|
|
Here we see a close-up view of the superstructure of the Type XB Minelaying Submarine U-118, as she attempted to fight off an attack by aircraft from USS Bogue (CVE-9) on 12 June 1943. The 105mm gun on the foredeck can just be made out, as can the 20mm gun on the back of the tower (surrounded by a circular rail). Some of the crew can be seen on the top of the tower and others attempting to reach the guns, although the depth charge explosion close by won't have made their job easy. The submarine remained on the surface until she was blown in half by the air attack, with the loss of all but sixteen of her crew.
In the bottom centre of the picture you can just make out the circular end of another depth charge which is about to enter the water.