Historical Events tagged with "submarine warfare"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

USS Shark Sinks After Torpedoing Arisan Maru

October 24th, 1944 80 years ago

The USS Shark (SS-314) was lost with all 87 hands after successfully torpedoing the Japanese freighter Arisan Maru in the Bashi Straits. This action was part of the larger submarine campaign against Japanese shipping during World War II. Despite the sinking of the ship they targeted, the Shark never returned to report her success. The loss of the USS Shark highlights the dangers faced by submarines during the conflict and the ongoing maritime warfare in the region.

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Military & Warfare

British Destroyers Sink Italian Submarine Ascianghi

July 23rd, 1943 81 years ago

British destroyers HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey sank the Italian submarine Ascianghi in the Mediterranean Sea after the Ascianghi launched a torpedo at the British cruiser HMS Newfoundland. The attack resulted in a fierce naval engagement that showcased the ongoing struggle for naval supremacy during the war. The destroyers engaged the submarine after being alerted to its attack, successfully locating and eliminating the threat posed by the Ascianghi.

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Military & Warfare

German submarine U-574 sunk by HMS Stork

December 19th, 1941 83 years ago

HMS Stork, commanded by Captain Frederic John Walker, engaged German submarine U-574 off Punta Delgada. The British warship successfully attacked with depth charges, leading to the sinking of U-574 and the loss of twenty-eight crew members. This encounter highlighted the intensifying battle for naval supremacy during World War II.

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Military & Warfare

HMS Ark Royal Sinks After U-81 Torpedo Attack

November 14th, 1941 83 years ago

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.

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Military & Warfare

HMS Greyhound Sinks Italian Submarine Neghelli

January 19th, 1941 84 years ago

HMS Greyhound and escort vessels engaged in a successful operation against the Italian submarine Neghelli in the Aegean Sea, resulting in the destruction of the submarine with all on board. This naval confrontation underscored the ongoing conflict between British forces and Italian naval operations during World War II.

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Military & Warfare

SS Arandora Star Sunk by U-47 Submarine

July 2nd, 1940 84 years ago

The SS Arandora Star, a British passenger and cargo ship, was sunk by the German submarine U-47 in the North Atlantic. The attack occurred in the early hours, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Approximately 1,600 passengers, primarily civilians and Italian internees, were aboard the vessel at the time of the sinking. The tragedy claimed the lives of over 800 individuals, highlighting the dire conditions and risks of maritime transport during wartime, and underscoring the violence of submarine warfare.

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Military & Warfare

London Naval Treaty Limits Submarine Warfare

April 22nd, 1930 94 years ago

The London Naval Treaty was signed by the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States to regulate submarine warfare and limit shipbuilding. This agreement emerged as a response to the naval arms race during the interwar years, focusing on preventing conflicts and ensuring maritime security. The treaty aimed to establish specific limitations on naval tonnage and the size of naval vessels, promoting a balance of naval power among the major maritime nations.

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Military & Warfare

United States Enters World War I Against Germany

April 6th, 1917 107 years ago

The United States Congress declared war on Germany, formally engaging in World War I. This decision came after Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which targeted American merchant ships and threatened U.S. lives. The announcement marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy as it moved from isolationism to active involvement in international conflict. President Woodrow Wilson championed the cause, emphasizing the need to make the world safe for democracy.

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Politics & Government

Wilson Requests War Declaration from Congress

April 2nd, 1917 107 years ago

President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress, requesting a declaration of war against Germany due to continued unrestricted submarine warfare and other provocations. This marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, as the nation shifted from a stance of neutrality to active participation in World War I. Wilson's speech emphasized the need to uphold international law and promote global democracy, setting the tone for American involvement in the conflict.

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