Themes

Article Highlights

• Introduction

• First missions

• Istanbul

• Commander Nasmith

First missions

E11 approached the Dardanelles region on 19th May. The crew's first mission involved capturing a Turkish dhow [sailing vessel] and tying it to the submarine's conning tower to act as a disguise. The plan was abandoned after several days as the disguise failed to attract any targets.

The submarine continued up the Sea of Marmara and finally had some success, sinking a gunboat and several other small craft on 23rd May. The following day, E11 encountered and sank the Turkish transport ship ‘Nagara', which was carrying supplies of ammunition. Nasmith then sank another transport and forced one aground, but had to turn about when the submarine came under attack from Turkish forces based onland.