Patrick James Cowell DSC, RN
| Born | 15 Aug 1910 | ||
| Died | 26 Oct 1985 | (75) |
| Ranks
Retired: 7 Jan 1961 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Patrick James Cowell, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS L 27 (N 27) | Lt. | Submarine | 24 Jul 1939 | 2 Feb 1940 |
| HMS Swordfish (N 61) | Lt. | Submarine | 10 Feb 1940 | Oct 1940 |
| HMS Thrasher (N 37) | Lt. | Submarine | 21 Jan 1941 | 12 Oct 1941 |
| HMS Whitehall (D 94) | Lt.Cdr. | Destroyer | 1 Nov 1943 | 21 Oct 1944 |
| HMS Cygnet (U 38) | Lt.Cdr. | Sloop | late 1944 | May 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS L 27 (N 27)
23 Aug 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Portland for Blyth. (1)
26 Aug 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Blyth. (1)
31 Aug 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to partrol in the North Sea. (2)
13 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Blyth. (2)
22 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to partrol in the North Sea. (2)
1 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Blyth. (2)
14 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) shifted from Blyth to Rosyth. (3)
20 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to partrol off the west coast of Norway. (2)
3 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (2)
5 Nov 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Rosyth for Portsmouth. She joined convoy FN 32 for part of the passage. (4)
7 Nov 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) parted company with convoy FN 2 at 1130 hours. She then joined HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) hich came from Sheerness and was also to proceed to Portsmouth. HMS Saltburn (Lt.Cdr. G.E.C. Wood, RN) provided escort for both submarines. (4)
8 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (4)
13 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) is docked at Portsmouth. (4)
17 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) is undocked at Portsmouth. She then departed for Portland escorted by HMS Windermere (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Couch, RD, RNR). She arrived at Portland later the same day. (4)
20 Nov 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portsmouth with HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN). (4)
21 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portsmouth with HMS Puffin (Lt.Cdr. Hon. J.M.G. Waldegrave, RN) and HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN). (4)
24 Nov 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)
28 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portsmouth with HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and MA/SB's. (4)
29 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)
2 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (5)
3 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted special trials off Portsmouth with aircraft. (5)
4 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with aircraft. (5)
5 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with aircraft.
However, shortly after they had commenced the exercises were cancelled. (5)
9 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with aircraft. (5)
12 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with a training class of new submariners. (5)
13 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with a training class of new submariners. (5)
14 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with a training class of new submariners. (5)
16 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted special trials off Portsmouth. (5)
18 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth with a training class of new submariners. (5)
1 Jan 1940
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) is based at Portsmouth for trials and exercises during the month at January 1940. She moved from Portsmouth to Dartmouth at some point from where she was to participate in A/S exercises but the exact date is currently not known to us as there are no logs are available for this submarine until February 1941.
At first she was assigned to training duties at Portsmouth.
As of early / mid April 1940 she is listed as being at Portsmouth with defects, being nominated for refit. She was taken in hand for refit in late April / early May 1940 at the Portsmouth Dockyard. Refit was completed in early July 1940 when she was again assigned to submarine training at Portsmouth. (1)
Submarine HMS Swordfish (N 61)
11 Feb 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) completed her refit at Dundee. (6)
12 Feb 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Dundee for trials. She was to proceed to Rosyth upon completion of her trials. (6)
13 Feb 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (6)
15 Feb 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow for working-up and exercises. (6)
16 Feb 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (6)
12 Mar 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Blyth. She made the passage together with HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) that was en-route from Scapa Flow to Rosyth. They were escorted by HMS Buttermere (Lt. E.G.P.B. Knapton, RN). (6)
13 Mar 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Blyth. (6)
22 Mar 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the western entrance to the Skagerrak.
For the daily positions of HMS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
8 Apr 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Blyth. She had sighted only neutral vessels. (7)
16 Apr 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
20 Apr 1940 (position 58.48, 10.19)
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) fires 6 torpedoes against a German convoy about 17 nautical miles south-south-east of Larvik, Norway in position 58°48'N, 10°19'E. All torpedoes however missed their target. The convoy attacked was made up of the transports Scharhörn (2643 GRT, built 1927), Entrerios (5179 GRT, built 1923) and the depot ship Brommy escorted by submarine chasers of the 5th UJ-Gruppe (UJ A, UJ B, UJ E, UJ F). It is often stated the attack was on the German transport Santos but she sailed from Stettin only on the 22th.
1020 hours - Bombed at periscope depth by an enemy aircraft. No damage.
1025 hours - Heard HE. Went to periscope depth to investigate and found Swordfish surrounded by 5 F-class escort vessels and 1 larger escort vessel. Depth charges were dropped until 1230 hours causing some leaks.
1300 hours - Sighted smoke of a convoy to the south-east. Forced to go deep again.
1312 hours - Sighted the convoy again on the port bow. The convoy was made up of 3 merchant vessels escorted by 4 F-class escorts. Started attack.
1318 hours - In position 58°48'N, 10°19'E fired a salvo of 6 torpedoes from 5000 yards. No explosion or hits were heard. Swordfish was however hunted and depth charged until 1940 hours.
2044 hours - Surfaced. When opening the conning tower hatch the Commanding Officer was unable to ease the large pressure in the boat and the hatch flew open. The Commanding Officer and Leading Signalman were both knocked out. The First Lieutenant (Lt. H.A. Stacey, RN) took over command until 0800/22. (7)
22 Apr 1940 (position 58.39, 10.01)
At 1210 hours HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN), in position 58°39'N, 10°01'E, observed a convoy of six trawlers escorting eight drifters, steering 165°. Lt. Cowell refrained from attack because of their shallow draught. This was most probably the First German Drifter convoy (five drifters) returning from Oslo escorted by the patrol boats V 302, V 305 and V 308 and probably temporarily covered by the A/S group patrolling the entrance of the Kattegat. (7)
26 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning, HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) sighted many drifting mines between 57°39'N, 07°43'E and 57°39'N, 07°25'E, as she was diving she hit one but it failed to explode. (7)
28 Apr 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Blyth. (7)
10 May 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
25 May 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Blyth. She had penetrated the German MDA but only two small fishing vessels were sighted. (7)
5 Jun 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
(No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed). (7)
6 Jun 1940
At 2230 hours, HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN), was bombed by a friendly aircraft, this was Hudson 'W' of 224 Squadron (piloted by Sgt. F. Everest). Fortunately no damage was caused. (7)
19 Jun 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Blyth. (7)
1 Jul 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea near the Dutch coast.
(No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed). (7)
12 Jul 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Blyth. Only aircraft were sighted. (7)
14 Jul 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) was docked at Blyth. (8)
20 Jul 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) was undocked. (8)
27 Jul 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the western entrance to the Skagerrak.
(No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed). (7)
28 Jul 1940 (position 56.33, 1.31)
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) comes across the Norwegian yacht Maski in the North Sea in position 56°33'N, 01°31'E. The four Norwegians aboard the yacht were trying to flee to the United Kingdom. After the Norwegians were taken aboard the Maski was sunk with gunfire. (7)
2 Aug 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) was ordered to patrol off Lindesnes, Norway. (7)
4 Aug 1940 (position 57.54, 6.48)
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with three torpedoes off Lindesnes, Norway. No hits were obtained. So far the target has not been identified.
0157 hours - Sighted a 2000 tons merchant ship bearing 350°, course 120°. Started attack.
0207 hours - In position 57°54'N, 06°48'E (247° - Lindesnes - 7 nautical miles), fired three torpedoes from 4500 yards. No hits were obtained. (7)
8 Aug 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Blyth. (7)
27 Aug 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the western entrance to the Skagerrak.
(No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed). (7)
13 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Blyth. No aircraft or ships were sighted. (7)
17 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for Porstmouth. Later she was ordered to proceed to Sheerness. She made the passage with HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) in convoy FS-84. (8)
19 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (8)
20 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. (8)
22 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (8)
26 Sep 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the English Channel near Cherbourg, France.
(No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed). (7)
28 Sep 1940
At 2109 hours, while charging on the surface off Cap de la Hague, France, HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) was detected and attacked by an enemy Motor Torpedo Boat. Swordfish dived and was not damaged in the encounter. (7)
1 Oct 1940 (position 49.48, -1.24)
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) attacked a German torpedo-boat out of a group of four (These were Greif, Kondor, Falke and Seeadler with 4 torpedoes in the English Channel about 12 nautical miles north-east of Cherbourg, France in position 49°48'N, 01°24'W. All torpedoes missed.
0930 hours - Sighted smoke off Cape Barfleur. This turned out to come from a group of four German torpedo-boats. Started attack.
0935 hours - Sighted a group of four German torpedo-boats in two columns. Started attack.
0944 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the rear ship of the near column. Range was 1500 yards. 1 minute and 9 seconds after firing heard a violent explosion. Swordfish then went deep but hit the bottom at 225 feet causing damage to Swordfish. She remained on the bottom for 1 hour but then retired to the northward to effect repairs. (7)
5 Oct 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Portsmouth. (7)
6 Oct 1940
HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) was docked at Portsmouth. The date of undocking is currently not known to us. (8)
Submarine HMS Thrasher (N 37)
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. (9)
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. (9)
7 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (9)
8 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials in the Clyde area. (9)
9 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (9)
14 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (9)
15 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
16 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
17 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
18 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
19 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Arrochar to begin her torpedo discharge trials. (9)
22 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
23 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
24 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
25 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
26 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
27 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
28 May 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)
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. (9)
1 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), shifted Greenock to Arrochar to continue her torpedo discharge trials. (10)
2 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (10)
3 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (10)
4 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (10)
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. (10)
6 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)
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). (10)
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). (10)
10 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)
12 Jun 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (10)
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.
(11)
20 Jun 1941
At 1130A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (11)
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.
(12)
23 Jun 1941 (position 36.34, -0.37)
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. (12)
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. (12)
1 Jul 1941 (position 37.45, 16.21)
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. (12)
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. (12)
9 Jul 1941
At 0810C/9, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Alexandria. (12)
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.
(12)
25 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
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. (12)
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. (12)
31 Jul 1941
Around 1150C/31, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Alexandria. (12)
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.
(12)
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. (12)
15 Aug 1941 (position 37.36, 24.03)
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. (13)
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. (12)
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. (12)
21 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
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. (12)
23 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
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. (12)
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). (12)
27 Aug 1941
Around 1210C/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Alexandria. (12)
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. (12)
10 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
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. (12)
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. (12)
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.] (12)
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.] (12)
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.] (12)
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.] (12)
23 Sep 1941 (position 32.01, 19.21)
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. (14)
25 Sep 1941 (position 32.27, 19.41)
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. (14)
29 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900B/29, HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) left patrol to proceed to Malta. (12)
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. (15)
7 Oct 1941
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) was undocked. (15)
Destroyer HMS Whitehall (D 94)
30 Jan 1944 (position 73.41, 24.30)
German U-boat U-314 was sunk in the Barents Sea south-east of Bear Island, Norway, in position 73°41'N, 24°30'E, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN). Revised. This attack was actually directed against U-965 inflicting no damage.
Sources
- ADM 199/2560
- ADM 199/1830
- ADM 173/15780
- ADM 173/15781
- ADM 173/15782
- ADM 199/2571
- ADM 199/1843
- ADM 199/373
- ADM 173/17027
- ADM 173/17028
- ADM 199/1867
- ADM 199/1152
- ADM 199/1152 + War diary German Admiral Aegean for 1 to 15 August 1941 (NARA, T1022, roll 4024, PG 46239)
- ADM 199/1152 + Official Italian naval history volume 6
- ADM 173/17032
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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