HMS Undine (N48)

HMS "Undine" was a British U class submarine built by Vickers Armstrong, Barrow-in-Furness. She was laid down on 19 February 1937 and was commissioned on 21 August 1938. She was the lead ship of the first group of the "U" class, which is sometimes called the "Undine" class.

inking

"Undine" was on her fourth war patrol in January 1940 when her sonar failed due to a leak. At 0940 on 7th January, she sighted what was thought to be three trawlers 20 miles west of Heligoland; but were in fact the German auxiliary minesweepers "M-1201", "M-1204" and "M-1207". She unsuccessfully attacked the leading vessel, but the minesweepers counter attacked and forced her to dive. "Undine" was at 50 feet and proceeding blind due to the loss of sonar. After five minutes with no further attacks, she raised her periscope. As she did so, an explosion shook the submarine, blowing her upwards and rendering the hydroplanes useless. Without the use of the hydroplanes, escape would have been impossible and the order to abandon ship was give. Whilst the crew entered the water, to be picked up by the minesweepers, "Undine" was scuttled. [ [http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/general/losses.htm Submarine losses 1904 to present day] , RN Submarine Museum, Gosport] [ [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3384.html HMS Undine] , Uboot.net]

ee also

*List of shipwrecks in 1940

References

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