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HMS Talbot
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Protection for submarines at the base
Protection for submarines at the base
In 1934 work commenced to tunnel into the sandstone rock face beneath the seawaters at Lazaretto. These tunnels were to form purpose built pens into which the submarines could enter for protection against air and surface attack. Due to the rising cost, however, politicians decided to abandon the work. Without these pens, the Royal Navy had not fully secured the base. By the beginning of World War Two submarines were still visible from air, particularly during calm weather when the Mediterranean water is clear. One solution to the problem was to paint the submarines blue. Another means of protecting the submarines was by creating a smokescreen. Smoke or “artificial fog”, made from a chemical mixture, issued from the chimneys of ships stationed in the Island harbour, screened the submarines during bombardments.
During World War Two, German and Italian air forces targeted the submarine base at HMS Talbot. Raids in 1942 caused substantial damage to the mess decks, sick bay, laundry, base cinema, wardrooms, stores and offices. On Friday the 13 February, parachute mines fell on the Island wrecking the submarine base barracks and killing three men. During a German raid in May the submarines submerged themselves and lay on the harbour bottom to minimise the risk of damage. The enemy bombs, however, struck the submarines P36 and HMS Unbeaten, while under the water. Following the raid officers moved into an empty, heavy oil tank. They would operate from this ‘stinking’ cavern for more than two more months before the air raids finally forced a partial evacuation of the base.
Discover the role of Royal Navy submarines in the Mediterranean during World War Two
To find out about entertainment at the base, select Next
