The Loss of H.M.S. E15

An article describing the action to destroy the beached submarine H.M.S. E15 in the Dardanelles was published on 1st July 1915.

“INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH.

“HOW THE TURKS WERE FOILED.

“AN UNPARALLELED NAVAL FEAT.

“Although the thrilling exploit of Lieut.-Commander Eric Robinson [1] and his comrades in destroying the stranded submarine E15 in order to prevent it falling into the hands of the enemy dates as far back as April 18th, the very remarkable achievement, as described by a service man, has special interest to Notts. people, because of the commander's association with Bunny. About two years ago he married Miss Edith Gladys Cordeux, eldest daughter of Dr. Cordeux, West Bridgford, now of Bunny Hall, where Mrs. Robinson resides. The splendid work of the gallant little naval band - who blew up the E15 at Kephez, near the entrance to the Narrows at the Dardanelles, was first mentioned in our columns on April 19th.

“The vessel came to grief while on a scouting mission, and her crew were captured by the Turks. Efforts were made to destroy the stranded craft by long distance fire, but it was deemed necessary to hazard night attack to ensure the complete fulfilment of the object in view. Two picket boats were employed in the dangerous task, that from the Triumph being under the command of Lieut.-Commander Robinson, and the Majestic boat was in charge of Lieutenant Claude Goodwin. Both were manned by volunteers.

“One picket boat was holed and sank, but the crew were saved, the only casualty being one man who died of wounds. Vice-Admiral de Robeck spoke in the highest terms of all concerned in the gallant enterprise. Lieut.-Commander Robinson was promoted to Commander by the Admiralty, and a report was called for on the individual services of the other officers and men with view to their recognition.

“THE HEROES’ TASK.

“The picket boats, with torpedo dropping gear attached, and a 14in. torpedo thereto, pushed off under cover of an ideal night, using the intenser screen of inky blackness at the base of the Gallipoli cliffs to stalk up to the point for the crucial dash to Kephez Point. A spark from either funnel, the flicker of a light, the noisy thud of carelessly controlled machinery, would have betrayed the stealthy craft.

“At the wheel, under the cover of the small arm shield of steel plating, a sixteenth of an inch thick, peering ceaselessly into the compass, dimly lighted with only one candle, was the coxswain, the man in whom officers and men reposed the utmost confidence, for on him they all staked their lives, the minutest deviation from the charted course spelling ruin and failure to the mission.

“The final phase of the dare-devil deed commenced favourably. The course, athwart that 4½ to 5 knots current, striking hard at the bend of the Narrows, presented a difficult problem for successful navigation, but British judgment and seamanship proved equal to it. Straight onward to the goal steamed the picket boats. Instantly came the blaze of revealing the location of the frail craft, followed by an inferno of gun and rifle fire —hell let loose from the hill-tops and hillsides. The wily Turks had prognosticated British bull-dog daring. Their vigilance must have been extraordinarily cute. The two boats were ringed with illuminating lights of super-brilliance. Yet they dashed for the death or glory prize. The electric flashes ringed the pair dazzlingly. Still they helmed neither to port nor to starboard.

“AN UNPARALLELED FEAT.

“The crucial phases fast came. The Turks manipulated the lights to keep the submarine in security, thus intensifying the difficulties of the heroic Britishers. On them rained lead, and bursting shells, but theirs was a charmed existence. Then came a stroke of beautiful luck. One badly handled flashlight outlined E15 standing out in significant relief under those gaunt cliffs. There was the mark that must be wiped out at any cost. When the range was deemed sufficiently close, the torpedoes were sent forth. What happened in that darkness will remain a mystery, for is impossible record details in complete order, but it is clear that E15 was destroyed and the Turks foiled of their prize. The Triumph did her bit triumphantly the Majestic did hers majestically. But the moment of success, just as the Majestic's boat had fired her first torpedo, a shell dropped into its stern sheets, wrecking it, and mortally wounding one of the crew. True to the finest traditions of the British service, the boat went to her doom fighting. She was well nigh submerged in the icy cold and black flowing current, when the second torpedo was sent on its mission. E15 lay a helpless, hopeless mass of debris, a testimony that when British lads in Navy blue design a deed that deed must be either achieved or their lives patriotically sacrificed.

“Around swerved the Triumph’s boat, just in the nick of time, handled to a nicety, to the most advantageous position to effect the prompt rescue the Majestic’s crew. Even the mortally wounded comrade was hauled safely aboard. Then “Full speed ahead!” down stream with the 4½ to 5 knots current, the gallant little boat steamed out of the region of lead and shrapnel, out of the jaws of death. The Triumph had careered triumphantly where shot and shell were literally pumped at her and her consort. It was neck or nothing — a game off their own bat. An absolute marvel it is that any returned from the fire zone alive. Had the Triumph’s boat been hit, not one would have survived.” [2]

[1] Lieutenant-Commander Eric Robinson was promoted for his actions this day, details published in the 'London Gazette' on 23rd April 1915:

Lieutenant-Commander Eric Gascoigne Robinson has been specially promoted to the rank of Commander in His Majesty's Fleet in recognition of the distinguished service rendered by him on the night of the 18th April, 1915, as Commanding Officer of the force which torpedoed and rendered useless Submarine E.15, thus preventing that vessel from falling into the enemy's hands in a serviceable condition, Dated 20th April, 1915.

He had already earned the Victoria Cross, the citation of which was published in the 'London Gazette' on 13th August 1915:

“The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Commander (now Commander) Eric Gascoigne Robinson, R.N., for the conspicuous act of bravery specified below.

“Lieutenant-Commander Robinson on the 26th February advanced alone, under heavy fire, into an enemy's gun position, which might well have been occupied, and destroying a four-inch gun, returned to his party for another charge with which the second gun was destroyed. Lieutenant-Commander Robinson would not allow members of his demolition party to accompany him as their white uniforms rendered them very conspicuous. Lieutenant-Commander Robinson took part in four attacks on the minefields – always under heavy fire.”

[2] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 1st July 1915.

Image: http://www.gallipoli.gov.au/explore-asian-shore-sites/images/large/asian_bcc_E15-L.jpg