NEW GERMAN SUBMARINES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1539, 15 April 1916, Page 4

NEW GERMAN SUBMARINES.

The new German submarines are described by Mr Archibald Hurd as being “submarine monitors." He says :—“They have already been seen at sea, and there is no doubt as to their existence, for they are the talk of neutrals who move about the Baltic on business. They are fairly big vessels. Above the more or less cylindrical hull is built a long battery, well protected by armour, which can be made completely watertight. It extends for a considerable distance along the hull, and in the centre is the commander's tower, from which orders are issued. Within this watertight battery are mounted guns; their calibre is unknown, but they are certainly more powerful weapons than anything the Germans have hitherto had. Su'ch vessels as these, which are no doubt of highspeed—much swifter than the vessels hitherto employed —will prove formidable. Like the smaller vessels, of which the Germans have lost so many, they possess the 'facility of becoming submerged. That is of value offensively and defensively. It enables such a submarine monitor —or cruiser—to approach her unsuspecting prey—a merchantman. She can bring the armoured battery just above the water, leaving the hull of the submarine, which would otherwise be riddled with shot, still submerged. In this awash condition she may be immune from the very light artillery of a merchant ship—the submarine’s guns, as well as the crews serving them, being out of harm’s way behind the steel walls. Should a British man o’-war come on the scene, it will be easy to close the battery and dip down beneath the surface.’’