Lost WWII British Spy Submarine Discovered off the Coast of Izmir
During World War II, the British intelligence submarine HMS Trooper, which sank in the Aegean Sea, has been discovered off the coast of Didim district, near Izmir. The submarine, which had hit a minefield laid by the Germans near Ikaria Island and sank to a depth of 253 meters, has revealed its first images years later.
A Secret Mission in the Aegean
Arriving off the coast of Izmir on October 7, 1943, the legendary British spy-intelligence submarine, HMS Trooper, had gone missing while conducting secret reconnaissance and patrol missions in the Aegean Sea. It was finally located near Ikaria Island in the depths of 253 meters off Didim.
Greek marine scientist Costas Thoktaridis revealed that the Trooper submarine, measuring 84 meters in length, had split into three parts – the bow, middle section, and stern – indicating a rapid sinking likely caused by a mine explosion. The area where the submarine was found was heavily mined by the Germans during World War II.
Encounter with a German Mine
During the same period, it was determined that the German mine-sweeping and laying ship Drache was in the region, and the British submarine had collided with a mine planted by the Germans, leading to its sinking.
According to a report by Protothema newspaper, the sunken British submarine also housed Greek agent Major G. Diamantopoulos, using the alias Major Toby. The search team had conducted 14 research missions in the mined areas off the coasts of Bodrum in Muğla and Didim in Aydın since 1998 but had not been successful in finding the Trooper submarine.
The discovery of the HMS Trooper submarine sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history in the Aegean Sea. The presence of British intelligence agents and their covert operations in the region during the war adds depth to the narrative of the conflict.
The finding of the sunken submarine also underscores the strategic importance of the Aegean Sea during World War II. The presence of German minefields and naval operations in the area highlights the intense military activities that took place in the region during the war.
The story of the HMS Trooper submarine serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen during World War II and the dangers they faced in carrying out their missions. The discovery of the submarine after all these years is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of researchers and historians in uncovering hidden historical truths.
In conclusion, the discovery of the HMS Trooper submarine off the coast of Izmir is a significant historical find that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II in the Aegean Sea. The presence of British intelligence agents and their covert operations in the region during the war adds depth to our understanding of the conflict. The sunken submarine serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen during the war and the dangers they faced in carrying out their missions.
