HMS C25

HMS "C25" was a British C class submarine built by Vickers, Barrow. She was laid down on 27 February 1908 and was commissioned on 28 May 1909.

HMS "C25" was machine-gunned and bombed by a squadron of 5 German seaplanes off Harwich 15 miles east of Orford Ness on 6 July 1918. HMS "C25" was caught on the surface at the time. Several rounds killed the commanding officer and three lookouts on the conning tower. One of the bodies blocked the conning towers hatch so she was unable to dive. The first Lieutenant, Sub Lieut Cobb and 2 engine room artificers cut off the leg of one of the bodies with a hacksaw to free the hatch. Another 2 crew members died while trying to close the hatch. Then holes in the pressure hole were plugged by clothes and luckily, HMS E51 was able to tow "C25". The seaplanes returned re-armed and ready to attack again, but they were driven off by the arrival of the "Acheron" class destroyer, HMS "Lurcher".

HMS "C25" was sold on 5 December 1921.

External links

* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/great_britain/submarines/pages/c_class/c_25_roll_of_honour.htm HMS C25 Roll of Honour]
* [http://www.devonheritage.org/Places/Teignmouth/WilliamBargeofTeignmouth.htm The life and death of William Barge]

References

* "Submarines, War Beneath The Waves, From 1776 To The Present Day", by Robert Hutchinson