German U-boats and Allied Shipwrecks in World War II

World War II was a time of unprecedented naval warfare, with German U-boats (submarines) playing a critical role in sinking numerous Allied ships across the globe. From the early months of the conflict to its final days, U-boats wreaked havoc on shipping routes, significantly impacting the war effort. This article explores some of the most notable and infamous sinkings by German U-boats, highlighting the challenges and strategies of maritime warfare during World War II.

Famous and Notorious Sinking Incidents

One of the earliest and most significant sinkings was the SS Athenia, an ocean liner, which was sunk on September 3, 1939, by U-30. Despite being a non-military target, the sinking of the Athenia remains one of the first notable losses of Allied ships by German U-boats, occurring just hours after the declaration of war.

The HMS Courageous, a carrier ship, was another early casualty when it was sunk on September 17, 1939, by U-29. This event sparked concerns among the Royal Navy about the vulnerability of large carriers and influenced their decision not to use its fleet carriers in anti-submarine patrols in the Western Atlantic.

The sinking of the HMS Royal Oak on October 14, 1939, by U-47 in Scapa Flow, a well-guarded anchorage and the home of the British Grand Fleet during World War I, marked a significant loss for the Royal Navy. This event occurred in a supposedly secure location and resulted in the comprehensive detachment of the British Grand Fleet from Scapa Flow.

Maximizing the Value of Sunk Ships

The SS Gairsoppa, a merchant ship carrying silver bullion, was sunk by U-101 in February 1941 near the coast of Galway, Ireland. This ship contained a substantial amount of bullion, estimated to be worth about $182.5 million today. The wreck, located in 2011, provided a bounty for salvagers who recovered nearly $167 million in bullion from a depth of 4,700 meters in 2013.

The HMS Ark Royal, a modern aircraft carrier, and the HMS Barham, a battleship, were both significant losses in November 1941. The Ark Royal was damaged beyond repair and its captain was court-martialed due to evidence suggesting that design flaws in the damage control measures led to the ship's inability to save itself. The Barham, on the other hand, exploded spectacularly before sinking and provided one of the most iconic film clips of the war.

Final Moments and Lasting Consequences

The final year of the war saw several significant sinkings, including the HMS Audacity in December 1941 by U-751. However, the HMS Edinburgh, a light cruiser, stands out for its unique nature. Carrying 4,570 kg of gold, equivalent to about $272 million in 2023, Edinburgh was a critical supply vessel. Torpedoed by U-451 and later attacked by three German destroyers, the Edinburgh was scuttled by her escorts to protect its valuable cargo. The wreck was discovered in 1981, and about 4,520 kg of gold was salvaged.

The HMS Eagle, an early fleet carrier, was sunk by U-73 in August 1942, and the HMS Avenger, a light carrier, met the same fate in November 1942 by U-155. Further into the war, the USS Block Island, a light carrier, fell to U-549 in May 1944, and the HMS Lapwing, a sloop, was sunk by U-968 in March 1945, marking the last Royal Navy warship to be sunk by a U-boat during World War II.

Ironically, the last U.S. Navy ship to be sunk in the war was not by a U-boat but by a U-853, a probable U-boat, in April 1945, with the USS Eagle PE-56.

In summary, German U-boats played a pivotal role in the naval aspects of World War II, contributing significantly to the strategic landscape and the overall outcome of the conflict. The remnants of these sinkings continue to fascinate historians and maritime archaeologists, offering ongoing insights into the naval battles of World War II.