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Notable events involving Thrasher include:

The history of HMS Thrasher as compiled on this page is extracted the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine and was created in February 2009. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in March 2024.

5 May 1941
Around 1330B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Liverpool for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse. (1)

6 May 1941
Around 0950B/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

7 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

8 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials in the Clyde area. (1)

9 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

14 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

15 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

16 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

17 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

18 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

19 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Arrochar to begin her torpedo discharge trials. (1)

22 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

23 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

24 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

25 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

26 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

27 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

28 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

29 May 1941
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Greenock for some repairs at the Scott's shipyard. (1)

1 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), shifted Greenock to Arrochar to continue her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

2 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

3 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

4 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

5 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these HMS Thrasher proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

6 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

8 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

9 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

10 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

12 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (2)

14 Jun 1941
Around 1200A/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Gibraltar. Thrasher is to proceed to Alexandria to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla based there. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Osiris (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Euman, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

For HMS Thrasher's daily positions during this passage see the map below.

(3)

20 Jun 1941
At 1130A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (3)

22 Jun 1941
At 2135A/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 1st war patrol. She is to carry stores to Malta end then to proceed to Alexandria, patrolling along the Southern Italian coast and the West coast of Greece en-route.

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

(4)

23 Jun 1941
At 1502A/23, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted a French merchant vessel in ballast of about 3000 tons to the north of Oran in position 36°34'N, 00°37'W. Thrasher was ordered not to attack French ships during the trip to Malta so Lt.Cdr. Cowell dives so that Thrasher would not compromise her position. (4)

29 Jun 1941
At 0735B/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta where the stores were unloaded following which she left for patrol around 2130B/29. (4)

1 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted a convoy of three merchant vessels to the south-east of Cape Spartivento in position 37°45'N, 16°21'E. Unfortunately they were too far away to be attacked.

The convoy sighted was possibly the convoy made up of the transports Dandolo (Italian, 4964 GRT, built 1921), Maritza (Italian, 2910 GRT, built 1936) and Petrarca (Italian, 3329 GRT, built 1910) escorted by the Italian armed merchant cruiser Città di Genova (5413 GRT, built 1930) who sailed from Taranto for Messinia at 0540B on 30 June 1941.

0400B/1 - Dived in position 37°45'N, 16°21'E

1205B/1 - In position 37°45'N, 16°21'E sighted three merchant ships in ballast, range 11000 yards, bearing 270°, course 210°. They were too far away to be attacked.

2130B/1 - Left patrol area to proceed to Alexandria as ordered by signal. (4)

3 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted what is thought to be a trawler near Cape Dukato, Lefkada Island, Greece in position 38°04'N, 20°22'E. Contact is however soon lost.

[We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

0535C/3 - Dived.

1842C/3 - Sighted mast and funnel in position 38°04'N, 20°22'E. Most likely a trawler. Bearing 280°, range 10000 yards, steering 350° at high speed. Tried to close but lost contact at 1856C/3.

2150C/3 - Surfaced. (4)

9 Jul 1941
At 0810C/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Alexandria. (4)

22 Jul 1941
Around 1030C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to land a person on Crete and then evacuate stranded troops. After this she is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(4)

25 Jul 1941
At 0405C/25, south-east of Crete, in position 34°19'N, 26°38'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted a lighted vessel bearing 325° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Course of the vessel was 095° at 12 knots. Gave chase.

At 0443C/25, the vessel was identified as the Vichy-French hospital ship Canada (9684 GRT, built 1912) and the chase was broken off. (4)

28 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) picks up 78 men from Crete. With so many on board the patrol in the Aegean had to be abandoned and HMS Thrasher set course to return to Alexandria.

27 July 1941
0030C/27 - Attempted to land Lt.Cdr. Pool, RNR by folbot but the weather was still not suitable. Abandoned the attempt.

0245C/27 - The wind dropped so now a successful landing was made. Withdrew to the seaward to return next night. 2330 hours - While three nautical miles off Limni Bay received a signal that 46 men would be ready to be evacuated by 0100C/28. Proceeded inshore.

28 July 1941
0210C/28 - Operation completed, picked up 62 British soldiers, 5 Naval ratings and 11 Greeks, set course for Alexandria as it was impossible to continue the patrol with so many men aboard.

0512C/28 - Dived.

2058C/28 - Surfaced in position 34°22'N, 25°02'E. (4)

31 Jul 1941
Around 1150C/31, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Alexandria. (4)

6 Aug 1941
Around 1935C/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(4)

12 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) twice tries to attack enemy convoys near the Zea Channel. Both attacks had to be broken off.

The first convoy sighted (1150C/12) was possibly the one made up of the transport Volta escorted (Italian, 1191 GRT, built 1919) escorted by the torpedo boat Alcione which had sailed at 0730B/12 from Piraeus for Mudros via the Euboa Channel. Description (two funnels) does not seem to match but Lt.Cdr. Cowell may have been confused by camouflage.

The second convoy sighted was probably the one made up of the transports (motorship) Città di Agrigento (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1937) and (steamer) Casaregis (Italian, 6485 GRT, built 1924), escorted by Italian torpedo boat Cassiopea and the Italian armed merchant cruiser Lero (1980 GRT, built 1936). They came from Syra and arrived at Piraeus at 1645B/12.

0252C/12 - Dived. Intended to patrol through the Zea Channel.

1130C/12 - Sighted 2 MAS vessels off Angarlestro Point.

1150C/12 - In position 37°38'N, 23°58'E sighted a destroyer of the Folgore class off Gaidaro Island. At this time the MAS vessels were closing. The destroyer was followed by a two-funnelled, camouflaged transport of 8000 tons. A trawler was also at the scene. Enemy course was 085°, speed 12 knots.

1210C/12 - The convoy altered course up the Mandri Channel.

1220C/12 - Broke off the attack due to the long range.

1225C/12 - Sighted another convoy coming out of the Thermia Channel, position 37°30'N, 24°11'E. Started attack. The convoy was made up of two large transports (one of 10000 and one of 5000tons) escorted by a Folgore class destroyer and a Spica class torpedo boat, an armed merchant cruiser of 10000 tons and two aircraft. Later the two MAS boats of the convoy sighted earlier joined this convoy. Speed of this convoy was estimated to be 10 knots.

1300C/12 - One of the destroyers turned straight towards and increased speed. The destroyer went straight overhead and then returned.

1312C/12 - Returned to periscope depth.

1320C/12 - The target turned away. Followed the transports for 20 minutes hoping that they would turn back but the did not so at 1340 hours the attack had to be broken off.

2117C/12 - Surfaced. (4)

15 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the transport Bulgaria (German, 1188 GRT, built 1894) off Cape Sunion, Greece in position 37°36'N, 24°03'E. All torpedoes however missed their target. The Bulgaria was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Sirio. They were en-route from the Dardanelles to Piraeus.

0307C/15 - Dived and patrolled off the Western junction of the Thermia and Zea Channels.

1105C/15 - Sighted a Fiat bi-plane (convoy air escort) over the Zea Channel. Turned to the East expecting a convoy from the Zea Channel.

1120C/15 - Sighted smoke in the Mandri Channel, turned towards. Sighted a destroyer of the Folgore-class and a merchant ship that was thought to be the Bulgaria (The identification of the target was thus correct). Started attack.

1158C/15 - In position 37°36'N, 24°03'E fired four torpedoes and withdrew to the South-East. Intermittent depth-charging was heard until 1246 hours.

1300C/15 - The destroyer was no longer heard.

2133C/15 - Surfaced and proceeded through the Siphano Channel towards the Naxos Channel. (5)

18 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) investigates harbours on the Greek islands of Samos and Leros. Nothing of interest was sighted.

0520C/18 - Investigated Samos. Nothing was seen in the harbours of Port Vathi and Kalovasi.

2100C/18 - Surfaced and proceeded through the Ikaria Passage to investigate Port Laki on Leros. (4)

20 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel Evangelistria / SAM 16 with gunfire off Cape Malea, Greece.

0525C/20 - Dived / Patrolled in the Elaphonisos Channel. Sighted a large number of small sailing vessels and when of Cape Sta Maria sighted two caiques coming from the Westward. Decided to follow the 2nd caique.

1600C/20 - Sighted a schooner coming from the Westward, position 36°26'5"N, 23°00'E.

2015C/20 - The schooner entered Lefki Bay. Followed him into the bay and then surfaced at 2050 hours and sank the schooner (about 250 tons) with gunfire at 2055 hours. (4)

21 Aug 1941
At 0820C/21, when patrolling near Cape Malea in approximate position 36°20'N, 23°15'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted four caiques. As they were escorted by a small sloop type escort they were not attacked. (4)

23 Aug 1941
At 2115C/23, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) left patrol and set course for Alexandria passing along the north coast of Crete en-route. (4)

25 Aug 1941
At 0600C/41, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted Vichy-French 'convoy C' made up of three transports in position 33°30'N, 27°02'E. Their course was 095° and speed 10 knots. HMS Thrasher had been made aware of this convoy passing through the area. The convoy arrived at Beirut on 27 August.

This convoy was made up of the Vichy French liners Marrakech (6288 GRT, built 1914), Sinaia (8567 GRT, built 1922) and Groix (9957 GRT, built 1922). (4)

27 Aug 1941
Around 1210C/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Alexandria. (4)

10 Sep 1941
Around 1235C/10, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

On departure A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and ML's. (4)

10 Sep 1941

For HMS Thrasher's daily positions and two failed attacks during her 4th patrol see the map below.

11 Sep 1941
On board HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) the bi-focal periscope begins to leak. Lt.Cdr. Cowell decides to return to Alexandria for repairs. She arrived at Alexandria around 1200C/12. (4)

12 Sep 1941
After replacing the bi-focal periscope, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria around 1930C/12, to resume her 4th war patrol. (4)

17 Sep 1941
At 0910B/17, north-west of Benghazi, in position 32°19.5'N, 19°57'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighed an enemy escort vessel, hull down, bearing 148° at a range of about 5 miles. Enemy course 060°

At 0920B/17, the escort was seen to alter course to 315°.

At 0935B/17, a large number of smaller vessels were seen behind the escort vessel.

At 0950B/17, the flotilla altered course to starboard. These vessels turned out to be 5 lighters with derricks, 3 E-boats and one more escort vessel.

At 1015B/17, the lighters spread one mile apart on a line bearing 080° from position 32°17.5'N, 19°54'E. One escort vessel was patrolling to the north and the other to the east of them. The E-boats were patrolling all over the place. The lighters proceeded on a speed of 2 knots on a mean course of 350° and were apparently laying mines and also working derricks.

At 1120B/17, the flotilla began to re-assemble.

At 1145B/17, the flottilla, now in formation, began to return toward Benghazi by the outward route.

[We have been unable to identify the ships sighted on this day.] (4)

18 Sep 1941
At 0945B/18, north-west of Benghazi, in position 32°19'N, 19°55'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) again encountered yesterdays minelaying flottilla but now in greater strength. It consisted of the escort vessel, 7 lighters, 4 gun boats and 2 E-boats.

At 0953B/18, a small conical buoy was observed in position 33°19'N, 19°55'E. The minelaying flotilla was observed to be operating in an area enclosed by lines joining the following positions;
A) 32°21.75'N, 19°52.50'E
B) 32°19.50'N, 19°53.50'E
C) 32°20.75'N, 19°56.00'E
D) 32°23.50'N, 19°59.50'E
The eastern boundary of the area is uncertain though.

By 1630B/18, all vessels had ceased their operations and were returning to harbour. Aircraft were patrolling overhead.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted.] (4)

20 Sep 1941
At 0503B/20, north-west of Benghazi, when in position 32°28'N, 19°49.5'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sighted a darkened ship about 3.5 nautical miles away on the starboard beam. Altered course towards to investigate and increased speed.

At 0508B/20, the vessel was identified as a destroyer / torpedo boat on course 175° at 20 knots.

At 0514B/20, contact was lost.

At 0907B/20, a flotilla of small craft was sighted coming along the swept channel. Two aircraft were patrolling overhead.

At 0928B/20, it was now seen that the flotilla, which was in two columns, was made up of one destroyer / torpedo boat, one escort vessel, one gun boat, 5 motor drifters and one E-boat.

At 0935B/20, HMS Thrasher passed between the columns.

At 1005B/20, HMS Thrasher started to retire to the south. The enemy flotilla split in pairs and started what was apparently an A/S sweep, four proceeding to the north and four to the south. HMS Thrasher kept ahead of the search until 1330B/20, when the enemy turned back to the north. HMS Thrasher then proceeded eastwards towards Benghazi.

At 1523B/20, the flotilla was seen returning down the swept channel and they entered harbour around 1635B/20.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted.] (4)

22 Sep 1941
At 0529B/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) dived at the end of the swept channel towards Benghazi and proceeded down it on course 131°.

At 0753B/22, sighted the minelaying flotilla coming up the swept channel on course 311°.

At 0830B/22, HMS Thrasher passed the minelaying flotilla which on this occasion was made up of 2 escort vessels, 4 gun boats, 2 motor A/S craft and 4 lighters.

At 0850B/22, two A/S trawlers coming from the south-east and north-east were seen searching towards the position of HMS Thrasher which then set course to proceed down the coast to the south.

At 1053B/22, HMS Thrasher received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1007B/22 stating that the submarine had been sighted and reported at 0630B/22.

At 1330B/22, A/S patrol craft were still patrolling the swept channel. Several aircraft were also seen patrolling the area.

At 1953B/22, HMS Thrasher surfaced and proceeded to position 253°, Benghazi, 30 nautical miles to try to intercept a convoy reported in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1141B/22.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted.] (4)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy convoy in position 32°01'N, 19°21'E. Three torpedoes were fired but these all missed. Thrasher was depth charged following the attack but she escapes undamaged.

The convoy attacked was made up of the small transports Prospero (Italian, 978 GRT, built 1904) and Ascianghi (Italian, 610 GRT, built 1922). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Circe. They were en-route from Tripoli (departed around 1900B/19) to Benghazi (arrived around 0800B/23).

0026B/23 - In position 255° Benghazi lighthouse 30 nautical miles. Proceeded on course 285° to intercept the convoy.

0120B/23 - In position 32°01'N, 19°21'E sighted darkened ships bearing 335°. Altered course and closed at speed. The ships were seen to be in line ahead, speed 9 knots, course 105° and 6 cables apart. Selected the largest ship as target, leading the line.

0132B/23 - Altered course, The second and third ships most likely sighted Thrasher as they altered towards (2nd ship) and away (3rd ship).

0134B/23 - Commenced firing three torpedoes against the leading ship. As the torpedoes were fired Lt.Cdr. Cowell realised it was not a merchant ship but something else. The first torpedo passed just ahead, the second ran under and the third ran off 35° to port on the surface. After firing Lt.Cdr. Cowell turned to port to fire at one of the other ships, but it was then discovered that Thrasher was much closer than first thought. The target was now identified as a destroyer that turned towards.

0135B/23 - Dived.

0136B/23 - Heard destroyer speeding up.

0137B/23 - Heard one explosion, maybe the third torpedo hitting the third ship in line.

0139B/23 - Two depth charges exploded fairly close.

0140B/23 - The destroyer was heard to pass overhead.

0141B/23 - Depth charges exploded, the destroyer was heard to circle round.

0200B/23 - the destroyer was heard leaving the scene.

0229B/23 - Surfaced. The convoy was made up of a Partenope class torpedo boat and two small (500 tons) merchant ships.

0513B/23 - Dived.

1949B/23 - Surfaced.

2131B/23 - Set course for Benghazi. (6)

25 Sep 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy convoy in position 32°27'N, 19°41'E. Five torpedoes were fired but these all missed their target. There was no counter attack by the escort.

Thrasher had been made aware of this convoy in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1141B/22.

The convoy was most likely made up of the transports Capo Faro (Italian, 3476 GRT, built 1906) and Iseo (Italian, 2366 GRT, built 1918) escorted by Italian torpedo boat Orione. Later, around 1615B/24, the convoy escort had been reinforced by the Italian torpedo boat Centauro. The attack was not observed. This convoy arrived at Benghazi from Brindisi around 0630B/25.

0030B/25 - In position 32°17'N, 19°44'E sighted two ships on the starboard bow. Altered course towards but identified them as escort vessels proceeding on a course of 320°, probably going to meet the convoy.

0042B/25 - Retired at speed to the westward and then proceeded to the north to intercept the convoy.

0132B/25 - In position 32°27'N, 19°41'E sighted smoke bearing 280°. Altered course towards and identified four ships. Two were merchant vessels, one of 1500 tons leading and one of 2000 tons about 1,5 nautical miles astern. Each was being circled by a destroyer. Passed down the port side of the convoy and turned in at 0150 hours.

0200B/25 - One destroyer came out from astern of the nearest merchant vessel (which had been selected as target) and came straight towards so at 0202 hours fired four torpedoes.

0205B/25 - Turned to port and fired one more torpedo. All torpedoes fired missed.

0206B/25 - Dived as the destroyer still came towards.

0228B/25 - Surfaced and gave chase.

0304B/25 - Sighted two vessels coming towards. They were identified as escort vessels.

0311B/25 - The escorts were closing rapidly so dived.

0321B/25 - The two escorts were joined by a third one.

0330B/25 - The escorts were heard retiring.

0345B/25 - Lost contact.

0350B/25 - Surfaced.

0528B/25 - Dived and proceeded southwards.

1933B/25 - Surfaced in position 31°24'N, 19°49'E and set course for the western half of our patrol area. (6)

29 Sep 1941
At 1900B/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) left patrol to proceed to Malta. (4)

1 Oct 1941
At 0745B/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Malta.

She was docked later the same day. (7)

7 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) was undocked. (7)

19 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included A/S exercises with and practice attacks on HMS Beryl. (7)

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

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

(4)

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

[We have no clue which ships this signal referred to.] (8)

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

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

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

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

[Note: ULTRA had also revealed that the convoy made up of the transports Spezia (German 1825 GRT, built 1924) and Amba Aradam (Italian, 400 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Marcello Prestinari had sailed from Tripoli and was expected in Benghazi at 0300B/25 (actually arrived at 0820B/25).] (9)

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

This was possibly the torpedo boat Polluce who had sailed from Benghazi at 1719B/24 to patrol the approaches to the harbour and returned at 1432B/25. (4)

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

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

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

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

[We have been unable to identify the vessels seen during the day.] (4)

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

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

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

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

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

1016B/28 - Dived.

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

1900B/28 - Surfaced in position 32°24'5"N, 20°08'E and proceeded to intercept a convoy that was signalled in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1541B/28 (which stated that a convoy of two ships had been sighted at 0800B/28 in position 31°30'N, 17°06'E. Enemy course 090°, speed 6.5 knots.). (4)

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

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

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

Cora had engine defects which reduced her speed to 6 knots. Pertusola had also difficulties in the bad weather as her cargo had shifted and she had to take refuge at Misurata. Despite the bad weather, Brook and Cora escorted by Cascino proceeded to Benghazi, they were later joined by a minesweeper and an A/S motorboat (both unidentified in the Cascino report) from Benghazi and escorted in. (10)

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

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

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

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted.] (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1900B/1 - Surfaced in position 32°31'5"N, 19°57'E. (10)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1856B/2 - Surfaced in position 32°28'5"N, 19°51'E and proceeded to the seaward. (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

2050B/4, set course 244°.

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

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

6 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol to proceed to Malta. (4)

8 Nov 1941
Around 0800B/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Malta. (4)

10 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Malta. (12)

15 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is undocked. (12)

20 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted trials off Malta. (12)

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

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

(4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2105B/25 - Heard two distant explosions.

2113B/25 - Surfaced in position 40°39'N, 18°25'E and decided to carry out the first of the two special operations. (4)

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

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

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

HMS Thrasher surfaced at 1840B/26 and commenced patrolling off the coast near Bar but at 2004B/26, when she was in position 42°04'N, 18°57'E, a signal, timed 1747B/26, was received from Capt. S.1 cancelling the patrol in the Adriatic and the special operations. Course was then set to leave the Adriatic and patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (4)

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

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

At 2314B/28, HMS Thrasher set course to the south-west corner of her patrol area on receipt of the NOIC Malta's signal timed 2231B/28 which stated that the Italian Fleet might be at sea. (4)

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

This was HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) attacking an Italian cruiser force. (4)

30 Nov 1941
At 0030B/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 0530B/29, ordering her to form a patrol line with HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) and HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN). (4)

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

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

The destroyer sighted may have been any of the nine destroyers escorting the battleship Caio Duilio and the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi, Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta, Raimondo Montecuccoli and Muzio Attendolo returning to Taranto after covering convoys to Libya. The nine destroyers escorting these ships were the following; Aviere, Geniere, Camicia Nera, Granatiere, Alpino, Bersagliere, Fuciliere, Corazziere and Carabiniere. (4)

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

At 1545B/2, in approximate position 39°33'N, 18°12'E, masts were sighted over the horizon bearing 233°. Course was altered to close. The masts appeared to be those of a fast merchant vessel on a west-north-westerly course. It was not possible to get within range so continued proceeding eastwards. [No clue regarding the identity of this vessel.] (4)

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

7 Dec 1941
At 1930B/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol as ordered in Capt. S.1's signal timed 1715B/6. (4)

8 Dec 1941
At 0708B/8, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is ordered to patrol in position area Q 1 (probably to the west-north-west of Navarino) proceeding through positions 36°10'N, 21°26'E and 37°10'N, 20°44'E (Capt. S.1's signal timed 0105B/8). (4)

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

13 Dec 1941
At 1215B/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Alexandria. (4)

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

On leaving harbour A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN). (13)

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

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

At 1805B/4, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1523B/4, ordering her to patrol in position Z (39°12'N, 17°46'E) as part of a patrol line with HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) (position X, 39°05'N, 17°30'E) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) (position Y, 39°09'N, 17°39'E). (13)

5 Jan 1942
In a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1215B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) were ordered to take up their positions as ordered in Capt. S.10's signal timed 1523B/4 as soon as possible. (14)

6 Jan 1942
At 0803B/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) dived while still 20 nautical miles short of her ordered patrol position. (13)

7 Jan 1942
In a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1131B/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN), HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) received new orders. HMS Unbeaten was to remain in position X (39°05'N, 17°30'E). ORP Sokol and HMS Thrasher were to open out at 0001B/8 to 12 and 24 miles, 060°, respectively from HMS Unbeaten. (14)

9 Jan 1942
At 0038B/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.10's signal timed 1137B/8, ordering her to operate in 'Area G' (which must have been to the south-west of Corfu). Course was set accordingly. (13)

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

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

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

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

0154B/10 - Surfaced and gave chase.

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

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

0400B/10 - Heard loud breaking up noises.

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

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

1845B/10 - Surfaced. (13)

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

20 Jan 1942
At 0010B/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) left patrol in accordance with Capt. S.10's signal timed 1227B/18. Course was set to return to Alexandria. (13)

25 Jan 1942
Around 1015B/25, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Alexandria. (13)

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

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

(13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1906B/16 - Surfaced. (15)

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

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

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

0335B/17 - Set course towards Cape Matapan.

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

1926B/17 - Surfaced. (13)

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

At 1407B/18, a signal was received from Capt. S.10 timed 1129B/18, ordering HMS Thrasher to proceed north of 38°12'N at 0001B/19 and to establish patrol near position 38°46'N, 20°31'E from 0001B/21. (13)

22 Feb 1942
At 2125B/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1334B/22 ordering her to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto preferably near position 40°00'N, 17°15'E. To proceed there HMS Thrasher was to proceed through position 39°33'N 17°40'E. (13)

24 Feb 1942
At 1320B/24, in approximate position 39°55'N, 17°25'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a merchant vessel bearing 200° at a range of about 5 miles on a course of 130°. The vessel appeared to be a hospital ship. Range could not be closed enough for a positive identification. (13)

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

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

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

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

At 1430B/26, the HE faded out.

At 1950B/26, Thrasher surfaced and proceeded out of the Gulf of Taranto and set course for Alexandria as ordered in Capt. S.1's signal timed 2231B/25. (13)

5 Mar 1942
Around 0830B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Alexandria. (13)

11 Mar 1942
Around 1745B/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (16)

12 Mar 1942
Around 1245B/12, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Port Said. (16)

15 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) was docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (16)

27 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. She then immediately (around 1430B/27) left Port Said for Alexandria. (16)

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

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

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

(13)

30 Mar 1942
At 0350B/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is attacked by a friendly aircraft in position 32°20'N, 28°12'E. Two bombs are dropped but no damage is caused. (13)

1 Apr 1942
At 1806C/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1515C/1, ordering her to establish patrol in position 33°40'N, 19°20'E by 0001C/4. (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio Da Noli, Nicolò Zeno and Freccia did not enter Tripoli harbour but immediately returned to Italy. (17)

4 Apr 1942
At 1710C/4, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1515C/4, reporting that the important convoy had passed. HMS Thrasher was now ordered to return, if practicable, to position 33°40'N, 19°20'E by dawn on the 5th. This was however not possible even if HMS Thrasher would surface at one to run at high speed on the surface. Lt. Mackenzie therefore decided to remain on the west side of the Gulf of Sirte to proceed to position 32°55'N, 15°25'E. (13)

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

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

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

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

2057C/5 - Surfaced in position 32°11'N, 15°30'7"E. (17)

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

[For the composition of this convoy see the event for 9 April 1942.] (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2105C/9 - Surfaced. (17)

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

At 0653C/10, the enemy altered course towards and an attack was started but before this attack could be completed the enemy turned away around 0705C/10 and the attack had to be broken off. (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1316C/12 - Dived for an aircraft.

1335C/12 - Surfaced and continued the chase.

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

1740C/12 - Lost sight of the convoy.

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

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

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

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

13 April 1942

0700C/13 - Dived.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1330C/13 - Proceeded on the surfaced towards position 33°09'N, 14°37'E (Position Z) as ordered by Captain S.10 in his signal timed 2252B/12. (17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The combined convoy arrived at Tripoli around 0930B/15. (13)

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

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

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

At 1825C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced and proceeded full speed to the position ordered but at 2217C/15, a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 2021B/15 was received which cancelled his previous orders. HMS Thrasher then set course to patrol off Misurata. (13)

16 Apr 1942
At 0137C/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2333C/16, ordering her to return to Alexandria routed via Derna and Apollonia and through position 32°52'N, 25°44'E. Course was then set accordingly. (13)

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

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

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

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

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

2107C/19 - Surfaced and proceeded towards Alexandria. (13)

22 Apr 1942
Around 0830C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Alexandria (13)

5 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Alexandria. (18)

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

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

(13)

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

At 2032C/8, HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course and speed to comply with these orders. (13)

9 May 1942
At 2130C/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1931C/9 cancelling the order to patrol in position 36°06'N, 17°20'E by dawn on the 12th and ordering HMS Thrasher to establish patrol in position 34°24'N, 18°02'E by 1600C/11. This could only be achieved by running on the surface during daylight on either the 10th or the 11th. Lt. Mackenzie decided to do this on the 10th for the reason that if HMS Thrasher would be sighted from the air by enemy aircraft she should still be well clear of the ordered patrol position which therefore would not be compromised. (13)

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

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

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

HMS Thrasher did not gain touch on this convoy. (17)

12 May 1942
At 0905C/12, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 0715C/12, ordering her to patrol in 'Area R' near Cape Santa Maria di Leuca at the eastern end of the Gulf of Taranto. Course was set to proceed accordingly. (13)

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

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

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

HMS Thrasher had been offset by the stronger than expected current. Had she been in the intended position she would have been perfectly placed to attack the transport sighted. (19)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2210C/16 - Surfaced in position 41°07'8"N, 17°37'2"E and proceeded towards Punta San Gargano along the coastal direct route between there and Brindisi. (20)

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

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

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

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

The transport Calino (Italian, 5186 GRT, built 1940) escorted by the destroyer Augusto Riboty and armed merchant cruiser Zara sailed from Patras at 1200B/16 at arrived at Bari at 0800B/17 [Marina Taranto only mentions the arrival of Zara and Riboty but often misses ships]. Note: Calino was to take 280 naval ratings from Italy to Rhodes. (13)

18 May 1942
At 1225C/18, in position 41°52'N, 16°19'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted three northbound transports, all were in ballast. They were escorted by an armed merchant cruiser of about 2000 tons. An attack was commenced but the range could not be closed enough to fire torpedoes at the targets which were difficult to make out against the land and the attack was abondoned. (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2226C/19 - Surfaced in position 41°15'N, 17°03'2"E. (13)

20 May 1942
At 0305C/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2315C/20, ordering her to return to Alexandria arriving there on the 26th or if possible on the 25th. Lt. Mackenzie however decided that with 11 torpedoes still on board and having spent only five days in the Adriatic to stay a little longer and to return to Alexandria on the 28th. Capt. S.1 writes in his report that he fully concurred with Lt. Mackenzie's decision. (13)

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

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

The ships sighted were most likely the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) and her escort, the Italian destroyer Emanuele Pessagno. They were en-route from Benghazi (left around 1930B/19) to Brindisi (arrived at 0055B/22). (17)

28 May 1942
Around 0745C/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Alexandria. (13)

31 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted post refit trials off Liverpool. (21)

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

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

(13)

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

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

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

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

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

14 Jun 1942
At 2351C/14, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) proceeded to take up a new patrol position; Y 1, 35°18'N, 19°42'E. (13)

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

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

At 0159C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At 2146C/15, HMS Thrasher surfaced and passed an enemy report. (13)

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

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

At 1410C/16, a signal from Capt. S.1 was received ordering HMS Thrasher to patrol in the position as ordered in the original signal, diving by day. Course was set accordingly. (13)

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

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

However at 2223C/17, Capt. S.1's signal timed 2015C/17 was received which ordered HMS Thrasher to arrive in her new patrol position only by dawn on the 20th. Course was therefore reversed and HMS Thrasher patrolled off Cape Dukato during the night. (13)

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

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

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

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

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (13)

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

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

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

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

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

At 2240A/20, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1945C/20 was received. This ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed on the surface as far as 34°N at Lt. Mackenzie's discretion. (13)

21 Jun 1942
At 0905C/21, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0631C/21, giving the approximate position in which a Wellington aircraft was in distress. This position was 10 nautical miles to the east of HMS Thrasher's current position so course was set to search but nothing was seen and after searching for an hour the original course was resumed. (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

1953C/22, Thrasher surfaced and gave chase.

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

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

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

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

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

2245C/22, Sighted the convoy bearing 120° on an approximate course of 120°. Altered course to get ahead of the convoy keeping to the northward. (17)

22 Jun 1942
In a signal timed 0351C/22, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol east off Tripoli by dawn on 23 June if they were able to get there in time. Positions ordered were; for HMS Thrasher 32°39'N, 14°34'E and for HMS Turbulent 32°39'N, 14°46'E.

If they could not reach these positions in time they were given alternate patrol positions near Benghazi which were; for HMS Thrasher 31°55'N, 19°21'E and for HMS Turbulent 31°46'N, 19°24'E.

HMS Thrasher, which was much further west then HMS Turbulent proceeded to the position ordered to the east of Tripoli.

HMS Turbulent could made the position of Tripoli running flat out on the surface all day but as she had just sank a ship that morning it seemed very likely to Cdr. Linton that the area he was in would be heavily patrolled by aircraft and that he would be forced down repeatedly. He therefore decided to proceed to the alternate position he was certain he could reach in time and so not be at risk of being in neither of the two positions.

In a signal timed 1641C/22, Capt. S 1, cancelled the previous orders and both submarines were ordered to act independently but be ready to proceed to the positions ordered previously at short notice. (22)

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

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

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

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

0133C/23, In position 31°54'N, 16°36'E, three torpedoes were fired at the larger (2500 tons) of the two transports. One hit was obtained. A slight and ineffective counter attack was carried out by the escorting torpedo boat. The transport that was hit was heard to break up. (17)

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

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

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

[We have been unable to identify the ships seen during the day.] (13)

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

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

At 2345C/25, nothing had been sighted and HMS Thrasher resumed her original course. (17)

26 Jun 1942
At 0908C/26, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 0701C/26, which ordered her to proceed with all despatch (but dived by day) to position 32°55'N, 23°10'E and patrol there. (13)

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

These were the German R-boats R 11 and R 12 en-route from Tobruk (departed around 0955B/26) to Benghazi (arrived around 0526B/28. From 1955B/26 to 1217B/27 they had been at Derna due to the bad weather conditions encountered during their passage westwards. (23)

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

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

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

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

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

At 1806C/28, a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1245C/28 ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed at dusk towards position 33°08'N, 23°10'E and patrol there so as to be able to intercept the two smaller merchant vessels reported in the signal timed 0647C/28. (17)

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

The Diana was en-route from Messina to Tobruk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0553C/29, Dived.

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

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

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

1902C/29, Received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1515C/29, ordering Thrasher to proceed to Haifa instead of Alexandria and to arrive at dawn on July 5th. (13)

30 Jun 1942
At 2136C/30, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) surfaced and set course for Haifa. She had patrolled close inshore to the east of Tobruk during the day but had sighted nothing. (24)

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

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

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

0903C/4, Fired a salvo of three torpedoes from 3000 yards. All torpedoes missed. The German U-boat increased speed and turned away. Thrasher surfaced to engage the enemy with the deck gun. The Germans dived so did Thrasher. The Germans reported two torpedoes passing at a distance of 50 meters to port. (25)

17 Jul 1942
Around 1945C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for Port Said. (26)

19 Jul 1942
Around 0745C/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was almost immediately docked in the floating dock. (26)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) was undocked. (26)

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

This was a Swordfish (piloted by Sub.Lt Stuart) of 815 Squadron which dropped four depth charges on the submarine which was thought to be enemy. (27)

3 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (28)

14 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) is undocked. (28)

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

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

The destroyers returned to Alexandria on the 26th. (29)

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

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

(27)

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

2233C/1, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1240C1/, ordering her to proceed to the north-east of Derna just inside the 100 fathom line. Course was set accordingly. (27)

2 Sep 1942
At 1906C/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1738C/2, ordering her to patrol in position 33°06'N, 23°40'E by 0800C/3. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At 1458C/4, a signal was received from Capt. S.1 timed 1315C/4. It gave Thrasher freedom of action in the Tobruk area. (30)

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

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

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

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

The ' torpedo boat ' sighed may have been HMS Traveller though, who reported having sighted a submarine at 0424C/5. There is also a possibility that it was indeed a torpedo boat as the Italian Lupo had sailed from Tobruk at 1737B/4 for Piraeus. (27)

6 Sep 1942
At 2125C/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1850C/6 which ordered her to patrol in position 32°31'N, 23°34'E by dawn on the 8th. (27)

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

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

At 2216C/7, HMS Thrasher received a signal from Capt. S.1 which ordered her to be in position 7 miles bearing 085° from position 32°31'N, 23°34'E by dawn on the 8th. (30)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ankara, escorted by Brioni, Geniere, Lampo, Partenope and Orione arrived at Tobruk at about 1315-1400B/8. (30)

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

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

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

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

Accoding to Italian sources , at 1150B/10, Cascino was detached to rescue the survivors of the Italian hospital ship Arno (7785 GRT, built 1912) sunk by a torpedo bomber. At 1815B/10, Castore was ordered by Marina Tobruk to assist Cascino and turned back. The remaining three vessels entered Tobruk around 1840B/10, followed at 1920-1940B/10 by the two torpedo boats. (30)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Italian sources regarding the convoy state that at 0822B/10, an escorting aircraft signalled the presence of a submarine and the convoy turned to port to avoid it. At 0833B/10, Petrarca signalled a torpedo track. There was no counter attack. (30)

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

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

At 2000C/13, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1730C/13, giving an aircraft report of one transport and one destroyer at 1640C/13, in position 34°48'N, 23°11'E, course 185°, speed 9 knots. It also stated that the target would be illuminated by flares between 0230C/14 and 0300C/14. HMS Thrasher surfaced and proceeded to a position to intercept at about 0230C/14. [We have been unable to find enemy shipping movements through this area at this time though.] (27)

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

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

At 2000C/14, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1630C/14, which ordered HMS Thrasher to proceed to 'Area K' and giving Cape Krio, the south-west corner of Crete as the best focal point. So HMS Thrasher surfaced and set course accordingly. (27)

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

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

By 0200C/15, nothing had been sighted except some distant flares to the southward. Course was then altered to the northwards to continue the passage towards Cape Krio. (30)

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

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

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

At 2211C/16, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1832C/16, ordering her to leave patrol P.M. on the 17th and proceed to Beirut. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Thrasher had also missed the opportunity to attack a convoy made up of the transports Corso Fougier (Italian, 1359 GRT, built 1906), Nerucci (Italian, 1180 GRT, built 1892) and Dora (German, 795 GRT, built 1898) escorted by the torpedo boats Sirio and Lupo and on passage from Suda to Tobruk. They passed farther east and crossed the Ankara convoy at 0750B/17 in approximate position 34°40'N, 23°00'E. (30)

22 Sep 1942
Around 0650C/22, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Beirut. (27)

5 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. These included A/S exercises with first HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and later with HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN). (31)

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

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

(3)

9 Oct 1942
At 1515C/9, in position 37°08'N, 26°40'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sighed a 500 ton coaster bound from Leros to Padmos. She passed out of range. (3)

10 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) patrolled off the Doro Channel during the day. A few caiques were seen but all passed well out of range. (3)

11 Oct 1942

Operation Jupiter

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

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

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

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

By 2300C/11, the boats were back below deck and course was set to operate on the shipping route to Saloniki. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1818C/12, Dived.

2008C/12, Surfaced in position 39°49'N 24°16'E and proceed to patrol throughout the night on the Saloniki to Piraeus route between Cape Cassandra and the Skopelos Channel. (3)

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

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

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

During the day a schooner and a few caiques were seen by HMS Thrasher but they were not attacked as owing to the destroyer activity it was hoped that bigger prey might be coming. (32)

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

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

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

At 2332C/14, HMS Thrasher dived in position 39°21'N, 23°32'E for a small dark shape thought to have possibly been an motor torpedo boat. shortly afterwards faint HE was picked up proceeding southwards. On surfacing at 2354C/14 nothing was seen though faint HE was heard for almost another hour. (27)

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

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

Accoding to Italian sources Castelfidardo sailed from Mudros at 0645B/19 to escort Celeno to Mudros but apparently she missed the rendezvous (perhaps due to the bad weather) and Castefildardo returned to Mudros at 1906B/19. Castelfidardo sailed again from Mudros at 0633B/20 and finally picked up Celeno off the Dardanelles. They arrived at Piraeus at 1234B/21. (33)

17 Oct 1942
At 1135C/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which was still patrolling, in bad weather conditions, off the Doro Channel but had sighed nothing so far, received a signal from Capt. S.1, timed 1022C/17, which gave information that the enemy ship referred to in his signal timed 1901C/15 had probably been delayed by the bad weather. HMS Thrasher was ordered to continue to patrol off the Doro Channel to intercept it. (27)

18 Oct 1942
At 1959C/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN), which had spent another day patrolling of the Doro Channel as ordered but had sighed only some caiques, was now ordered by Capt. S.1, in his signal timed, 1803C/18, to patrol off the western approaches to the Rhodes Channel. To get there in time all a second attempt to carry out Operation Jupiter had to be abondoned. HMS Thrasher then left the Doro Channel area for Rhodes around 2200C/18. Nothing was sighed of the expected ship coming from the Dardanelles which should have arrived off the Doro Channel by 2200 hours if it had left the Dardanelles by dawn today. [In the end the tanker only left the Dardenelles in the morning of the 19th.] (34)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2323C/19, Surfaced and gave chase.

2350C/19, Opened fire on the tug. It sank after 35 minutes. HMS Thrasher then set course to continue her passage towards the Rhodes area. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2155C/20, Thrasher surfaced in position 36°20'N, 27°40'E and continued proceeding to the westwards intending to patrol on the Piraeus - Crete route. (3)

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

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

At 2000C/21, HMS Thrasher surfaced to the south of Santorini Island in position 36°12'N, 25°24'E. Course was then set to the eastward to return to the Rhodes area. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

At 2220C/22, a signal was received from Capt. S.1, timed 1947C/22, which stated that HMS Thrasher now had freedom of action in the Aegean south of 37°20'N. She was also ordered to pass through the Skarpanto Channel by daylight on the 25th and arrive at Beirut on the 28th. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

At 2315C/24, HMS Thrasher dived in position 36°26'N, 26°03'E to avoid a patrolling A/S trawler. HMS Thrasher surfaced at 0026C/25 and continued her passage. (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0628C/25, A very accurate depth charge attack followed. Between 0630C/25 and 0800C/25 six accurate depth charge attacks were carried out. The patterns varied from four to six depth charges. Thrasher then finally got under a density layer at 270 feet, contact was lost and only three more depth charges were dropped. Thrasher now managed to creep away. Fortunately only minor damage was sustained during the depth charging. (27)

28 Oct 1942
Around 0720C/28, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Beirut. This patrol completes her Mediterranean deployment as she is to return to the U.K. to undergo a refit. (3)

11 Nov 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Beirut. (35)

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

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

(3)

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

During 22 and 23 November, the stores and all torpedoes on board were unloaoded. (36)

25 Nov 1942
Around 1240A/25, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was escorted out by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (36)

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

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

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

According to Italian sources this convoy was proceeding at a speed of 12.5 knots. An aircraft was first sighted at 2130B/26, and flares were dropped at 2230B/26 and again at 2305B/26 and at the same time a torpedo explosion was heard, apparently at the end of its course. An air attack was observed at long distance, and it was believed to be on the Procione convoy. At 0125B/27, an aircraft attacked Sirio with a torpedo from a distance of 500 metres but it was easily avoided. No submarines were sighted. (37)

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

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

The German submarine U-81 was also operating in this area though apparently a bit further to the east. She also reported nothing of interest so most likely also was not the submarine sighted. Perhaps the submarine sighted was Spanish. (38)

3 Dec 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) was wiped (degaussing) at Gibraltar. (39)

5 Dec 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Gibraltar. (39)

6 Dec 1942
At 1117A/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for the United Kingdom. (3)

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

HMS Thrasher had encountered heavy weather during the later stages of her passage to the U.K. which had also caused some damage to the submarine. It was therefore decided to proceed to Falmouth to effect some repairs. (3)

17 Dec 1942
Around 1430A/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Unst (T/Lt. J.R. Smith, RNR). (40)

18 Dec 1942
Aroound 1100A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Fort Blockhouse, the submarine base at Portsmouth. (3)

19 Dec 1942
Around 1600A/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. They were escorted by HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. S.C. Larner, RNR). (39)

20 Dec 1942
Around 1230A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. They where they both to be taken in hand for refit at the Chatham Dockyard for a refit and main motor repairs respectively. (39)

21 Dec 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (39)

4 May 1943
With her refit completed, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (41)

5 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted post refit trials of Sheerness. (41)

6 May 1943
Around 1815B/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She made the passage in convoy CW 176. (41)

7 May 1943
Around 1715B/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth (Fort Blockhouse) from Sheerness. (41)

16 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Solent. (41)

17 May 1943
Around 0630B/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Porstmouth for Dartmouth where she arrived around 1630B/17. En-route exercises were carried out. (41)

18 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises off Dartmouth. (41)

19 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dartmouth and proceeded to Plymouth upon completion. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HM ML 118 (?). The ML then escorted the submarine to Plymouth. (41)

20 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (41)

21 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with The escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) in the morning and with HMS Wensleydale (Lt. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) in the afternoon. Upon completion of the A/S exercise in the afternoon Thrasher made a pracice attack on HMS Wensleydale. (41)

23 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with the Russian submarine S-54 (?). They were escorted by HMS Columbine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR) (41)

25 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of training and exercises. These included exercises with handling (Welman) midget submarines. (41)

29 May 1943
During 29/30 May 1943, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included attack exercises with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (41)

31 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials in the Clyde area. (41)

1 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (42)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (42)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (42)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (42)

5 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN). (42)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (42)

9 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials in the Clyde area. (42)

10 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Kames Bay with the midget submarine X 7 in tow for exercises in the Clyde area. (42)

12 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) with midget submarine X 7 in tow arrived at Loch Cairnbawn (Port H.H.Z.). (42)

13 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Port H.H.Z. (Loch Cairnbawn) for exercises. She had midget submarine X 7 in tow. (42)

14 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) with the midget submarine X 7 returned to Port H.H.Z. (Loch Cairnbawn) on completion of the exercises. (42)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Port H.H.Z. (Loch Cairnbawn) for Kames Bay. She had midget submarine X 7 in tow. They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (42)

17 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), with midget submarine X 7 in tow, arrived at Kames Bay. (42)

19 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock for alterations to her casing to operate with midget submarines. (42)

22 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) shifted from Greenock to Loch Striven where a Welman midget submarine was embarked. (42)

23 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted Welman shipping trials in Loch Striven. (42)

24 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted Welman shipping trials in Loch Striven. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (42)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Port H.H.Z. She makes the passage together with HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN). They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). En-route exercises were carried out with the release of Welman midget submarines. (42)

27 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Port H.H.Z. and after some more trials she departed for Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day for a period of A/S exercises as well as excercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (42)

28 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (42)

29 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (42)

30 Jun 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (42)

30 Jun 1943
HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by underway refuelling exercises with the destroyer HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN).

HMS Sheffield then departed Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth during which she also served as target for HMS Norfolk (A/Capt. J.S.S. Litchfield-Speer, RN) and a submarine (either HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) or HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN). (43)

1 Jul 1943
In the morning HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN) served as the target.

In the afternoon Thrasher participated in A/S exercises. Possibly with HMIS Narbada (Lt.Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN)

In the afternoon HMS Renown then conducted exercises with HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) and HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN).

HMS Renown then returned to harbour while the cruisers continued their exercises during the night of 1 / 2 July and only returned the following morning. (44)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (45)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. (42)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (45)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (45)

7 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. Serving as target during practice attacks was the light cruiser HMS Diomede (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN).

HMS Diomede also conducted gunnery exercises. (45)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. (45)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow.

These included A/S exercises, first with HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) and later with HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) and HMS Woodcock (Lt.Cdr. C. Gwinner, DSO, RN). (45)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) at Scapa Flow. These included A/S exercises, first with HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), later with HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN) and finally with HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN). (45)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Scapa flow for Holy Loch. She makes the passage together with HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) and FFS Curie. They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (45)

16 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Scapa Flow. (45)

20 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for exercises in the Clyde area with special forces (C.O.P.P.). (45)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of the exercises in the Clyde area with special forces (C.O.P.P.). (45)

24 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (45)

26 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) was undocked. (45)

30 Jul 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Kames Bay. (45)

31 Jul 1943
Around 2200B/31, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Kames Bay for Lerwick. One board was one Welman midget submarine.

Thrasher was escorted by HMS Angle (T/Lt. A.L. Kerr, RNVR). (45)

1 Aug 1943
At 0856B/1, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) was recalled to Kames Bay to take on board a full completent of Welman midget submarines (F.O.S.'s signal timed 0558B/1). HMS Thrasher arrived back at Kames Bay at 2025B/1. (46)

2 Aug 1943
Around 1640B/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Kames Bay for Port H.H.Z. On board was still one Welman midget submarine but two others had to be embarked from HMS Titania that was moored at Loch Corrie (Port HHX).

Thrasher was escorted by HMS Angle (T/Lt. A.L. Kerr, RNVR). (46)

3 Aug 1943
Around 1045B/3, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Port H.H.Z. (46)

4 Aug 1943
At Port H.H.Z., HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) embarked another Welman craft making the total on board two. She departed for Lerwick around noon.

The reason for taking the two Welman craft on patrol is not clear to us (yet). (46)

5 Aug 1943
Around 2200B/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (46)

6 Aug 1943
Around 0001B/6, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 14th war patrol (1st patrol of the 2nd commission). This was a work-up patrol to the North-East of the Shetlands on an anti-Uboat patrol. The objective of the patrol was to sink enemy submarines passing through the area.

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

(3)

16 Aug 1943
Around 2100B/16, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick. (3)

17 Aug 1943
Around 1710B/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) ended her 14h war patrol at Lerwick. The patrol had been uneventful. (3)

18 Aug 1943
Around 2000A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (46)

20 Aug 1943
Around 1245A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Kames Bay where the Welman craft were disemberked. She proceeded from Kames Bay to Holy Loch later the same day. (46)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departs Holy Loch for Loch Loch Cairnbawn (Port H.H.Z.). She made the passage together with HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, RN), HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) and HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, DSC, RN). The submarines are escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (46)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Loch Cairnbawn (Port H.H.Z.) from Holy Loch. (47)

3 Sep 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port H.H.Z. (47)

4 Sep 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port H.H.Z towing the midget submarine X 5. (47)

7 Sep 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port H.H.Z. (47)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port H.H.Z. (47)

11 Sep 1943
Around 1900A/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Port H.H.Z. for her 15th war patrol. She is to tow midget submarine X 5 to the entrance to the Alten Fjord in Northern Norway.

Thrasher and X 5 are part of Operation Source. An attack by six midget submarines on the German battleship Tirpitz.

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

(48)

19 Sep 1943
After a successful tow, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), at 1930A/19, takes midget submarine X 5 alongside to put the crew on board her that was to attack Tirpitz. The passage crew was taken off. (48)

20 Sep 1943
At 1919A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and midget submarine X 5 (Lt. H. Henty-Creer, RNVR) both surfaced in position 70°38'N, 21°00'E. The tow and telephone line was disconnected and X 5 slipped and proceeded towards the Soroy Sund. Thrasher then departed the area to take up her patrol position.

The wreck of X 5 was later found near the entrance to the fjord where the Tirpitz was. Her exact role in the attack, and if she had been able to enter the Kaa Fjord, is not clear even to this day. (48)

29 Sep 1943
At 0202Z/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) started her return passage to Lerwick. No midget submarine had turned up at the rendez-vouz positions. (48)

3 Oct 1943
Around 0630Z/3, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch around 1400A/3. She was escorted by the Norwegian trawler HNoMS Horten. (48)

5 Oct 1943
Around 1845A/5, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. On the 18th she was temporary assigned to the 7th Submarine Flottilla for training duties. These were carried out in the Clyde area and also out of Londonderry in Northern Ireland. (49)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (49)

19 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (49)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (49)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) and vice versa. (50)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) and vice versa. (50)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) and HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. They were escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (49)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (49)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle. (49)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft. Later also A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Churchill (Lt. A.C.D. Leach, RN) and HMCS Woodstock (T/Lt. C.E. Wright, RCNVR). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Woodstock. (49)

30 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle. The exercises were however soon cancelled. (49)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft. (49)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft. (51)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with Escort Group B 2 and also with HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Columbine T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR).

Ship of Escort Group B 2 present at Lough Foyle on this day were HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Vanessa (Lt. C.E. Sheen, DSC, RN), HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Mourne (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Holland, RD, RNR), HMS Campanula (T/Lt. I. Bull, RNVR), HMS Clematis (T/Lt. R.H. Farrands, DSC, RNR) and HMS Gentian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR). Possibly not all of them participated in the A/S exercise though. (51)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with, first HMS Columbine T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR), then with HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR) and finally with HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Edwards, RNVR). (51)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle, first with HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR) and later with HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR). (51)

7 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Columbine T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR). Also a practice attack was made on the corvette. (51)

11 Nov 1943
Around 0600A/11, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) departed Londonderry for Scapa Flow. Off Sanda Island she is joined by HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, DSC, RN), HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) and HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) for onward passage to Lerwick or Scapa Flow. They were escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (51)

13 Nov 1943
Around 0915A/13, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow for a period of (A/S) exercises. (51)

16 Nov 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), light cruiser HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During these exercises the submarine HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted practice attacks on the group. (52)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (51)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (51)

19 Nov 1943
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She returned shortly after midnight on the 14th.

During the exercises she was, most likely escorted by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN). [HMS Hardy for sure was present.]

The submarine HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted practice attacks on this group. (53)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN). (54)

23 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN). (51)

27 Nov 1943
Around 1600A/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) departed Scapa Flow. She was joined around 1745A/27, when off Dunnet Head, by HMS Hamlet (T/Lt. J.C. Boyd, RNVR). The next morning HMS Thrasher made rendez-vouz with HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) for onward passage to the Clyde. The submarines were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (51)

29 Nov 1943
Around 0910A/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) arrived at Rothesay. Thrasher's main engines were defective and she was to remain at Rothesay until she could be taken in hand for refit. (51)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) departed Rothesay for Liverpool where she is to refit at the Cammell Laird Shipyard at Birkenhead.

HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Heysham from where she is to participate in A/S exercises.

HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Rothesay for Fishguard from where she is to participate in A/S exercises.

The submarines departed Rosyth around 1000A/6. They were escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (55)

7 Feb 1944
Around 1800A/7, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) arrived at Liverpool. (56)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) commenced her refit at the Cammell Laird Shipyard at Birkenhead. She is docked in No.2 graving dock. (56)

12 May 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (57)

26 May 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Birkenhead. (21)

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. (58)

18 Jun 1944
Around 0545A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay from Birkenhead. (58)

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. (58)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (58)

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. (58)

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. (58)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was wiped at Holy Loch. (58)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (58)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Cutty Sark. (58)

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. (58)

1 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (59)

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. (59)

5 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (59)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (59)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

12 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

15 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (58)

17 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

19 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

20 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (59)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (59)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (59)

23 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (59)

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. (59)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (59)

26 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (59)

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). (59)

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. (59)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (59)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

4 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (60)

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). (60)

15 Aug 1944
Around 0610B/15, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (60)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Larne. (60)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (60)

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). (60)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (60)

22 Aug 1944
In the morning, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (60)

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. (60)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Larne upon completion of the exercises. (60)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (60)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (60)

31 Aug 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded from Larne to Holy Loch. (60)

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. (61)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (61)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (61)

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. (61)

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. (61)

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). (3)

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.

(3)

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. (3)

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). (3)

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. (62)

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. (62)

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.] (63)

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. (64)

28 Oct 1944
Around 1800A/28, 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) departed Gibraltar for Malta. The next day they made rendezvous with convoy UGS 57. The three submarines were escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UGS 57 ' for 11 October 1944.] (65)

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. (66)

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. (67)

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. (67)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. (64)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from Port Said. (68)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (64)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Aden. (64)

2 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (69)

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.] (3)

13 Jan 1945
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. (70)

21 Jan 1945
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. (70)

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 (3)

23 Jan 1945
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. (70)

27 Jan 1945
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. (3)

28 Jan 1945
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. (3)

2 Feb 1945
Around 1330FG/2, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Trincomalee. (3)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (71)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (71)

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). (3)

3 Mar 1945
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thrasher during her 18th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) see the map below.

(3)

9 Mar 1945
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. (3)

15 Mar 1945
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
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. (3)

18 Mar 1945
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. (3)

19 Mar 1945
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. (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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.] (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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.] (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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.] (3)

14 Jun 1945

Operation Balsam

Photographic reconnaissance of Southern Malaya and fighter strikes on airfields in Northern Sumatra.

On 14 June 1945, ' Task Force 63 ' departed Trincomalee. It was made up of the light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. W.G. Brittain, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Commodore G.N. Oliver, CB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), escort carriers HMS Ameer (Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (A/Capt. D.H. Magnay, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. L.C. Sinker, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. F.W.M. Carter, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. C.D. Bonham-Carter, RN).

On the 16th, HMS Royalist and the destroyers were topped off with fuel. HMS Suffolk fuelling HMS Rotherham and HMS Racehorce. HMS Ameer fuelling HMS Redoubt and HMS Relentless. HMS Stalker fuelled HMS Royalist and HMS Redoubt. HMS Khedive did not fuel any of the other ships.

From flying off position in the northern approaches to the Malacca Straits, aircraft of 888 Squadron, from HMS Ameer made successful photographic reconnaissance flights over southern Malaya from 18 to 20 June.

At 2044FG/18, in position 07°15'N, 97°28'E, the submarine HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), which was steering 076°, sighed a darkened ship bearing 300°. The submarine then turned and commenced closing. The ship proved to be a destroyer heading south. Other destroyers were then sighted and about 2055FG/10 aircraft carriers came in sight. This was obviously ' Task Force 63 '. Thrasher then set course to open the range not wishing to make contact and flash recognition signals so close to the enemy coast. A destroyer on the port side of the screen appeared to obtain radar contact on the submarine and commenced closing. Just as Thrasher was about to identify herself the destroyer turned away at a range of about 6000 yards.

On 20 June, fighter strikes against the airfields at Lhoksemawe, Medan, and Binjai (all in Northern Sumatra) were made by aircraft of 804, 808 and 809 Squadrons. The runways at Medan and Binjai were put out of action. Attacks on grounded enemy aircraft resulted in three being destroyed, seven left burning and probably destroyed and nine was claimed to have been damaged. Aerodrome buildings, locomotives, and rolling stock were also effectively strafed. Off Medan two junks, one of which was obviously carrying oil, were attacked and set on fire.

Own losses were only one Hellcat shot down by enemy AA fire.

It looked like that ' Force 63 ' had not been detected by the enemy throughout the operation.

In the morning/early afternoon of 21 June, HMS Rotherham fuelled from HMS Ameer, HMS Racehorce, HMS Roebuck and HMS Redoubt fuelled from HMS Khedive, HMS Royalist fuelled from HMS Stalker and HMS Relentless fuelled from HMS Suffolk

At 1340GH/21, HMS Ameer, HMS Stalker, HMS Rotherham and HMS Relentless parted company with the remainder of the force.

At 1510GH/21, HMS Royalist, HMS Roebuck and HMS Racehorce parted company with HMS Khedive, HMS Suffolk and HMS Redoubt.

At 2200GH/21, HMS Ameer parted company with HMS Stalker, HMS Rotherham and HMS Relentless.

At 1200GH/22, HMS Rotherham and HMS Relentless parted company with HMS Stalker.

HMS Rotherham and HMS Relentless arrived at Trincomalee at 0700FG/23.

HMS Royalist, HMS Roebuck and HMS Racehorce arrived at Vishakhapatnam around 1115FG/23.

HMS Ameer arrived at Madras around 1600FG/23.

HMS Khedive, HMS Suffolk and HMS Redoubt arrived at Trincomalee around 1700FG/23.

And finally HMS Stalker arrived at Cochin around 1915FG/25. (72)

18 Jun 1945
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. (3)

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.] (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

12 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (73)

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.] (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

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. (3)

10 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (3)

11 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (3)

16 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (3)

17 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (3)

27 Sep 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (3)

1 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (3)

4 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (3)

8 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (3)

10 Oct 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (3)

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. (3)

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