Last War Patrol of HMS Terrapin 

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.

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. 😉 🇺🇸

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

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.

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...

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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".

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

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.

Your closing remarks; Well said Sir.

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

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!.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Hats off to both these gallant crews.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

What a testimony of seamanship and allied partnership

Great story. Thanks

God Bless all Mariners

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

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

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

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.

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

Thank you Lance , for another wonderful trip in History !

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.

Another great episode! Thanks History Guy!

Another proud Veteran video, Awesomeness!!

EXCELLENT concluding statement!

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

Thank you once again. Excellent job THG

Another beautiful and inspiring story from, THG!

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

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

Always learn something new.Cheers to THG!

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.

Thank you for all you do

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I've proudly have been aboard the Cavalla.

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.

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.

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.

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.

That is a wonderful tale.

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

What an awesome story!

What a great story! Thanks for sharing.

An outstanding story well-told sir!!!

As usual I risk being humbled to tears by watch your vids…. 🙏🙏🙏🌹

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

Excellent story! Nice work!

Well spoken. Completely exciting story telling.

@ 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.

Another fine tale. Thank you.

Well done Lance. Well done.

Excellent Mr. history guy,

thanks

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"

Terrific story - terrific video!

Thank you, again!

This would make a great movie

Thanks for remembering this history of naval heroism.

Fascinating!

love the feel good story of a damage and rescue