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First World War (1914-1918)
The U-Boat Menace

The emergence of the submarine was a major development in naval warfare. German submarine - or U-Boat - attacks against Allied shipping in the Atlantic and in European waters posed a major threat to the Allied war effort.

German Submarine U-118
German Submarine U-118

This postcard shows the surrendered German U-Boat (submarine) U-118 ashore at Hastings, England, in April 1919.

The photograph emphasizes the cylindrical hull of the large, ocean-going, torpedo-armed U-118, its deck gun visible at centre. It also carried mines designed to be laid in the water, where they could sink Allied ships. U-118 had been under tow to a French port when the tow line parted and the U-Boat came adrift, eventually running ashore at Hastings where it drew large crowds.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19780743-009





The Return of U-9
U-Boat Deck Gun
Periscope Lens, U-117
U-Boat Signalling Lamp
Cut-Away German U-Boat Mine
German Naval Mine, U-153
SS Audax Sinking
Life Ring, SS Brussels
Life Ring, UC-77
"We risk our lives to bring you food. It's up to you not to waste it."
Porthole, RMS Lusitania
Qu'importe l'existence des Neutres! L'Allemagne est au dessus de tout! (Neutrality is irrelevant! Germany sees herself above all else!)
HMHS Llandovery Castle
Depth Charge, "Type G"
Model, U-27
First World War Atlantic Convoy
German Submarine U-118