of the Malacca Strait.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
9 Mar 1945 (position 8.02, 98.15)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out special operation 'Copyright'. A party of 6 is landed on the coast of Siam, north of Phuket off the Goh Gavai rocks (08°02'N, 98°15'E).
For 5 nights Thrasher searched the rendezvous area but the party did not return. (22)
16 Mar 1945 (position 6.30, 99.23)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire near Langkawi in position 06°30'N, 99°23'E.
At 1126 hours (zone -6.5) a southbound junk of 15 tons was intercepted in position 06°30'N, 99°23'E. The crew was taken on board and later transferred to a fishing vessel. The junk was sunk by gunfire. (22)
18 Mar 1945 (position 6.21, 99.24)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire near Langkawi in position 06°21'N, 99°24'E.
(all times are zone -6,5)
1745 hours - In position 06°21'N, 99°24'E sighted a junk of 20 tons. The crew was taken on board and later put on a fishing vessel. The cargo of the junk was rice. It was sunk with gunfire. (22)
19 Mar 1945 (position 6.06, 100.13)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire off Langkawi in position 06°06'N, 100°13'E.
(all times are zone -6,5)
1350 hours - Sighted a southbound motor driven two masted schooner of about 50 tons. Fired a warning shot and the schooner immediately heave to and the crew of 6 abandoned ship in their small boat. The vessel had a full cargo of mainly rice. The schooner was sunk by demolition charges. It started to rain heavily just as a junk was sighted to the North.
1530 hours - The rain cleared and the junk was in sight. Fired a warning shot. The crew promptly abandoned ship in their small boat. The junk was sunk by gunfire.
1600 hours - When about to open fire on a fully laden northbound junk of about 30 tons a Japanese aircraft broke through the clouds to the seaward. Dived. The aircraft most likely did not see the submarine as it was soon out of sight. Surfaced and sank the junk with gunfire. Position was 06°06'N, 100°13'E. Set course to the south of Penang. (22)
22 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out the second special operation of this patrol.
A party was picked up from Lalang Island in the Sembilan Islands group. (22)
28 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Trincomalee. (22)
14 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 19th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to carry out a special operation in the Nicobar Islands area.
No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (22)
17 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) begins her special operation. A party was landed at Kamorta Island (Nicobar Islands). (22)
19 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) picks up the party that was landed two days before. (22)
22 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (22)
25 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 20th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to carry out a special operation off the coast of Burma. (22)
1 May 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out her special operation. In operation 'Ballast' a party of 6 was landed at Parker Island in the Mergui Archipaligo. (22)
5 May 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Trincomalee. (22)
14 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 21st war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to carry out a special operation.
No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (22)
19 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) begins her special operation. (22)
21 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her special operation. (22)
22 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Siam.
All times are zone -6.5 0650 hours - The sails of a junk were sighted south of Pulau Adang. It was a small vessel, only about 10 tons, and loaded with a cargo of rice. The crew was taken on board and the junk was sunk with gunfire.
0952 hours - A warning shot was fired against a junk of about 60 tons from 3000 yards. After the crew abandoned ship this junk was sunk with 14 rounds of gunfire.
1345 hours - Another junk was sighted. At 1440 hours the crew of six was seen to abandon ship. The junk, of about 30 tons, was then sunk with three rounds of gunfire. At 1459 hours HMS Thrasher made a crash dive as a Japanese 'Jake' aircraft dived down from the cloud cover. Thrasher bottomed at 40 feet. A small bomb exploded close by but did no damage. (22)
27 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Trincomalee.
(22)
15 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 22st war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Sumatra and West coast of Malaya.
No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (22)
25 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire in the Lankawi area (northern entrance to the Straits of Malacca).
(all times are zone -6,5)
0910 hours - While operating in the Langkawi area, surfaced and sank by gunfire a two masted 20 ton junk fully laden with rice. The crew was taken on board. Two rounds were expended from as close as 200 yards. (22)
27 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank four Japanese coasters and a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca.
(all times are zone -6,5)
0847 hours - While still operating in the Langkawi area sighted faint smoke to the North-West which proved later to come from a small wooden coaster of about 60 feet in length.
0925 hours - Surfaced and sank the vessel with gunfire. Range was 3500 yards. 35 rounds were used for 5 hits. The crew of this coaster gives valuable information on shipping movements. Lt.Cdr. Ainslie decides to patrol further inshore.
1030 hours - Surfaced to sink another coaster. This one looks like the first one but larger than the first one, 80 to 100 feet in length. A warning shot caused the crew to abandon ship. Fire was then continued from 3200 yards. 38 rounds were fired for 6 hits.
1225 hours - Yet another coaster came in sight. Soon afterwards followed by a second and later a third. All vessels looked like the second coaster sunk this day. All three vessels were proceeding as close inshore as possible at two mile intervals. It was decided to surface as the second one had passed. Then fired warning shots at the first and third coaster hoping that their crews would abandon them. In this way it was possible to deal with at least two of them and possibly all three.
1315 hours - Surfaced and fired the warning shots. The second and third ships stopped at once but the first one that was at extreme range unfortunately was able to escape. The second vessel was sunk when the crew was clear. Range 4400 yards, 21 rounds. The third coaster was sunk from 5300 yards with 28 rounds. Dived and retreated to deeper water but remained in the vicinity.
1605 hours - Sighted a vessel approaching from the North which was later found out to be a motor schooner.
1635 hours - Surfaced and closed this vessel which was in deep water. The crew of nine were taken on board. Their small boat was filled with unwanted prisoners whose interrogation was complete. The schooner was 60 feet in length, and was powered by a two cylinder engine. It was sunk with gunfire. (22)
1 Aug 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Trincomalee.
(22)
29 Aug 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for the U.K.. The first leg of the trip is to Aden. (22)
10 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (22)
11 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (22)
16 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (22)
17 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (22)
27 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (22)
1 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (22)
4 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (22)
8 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (22)
10 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (22)
15 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She paid off into reserve on 6 November 1945. (22)
Sources
- ADM 173/17490
- ADM 173/17491
- ADM 173/17492
- ADM 173/17493
- ADM 199/424
- ADM 173/17458
- ADM 199/1872
- ADM 173/18054
- ADM 173/18055
- ADM 173/18057
- ADM 173/18058
- ADM 199/1919
- ADM 199/2570
- ADM 173/19123
- ADM 199/1861
- ADM 173/19124
- ADM 53/119249 + ADM 173/19124
- ADM 173/19020
- ADM 173/19021
- ADM 173/19022
- ADM 173/19023
- ADM 199/1867
- ADM 199/1385
- ADM 199/2572
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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