In a significant archaeological breakthrough, the HMS Trooper, a British submarine that vanished during World War II, has been located in the Aegean Sea, 81 years after it disappeared. The submarine, which was lost in October 1943, was believed to have been sunk by a German naval mine, resulting in the tragic loss of all 64 crew members on board.
The discovery was made by a Greek underwater recovery company, Planet Blue, which has been searching for the submarine for over two decades. This recent expedition has not only pinpointed the location of the wreck but also provided insights into the circumstances surrounding its sinking.
The Final Mission of HMS Trooper
The HMS Trooper embarked on its last mission during a critical period in World War II. After Italy’s surrender in September 1943, German forces sought to secure control over various Greek islands. Commanded by Lieutenant John S. Wraith, the submarine successfully delivered three secret agents to the island of Kalamos on October 1, 1943. This marked the last known sighting of the vessel.
- Key events leading to the loss:
- Delivery of agents to Kalamos.
- Scheduled arrival in Beirut that never occurred.
- A false sighting on October 14 misled search efforts for decades.
For years, search teams focused on the wrong area due to this false sighting, leading to numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate the submarine. However, on October 3, 2024, the 15th expedition finally yielded results, with sonar technology revealing the wreck at a depth of 830 feet, north of Donousa Island.
The Circumstances of the Sinking
The HMS Trooper met its fate in a minefield laid by the German minelayer Drache, which had placed naval mines between the islands of Ikaria and Donousa around the same time the submarine was on its mission. As the Trooper navigated this treacherous area, it struck one of the mines, leading to a catastrophic explosion.
- Details of the sinking:
- The submarine broke into three sections: bow, midships, and stern.
- The explosion was caused by a German EMF type mine containing 350 kg (770 pounds) of hexane explosive.
- The violent sinking resulted in the immediate loss of all crew members.
The wreckage of the HMS Trooper serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by submariners during the war. The discovery has provided closure for the families of those who perished, allowing them to honor the memory of their loved ones.
A Legacy of Remembrance
The discovery of the HMS Trooper has been met with emotional responses from the families of the crew. Richard Wraith, the son of the submarine’s commander, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Greek research team in locating the wreck. He hopes that the definitive location of the Trooper will help family members find peace regarding their loved ones’ tragic fate.
- Richard Wraith’s sentiments:
- Acknowledgment of the team’s dedication to finding the wreck.
- Hope for closure for families affected by the loss.
As the story of the HMS Trooper unfolds, it highlights the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and the importance of remembering their legacy. The underwater recovery of the submarine not only sheds light on a long-lost piece of history but also serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of tragedy.
