HMS Ark Royal Sinks After U-81 Torpedo Attack
On November 14, the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal sank after sustaining severe damage from a torpedo launched by the German submarine U-81. The attack occurred while the Ark Royal was en route to deliver aircraft to Malta, a crucial point in the Mediterranean theater of World War II. The carrier had successfully survived previous engagements, showcasing the resilience of British naval forces. Despite initial rescue efforts, the vessel's damage proved too extensive, leading to its sinking.
HMS Ark Royal was a key British aircraft carrier.
Sank due to U-81's torpedo in the Mediterranean.
Signaled a shift toward submarine dominance.
Influenced future naval strategies and technologies.
What Happened?
HMS Ark Royal, one of the most prominent aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, was struck by a torpedo fired from the German submarine U-81 on November 13. The Ark Royal was undertaking operations in the Mediterranean Sea, tasked with ferrying aircraft to support British forces on the island of Malta. The attack came as the British sought to maintain their air presence over the strategic island, which was under siege by Axis powers. The submarine’s commander, Kapitänleutnant Ernst Schreiber, executed a proficient attack during the night, effectively striking the aircraft carrier amid her crucial mission. Despite successfully launching Scimitar fighter aircraft, Ark Royal was left critically damaged as water flooded compartments.
Following the strike, the crew made valiant efforts to control flooding and stabilize the ship. However, the damage resulted in an irretrievable situation that led to hopeless flooding. The decision to abandon ship was made by Captain A. M. L. H. D'Arcy, as the carrier began listing dangerously. As the crew took to life rafts, the legacy of Ark Royal's service during the Battle of the Atlantic and various Mediterranean operations was momentarily overshadowed by this loss.
The sinking of HMS Ark Royal marked a significant moment in naval warfare during World War II, highlighting the vulnerabilities of even the largest warships to submarine threats. While initially manageable, the carrier's sinking reflected the changing dynamics of sea power and the importance of anti-submarine warfare in future naval strategies.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of HMS Ark Royal is noteworthy because it symbolizes the shift in naval engagements during World War II, emphasizing the effectiveness of submarines against surface ships. The loss illustrated the vulnerabilities inherent in naval operations and led to renewed focus on developing anti-submarine tactics and technologies. The event also had implications for British naval strategy in the Mediterranean, influencing subsequent decisions regarding resource allocation and air support.