Over the years of WWI and WWII, many ships fell victim to the destructive power of submarine attack along the coastline of Ireland. And, nowadays we look out to sea enjoying the coastlines and understandably never think that once a powerful fleet hunted their prey and the many British warships and shipping vessels that would be torpedoed.
On hearing of these tragic stories our minds naturally are drawn to the sailors that died or were left for dead in our waters. But there are also fascinating stories of the sailors inside the submarines. What was life like? What images did they see? Well, fortunately, we have located some artwork that vividly presents life for one such vessel, U-53 during WWI. A submarine that was active coast of Ardmore. And, which attacked and destroyed The Folia on March 11th 1917, with the loss of seven lives.
This artwork is the work of Claus Friedrich Bergen. In 1917, he was on-board the U-53, commanded by Hans Rose.
We believe that this artwork speaks volumes.
Tommy Mooney
Wonderful pictures, so evocative of being surrounded by heavy seas, far from harbour safety, and with an air of menace present in each one.