The Devastating Attack on British Cruisers in WWI

TLDROn September 22, 1914, the German submarine U9 launched a devastating attack on the British cruisers Abukir, Hogue, and Cressie. The submarines sunk the ships with torpedoes, resulting in significant loss of life. This event was a precursor to the danger that U-boats would pose during the First World War.

Key insights

🚢The British cruisers Abukir, Hogue, and Cressie were attacked and sunk by the German submarine U9.

🔱The attack took place on September 22, 1914, during the early weeks of World War I.

💣The German submariner Lieutenant Otto Weddigen commanded the U9 during the attack.

🌊The submarines launched torpedoes, causing significant damage and leading to the sinking of the British cruisers.

💔The attack resulted in the loss of 1,459 lives and had a profound impact on the Royal Navy and the local communities from which the sailors came.

Q&A

How many British cruisers were sunk in the attack?

Three British cruisers - Abukir, Hogue, and Cressie - were sunk in the attack.

When did the attack take place?

The attack took place on September 22, 1914.

Who was the commander of the German submarine?

The German submarine was commanded by Lieutenant Otto Weddigen.

What caused the sinking of the British cruisers?

The submarines launched torpedoes, which caused significant damage and led to the sinking of the British cruisers.

How many lives were lost in the attack?

A total of 1,459 lives were lost in the attack, resulting in a significant loss of life.

Timestamped Summary

00:00On September 22, 1914, the British cruisers Abukir, Hogue, and Cressie were on patrol near the coast of Holland during World War I.

08:26The German submarine U9, under the command of Lieutenant Otto Weddigen, launched a devastating attack on the British cruisers.

09:59The torpedoes fired by U9 hit the cruisers, causing them to sink rapidly.

10:57The attack resulted in the loss of 1,459 lives and had a profound impact on the Royal Navy and the local communities.

11:42The sinking of the cruisers highlighted the danger posed by German submarines during World War I.

12:12This event foreshadowed the significant role played by U-boats in the war and their impact on naval warfare.