Original Item: One of a Kind. Measuring 11″ in length mounted on a wood plinth 12″ in length, this is solid brass and shows the Submarine as sailing on the surface. There is a copper plaque inlaid into the wood stating :
CONGRATULATIONS H.M.S. THUNDERBOLT
ON YOUR PATROL IN THE BAY OF BISCAY
15TH DEC. 1940
In December 1940 Great Britain stood alone against the NSDAPs.
Research tells us that H.M.S. THUNDERBOLT joined the 3rd Submarine Flotillain November 1939 Commanded by Lieutenant CECIL CROUCH with a Royal Naval crew of all volunteers. On December 3rd she embanked on her First Sea Patrol together with H.M.S. Tribune and H.M.S. Catchalot during the Battle of the Atlantic On December 15th she SANK the Italian Submarine “TARANTINI” by torpedo.
By 1943 she had accumulated SEVEN Sinkings. On March 12th 1943 she went on her sixth patrol and encountered an Italian Fleet in The Bay of Biscay. On March 14th she engaged the Italian Vessel “CICOGNA” but succumbed to a massive Depth Charge attack and was sunk with all hands.
Found at an Estate Sale in England, ready to display!