Last War Patrol of HMS Terrapin

[@dirtcop11]

My school bus driver back in the 1960s was a WWII veteran of the submarine service. I asked him if his sub had been attacked by depth charges. He said yes and described it as being in a steel drum and having a huge man pound on it with a sledgehammer. He also said it was not something he ever wanted to repeat.

[@rickieoakes5267]

I would imagine that feeling is shared by every Submariner

[@webbtrekker534]

@@rickieoakes5267 It is like having someone firing a 12 gauge shotgun off about a foot from your ear! Been there, done that. Not nice! Since that time that country has changed its name but they are still a world class pain in the ass!

[@thebonesaw..4634]

As a submariner, these have always been my favorite stories of yours. Thank you once again for your diligence in documenting a thrilling tale that few of us have ever heard before. I can say, from personal experience that, even in peacetime, departing on patrol gives every sailor a slight twinge from the thought of, "will we make it back"... because every dive is a risk; and any emergency under the waves is hundreds of times more dangerous to the lives of a submarine's crew, as an emergency on top of them. During WWII many allied boats were lost on the approaches to the straits that led to the Japanese Sea (between Japan and mainland China/Korea). The sea itself offered good hunting for the allies because the Japanese operated their vessels under the impression that they were almost completely immune from attack. This was due to the fact that -- like the Strait of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean Sea -- getting through the Korean Strait in the south or the Tsugaru/ La Perouse Straits in the north were extremely risky, and very few ever attempted it. There was very little room in which to maneuver but, worst of all, the straits were so shallow that it provided allied subs with barely any room to dive deep in the event they were detected. However no U.S. subs were ever specifically listed as lost in one of these straits leading into the Japanese Sea, with the single exception of the USS Wahoo, which was lost in the La Perouse Strait, between the northern Japanese Island, Hokkaido and the Russian Island, Sakhalin. The average depth of the Korean Strait, La Perouse and the Tsugaru Strait was a meager 100 meters, and all three came with a unique sets of risk. For example, the Tsugaru Strait was approximately 125 km long, but only 20 km wide at its closest points... the Japanese had also installed hydrophones to listen for allied subs, which the U.S. attempted to overcome with "Shrimp Noise", a device designed to fool the Japanese into believing the sound of the U.S. subs were "biological" in nature. Hydrophones were also strung across the Bungo Strait between the Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku (another shallow strait with little room to dive when avoiding detection). The Korean Strait was 80 km across, but more than 400 km long, and it was also heavily patrolled. Of those lost near these straits, two or three were sunk near Hokkaido (including the aforementioned USS Wahoo), and seven were lost near, or just to the south of, the Korean Strait. To my knowledge, only three U.S. subs were sunk in the Japanese Sea itself... but, as I said previously, once in, there was plenty of depth in which to operate, since it has an average depth of more than 5,700 feet. If you made it this far... my apologies. I got a little carried away there.

[@tjmul3381]

No apologies accepted, brother. It was a fascinating short read. Anchors Aweigh, swabbie. From an old Marine Grunt.

[@jnstonbely5215]

Thanks very much for such an informative posting ! And Thank you as well for your service to our country 🇺🇸

[@thechancellor3715]

No apology needed....adding more details to the THG's presentation is what greatly enhances the narration...and grabs the readers attention..as well as fostering additional dialogue. Well done and thanks.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Good morning from Ft Worth TX to everyone watching. This touched my ❤️ being a retired Sailor. OS1(SW/AW) USN Retired. I've toured USS Cavala twice. My family grew up on Galveston Island...

[@trainnerd4350]

Thank you for your service sir! God bless America!

[@slcpunk2740]

Hail Satan! 🤭 "The Satanic Temple is one of many institutions fighting for abortion rights in the state of Texas. The first of seven Satanic Temple tenets says that individuals should “strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason”. Other tenets include a belief that the body is “subject to one’s own will alone”, a respect for the freedom of others, and that “one should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs”. Because TST holds bodily autonomy and a belief in science as parts of its central creed, the organisation vehemently believes in the right to abortion. Not only do adherents believe in abortion, but TST has gone so far as to create an abortion ritual to protect the right to end a pregnancy. In a lawsuit filed in February 2021, lawyers for TST argued that Texas’s law requiring a medically unnecessary sonogram and a 24-hour waiting period violates the third and fifth tenet of its creed." Satan will save us all. 😂

[@NickRatnieks]

When I was a kid nearby there was a widow- Mrs Crouch. Her husband, Commander Crouch had been captain of HMS Thunderbolt- another T class sub which was ultimately sunk by the Italians. In 1939 this submarine- then called HMS Thetis sunk while on trials having just been built. There was a rescue attempt but nearly all of the crew died. The reason for her sinking was extraordinarily simple- just a lick of paint on something that was vital to knowing whether or not the torpedo tubes were open or not- a fine jet of water showed this and the paint covered this hole. Anyway, Thetis was salvaged and renamed Thunderbolt. The Thetis drama is well-known and is I would imagine well covered here on YT.

[@denishoulan1491]

When I was a child our neighbour lost his father, when HMS Thetis sank.

[@tracytrawick322]

My wife's Texas grandparents were named Crouch & he was a Captain in the Merchant Marine. Survived the war and was the 2nd WWII vet I visited with down there. My father-in-law was the first, 82nd Airborne, saw every theater of operations except for Pacific. The Man (caps intended) had a hole in his left forearm through & through. I asked if it was a bullet hole, "nah, just shrapnel." He was a grunt, oil rig worker by trade. Sir! Yes Sir! Shrapnel Sir!

[@NickRatnieks]

@@denishoulan1491 I had a look and there is quite a lot about Thetis- and it appears a series a blunders that led to so many men dying- crew and shipyard workers. I lived in Portsmouth as a kid and can remember being near the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour when one of the last of the T class- HMS Talent was towed off to the breakers yard- the winter of 1969/70. Talent had been massively modernised- big conning tower so looked different to the photos we see in this history. She went by silently- towed by a tug with a few crew members on her bridge. There is a new HMS Talent which is due to be decommissioned this year. I think these nuclear subs- or parts of them are stored rather than totally scrapped as they have those reactors inside them.

[@NickRatnieks]

@@tracytrawick322 He sounds a like real character and it is probably true "they don't make 'em like that, anymore."

[@gitfoad8032]

Britain has the unenviable record of most subs sunk in accidents/by misadventure.

[@geoben1810]

As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute the gallent crews of both Boats. They performed their duties in the finest tradition of the Naval Services of their respective Countries. For a Naval vessel's crew to bring a severely battle damaged ship back to her home port is a very special and honored accomplishment indeed. At ease gentlemen, mission accomplished. 😉 🇺🇸

[@azkrouzreimertz9784]

Thank you for your service.

[@pitsnipe5559]

Fair winds and following seas shipmate.

[@webbtrekker534]

I have been to the Cavalla a number of times and joined in several work parties for maintenance and preservation. I have also given many tours of her to the visiting public. She is very much worth visiting!

[@st3v3b0b7]

Seawolf Park on Galveston Island is a great place to visit. Thank You for all of the hard work on keeping the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart looking great.😀

[@Redmenace96]

Everyone with the access should visit a sub. It is an eye-opening experience to the nature of warfare, and the sacrifice of Navy personnel to get the job done.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

I too have been to the Seawolf Park exhibit. Also worth visiting is the Battleship Texas near Houston. Thanks to all that keep our history alive!

[@mctxonline]

Lance, this was an especially exciting story. I have to brag, I'm from Fremantle. My father served on another T-Boat HMS Tally Ho - but more than that. I have lived in Houston for 32 years and remember the honor of meeting a living 1945 crewmember who was gallantly volunteering at Sea Wolf Park on the Cavalla giving tours over 55 years after the war!.

[@tracytrawick322]

Incredible and entertaining story. Patrols in & around the straights could be feast or famine, victory or a dramatic struggle to survive. To all the men of the sub fleets, your a valiant lot!

[@shawnr771]

Good morning. I have been to the park and aboard USS Cavala several times when I was younger. Now I know the rest of the story. Thank you. May the crew of the HMS Terrapin and USS Cavala RIP

[@drkipper]

I came here to say the same. Lots of fond memories of Seawolf Park and the Cavalla.

[@Redmenace96]

... the rest of the story. pure gold.

[@dalevalentine1721]

I like how you used both pronunciations of "lieutenant" based on the navy you were speaking about. Bravo Zulu

[@richwhitaker1506]

Another story of brave warriors in extremis. Well told by THG. Thanks to all who serve.

[@jeffmeyers8526]

Thank you History Guy. As a US Navy Submarine vet I am grateful to you for bringing light to the forefathers of our silent service. Truly the Greatest Generation. Thank You.

[@davedyer4511]

I Just found this today, My father, Albert Sydney DYER was on the Terrapin then, He was wounded by enemy fire, during a surface contact with the enemy, he was mentioned in dispatches for continuing to train the forward gun after being wounded. He told me he could hear the 'Click' of the depth-charge's primer's before they exploded, because they were so close. Able Seaman A S DYER RIP 12th March 2003

[@MegaFortinbras]

My father served as an engineering officer on HMS Telemachus, another T class submarine.

[@steveclarke6257]

My father was a stoke on HMS Thrasher during 1944-45, he cam e back with the boat post war and I have one of the boats White Ensign

[@stephenchappell7512]

@@steveclarke6257 Treasure it

[@melina001a]

Oh gawd the T class subs, T-class submarines fought in all theatres in the Second World War and suffered around 25 percent losses. 13 T class subs were lost. Many considered the T class as an unfortunate class.

[@ruefio]

I have crawled all through that boat at the park in Galveston. Thankyou again for reminding me of very happy memories.

[@davidmcintyre8145]

The sheer firepower of the T-Class was and is amazing for a boat so small with an ability to launch a first strike or"browning shot"(a spread launched to cover a line of ships)salvo of 10 torpedoes 6 internal and 4 external able to fire forward in the group one boats but the 8 of later vessels is still impressive

[@vanmann8347]

What an amazing story of gallantry, bravery, courage and seamanship. Kudos to the American crew.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

Oh hey I recognize that clip 3:18 We Dive At Dawn, great British war film

[@genxskeptic5816]

I have toured the USS CAVALLA in past years and the restoration is magnificent. Thanks for this bit of extra history I did not know about.

[@bjarnebindels2936]

I absolutely love the History Guy. I can feel his passion for history radiating out of my screen. Besides, it is accurate and, with all due respect, not over the top American. There ain't no drama nor over the top story telling. It's easy and amazing to listen and watch and I keep learning everyday. Keep it up guys!

[@rictusmetallicus]

"...no drama, nor over the top storytelling" - well, his speech pattern and unique style of pronounciation is dramatic enough

[@ccrider8483]

Agree, no hyperbole of the type commonly used by network news. This man is an educator not some cheesy talking head.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@rictusmetallicus Well, he pronounced the British Navy Rank 'Lieutenant' correctly.

[@randyhoneycutt8153]

I recently visited the Cavalo in Galveston and it was quite interesting. It always impresses me with how small the World War II submarines actually were. Those sailors had giant cojones and nerves of steel. I salute them all! Coming from a Navy family, father, 3 uncles, and my son, I very much enjoyed this story. My father served on a Destroyer Escort, the Leslie LB Knox, DE-580, during the war. I enjoy all your stories and look forward to the next one.

[@rabignall]

I love the way you tell the history story. Every story you tell, no matter what it is. You have us so griped. Sitting on the edge of our seats! Thank you.

[@vansongs]

Good stuff. There are very few hard men left. My job until retirement as hotel security had me encounter lots of actors pretending to be hard, but very few if any real hard men.

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

Thanks so much for your telling of this amazing story. My grandfather was one of those Navy Sailors aboard the Cavalla as it helped Terrapin "cross the street".

[@sterfry8502]

Wow! My heart rate went up just hearing this story! Couldn’t imagine how intense and tariffing it would feel in person. Thanks for another amazing video!

[@F3110Rufu5]

My dad was on HMS Terrapin as a Lieutenant - (Navigating and Gunnery Officer) and while he never spoke about his war service my mum told us that dad had been depth charged and that some of the first charges caused water to gush in, but one of the last had closed some of the holes - hence I am here today. Thank you history guy and thank you USS Cavalla descendants.

[@paulbennett4548]

Your closing remarks; Well said Sir.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan brother thank you for what you do and GOD-BLESS

[@DavidHaft1970]

Thanks!

[@BlueBaron3339]

Ah, some clips from *We Dive at Dawn,* I believe. You might cite that in the description, particularly now that it's in the public domain. John Mills was discharged from actual service during the war due to health problems, but he did his bit as an actor in several propaganda films, some of them pretty good in any circumstance.

[@bikerchrisukk]

You do these really respectfully, you have my admiration. 👍

[@assessor1276]

Excellent video HG and good for you for pronouncing the British rank Lieutenant (“Lef-tenant”) correctly at 2:20 (and yes, I did catch the emphasis 🇨🇦). This was truly a tale of courage, determination and gallantry.

[@cdstoc]

Hats off to both these gallant crews.

[@randelbrooks]

Been on there many times in Galveston. Grew up there. She really does look different from her wartime service much more streamlined

[@josephturner4047]

I was on HMS Courageous when we were depth charged off Novaya Zemla while watching an amphibious assault exercise in the 70's. I was sat in the heads at the time. Just contemplating this and that. All of a sudden there was a loud crack like a rifle shot right next to my right ear and then, the trap door was above my head as we dived deep. My first thought was "Oh no. Some bloody archaeologist is going to find me having a shit". When we got back, we had a thirty foot gash in the casing like it had been opened with a can spanner. They didn't call the Cold War a war for nothing.

[@chriswilkin2112]

Thank you sir for making my day. 🤣🤣🤣

[@drkipper]

I am happy to see so many people have visited the Cavalla at Seawolf park!

[@moosifer3321]

Fantastic story - whilst I`ve heard of Cavalla, HMS Terrapin has never come to my attention. My interest in WWII is mainly concerned with the Atlantic and Mediterranean, so thanks for broadening my outlook - What no Pirates!

[@jasonwomack4064]

A video on the submarine "batfish" would be neat to see. Had an interesting service, and ended up in Oklahoma of all places, which is fascinating on its own.

[@jonathanperry8331]

Have you ever heard the story of the USS Barb? They're the only Americans that set foot on Japanese soil and blew something up during world war II. Go look at their war flag there's a particularly interesting thing on there that you wouldn't imagine would be on a sub flag.

[@jasonwomack4064]

@@jonathanperry8331 if I remember correctly they're the sub with a confirmed kill vs a train.

[@jonathanperry8331]

@@jasonwomack4064 you are correct what happened was they parked off shore and sent a small team on a skiff ashore to plant a bomb on the railroad tracks in Kyushu.

[@Subpac_ww2]

@@jasonwomack4064 No, that is USS Barb, SS-220. A Gato-Class. Batfish, a Balao-Class, is famous for sinking three Japanese submarines on a single patrol with radar in low visibility. Modern submarine technology meets a poorly equipped foe.

[@Subpac_ww2]

@@jonathanperry8331 that was Barb.....

[@mjc11a]

Excellent presentation! Thanks very much for posting. Be safe 🙏

[@bushranger51]

Well done sir, for your pronunciation of Lieutenant the British and Australian way, you are to be applauded.

[@davidllewis4075]

None, not even the History Guy, will ever tell all the tales of WWII.

[@johnstevenson9956]

Coincidentally, I've been reading about the giant, Japanese aircraft carrier submarines, called "Operation Storm" by George Geoghegan. Fascinating part of history not very widely known.

[@richardmcavoy6413]

It is interesting that the Terrapin could sail halfway around the world to get home, yet she was determined to be too damaged to repair.

[@SuperCatacata]

Shows the differences between being on the surface and being well below the surface. Was probably too damaged to ever dive properly again.

[@edschermerhorn5415]

What a testimony of seamanship and allied partnership

[@mollybell5779]

Thank you for these detailed historical accounts of a time not so long ago, but sadly, largely forgotten.

[@russwoodward8251]

A great story. Stories like these are even more important in present times. Thanks.

[@donnyboon2896]

As a old US Marine, this made me happy for our brothers.

[@tropmaj]

Big thank you from England for that story and your excellent channel. So amazing how the USA values the history of these ships and does so much to preserve them and open them to visitors.

[@sherirobinson6867]

Seawolf Park is one of the best activities on Galveston Island. Often overlooked by The tourist trade it has everything for the family day out. Admission is cheap ($7 adults) and the place is surrounded by fisherman pulling in fish up to 20-25 lbs. A perfect day out.

[@pauldavidson1866]

I love the footage from "We Dive at Dawn" - one of my favourite films.

[@stuartriefe1740]

I don’t have a saddle, my recliner will have to do! And good morning all!

[@matthewrowe9903]

Thank you for this story not much talked about by anyone in th UK we still seem ashamed of our heroes sadly

[@tonyperez4791]

Another outstanding video, Thank you for sharing. May you and your loved ones have a great week . Cheers, Tony

[@ChapBloke]

I just want to say I love the use of clips from “We Dive At Dawn”, great movie.

[@alkberg2140]

I loved the drama in this episode. Thanks for the energizing history.

[@fredklein724]

Great story. Thanks

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Great story. WW2 and submarines in the straights always remind me of the brilliant book 'Run silent, run deep'! 😎 A submarine commander to be remembered there too.

[@kristensorensen2219]

Bad day to shoot and miss. Some amazing luck to survive! Excellent story!

[@19miked83]

I'd like to suggest the "battle" of May Island involving the cursed K class British submarines.

[@matthewrowe9903]

Yes that would be good one mess of an opertion

[@jamesrollins4328]

I was enjoying your video, wondering how Terrapin would make it back through the strait, but was suddenly very surprised when Cavalla showed up in the story! I’m a Texan (and Navy veteran) and have known about the Cavalla for a long time, but just happened to tour her only two months ago when my wife and I visited Galveston. Sometimes the dots get connected when you least expect it. Thanks for the shout-out for Seawolf Park, and I recommend anyone who’s in the area to visit there.

[@crossleydd42]

Well done for pronouncing Lieutenant Leftenant rather than Lootenant and I enjoyed some scenes from the 1950 John Mills film 'Morning Departure' (in the US, 'Operation Disaster') a good film of its time and with a story that, against all odds, ended well rather than badly! Another outstanding video from you....Bravo.

[@nilo70]

Thank you Lance , for another wonderful trip in History !

[@kevinbrady6075]

Always learn something new.Cheers to THG!

[@kimba381]

Love the "We Dive at Dawn" footage. Great movie.

[@stevegeorge5322]

Well Done!!! Like the narrator he did a great job. Thanks for your efforts!

[@gapratt4955]

@ 1453 Is an example of history worth remembering. That is a "Guppy" boat with north Atlantic sail. Starting in 1946, the USN started to upgrade its numerous wartime Gato class submarines with the Greater Underwater Propulsion Program (GUPPY). This program basically bridged the gap between war time boats and the nuclear boats. The success of this program is shown in that several of these boats, after being retired from USN service were sold to allied navies and remained in service for decades.

[@Subpac_ww2]

Today is the birthday of the US Silent Service. 122 years ago we commissioned SS-1, USS Holland. A video about a US submarine would've been perfect, but any sub content will be welcomed. I'm still waiting for a video on USS Cod's rescue of the HMLNS O-19. It's a cool story with surviving colored footage available.

[@RamasolaProductions]

Another beautiful and inspiring story from, THG!

[@toddrouch7526]

Another proud Veteran video, Awesomeness!!

[@jimd8008]

Thank you for all you do

[@wmrayburn7620]

Thank you once again. Excellent job THG

[@beach7694]

Another great episode! Thanks History Guy!

[@Idahoguy10157]

Submarines operate alone in enemy waters. When they died they died alone. The most dangerous of warships to serve on. Terrapin was very fortunate

[@j.griffin]

EXCELLENT concluding statement!

[@edwardloomis887]

Never leave a fallen comrade has become an important value to the U.S. Army which does not want to replicate the pain MIAs have caused families during previous conflicts. BZ Cavalla. It was the right thing to do

[@marksherrill9337]

Well spoken. Completely exciting story telling.

[@AllansStation]

In out 90's now, but my old "oppo" and I Who both served in RN Submarines back in the 50's Cold war patrols of as we called them "sneakys" we are in constant daily contact on Skype and relive the old days. " Patrol Routine"

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

What an awesome story!

[@chillindave1357]

Excellent story! Nice work!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

A high seas Thanks Mr THG.🎀...From an old Navy flying Shoe🇺🇸

[@Redmenace96]

Way to go, HG! Not a story about destruction and killing. (by the Good Guys) A story about helping 61 humans make their way home, when they were inches from doom. Great, great story about warfare. Saving people is the point? Thank you for the lesson.

[@ETennScott]

An outstanding story well-told sir!!!

[@loringchien7053]

Been on the Cavalla in Galveston. The name sounded to familiar and I didn't remember until THG reminded me that the Cavalla was in Seawolf Park. Good to know she saved the Terrapin!

[@jebsails2837]

Beginning at age 18 in the mid-1960's I served on two of those Balao Class US Subs. A 30 second shower once every 8 days, whether needed or not save for the Capt., Medical Rep. and food handlers. Thanks. Narragansett Bay

[@DuckReach432]

Designed in the '30s. Imagine being in a diesel/electric submarine designed then. Think about what '30s vintage cars and trucks were like and extrapolate from that. The crew must have lived in brutal conditions.

[@ronfullerton3162]

Just the few lines given to the fresh water supplies was a good insight to back your idea.

[@garywagner2466]

State of the art technology in the 1940s. Pointless to “extrapolate” based on more modern technology. Diesel / electric submarines are still in service today.

[@Adrian-qk2fn]

'"It is reliably reported that one submarine in the Indian Ocean making routine reports of internal temperature and humidity was told that the conditions reported would not support human life."' The Design and Construction of British Warships 1939-1945. Volume 2 Submarines, Escorts & Coastal Forces, page 19 Editor's Side Note

[@josephstevens9888]

They weren't a cruise ship, that's for sure! ; )

[@haggis525]

@@garywagner2466 DBF!

[@ObservingtheObvious]

Another fine tale. Thank you.

[@timbrwolf1121]

The unexpected high spot in the seafloor that got terrapin stuck. Clearly also saved the terrapin from the direct hit depth charge. The crew that launched the charge did not expect it to be so shallow either.

[@michaeldufresne9428]

This would make a great movie

[@michaelch5060]

What a great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Thanks for remembering this history of naval heroism.

[@johnclayden1670]

That is a wonderful tale.

[@pamelamays4186]

Kudos to your editors. It's cool how they insert footage of WW II films to help tell the story. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏📽️📽️📽️

[@ianhodgson221]

Another piece of submarine history worth telling is that of HMS Seraph (P219) otherwise known as "The ship with two Captains"

[@bigjohn3928]

How horrific it must have been for those Brave soldiers. Makes me question myself,& how I would have reacted.

[@stephenchappell7512]

Sailors!!

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Well done Lance. Well done.

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

thanks

[@stevenslater2669]

Great narrative! Submarine duty must be the most dangerous of all the services. I remember reading, after “Das Boot” played (early ‘80s”) that something like 70% of the German submariners were killed in action. I think the Allies had a better survival rate, but it was still low compared to the surface navy.

[@MegaFortinbras]

I mentioned above that my father served on another T class submarine. He said that Das Boot was a good portrayal of life on a submarine.

[@Idahoguy10157]

By late in the war a U-Boat patrol was nearly a death sentence for their crews

[@donaldreach760]

Excellently told. I'm hoping you might consider my personal favorite submarine; the USS Wahoo, SS-238, commanded by Dudley Morton. "Wake of the Wahoo", by Forest Sterling, her yeoman until illness caused him to leave the boat prior to her last patrol. I read the book at age 8, keeping a copy at my bedside at 73.

[@frankpinmtl]

It's a good Monday when you get a video from the Bowtie...