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

2 жыл бұрын

I would imagine that feeling is shared by every Submariner

@webbtrekker534

2 жыл бұрын

@@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!

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@jnstonbely5215

2 жыл бұрын

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

@thechancellor3715

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service sir! God bless America!

@slcpunk2740

2 жыл бұрын

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. 😂

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

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service.

@pitsnipe5559

2 жыл бұрын

Fair winds and following seas shipmate.

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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!

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!

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@tracytrawick322

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@gitfoad8032

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

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".

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.

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

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!.

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

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

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

@steveclarke6257

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@steveclarke6257 Treasure it

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Redmenace96

2 жыл бұрын

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Your closing remarks; Well said Sir.

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 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.

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!

Hats off to both these gallant crews.

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!

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

Another proud Veteran video, Awesomeness!!

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

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

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

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.

What a testimony of seamanship and allied partnership

EXCELLENT concluding statement!

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.

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@ccrider8483

2 жыл бұрын

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

@patagualianmostly7437

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@jonathanperry8331

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathanperry8331 that was Barb.....

Great story. Thanks

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

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for making my day. 🤣🤣🤣

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

That is a wonderful tale.

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

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

@matthewrowe9903

2 жыл бұрын

Yes that would be good one mess of an opertion

Always learn something new.Cheers to THG!

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

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

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

Another beautiful and inspiring story from, THG!

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

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

Another fine tale. Thank you.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

What an awesome story!

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.

Another great episode! Thanks History Guy!

Thank you Lance , for another wonderful trip in History !

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

Thank you for all you do

God Bless all Mariners

This would make a great movie

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

Well spoken. Completely exciting story telling.

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

Excellent story! Nice work!

thanks

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

11 ай бұрын

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

Thank you once again. Excellent job THG

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.

Thank you.

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"

Excellent Mr. history guy,

Excellent!

Fascinating!

@ 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.

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

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

Terrific story - terrific video!

Thank you, again!

Great story , thanks.

Well done Lance. Well done.

Thanks for remembering this history of naval heroism.

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.

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.

What a great story! Thanks for sharing.