Huddled together deep under the ocean waves, the level of anticipation was rising.  There was an air of tension as the alarming sound of propellers thrusting through the water could be heard above.  Counting the minutes and seconds between each blast hoping the next one would not burst their outer steel shell.  Time went so slowly with the heart beating faster, waiting, anticipating, the next thundering sound of a depth change, their vessel shook violently, the crash of crockery and blown bulbs breaking the silence within and plunging them into darkness.  Silence was so necessary, the only way to survive, the enemy prowling above must not hear them.  Even their feline passenger would pace and whiskers flicker with the fear of the unknown.  Fur static with the tension that lingered in the stale, damp air, whilst beads of sweat trickled down the faces of those trapped within.

It took nerves of steel to survive in this claustrophobic environment and it was not a lifestyle of choice for most.  Living in such cramped conditions was harsh, but for those chosen few their heroics saved many.   In particular in the Mediterranean where their operations would halt the progress of the axis forces and their much-needed supplies, and yes in some cases the crew of the subs adopted animals in particular cats to accompany them on their journey.

Living Conditions in a sub

 

Depending on the type of submarine you were assigned then this would of course vary, and it was specifically observed when moving from the Med to the Pacific theatre the vast difference between our subs and for example the US.  The lack of air conditioning in particular causing issues for the crew in such tropic conditions, leading to heat stroke, sheer fatigue and exhaustion just some of the many ailments suffered.

Design wise then arguable the US subs were far superior to ours being larger (understandable given the pacific oceans they were to patrol) but were also able to provide better living conditions, although undoubtedly life as a submariner was still never easy.  However, these subs also had their faults and experienced issues with torpedoes.  Even the German U-boats had early experiences of issues with torpedoes something that greatly troubled if not annoyed Karl Donitz (Supreme Commander of the U-boat arm).  In terms of torpedoes, the Japanese had superiority which much greater range, speed and reliability their subs were also faster.

 

In terms of living conditions in a sub taking the smaller U-class submarines that traversed the waters of the Mediterranean as an example the cross section has been described about the size of a London tube train.

 

With space at a premium crew would often find themselves sleeping near a torpedo and sharing beds or hammocks.  As time passed the stagnant smell of rotten veg slowly decaying filled the sub whilst the damp ate away at everything possible, clothes, footwear bedding boots and jackets, the mould lived on.  So, with the shared living arrangements, constant damp clothes and lack of washing, limited water and toilet facilities it certainly was an unpleasant environment for all to endure.

 

One of the dangers ever present within a sub was the build-up of gases namely hydrogen, or even carbon dioxide and with limited medical trained personnel onboard issues could soon escalate.  Headaches were only too common as a direct result of the air quality.

 

So, the opportunity to recharge batteries when the submarine would surface was always refreshing.  The normal process would be to refresh air at night and remain submerged during the day.  To clear the nostrils of the smell of sweat, damp, diesel fumes and rotting food was an instant relief despite whatever weather conditions were to be greeted outside.

 

With all this considered reliance on teamwork was of utmost importance, their lives depended on it.

 

Clothing and survival kit

 

Depending on the area you were operating in clothing would range from next to nothing because of the sheer heat and humidity to the more protective garment against the elements such as the Ursula suit.

The Ursula suit was designed by Captains Philips, who had become dissatisfied with the tradition oilskins being used at the time.  Being a keen motorcyclist, he was familiar with the use of wax garments and that inspired him to adapt the same style clothing for his crew on board his submarine HMS Ursula hence the name.

Survival kit was quite limited the Royal Navy using the Davis submerged Escape Apparatus which was a breathing set which assisted the ascending through water and helped reduce the risk of decompression illness.  

 

The US Navy equivalent to the Davis survival kit was the Momsen lung, but in the main similar equipment was used across the board.  However, survival chances in such an environment were in general potentially quite slim.

 

© United States Navy, photographer unknown

 
Up Periscope

 
The periscope was the vital tool to view the outside world, either in low power or high to bring objects much closer in distance and in detail were of course also an avenue to view the sky with the ever-present enemy waiting and hoping to catch a view of the up periscope.   This being one of the few clues to what was lying beneath the surface and waiting and hunting its prey.

 
Torpedo away

 
Finding a target could sometimes take days, being in the correct strategical position was key and some of the smaller subs only had limited capacity for torpedoes so they had to make every one count.  It took a lot of skill and technical understanding of both the sea and the onboard equipment to hit the desired target.

All crew onboard could feel the jolt on the sub as the torpedoes left their tubes.  Then it was the long wait, counting second by second, waiting expectantly for the impending blast, confirming a hit on the intended target.

After a torpedo was fired often the immediate task in hand was to evade the enemy who undoubtedly would be seeking revenge and dropping their deadly depth charges, it was now time to dive, deep and fast, and silently lurk in the depths until the danger had passed.

 

Background

 

Much is said about the German U-boats, but it may be overlooked that we actually had a successful fleet of our own with very skilled and determined Captains, especially covering the med where we not only had our own but combined subs from Holland, Poland and Greece.  All operating with some success around the med in late 1941.

 

Early plans for the sub allocation around the various theatres of the war at that time included a small allocation to the Med which mainly consisted of U class subs which had a crew of around 36.  Other subs would be allocated to the Far East and the North Sea as part of the home fleet.  O, P, R Subs were some of the larger patrol subs, with crews numbering around 50.  T subs were larger and could stay at sea around 6 weeks.

When the US joined the war then arctic convoys increased as they tried to send supplies to assist Russia.  Meeting off Iceland they were very open to attack from the might of the German heavy hitters such as the Tirpitz and the Scharnhorst.  The Scharnhorst eventually meeting its fate around North Cape after a very tactical battle.

 

The conditions in these areas were treacherous, often described as a mountainous sea where water turned to ice as soon as it hit the metal shell of subs on the bridge or decks on the ships.

 

Training

 
The Royal Navy is the earliest founded of our forces being established in the sixteenth century.

Many young men with the ambition of seeing the World and following their passions for the sea opted to join the Navy many at a young age as early as 13.  Training was long and hard with corporal punishment by caning only abolished in 1930.

 

Those looking to join the subs as Commanding Officers had to attend what was known as the perisher course, it was a tough brutal course and still operates to this day.

 

1941 would also see the introduction of training of a very different kind specifically aimed at those taking on the daring missions as human torpedoes, mini subs and such like.

 

Terms and traditions

 
Although there are many terms and traditions just a few are listed below:

 

Sub tradition success flag 'Jolly Roger'

 
A tradition initiated by Max Horton during WW1 (later to become Admiral Sir Max Horton) adopted in particular by the subs of the Mediterranean during WW2.  Common symbols were as below:

•White bar for a merchant ship

•Red for a warship

•Stars for successful gun actions

•Dagger for a special operation

•Lighthouse for acting as a navigation beacon

Mediterranean

 
During the war there were a number of submarines operating in the Mediterranean and in particular Malta, their task in the main to restrict the enemy supplies that were destined for Africa, and it was a key area to uphold.  An example of the types of subs operating and their areas is as below:

•U-Class subs - Malta

•T-Class - Alexandria 

•S-Class – Gibraltar

 

 

© IWM (A 18836)

 

Malta suffered greatly from relentless bombing by the Germans and Italians which was most heavy between 1940-42.  The last air raid occurring in July 1943, bringing the mass total of some 3340 raids finally to an end.  As a result, the Island suffered terrible hardships, lack of food, illness and general destruction and devastation which could have brought the Island to its knees.  During the worst time, even the subs had to be relocated as the bombing was just so intensive.

 

However, the underwater service of submarines also played their part in helping Malta by taking on the role of bringing in vital supplies as part of a transport service known as the ‘Magic Carpet’.   Larger submarines operating from the First Flotilla based at Alexandria were specifically adapted for carrying munitions, general stores, and fuel amongst other things.

 

In addition, various operations were also organised such as one codenamed ‘Stonehenge’ which was a relief operation involving four merchant ships all with the purpose of bringing vital aid to Malta.

 

A historic moment for Malta occurred in 1942, when on the 15th April the Island as a whole was awarded the George Cross.  Specifically intended for the people to honour their heroism through such difficult times.  The George cross was therefore incorporated into the flag of Malta where it remains to this day.  Understandably it took Malta many years to rebuild both structurally and financially after enduring such devasting hardship for so long.

 

Clandestine and other operations

 
Most people may think of the submarine purely in the respect of underwater warfare, stealthily lurking in the deep picking off their targets with torpedoes.  However, this is not the case.

Submarines were not only responsible for carrying vital supplies in particular to Malta but many other missions and tasks which may not be as well documented for good reason as by their very nature of stealth were secret missions.

Especially around the Mediterranean where their patrols would bring them close to the shorelines, they would surface and fire directly on land targets, including railways and bridges.  Also, to conserve the limited supply of torpedoes smaller boats and vessels would be attacked by gunfire and boarded.  From my research it seems that in the majority of cases the enemy crew’s lives were spared the priority being to destroy the vessels carrying vital supplies and cargo.

There was some involvement with SOE and subs being involved in dropping kit for resistance.  Not dissimilar to the secret drop offs and landings made by the RAF, the principal was the same rendezvous in deserted bays dropping of much needed kit, agents or commandos.

 

Other significant and secret missions involved dropping specialist teams as part of the Combined Operations Beach Party (COPP) or COPPISTS as they were known to examine the beaches ahead of landings.  The mission would involve dropping often a two-man crew off at sea, their folbot (like a canvas canoe) being stored in a torpedo tube.  The crew would then head to the beach and take note of the type of sand, general terrain, enemy defences etc and determine if they would be suited for landing equipment etc, this practice was used ahead of operation Husky (Allied invasion of Sicily).  A very risky mission for all involved as the COPPISTS were prowling the beaches so close to the enemy whilst the submarines were lurking close to the shore waiting to pick them up.

 

In fact, many submarines were involved even more directly with the operation as they would be used to lay marker beacons and were also used as beacons themselves to guide the landing craft and ensure the invading force landed on the correct beaches.

 
German attacks of the US Coastlines

 
It may be a surprise to some, but the US coastlines also became under attack by the German submarines.  Donitz was very keen to probe this area and they achieved many early successes.

Reports of the US coastlines being illuminated greatly (not really appreciating the danger lurking in their shores) assisted the enemy and made it easy for them to distinguish and recognise the shadows of their unsuspecting prey. 

Some of the first German subs that operated off the US Coast were U123,U130,U109,U106,U125.  After their successes many more were to follow.

Eventually the US took control of the situation with U85 being the first U Boat to be sunk by the US Navy.  The wreck still being there to this day.

Human Torpedoes (Chariots), Midgets

 
The Italians were the frontrunners in the idea of human torpedoes which eventually ended up in their surprise attack on Alexandia (Mediterranean port in Egypt) when explosive charges were placed on the hulls of the Queen Elizabeth and Valiant.

This inspired the development of Chariots and other similar mini subs.

Operation Source

 
The operation was centred around 3 main targets, The Tirpitz, Lutzow and Scharnhost.

Even the mention of this ship (Tirpitz) its full title Admiral Von Tirpitz would become an annoyance to Winston Churchill.  Its sister ship the Bismarck was eventually sunk by the Royal Navy in the Atlantic 1941 allowing attention to swing to the next prime target the Tirpitz which eventually found itself operating in Norway following its service in the Baltic.  Its intention being to attack the convoys.

 

The RAF first mounted an airborne attack on the Tirpitz in 1942 but were severely hampered by weather conditions.  A short time later a torpedo attack by the Fleet Air Arm from HMS Victorious had no positive effect.  It was time to take a different approach and mimic similar attacks to those carried out by the Italians in Malta.  Churchill considered us behind in this technique of using mini subs when really, he deemed, we should have been much further ahead in their development.

 

Training began and the operation as a whole was directed from HMS Varbel (Island of Bute Scotland) and centred around the idea of using X-Craft which had been developed by Commander Cromwell Varley DSO.

 

© IWM (A 22907)

 
These initial plans were based on the operation being carried out in March 1943, however earlier in 1942 Operation Title had been authorised which involved the use of Charioteers (manned torpedo) which were to be transported from a Norwegian Vessel Arthur (trawler).  Unfortunately, the mission was scuppered and resulted in Able Seaman Bob Evans being captured and shot under suspicion of being a spy.  This only highlighted too well how dangerous any future mission would prove.

 

© IWM (A 22121)
 
Eventually the attacks of Operation Source took place in September 1943 but was not without loss and capture of the crew of two X-Craft which successfully managed to place their charges under the Tirpitz.  The resulting explosions occurred whilst the captured crew were actually on-board the Tirpitz.

Overall, the midget sub operation source against the Tirpitz managed to put her out of action for some months but as stated did not come without tragic loss.  A subsequent attack by the Fleet Air Arm Barracuda aircraft resulted in many bombs hit on target and put the vessel out of action for several more months.  The fleet air arm continued their attacks before the Lancaster’s of the RAF took their turn, later being followed up with action from 617 squadron finally destroying her 12th Nov 1944.   

 
Other Operations

 
Similar such missions were carried out by various other countries.  The Japanese attempted an attack on the British Battleship Ramillies in the Diego Suarez Harbour.  Damage was caused and the perpetrators were eventually surrounded and shot themselves to avoid capture.  

 

A similar attack was made on Sydney harbour where a ferry was hit causing loss of life and the offenders scuttled their midgets essentially taking their own lives.  Being a midget submariner was often very much ill fated.

Two-man subs were also used in the attack at Pearl Harbour by the Japanese although unsuccessfully and most lost their lives in the attack with one taken prisoner.

 

Summary

 
Whatever the vessel, wherever the theatre of war, whatever mission undertaken then life as a submariner was certainly a difficult and challenging role.  Many would make their mark and leave their names etched in history.  Many souls still lie beneath the ocean waves, but all undoubtedly had courage and bravery of which we will be forever in their debt.