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William Waller

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The HMS A8 distaster

Waller was serving as the Coxswain of HM Submarine A8 on 8 June 1905. The submarine was carrying out a series of exercises in company with HM Submarine A7 and torpedo boat No 80 just beyond the Plymouth breakwater.

The submarine was running on the surface with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Algernon Candy, standing on the conning tower. Waller stood at the helm on the casing. Sub Lieutenant Murdock and Leading Stoker George Watt had also come on to the casing for some fresh air.

Lieutenant Candy noticed that the submarine was low in the water and ordered the raising of the diving planes. The boat was carrying extra personnel for training purposes and had previously been experiencing problems with maintaining its trim.

Memorial Postcard for crew of HMS A8

Memorial Postcard for the crew of HMS A8 (RNSM)

The submarine suddenly began to sink at the bow and the conning tower was awash with water. A hatch was not properly sealed. This allowed water to flood the compartment and further upset the boat's trim.

The four men who had been standing on the bridge were soon struggling in the water. Waller, who was wearing heavy oilskin gear and boots, fought to keep afloat and only the intervention of Candy saved his life. The Commanding Officer managed to support him for several crucial minutes until they were rescued by the passing trawler Chanticleer.

HMS A8 sank beneath the waves, resulting in the deaths of fourteen other members of the crew. The death of his shipmates and his own lucky escape greatly affected Waller. Even so, he still continued to serve on submarines until he retired from the Navy in March 1911.