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British submarine sinks German cruiser by G. H. Davis
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British submarine sinks German cruiser by G. H. Davis
A 6000-ton Koln class German cruiser sunk by the British submarine Ursula after she had penetrated into the Elbe estuary.
December 1939
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Media ID 14132755
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
6000 Cruiser Davis Elbe Estuary Explosion Koln Sinking Submarine Sunk Ursula December
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this striking image from the Illustrated London News, we witness the final moments of a German Koln-class cruiser as it sinks in the Elbe estuary, following a successful attack by the British submarine Ursula in December 1939. With a displacement of approximately 6,000 tons, the German cruiser was a formidable vessel, designed for both transport and combat missions. However, the Ursula, a British submarine, proved to be an unexpected adversary. The image captures the intense action as the cruiser erupts in a massive explosion, likely caused by a torpedo strike from the Ursula. The plume of smoke and water rising from the cruiser's wreckage underscores the destructive power of the attack. The surrounding sea is calm, adding to the contrast between the tranquility of the water and the chaos unfolding in the foreground. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the Second World War's naval battles and the strategic importance of submarine warfare. The Ursula's successful penetration into the Elbe estuary, a heavily fortified German waterway, demonstrated the ability of the British Navy to disrupt enemy supply lines and threaten their naval forces. The sinking of the German cruiser was a significant victory for the Allies during the early stages of the war and a testament to the bravery and skill of the submarine's crew. The image, taken by renowned photojournalist G. H. Davis, provides a unique perspective on the events of the war and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the navies of the world during this pivotal time in history.
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