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22 November, 2009
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Noteable events involving Thrasher include:

14 Jun 1941
After a very short work-up period of only one month HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departs Holy Loch bound for Gibraltar.

20 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrives at Gibraltar.

22 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departs 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.

23 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sights a French merchant in ballast of about 3000 tons North of Oran in position 36º34'N, 00º37'W. Thrasher is ordered not to attack French ships during the trip to Malta so Lt.Cdr. Cowell dives so that Thrasher would not compromise her position. (see map)

29 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrives at Malta, she unloads the stores and then left for patrol later the same day.

1 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sights a convoy of three merchant vessels to the south-east of Capo Spartivento in position 37º45'N, 16º21'E. Unfortunately they are too far away to be attacked.

All times are zone -2)
0400 hours - Dived in position 37º45'N, 16º21'E
1205 hours - In position 37º45'N, 16º21'E sighted 3 merchant ships in ballast, range 11000 yards, bearing 270, course 210. They were too far away to be attacked
2130 hours - Left patrol area to proceed to Alexandria as ordered by signal.

3 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sights 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.

(All times are zone -3)
0535 hours - Dived
1842 hours - 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 1856 hours
2150 hours - Surfaced.

9 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ends her 1st war patrol at Alexandria.

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

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 Thrasher set course to return to Alexandria.

(All times are zone -3)
27 July 1941
0030 hours - Attempted to land Lt.Cdr. Pool, RNR by folbot but the weather was still not suitable. Abandoned the attempt
0245 hours - The wind dropped so now a succesful 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 0100/28. Proceeded inshore.

28 July 1941
0210 hours - 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
0512 hours - Dived
2058 hours - Surfaced in position 34º22'N, 25º02'E

31 Jul 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ends her 2nd war patrol at Alexandria.

6 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) departs Alexandria for her 3rd war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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.

(All times are zone -3)
0252 hours - Dived
Intended to patrol through the Zea Channel
1130 hours - Sighted 2 M.A.S. vessels off Angarlestro Point
1150 hours - In position 37º38'N, 23º58'E sighted a destroyer of the Folgore class off Gaidaro Island. At this time the M.A.S. vessels were closing. The destroyer was followed by a two-funneled, camouflaged transport of 8000 tons. A trawler was also at the scene
1210 hours - The convoy altered course up the Mandri Channel
1220 hours - Broke off the attack due to the long range
1225 hours - Sighted another convoy coming out of the Thermia Channel, position 37º30'N, 24º11'E. Started attack. The convoy wase made up of two large merchants (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 M.A.S. boats of the convoy sighted earlier joined this convoy
1300 hours - One of the destroyers turned straight towards and increased speed. The destroyer went straight overhead and then returned
1312 hours - Returned to periscope depth
1320 hours - The target turned away. Followed the merchants for 20 minutes hoping that they would turn back but the did not so at 1340 hours the attack had to be broken off
2117 hours - Surfaced

15 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German transport Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937) off Cape Sunion, Greece in position 37º36'N, 24º03'E. All torpedoes however miss their target.

(All times are zone -3)
0307 hours - Dived and patrolled off the Western junction of the Thermia and Zea Channels
1105 hours - Sighted a Fiat bi-plane (convoy air escort) over the Zea Channel. Turned to the East expecting a convoy from the Zea Channel
1120 hours - 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 Bulgarian ship Bulgaria. Started attack
1158 hours - In position 37º36'N, 24º03'E fired four torpedoes and withdrew to the South-East. Intermittent depth-charging was heard until 1246 hours
1300 hours - The destroyer was no longer heard
2133 hours - Surfaced and proceeded through the Siphano Channel towards the Naxos Channel. (see map)

18 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher investigates harbours on the Greek islands of Samos and Leros. Nothing of interest was sighted.

(All times are zone -3)
0520 hours - Investigated Samos. Nothing was seen in the harbours of Port Vathi and Kalovasi
2100 hours - Surfaced and proceeded through the Ikaria Passage to investigate Port Laki on Leros.

20 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) sinks the Greek sailing vessel San Stefano with gunfire off Cape Malea, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
0525 hours - 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
1600 hours - Sighted a schooner coming from the Westward, position 36º26'5"N, 23º00'E
2015 hours - The schooner entered Lephki Bay. Followed him into the bay and then surfaced at 2050 hours and sank the schooner (about 250 tons) with gunfire at 2055 hours.

27 Aug 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ends her 3rd war patrol at Alexandria.

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

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.

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

23 Sep 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 32º01'N, 19º21'E. Three torpedoes were fired but these all missed. Thrasher was depth charged but she escapes undamaged.

(All times are zone -3)
0026 hours - In position 255 degrees Benghazi lighthouse 30 nautical miles. Proceeded on course 285 degrees to intercept the convoy
0120 hours - In position 32º01'N, 19º21'E sighted darkened ships bearing 335 degrees. Altered course and closed at speed. The ships were seen to be in line ahead, speed 9 knots, course 105 degrees and 6 cables apart. Selected the largest ship as target, leading the line
0132 hours - Altered course, The second and third ships most likely sighted Thrasher as they altered towards (2nd ship) and away (3rd ship)
0134 hours - 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 degrees 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 then first thought. The target was now identified as a destroyer that turned towards
0135 hours - Dived
0136 hours - Heard destroyer speeding up
0137 hours - Heard one explosion, maybee the third torpedo hitting the third ship in line
0139 hours - Two depth charges exploded fairly close
0140 hours - The destroyer was heard to pass overhead
0141 - Depth charges exploded, the destroyer was heard to circle round
0200 hours - the destroyer was heard leaving the scene
0229 hours - Surfaced. The convoy was made up of a Partenope class torpedo boat and two small (500 tons) merchant ships
0513 hours - Dived
1949 hours - Surfaced
2131 hours - Set course for Benghazi. (see map)

25 Sep 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 32º27'N, 19º41'E. Five torpedoes were fired but these all missed their target. Thrasher escapes without being depth charged.

(All times are zone -3)
0030 hours - In position 32º17'N, 19º44'E sighted two ships on the starboard bow. Altered course towards but identified them as escort vessels proceeding on a course of 320 degrees, probably going to meet the convoy
0042 hours - Retired at speed to the westward and then proceeded to the north to intercept the convoy
0132 hours - In position 32º27'N, 19º41'E sighted smoke bearing 280 degrees. 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
0200 hours - One destroyer came out from astern of the nearest merchant vessel (which had been selected as target) and came strait towards so at 0202 hours fired four torpedoes
0205 hours - Turned to port and fired one more torpedo. All torpedoes fired missed
0206 - Dived as the destroyer still came towards
0228 hours - Surfaced and gave chase
0304 hours - Sighted two vessels coming towards. They were identified as escort vessels
0311 hours - The escorts were closing rapidly so dived
0321 hours - The two escorts were joined by a third one
0330 hours - The escorts were heard retiring
0345 hours - Lost contact
0350 hours - Surfaced
0528 hours - Dived and proceeded southwards
1933 hours - Surfaced in position 31º24'N, 19º49'E and set course for the western half of our patrol area. (see map)

1 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ends her 4th war patrol at Malta.

20 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departs Malta for her 5th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte off Benghazi.

28 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sinks the Italian schooner Esperia (384 BRT, built 1925) with gunfire north-east of Benghazi, Libya in position 32º20'N, 20º10'E.

(All times are zone -2)
0556 hours - Dived in position 32º27'N, 20º08'E
0930 hours - While Thrasher was in position 32º19'N, 20º10'E sighted and commenced an attack on a three masted schooner of about 800 tons
0941 hours - Fired one torpedo that missed. The torpedo must have passed very close as the crew started to abandon ship
1010 hours - Surfaced and sank the schooner with 9 rounds of gunfire in position 32º20'N, 20º10'E
1016 hours - Dived
1036 hours - The schooner was observed to sink. Later a Crotone class minelayer and a Spica class torpedo boat were seen searching the area
1900 hours - Surfaced in position 32º24'5"N, 20º08'E and proceeded to intercept a convoy that was signalled. (see map)

1 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is depth charged while trying to attack group of two ships. Later she attacks a convoy with three torpedoes in position 32º32'N, 19º55'5"E but these all missed the intended target.

(All times are zone -2)
31 October 1941
0607 hours - Dived in position 32º22'N, 20º07'5"E
0830 hours - Sighted a three-masted schooner of about 800tons, escorted by a RD class minesweeper close inshore. Also two aircraft were seem overhead. They were too far off for a torpedo attack
0910 hours - In position 32º17'5"N, 20º05'25"E sighted a 600 ton barquentine about 5 nautical miles away. Commenced an attack
0933 hours - The barquentine returned to Benghazi so the attack had to be broken off
1900 hours - Surfaced in position 32º20'5"N, 20º10'E and patrolled to the North-East of Bengazi to try to intercept a convoy
2035 hours - In position 32º19'N, 20º07'E sighted two darkened vessels. Closed
2045 hours - Dived in position 32º18'N, 20º07'E. The ships were identified as a merchant vessel and an escort. An attack was not possible
2015 hours - 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
2113 hours - Dived again. The two vessels were still in the area and could be seen several times through the periscope
2340 hours - Surfaced in position 32º21'5"N, 20º02'5"E and proceeded northwards still hoping to attack these ships.

1 November 1941
0028 hours - In position 32º27'N, 20º02'25"E sighted the torpedo boat coming strait towards at high speed so dived to 80 feet
0032 hours - First depth charges dropped but these were not close. Depth charges were dropped until 0049 hours
0115 hours - The H.E. of the torpedo boat faded away
0256 hours - Surfaced in position 32º32'N, 19º57'E
0352 hours - In position 32º31'25"N, 19º55'75"E sighted 2 darkened ships about 3.5 nautical miles away. Altered course towards
0356 hours - The two vessels were identified as torpedo boats (destroyers) and they were seen to turn towards so dived to 80 feet
0419 hours - Surfaced in position 32º31'75"N, 19º55'E
0421 hours - Sighted two darkened merchant vessels and 2 destroyers / torpedo boats. Turned towards
0427 hours - In position 32º32'N, 19º55'5"E fired three torpedoes at the rear and largest of the two merchant ships. All torpedoes missed
0429 hours - A destroyer / torpedo boat turned towards so dived to 80 feet
0449 hours - Surfaced in position 32º31'75"N, 19º56'E
0614 hours - Dived and approached the coast north-east of Benghazi
1223 hours - Turned to the seaward to intercept a convoy that was announced by signal by Capt. S-10
1900 hours - Surfaced in position 32º31'5"N, 19º57'E. (see map)

2 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) fires two torpedoes against a Crotone-class minesweeper in position 32º26'N, 20º08'E. None of the torpedoes hit the target.

(All times are zone -2)
0610 hours - Dived in position 32º29'N, 20º10'5"E and patrolled the north-eastern approach to Benghazi
0950 hours - In position 32º23'N, 20º07'5"E sighted a Crotone class minelayer and one smaller vessel bearing 140, distance 5 nautical miles, course 030 degrees, speed 10 knots
1015 hours - Both vessels altered course to 330 degrees
1042 hours - Both vessels stopped in position 32º24'N, 20º12'E. Closed for an attack
1135 hours - The enemy ships went ahead on a north-westerly course
1236 hours - In position 32º26'N, 20º08'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
1242 hours - The first of 13 depth charges was dropped. None were close. The last of the 13 depth charges was dropped at 1327 hours. Thrasher proceeded to the westward. Nothing was sighted for the rest of the day
1856 hours - Surfaced in position 32º28'5"N, 19º51'E and proceeded to the seaward. (see map)

8 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 5th war patrol at Malta

22 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departs Malta for her 6th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Adriatic and later in the Ionian Sea.

25 Nov 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Attilio Deffenu (3510 GRT, built 1929) about 20 nautical miles east of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy in position 40º37'N, 18º27'E.

(All times are zone -2)
0643 hours - Dived in position 40º28'5"N, 18º31'5"E and proceeded north-west along the coast towards Brindisi
1551 hours - In position 40º32'5"N, 18º18'E sighted two ships bearing 155 degrees. 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 2nd ship
1653 hours - In position 40º31'5"N, 18º13'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
1704 hours - 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
1708 hours - 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 1800 hours - Intermittent depth charging while Thrasher continued to retire to the North-East reloading the torpedo tubes
1845 hours - Lost contact with the ship that was hunting
2105 hours - Heard two distant explosions
2113 hours - Surfaced in position 40º39'N, 18º25'E and decided to carry out the first of the two special operations (patrol report does not mention the nature of the special operations) (see map)

13 Dec 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 6th war patrol at Alexandria.

1 Jan 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departs Alexandria for her 7th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea and off the Gulf of Taranto.

10 Jan 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Fedora (5016 GRT, built 1909) about 35 nautical miles north-east of Cape Dukato, Greece in position 38º59'N, 19º52'E.

(All times are zone -2)
0106 hours - In position 39º14'N, 19º41'E sighted a distant dark object bearing 310 degrees, turned towards and closed
0115 hours - The object was identified as a medium seized merchant ship that was coming strait towards. The ship was accompanied by one smalled vessel. The enemy's course was 130 degrees
0120 hours - 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
0154 hours - Surfaced and gave chase
0355 hours - 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
0358 hours - Dived in position 38º59'N, 19º51'5"E
0400 hours - Heard loud breaking up noises
0401 hours - The first of about 20 depth charges was dropped. Depth charging continued for another two hours but none was close
1845 hours - Surfaced. (see map)

25 Jan 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 7th war patrol at Alexandria.

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

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

(All times are zone -2)
0413 hours - Sighted three darkened ships bearing 255 degrees, distance 5 nautical miles. Altered course towards. Thrasher is however unable to get into an attack position
0520 hours - Proceeded towards Suda Bay
0730 hours - Dived in position 060 degrees, Cape Drepano distance 11,5 nautical miles
0855 hours - A small 1000 ton merchant ship escorted by a minesweeper or motor launch was sighted bearing 200 degrees, 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 closed and at the range Lt. MacKenzie did not considered it worth firing torpedoes so the attack was abandoned
0945 hours - Sighted one small patrol vessel in the entrance to Suda Bay
1020 hours - 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
1050 hours - Saw one M.A.S. boat leaving Suda Bay at high speed
1055 hours - The M.A.S. boat stopped about 3000 yards away bearing 240 degrees. Thrasher went deep and retired to the Eastward
1150 hours - Sighted a large two-masted schooner entering Suda Bay
1155 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel bearing 060 degrees. 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 Asdics. Also one or two aircraft were circling overhead
1234 hours - 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 then 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
1245 hours - The first of a total of 33 depth charges was dropped. Most were too close for comfort. Minor damage was caused
1430 hours - 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
1545 hours - Came to periscope depth again. Nothing in sight
1906 hours - Surfaced.

17 Feb 1942
Two bombs were removed from the deck and the casing of HMS Thrasher. These bombs were dropped by an aircraft during the attack on the merchant yesterday.

(all times are zone -2)
0150 hours - 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
0240 hours - 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 accompished by the first lieutenant Lt. P.S.W. Roberts, RN and petty officer T.W. Gould. They both received the Victoria Cross for this
0335 hours - Set course towards Cape Matapan
0623 hours - Dived. Closed to withing five nautical miles from Cape Matapan and then set course to the Westward
1926 hours - Surfaced.

5 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 8th war patrol at Alexandria.

29 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departs Alexandria for her 9th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

30 Mar 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) is attacked by a friendly aircraft in position 32º20'N, 28º12'E. Two bombs are dropped but no damage is caused.

(All times are zone -2)
0350 hours - In position 32º20'N, 28º12'E dived to 80 feet on being attacked by a Sunderland aircraft, two bombs were dropped but these were not close enough to cause any damage
0452 hours - Surfaced
0507 hours - Sighted an aircraft, dived
1928 hours - Surfaced. (see map)

5 Apr 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sights a convoy of 2 merchant ships and a torpedo boat in position 32º40'N, 15º32'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.

(All times are zone -3)
0543 hours - In position 32º40'N, 15º32'E sighted three darkened ships right ahead distance about 8 nautical miles. They were coming strait towards and were identified as two merchant ships and a torpedo boat
0600 hours - Dived to completed the attack. When range was 2000 yards it was noticed that the merchants were rather small ships in ballast with their propellors 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
2057 hours - Surfaced in position 32º11'N, 15º30'7"E. (see map)

9 Apr 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Gala (1029 GRT, built 1897) about 20 nautical miles west-south-west of Bengasi, Libya in position 31º49'N, 19º42'E.

(All times are zone -3)
7 April 1942
0529 hours - Dived and set course for Ras Zorug anchorage
1050 hours - Altered course to the eastward as no shipping was spotted at the Ras Zorug anchorage
1325 hours - In position 32º22'N, 15º23'E sighted one Spica class torpedo boat and two small merchant ships bearing 275 degrees distant 8 nautical miles. Turned towards but was unable to close further then 8000 yards. Decided to intercept them the following night
2053 hours - Surfaced and set off in pursuit of the convoy.

8 April 1942
0927 hours - Dived but the convoy was not sighted during the day
2050 hours - Surfaced.

9 April 1942
0451 hours - In position 31º52'N, 19º33'E sighted three darkened ships. Increased speed and altered course as to get ahead of them
0604 hours - Dived to complete the attack from periscope depth. The ships were soon identified as being the same as sighted 2 days before
0635 hours - In position 31º49'N, 19º42'E fired the first torpedo of a salvo of three from 2000 yards at the leading merchant ships that was of about 1500 tons
0637 hours - 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
0640 hours - Went to 80 feet and retired to the south-west. No counter attack followed
0700 hours - 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
0735 hours - 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
2105 hours - Surfaced. (see map)

13 Apr 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the German army cargo ship Atlas (2297 GRT, built 1927) south-west of Bengasi, Libya in position 31º26'N, 18º56'E. She also sinks the Italian lighter Pilo 210 (30 GRT) with gunfire in the same area.

(All times are zone -3)
12 April 1942
0700 hours - Dived
0924 hours - Sighted one Spica class torpedo boat and three merchant ships bearing 210 degrees, distance 7 to 8 nautical miles, course 090. Altered course to close
0950 hours - The convoy altered course, range could not be closed further then 10000 yards so broke off the attack
1307 hours - 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
1316 hours - Dived for an aircraft
1335 hours - Surfaced and continued the chase
1656 hours - Sighted masts and funnels bearing 105 degrees. These were soon identified as the convoy. Altered course to get ahead of them
1740 hours - Lost sight of the convoy
1900 hours - Contact had not been regained so it seemed likely that they had altered course to the northward in the meantime
1925 hours - Sighted the upperworks of a destroyer coming strait towards, bearing 045. Forced to alter right away and retired on a course of 225 degrees
1940 hours - The destroyer altered course to the westward, not having sighted Thrasher at all. Altered course to get round him and to set of in pursuit of the main convoy
1950 hours - 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
0700 hours - Dived
0855 hours - In position 31º48'N, 19º17'E sighted masts and funnels bearing 270 degrees. These were soon identified as being yesterday's convoy
0930 hours - The convoy was seen to have one fighter aircraft as escort and also three small patrol vessels were present
1012 hours - In position 31º26'N, 18º56'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
1015 hours - 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
1115 hours - 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
1120 hours - The patrol vessel left the area to go after the convoy
1302 hours - Surfaced to sink the lighter by gunfire as it appeared undamaged
1322 hours - Sank the lighter with 15 rounds of gunfire of which 5 were hits
1330 hours - Proceeded on the surfaced towards position 33º09'N, 14º37'E as ordered by Captain S.10. (see map)

19 Apr 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) attacks the German barge F 184 with gunfire west of Derna, Libya in position 32º53'N, 22º23'E. Return fire forced Thrasher to break off the attack.

(All times are zone -3)
0633 hours - Dived / 1408 hours - In position 32º53'N, 22º23'E sighted one eastbound motor lighter bearing 220 degrees, distant 2 nautical miles
1416 hours - Surfaced and engaged with the deck gun from 2000 yards. Fired 37 rounds for only one possible hit
1422 hours - Machine gun fire from the target and heavier gunfire from shore forced Lt. Mackenzie to break off the action and dive
2107 hours - Surfaced and proceeded towards Alexandria. (see map)

22 Apr 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 9th war patrol at Alexandria

6 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) departs Alexandria for her 10th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the southern Adriatic.

16 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 40º50'N, 17º40'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.

(All times are zone -3)
0603 hours - Dived in position 40º58'7"N, 17º51'E
1100 hours - In position 40º50'N, 17º32'E sighted masts and funnel of one small merchant ship. The ship was southbound and close inshore. It passed out of range
1215 hours - In position 40º54'N, 17º42'E sighted mast and funnels of one small northbound merchant ship. This one was also close inshore and passed out of range
1414 hours - In position 40º50'N, 17º40'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
1447 hours - 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
1449 hours - The rear mechant ship was seen to have altered course and running down the torpedo tracks. Thrasher went to 80 feet and retired to the north-west
1453 hours - 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
1515 hours - 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 2000 hours - Several aircraft were sighted patrolling the area to 20 miles from the attack
2210 hours - Surfaced in position 41º07'8"N, 17º37'2"E and proceeded towards Punta San Gargano along the coastal direct route between there and Brindisi. (see map)

19 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Penelope (1160 GRT, built 1907) about 5 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli, Italy in position 41º01'N, 17º16'E.

(All times are zone -3)
0532 hours - Dived in position 41º09'N, 17º08'E and closed the coast 10 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli
0830 hours - In position 41º02'N, 17º17'E sighted masts and funnel of one heavily laden merchant ship of about 3500 tons approaching from the direction of Bari. Commenced attack
0852:30 hours - In position 41º00'6"N, 17º15'6"E fired the first of three torpedoes from 800 yards
0853 hours - Two torpedoes hit the target, the third missed astern and exploded when hitting the shore
0900 hours - Proceeded to the north-west towards Bari, reloading the torpedo tubes in the meantime
1300 hours - In position 41º07'N, 17º07'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
1630 hours - In position 41º11'N, 17º03'E sighted one small armed tug steaming out of Bari on a course of 070 degrees. When in position 9 nautical miles 070 degrees 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
1920 hours - In position 41º15'N, 16º59'E sighted one very effectively camouflaged torpedo boat the Giuseppe Missori approaching from the eastward, course 250 degrees, speed 15 knots. The tug joined up with the torpedo boat and they both proceeded into Bari
2226 hours - Surfaced in position 41º15'N, 17º03'2"E. (see map)

28 May 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) ends her 10th war patrol at Alexandria.

9 Jun 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departs Alexandria for her 11th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol the Central Mediterranean ranging from Tobruk to Tripoli and the Islands of the west coast of Greece.

23 Jun 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Sant Antonio (1480 GRT, former Yugoslavian Anton, built 1919) in the Gulf of Sirte in position 31º53'N, 16º35'E.

At 2245 hours (time zone -3) on the 22nd Thrasher sighted the convoy (2 merchants, 1 torpedo boat) again she had already chased and attacked some hours before. At 0050 hours (23rd) she was in position six nautical miles right ahead of the convoy. She dived to make a submerged attack.

At 0133 hours three torpedoes were fired at the larger (2500 tons) of the two merchants. One hit was obtained. A slight and ineffective counter attack was carried out by the escorting torpedo boat. The merchant that was hit was heard to break up.

Note: the torpedo boat was the Italian Perseo. (see map)

29 Jun 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian sloop Diana (1568 tons, built 1940) north of Tobruk, Libya in position 33º30'N, 23º30'E.

At 1125 hours (time zone -3) masts were sighted in position 33º21'N, 23º20'E, bearing 360º distance eight nautical miles away. The ship appeared to be coming steight 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.

At 1144 hours six torpedoes were fired from 600 yards. No less then four hits 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 1240 hours Thrasher returned to periscope depth. At the place of the attack a few rafts were seen as well as two motor torpedo boats. (see map)

4 Jul 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ends her 11th war patrol at Beirut.

26 Jul 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) is bombed in error by a British Swordfish aircraft off Port Said, Egypt. She is under repair for about a month due to the damage sustained.

29 Aug 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) departs Port Said for her 12th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Tobruk and Derna.

4 Sep 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Padenna (1589 GRT, built 1904) about 40 nautical miles north of Tobruk, Libya in position 32º44'N, 24º11'E.

0215 hours (time zone -3) - In position 33.00N, 24.04E sighted three darkened shapes bearing 105 degrees, 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).

0318 hours - Dived to completed the attack from periscope depth.

0355 hours - Fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes at the merchant vessel, that was stimeted to be of about 5000 tons, from 2000 yards. Two hits were obtained.

0400 hours - 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 0440 hours and joined the search. (see map)

21 Sep 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) ends her 12th war patrol at Beirut.

12 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sinks a Greek sailing vessel with gunfire in the Aegean Sea, about 15 nautical miles east of Cape Drepano, Sithonia peninsula, Greece in position 39º56'N, 24º17'E. (see map)

13 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sinks a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Aegean Sea about 10 nautical miles south-west of Cape Pinnes, Athos peninsula, Greece in position 40º01'N, 24º10'E. (see map)

19 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) sinks the Italian tug Roma (130 GRT) with gunfire off Stampalia, Greece in position 36º43'N, 26º41'E. (see map)

20 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Lero (1980 GRT) between Symi and Rhodos Islands, Greece in position 36º26'N, 27º54'E. (see map)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks four Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

27 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

28 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

16 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Burma.

18 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Burma.

19 Mar 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks three Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

22 Jun 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks three sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Siam.

At 0650 hours (time zone -6.5) 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.

At 0952 hours, a warning shot was fired against a junk of about 60 tons from 3000 yards. After the crew abandoned ship this junk was sunk with 14 rounds of gunfire.

At 1345 hours another junk was sighted. At 1440 hours the crew of six was seen to abandon ship. The junk, of about 30 tons, was then sunk with three rounds of gunfire. At 1459 hours HMS Thrasher made a crash dive as a Japanese 'Jake' aircraft dived down from the cloud cover. Thrasher bottomed at 40 feet. A small bomb exploded close by but did no damage.

25 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire north of the Strait of Malacca.

27 Jul 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sinks four Japanese coasters and a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca.