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Whales mistaken for u-boats during WW1

Whales mistaken for u-boats during WW1


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Whales mistaken for u-boats during WW1

A page from The Illustrated London News, featuring two whales photographed from the air, showing how they could be mistaken for u-boats, and consequently bombed.
WW1

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14387386

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Identity Mar16 Mistaken Submarine Submarines Whale Whales


EDITORS COMMENTS
During the turbulent waters of the First World War, the battle between Allied forces and German U-boats raged relentlessly in the Atlantic Ocean. The threat of submarine attacks was ever-present, and the fear of encountering one of these deadly vessels was a constant concern for naval personnel and merchant sailors alike. However, in the vast expanse of the sea, nature often played a deceptive hand, as evidenced by this intriguing photograph from The Illustrated London News. The image captures two humpback whales, majestically breaching the surface of the water off the coast of Newfoundland. Seen from the air, their large, dark silhouettes bear an uncanny resemblance to that of a U-boat. This striking similarity, combined with the heightened state of alertness during wartime, led to a tragic case of mistaken identity. In the autumn of 1916, a British flying boat, on patrol for enemy submarines, spotted these two whales and, believing them to be U-boats, dropped depth charges in an attempt to destroy them. The explosions caused significant disturbance in the water, but fortunately, the whales managed to escape unharmed. This fascinating photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced during wartime, when the line between friend and foe could be blurred, and the natural world could offer unexpected deceptions. It also highlights the importance of human observation and critical thinking, as well as the potential consequences of acting on incomplete or incorrect information.

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