[M] AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING ENGINE PLATE FOR H.M.SUBMARINE TROOPER BUILT BY SCOTTS' OF GREENOCK, 1942

AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING ENGINE PLATE FOR H.M.SUBMARINE TROOPER BUILT BY SCOTTS' OF GREENOCK, 1942

cast in brass with chamfered edge and inscribed in black-filled lettering No. 589 Scotts' Shipbuilding & Engineering C. Ltd. Greenock, now mounted on a wooden display board -- 13¼ x 19½in. (33.5 x 49.5cm.)

Trooper was one of the initial batch of 'T' class submarines ordered before the Second World War and also the first class to be fitted with radar. Displacing 1,325 tons surfaced (1,580 submerged), each of the class was 274 feet in length with a 26½ foot beam and could make just over 15 knots surfaced (9 submerged). Deck armament consisted of a single 4in. gun but, below, she sported 10-21in. torpedo tubes. Trooper herself was built by Scotts' of Greenock and launched on 5th March 1942. Commanded by Lt. J S. Wraith DSO DSC R.N., whilst her career proved a short one, she made a formidable opponent through the use of ‘charioteer’ submersibles. These were essentially micro-submarines ridden by a crew of two sitting astride and wearing the notorious ‘clammy death’ rubber suits with rebreathing apparatus and who were small enough to cut through netting to mine anchored opponents. Several Italian merchantmen were damaged or sunk in early 1943 and she is also credited with sinking the Italian U-boat Pietro Micca in the Straits of Taranto on 29th July 1943, she herself was lost, most probably mined, in the Aegean Sea on or about 17th October the same year.

Condition Report

Craquelured black lettering

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.