HOW U21 HIT THE TRIUMPH?

U21 Submarine and Triumph Warship – Çanakkale Naval Wars is the starting point for many events and tactics that form the basis of today’s modern maritime warfare. While thousands of people lost their lives in these wars, dozens of them became heroes. Although we generally know the heroes of our own history, we do not know a successful German commander: Otto HERSING, the commander of the U21 submarine.

Who is Otto HERSING

He was born in 1885. He was enrolled in the German Naval School in 1903. He started to work in U21 in 1914. In the same year, he won prestige by hitting “Pathfinder”, the first ship to be sunk by the German navy. He then took some important duties and eventually met us in Çanakkale.

How Triumph Was Shot

Otto HERSING has sunk many ships in the Mediterranean and Aegean. However, he was seen many times by enemy ships. So it started to count as a big threat. This meant that more attention would be given to him.

May 25, 1915 would be an important event for both HERSING and its allies, the Ottomans. U21, seen dozens of times by enemy ships, had to head south to north – around Kabatepe to seek a quiet place. He came across a large, imposing ship in front of the Anzac beaches. It was protected by many patrol ships. He immediately understood how precious he was in the name of the enemy, because he was very protected. The ship’s guide was a destroyer named “Chelmer”. HERSING, who examined the ship with a periscope, ordered to dive to 21 meters. HMS proceeded slowly towards Triumph, passing under it. He took a perfect position to throw the torpedo. Even being so close to this ship 275 meters away was a heroism in itself. He gave the order: “Fire!” After a torpedo that progressed in the water, he stared for a while. He wanted to see the moment of the explosion. It was showing 12:30. A big explosion was heard soon. The torpedo that hit the bow of Triumph had a great effect. HERSING was still watching what happened, but the more submarine was, the more likely the submarine would be under fire. It would be the best decision to shoot the periscope and did so. One side of the submarine was land, and the other side was the ship it hit. A decision had to be made at that moment. HERSING had to take risks. “Full speed ahead!” by ordering, he approached the ship from the path followed by the torpedo and crossed under the sinking ship at that moment. The risk he took gave him a great victory. HMS Triumph lay on the starboard side by 20 degrees, embracing the waters of the Aegean. The fact that the submarine was not noticed before the shooting and the torpedo passed without touching the protection nets of the ship prepared a great end for this imposing ship.

HMS Triumph sank 28 minutes after being hit. The sinking of the ship was a source of morale for the Turkish soldier, while it meant destruction for the enemy. The Turks gave them time to gather the enemy crew.

U21 played a big role in the war by sinking not only the Triumph, but also the Majestic ship.

Battles are sometimes won with physical means and sometimes with morale. Sometimes there are heroes whose name is never known. Otto HERSING, a successful soldier, had an important place in the war, although he was not Turkish, but actually served the interests of his own country. He achieved serious success in the sea according to the conditions of that day. Even today, commanders like him are hard to find. We hope that this commander, who has the honor of fighting side by side with the Turks, will be a good example for all young people interested in military maritime.

Serbay KAYGANACIOĞLU (serbayk@egitimaskina.com)