In this instance, the "click" referred to is the sound caused by a detonator becoming active within a depth charge.
This detonator, about the size of a man's thumb, is embedded in a depth charge. Pressure of water builds up as the depth charge reaches its set depth that is required for either a shallow or deep explosion. The initial explosion, immediately before the main charge, can be likened to a pencil being broken in half. This was the sound that chilled the spine of wartime submariners.
There were times when a few torpedoes were fired after the submarine's attack on ships of the enemies' convoy, that were guarded by destroyers. It would be necessary to take evasive action by altering course or going deep. The enemy destroyer would seek out the offending submarine by the use of its listening devices – seeking its prey by eavesdropping on the propeller noises of the submarine. Conversely, the submarine would be also listening for the attacker's transmission noise that could reveal the plan of attack intended.
Sounds underwater are very distinct and clear; even the softest of noises from miles away seem to be amplified in those circumstances.
As depth-charges exploded, some unpleasantly close, one could hear the distinct click of the detonator prior to the subsequent main charge explosion. Luckily, many times, the depth-charges were a few hundred yards away from the submarine, but we could still hear that click of the detonator, sometimes rather faintly, but we heard it just the same.
Another pattern of depth-charges would follow. As the attackers were getting closer, the detonator "click" would be more pronounced. Quick glances were often exchanged. Most of the submarine's crew sat silently just thinking and waiting. Would this be life coming to a close?
That dreaded "click". Would the next depth-charge tear open the submarine's hull? Our imaginations worked overtime.
"The click of death".
That would have been the last sound many submariners heard.
L 1 |
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| Class: | 1916 - 1945: L Class |
| Built By: | |
| Build Group: | L1 |
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Fate: Scrapped in 1930 after breaking away from her tug and drifting ashore in heavy weather. |
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During the occupation of World War II, the owner of a Dutch shipping port is ordered to attend an interview with the head of the Gestapo.
His yard has almost completed two submarines and the Nazis are anxious to have them finished and fully operational. They offer to reinstate him if he agrees, which he does.
But what the Nazis do not know is that he is planning to double cross them and take the ships to England, if he can. Starring Ralph Richardson, Googie Withers and Esmond Knight.
13 pages added or updated in the last 1 month
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L 1 |
|
| Class: | 1916 - 1945: L Class |
| Built By: | |
| Build Group: | L1 |
|
Fate: Scrapped in 1930 after breaking away from her tug and drifting ashore in heavy weather. |
|
During the occupation of World War II, the owner of a Dutch shipping port is ordered to attend an interview with the head of the Gestapo.
His yard has almost completed two submarines and the Nazis are anxious to have them finished and fully operational. They offer to reinstate him if he agrees, which he does.
But what the Nazis do not know is that he is planning to double cross them and take the ships to England, if he can. Starring Ralph Richardson, Googie Withers and Esmond Knight.
13 pages added or updated in the last 1 month
Please help to maintain this site by reporting any Errors, Broken Links, Information or Site Issues on this page using this button
If you find this site useful, please consider supporting my work with a small Donation.
Please Note: Donations made using this option go directly to the site owner and not to the Submariners Association.
Thankyou for your support.
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