Michael Frederic Roberts Ainslie DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 20 Jun 1913 | Bloemfontein, South Africa | |
| Died | 14 Jan 1987 | (73) | Bristol, England, U.K. |
| 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)
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
Around 1300A/11, HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.
She was escorted in by HMS BYMS 2028 (Skr. J.R. Clark, RNR) which had joined around 0850A/11. (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 HNoMS 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 at / off Scapa Flow. (14)
7 Mar 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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 at / off Scapa Flow 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)
12 May 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (18)
26 May 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Birkenhead. (19)
17 Jun 1944
With her refit completed, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), departed Birkenhead around 1130A/17 for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark. (20)
18 Jun 1944
Around 0545A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay from Birkenhead. (20)
19 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Holy Loch. While based at Holy Loch she underwent a period of trials and training before she was ready to be sent on a deployment to the Far East. (20)
22 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
23 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Also a surfaced speed trial was carried out on the measured mile. (20)
24 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Also a submerged speed trial was carried out on the measured mile. (20)
27 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was wiped at Holy Loch. (20)
28 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (20)
29 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Cutty Sark. (20)
30 Jun 1944
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. (20)
1 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (21)
4 Jul 1944
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. (21)
5 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (21)
7 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (21)
11 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
12 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
13 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
14 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
15 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
16 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)
17 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
18 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
19 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
20 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (21)
21 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (21)
22 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (21)
23 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (21)
24 Jul 1944
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. (21)
25 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (21)
26 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (21)
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). (21)
30 Jul 1944
Around 1145B/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (21)
31 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (21)
1 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
2 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
3 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
4 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
5 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
7 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
8 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
9 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
10 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
11 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
12 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (22)
13 Aug 1944
Around 1815B/13, 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) which was returning to Holy Loch from her first (work-up) war patrol. They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (22)
15 Aug 1944
Around 0610B/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (22)
17 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Larne. (22)
18 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (22)
20 Aug 1944
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. Ships of Escort Group B 2 at Larne at this time were the destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR) and HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR). (22)
21 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (22)
22 Aug 1944
In the morning, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (22)
23 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. These included night exercises. (22)
24 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (22)
25 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (22)
29 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (22)
31 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Larne to Holy Loch. (22)
2 Sep 1944
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. (23)
3 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (23)
11 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (23)
12 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). These included night exercises. (23)
13 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). These included night exercises. (23)
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) which last submarine was detached to Scapa Flow on the 20th. The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (24)
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.
(24)
26 Sep 1944
At 2112A/26, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) received Capt. S.9's signal timed 1219A/26 which ordered her to leave patrol P.M. on the 28th and to make rendezvous with HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) at 1600A/26 off Sumburgh Head. (24)
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). (24)
30 Sep 1944
Around 2015A/30, HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (25)
1 Oct 1944
Around 0500A/1, HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Tobermory for Holy Loch where they arrived around 1600A/1. (25)
11 Oct 1944
Convoy UGS 57.
The Hampton Roads section (57 ships) of the convoy departed Hampton Roads on 11 October 1944 and then proceeded to make rendezvous with the New York section (30 ships) of the convoy which departed there on 12 October.
The convoy (both sections) was made up of the following transports / tankers; A. Frank Lever (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Albert P. Ryder (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander S. Clay (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Augustine B. McManus (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Peixotto (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Charles F. Amidon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), David S. Terry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edgar E. Clark (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edwin Abbey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Industry (British (tanker), 8203 GRT, built 1943), Empire Malacca (British, 7071 GRT, built 1944), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ferdinand Gagnon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Panmure (British, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Helen Hunt Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Ford Rhodes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Johan Printz (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), John B. Lennon (American, 7198 GRT, 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Gates (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Martin Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Cleaveland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Philip H. Sheridan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard J. Cleveland (American, 7208 GRT, built 1944), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwharfe (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sebastian Vizciano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Simon Wellard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas J. Rusk (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Guardia (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Trevider (British, 7376 GRT, built 1944), Trevose (British, 7360 GRT, built 1944), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William Matson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).
The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and the naval cargo ship USS Aquila (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Rearden Jr., USNR) were also part of the convoy. They had been part of the Hampton Roads section.
The Hampton Roads section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer USS Balch (T/Cdr. H.N. Coffin, USN, with CTF 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jenks (Lt.Cdr. M.F. Cocroft, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Gavin, USN, USN) and USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR).
The New York section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer escorts USS Francis M. Robinson (Lt. P. Campbell, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 54, T/Cdr. M.E. Dennett, USN on board), USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR) and USS Jaccard (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR).
The two sections made rendezvous in the afternoon of 12 October 1944 and by 1600Q/12 had formed up. About an hour later USS Jaccard parted company and set course for Norfolk, Virginia.
On the 16th all seven escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.
At 0358P/18, USS Fowler and the merchant vessel Thomas J. Rusk, which was straggling behind the convoy, collided. Both sustained light damage and were able to continue.
Around 1115N/22, the Azores section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Charles F. Amidon, John Banvard, Richard J. Cleveland and USS Aquila. The first two ships proceeeded to Santa Maria escorted by HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR) while the last two ships proceeded to Horta escorted by HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).
Around 0745Z/28, the Casablanca section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Edgar E. Clark and Johan Printz. They were escorted to Casablanca by the patrol vessels L'Indiscret and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). These had escorted the tanker Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933) from Casablanca to the rendezvous position with the convoy.
During the 29th, the escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.
Around 2300Z/29, USS Francis M. Robinson was detached to pick up orders at Gibraltar and escort the merchant vessels Bradford City and John McKinley to that port. USS Francis M. Robinson later rejoined the convoy. Also joining were the merchant vessel Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940) and the submarines HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). These ships had been escorted from Gibraltar to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).
Around 1750Z/29, part of Oran section was detached to proceed there ahead of the convoy. It was made up of merchant vessels They were escorted by USS Fowler which also was to proceed to Oran to effect repairs. Later, at 0745Z/30, 13 more merchant vessels were detached to Oran. The entire Oran section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexander S. Clay, Alfred Moore, Asa Gray, Cornelius Gilliam, David J. Brewer, Frank C. Emerson, Helen Hunt Jackson, James Sullivan, James W. Fannin, John Dickinson, John Howland, Jonathan Trumbull, Leland Stanford, Martin Johnson, Maya, Paine Wingate, Simon Willard, Thomas Pinckney, Timothy Dwight, Thomas Guardia, Viggo Hansteen and William Matson.
During daylight on 30 October all remaining escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.
Also on the 30th, three merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also two merchant vessels which had been detached to Oran rejoined the convoy after a short call there, these were the following; Leland Stanford and Paine Wingate.
Around 0500Z/31, the Samwharfe was detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to Algiers to pick up the British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Durik. They rejoined the convoy shortly after 1000Z/31.
Around 1010Z/31, two merchant vessels were detached to Algiers, these were the following; Ocean Pelgrim and Ocean Vista.
Around 0630Z/2, the American escort vessels were relieved off Bizerta by a British escort made up of the sloop HMS Stork (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) and corvette HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. C. Pawley, RNVR). The US escort then proceeded to Bizerta as did USS Cossatot and the merchant vessels Empire Industry, Geo W. McKnight and Pontfield.
[Further movements of the convoy will have to be investigated in file ADM 199/324 at the National Archives at Kew, London during a future research trip.]
14 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.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66 ' for 15 October 1944.] (26)
15 Oct 1944
Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.
This combined convoy assembled in the North Channel on 15 October 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels thoough some of these only joined later during the passage through the Irish Sea; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Alder Park (Canadian, 7141 GRT, built 1944), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Empire Camp (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Flag (British, 7024 GRT, built 1943), Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941), Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samfoyle (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).
Also taking passage in the convoy were the submarines HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as 9 LCT's which were towed by some of the merchant vessels; These 9 LCT's were the following; HM LCT 480 (T/S.Lt. G.R. Sample, RNVR) which was being towed by the City of Lyons, HM LCT 488 (T/S.Lt. A.P.P. Thomas, RNVR) and HM LCT 489 (?) which were being towed by the Samfoyle, HM LCT 491 (T/Lt. W.C. Gray, RNVR) and HM LCT 7015 (T/S.Lt. D.H. Condick, RNVR) which were being towed by the Fort Finlay, HM LCT 494 (T/Lt. J. DSC, Murts, RNVR) and HM LCT 7014 (T/A/S.Lt. J. Farrell, RNVR) which were being towed by the Nairnbank and the HM LCT 7022 (?) and HM LCT 7023 (?) which were being towed by the Ocean Vanity.
The convoy was escorted by and the sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).
The convoy encountered poor weather and by the 17th it had even worsened. Some of the landing craft were now suffering from the weather conditions. Due to the extreme weather conditions the convoy hove to A.M. on the 18th and additional escorts were requisted.
Late in the afternoon of the 18th, HM 480 had to be abandoned by her crew due to the damage she had sustained and water she had shipped from the weather, loose cargo and defective welds. The crew was picked up from Carley floats around 2200A/18 by HMS Allington Castle. She sank to the south of Ireland around 2330A/18 after having been scuttled with gunfire.
HM 488 had sustained damage during the night of the 17th/18th. Around 1000A/18, she slipped her tow and got underway under her own power to try to make for Milford Haven. More and more water entered the landing craft and when a pump failed it became apparent that she most likely would go down. HMS Knaresborough Castle then closed and it was attempted to abandon the landing craft. Some of the crew was taken off but ten men remained on board during the night of 18/19 and tried to keep the ship afloat. By 0415A/19 the ship had to be abandoned as it was about to sink. Red flares were fired and HMS Knaresborough Castle closed. While doing so the landing craft sank and only one of the ten men on board could be picked up. The other nine, including the landing craft's Commanding Officer drowned.
HM LCT 491 got into trouble during the early afternoon of the 18th and as a result she slipped her tow as did HM LCT 7015. By mid afternoon of the 18th she had shipped a very heavy sea which damaged the welding around the door in the bow. More big seas followed and the ship was shipping a lot of water. Around 0100A/19, HMS Allington Castle closed. Around 0330A/19, HM LCT 491 started to sink. HMS Allington Castle went alongside and managed to take off the entire crew.
HM LCT 494 parted her tow around 0845A/18. She was last seen during the afternoon of that day while under her own power. She must have sunk in the evening with the loss of the entire crew.
HM LCT 7014 also slipped her tow in the morning of the 18th and got underway under her own power. By noon power had been lost and she sank not long afterwards. Part of her crew were picked up by the rescue ship, from convoy ON 260, Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) but nine men, including the Commanding Officer lost their lives.
HM LCT 7015 also slipped her tow around 1500A/18. She was not seen afterwards and disappeared with her entire crew.
Meanwhile the frigates HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR) and HMS Zanzibar (T/Lt. F.F. Parker, RNVR) were ordered to detach from convoy HX 312 and join convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.
Three more escorts were also ordered to join, these were the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt. B.H. Brown, RN) corvettes HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR) and HMS Kingcup (T/Lt. T. Cooper, DSC, RNR).
Also on the 19th the City of Lyons parted company with the convoy due to damage sustained. She arrived at Milford Haven the following day.
P.M. on the 19th, HMS Kingcup reported proceeding to Falmouth with HM LCT 7022 and HM LCT 7023. Later the two landing craft were abandoned. HMS Kingcup took on board their crews and proceeded at best possible speed to Falmouth to land an injured men. The frigate HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) was ordered to stand by the two landing craft. Later HMS Kingcup returned with their crews and the landing craft were reboarded.
A.M. on the 20th found the convoy badly scattered.
P.M. on the 20th the Lagarto reported being in distress with weather damage and also having lost a men overboard. HMS Knaresborough Castle was also not in contact with the convoy. A signal was sent to requist more additional escorts. HMS Drury was then ordered to relieve HMS Allington Castle. Lagarto put into Falmouth.
A.M. on the 21st HMS Trident reported that a wire had fouled one of her propellers. HMS Knaresborough Castle was able to rejoin the convoy.
By P.M. on the 22nd, all ships had rejoined the convoy except four.
A.M. on the 23rd a signal was received from FOCNA (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) that the Lisbon / Huelva section of the convoy was to part company on passing 39°N and proceed independently. They did so A.M. on the 24th.
A.M. on the 25th, the Empire Confidence and Nairnbank arrived independently at Gibraltar. P.M. on the 25th the Rodsley also arrived at Gibraltar.
On 25 October the convoy split into convoy OS 92 which continued on towards Freetown and KMS 66 which set course for the Mediterranean.
The three original escorts and the three submarines arrived at Gibraltar P.M. on the 26th.
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Convoy OS 92 was made up of the merchant vessels; Conakrian, Empire Camp, Empire Flag, Jonathan Holt and Tudor Star.
They were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 24th; Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930) and Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RD, RNR) which now took over the escort of convoy OS 92.
Also joining at the rendezvous were the merchant vessels Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) coming from Casablanca which they had left on the 24th together with thee merchant vessels Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Sarah Orne Jewitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) which joined convoy KMS 66. They were escorted by the French patrol vessels patrol vessels L'Effronté and Le Resolu. These two French patrol vessels returned to Casablanca on the 26th with the Ragnhild.
On 1 November 1944, the Charles Schiaffino and Chelma arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. With them was also the Empire Stour which had engine defects.
The convoy escorts and some of the merchant vessels arrived at Freetown on 4 November 1944. Some of the merchant vessels continued on independently to their destinations.
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Convoy KMS 66 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Adviser, Alder Park, Belgian Trader, Bosphorus, Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Elizabethville, Empire Confidence, Empire Kangaroo, Fernbank, Fort Finlay, Hardanger, Hermelin, King Stephen, Mantola, Miguel de Larrinaga, Nairnbank, Ocean Vanity, Ottinge, Robert Maersk, Rodsley, Samfoyle, Sarah Orne Jewitt, St. Rosario, Umgeni and Vancouver City.
The convoy passed Gibraltar on the 26th. On passing the Strait the following merchant vessels were detached; Miguel de Larrinaga, Ottinge and St. Rosario. These three merchant ships had all sustained weather damage and put into Gibraltar to effect repairs. Also the three submarines and three original escorts put into Gibraltar.
The convoy was joined by a new escort made up of the frigate HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and Nada. Also the merchant vessel Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy.
On 27 October 1944, the merchant vessel Sarah Orne Jewitt was detached to Oran while the merchant vessel Jamaique (French, 10123 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
On 28 October 1944, the merchant vessel Rodsley was detached to Algiers while the merchant vessel Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 29 October 1944, the merchant vessels Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 30 October 1944, the merchant vessel Belgian Trader was detached to Algiers while the tanker Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 31 October 1944, the tanker British Destiny (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The corvette Nada parted company and proceeded to Malta.
On 31 October 1944, the merchant vessels / tankers Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samsperrin (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 1 November 1944, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Empire Kangaroo, Fort Finlay, Fort Grahame, King Stephen, Lyminge, Ocean Vanity, Samaffric and Vancouver City arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 4 November 1944, the merchant vessels Fernbank, Hardanger, Nairnbank and Sambre arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 5 November 1944.
26 Oct 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (27)
3 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/3, HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta after having parted company with convoy UGS 57. (28)
10 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (29)
14 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Port Said from Malta. (29)
23 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. (27)
28 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from Port Said. (30)
30 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (27)
12 Dec 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Aden. (27)
9 Jan 1945
Around 1830FG/9, 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. She was escorted out until 2345FG/9 by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR)
[No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed.] (24)
13 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1350FG/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) had to stop because of a serious engine defect.
At 0557FG/13, she dived in position 10°05'N, 93°12'E for submerged patrol and also to continue with the repairs on the port main engine. Repairs were completed around 1700FG/13.
At 1923FG/13, HMS Thrasher surfaced in position 10°17'N, 93°36'E. Nothing had been sighted all day.
At 1939FG/13, a signal was received from the Senior Officer Submarines Eastern Fleet, timed 1016FG/13, ordering HMS Thrasher to proceed to area BR 13 south of 11°N. Course was set accordingly. (31)
21 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) searches an area to the west of Siam, near Pulo Bulonle, for American aviators reported missing on the 19th. There was however no sign of them. (31)
22 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank four sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.
1256FG/22 - 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 (24)
23 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1314FG/23, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sighed a junk to the eastward of Koh Ngai in approximate position 07°25'N, 99°15'E. The junk was then taken under fire from long range. 30 rounds were expended in this 'long range gunnery practice'. The crew abandoned the junk but the result of the gunnery action was difficult to observe from long range. When the action was broken off the junk was seen to be still afloat. (31)
27 Jan 1945 (position 8.56, 98.13)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam in position 08°56'N, 98°13'E.
0555FG/27 - Dived in position 09°10'N, 98°06'E and proceeded southwards.
1248FG/27 - Surfaced and commenced a surface sweep along the coast.
1400FG/27 - 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.
1445FG/27 - 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 cargoes 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. (24)
28 Jan 1945 (position 7.06, 99.31)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges of the west coast of Siam in position 07°06'N, 99°31'E.
1200FG/28 - 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.
1500FG/28 - 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.
1600FG/28 - Set course towards Trincomalee. (24)
2 Feb 1945
Around 1330FG/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Trincomalee. (24)
21 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (32)
26 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (32)
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. On departure gunnery exercises were carried out on a target towed by HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. R. Adamson, RNVR). (24)
3 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during her 18th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) see the map below.
(24)
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. Purpose of the operation was beach reconnaissance for possible future amphibious operations.
For five nights Thrasher waited and searched near the rendezvous area but the party did not return.
At 1910FG/9, HMS Thrasher surfaced in position 08°02'N, 98°15'E. The canoes were placed on deck following which the submarine trimmed down and commenced her run in towards the shore.
At 1955FG/9, HMS Thrasher stopped and the three canoes were launched to proceed inshore. They were manned as follows; Canoe 1; Major J. Maxwell, RM and Corporal R.A. Atkinson, RM. Canoe 2; Major I.C.C. Mackenzie, RE and Marine B.P. Brownlie, RM. Canoe 3; Fl. Lieut B. Brown, RAF and Clr.Sgt E.C. Smith. (24)
15 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000FG/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 08°26'N, 97°42'E (south-east of Goh Huyong, Similan Islands).
Both submarines had members of the parties that had been landed missing but it was decided that nothing further could be done.
One canoe was transferred from HMS Torbay to HMS Thrasher after which the submarines parted company.
16 Mar 1945 (position 6.30, 99.23)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire north-west of Langkawi in position 06°30'N, 99°23'E.
At 1126FG/16, 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. (24)
18 Mar 1945 (position 6.21, 99.24)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire west of Langkawi in position 06°21'N, 99°24'E.
1745FG/18, 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, one sack of which was also put on board the fishing vessel. The junk was then sunk with gunfire. (24)
19 Mar 1945 (position 6.06, 100.13)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire to the south-east of Langkawi.
1350FG/19, 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. Position was approximately 06°07'N, 100°00'E.
1530FG/19, 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.
1600FG/19, 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. (24)
22 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out the second special operation of this patrol, operation 'Noah'.
A party was picked up from Lalang Island in the Sembilan Islands group.
At 0526FG/22, Thrasher dived to the west of the Similan Islands in position 04°03.5'N, 100°11'E. The morning was spent carrying out reconnaissance of the area. Many small junks and sampans were observed to the eastward. All were thought to be fishing vessels and none were thought to be bigger then 10 tons.
During the afternoon Thrasher closed the islands and eventually passed between Rumbia and Lalang Island.
Shortly after 1800FG/22, Thrasher surfaced. This was earlier then intended as a storm was approaching. Two canoes were then launched which each made two trips to Lalang Island where four men were picked up and taken back to the submarine. The operation was completed in 49 minutes. Thrasher then vacated the area and subsequently set course to return to Trincomalee. (24)
28 Mar 1945
Around 0930FG/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Trincomalee. On entering harbour D/G and noise trials were carried out. (24)
14 Apr 1945
Around 1400FG/14, 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.] (24)
18 Apr 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) begins her special operation, 'Operation Defraud'. A party was to be landed for a reconnaissance of Kamorta Island (Nicobar Islands). Following their reconnaissance they were to be picked up again.
At dawn on the 18th, Thrasher dived close northward of Katchall Island and proceeded eastwards towards Camorta Island arriving off the entrance to Expedition Harbour around 1100FG/18. Course was then altered to the north keeping approximately 1.5 miles from the shore. Later Thrasher turned to the south again. The reconnaissance was completed around 1600FG/18. Course was then altered to retire to seaward.
1930FG/18, Thrasher surfaced seven miles to the west of Camorta Island and commenced charging the battery.
2310FG/18, The boats were now on deck and Thrasher trimmed down, launched and took the boats in tow.
2335FG/18, Thrasher dived four miles west of the landing beach and proceeded inshore with the boats in tow. The sea was glassy calm and there was no wind and no swell.
0035FG/19, The boats were observed to slip their tow lines approximately eight cables from the shore. Thrasher then turned and proceeded to seaward.
0125FG/19, Thrasher surfaced three miles to the west of the landing position and commenced charging the battery.
0426FG/19, Thrasher commenced closing the pickup position.
0530FG/19, Thrasher recovered the boats and dived.
1200FG/19, Thrasher surfaced and set course for Trincomalee. (24)
22 Apr 1945
Around 1100A/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (24)
25 Apr 1945
Around 1400FG/25, 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.
On departure a canoe launching exercise was carried out.
[No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed.] (24)
1 May 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out special operation 'Ballast'. In operation 'Ballast' a party of six was landed at Parker Island in the Mergui Archipaligo.
At dawn on 30 April 1945, Thrasher dived to the west of the northern end of Bentinck Island. This was approximately 20 nautical miles from Parker Island. It was intended to arrive off the landing position about one hour before sunset and so reducing the time in the area before surfacing to a minimum, while still allowing ample time for a reconnaissance. Unfortunately, however, the spring tide had been badly underestimated and Parker Island was reached before mid-day. A most uncomfortable afternoon was then spent to the north of the Pickwick Group in a tide running at 3 to 3.5 knots.
At 1847FG/30, Thrasher surfaced. The sea was almost flat calm. There was a light westerly breeze resulting in no swell. It was completely overcast, dark clouds and rain in the offing. It was decided to anchor between Parker and Amie Islands. This was needed as it soon started to rain heavily and it would have been impossible to maintain position in the tideway.
At 2020FG/30, Thrasher dropped anchor in six fathoms and commenced getting the boats and stores on deck. Thrasher subsequently trimmed down and launched the boats. On completion of storing each boat they lay off on the end of a line awaiting the last boat.
At 2205FG/30, the last boat was ready and Thrasher weighed anchor. The intended landing position was in the large bay on the north-west side of the island. The entrance to this bay was one mile from the intended launching position. Owing to the distance involved it was decided that the submarine would accompany the boats as far as possible, partly to show them the way and also to be at hand if something would go wrong.
Unfortunately, all boats started up their engines and slipped before the anchor was weighed. It was very soon apparent that the motor canoes were not powerful enough and to make matters even worse their engines failed within a few minutes. By the time the anchor was up all five boats were almost out of sight and still going strong, but in the wrong direction. Eventually, after a quick chase, all boats were rounded up and taken in tow towards a position as close to the landing beach as possible. On reaching that position it was found that the engine of one boat could not be repaired and it had to be towed to the shore by the others.
At 0016FG/1, the party signalled having arrived on the beach safely though some boats had to use their paddles instead of engines. The landing had been completed just in time as it now began to rain in earnest. Thrasher then commenced to retire from the area. (24)
5 May 1945
Around 0745FG/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Trincomalee. On entering harbour D/G and noise trials were carried out. (24)
14 Jun 1945
Around 1400FG/14, 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.
She was escorted out for a while by the Italian sloop Eritrea on which also a practice attack was made.
[No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed.] (24)
18 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2044FG/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sighed the British ' Task Force 63 '.
See the event ' Operation Balsam ' for 14 June 1945 for more info. (24)
19 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) begins her special operation. [We currently have no details regarding this special operation.] (24)
21 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her special operation during the night of 21/22 June 1945. (24)
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.
0650FG/22 - 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.
0952FG/22 - 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.
1345FG/22 - 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 1459FG/22, 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.
1915FG/22, HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course to return to Trincomalee. (24)
27 Jun 1945
In the afternoon, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Trincomalee. Before entering harbour noise trials were carried out.
(24)
12 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (33)
15 Jul 1945
Around 1400FG/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 22nd 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.] (24)
25 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Lankawi area (northern entrance to the Straits of Malacca).
0910FG/25 - 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. (24)
27 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank four coasters and a sailing vessel with gunfire in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca.
0847FG/27 - 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.
0925FG/27 - 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.
1030FG/27 - 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.
1225FG/27 - 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.
1315FG/27 - 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.
1605FG/27 - Sighted a vessel approaching from the North which was later found out to be a motor schooner.
1635FG/27 - 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.
HMS Thrasher left patrol that evening. (24)
1 Aug 1945
Around 1710FG/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 22nd war patrol at Trincomalee. Before entering harbour D/G and noise trials were carried out.
(24)
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. (24)
10 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (24)
11 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (24)
16 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (24)
17 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (24)
27 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (24)
1 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (24)
4 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (24)
8 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (24)
10 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (24)
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. (24)
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 173/19019
- ADM 53/19019
- ADM 173/19020
- ADM 173/19021
- ADM 173/19022
- ADM 173/19023
- ADM 199/1867
- ADM 199/1867 + ADM 199/1868
- ADM 199/1385
- ADM 199/2572
- ADM 173/18686 + ADM 173/19091
- ADM 173/18686
- ADM 187/42
- ADM 199/1871
- ADM 53/122537
- ADM 53/122522
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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