Franco-German War (1870-71).
Little or nothing in the matter of torpedo operations was attempted by the Germans, and on the part of the French nothing whatever.
Germans employed Submarine Mines.—Electrical and mechanical mines were placed in several of the German harbours, the former containing about 200 lbs. of dualine, the latter some 80 lbs. of gunpowder. The only attempt to destroy French ships by means of offensive torpedoes was made by the German vessel the Grille, off Rügen, which resulted in failure.
In laying down and in picking up after the war was over their mechanical mines, several exploded, killing some ten to fifteen men.
Boats necessary.—Towards the end of the war, the Germans were constructing special torpedo boats, believing that such were necessary for the complete defence of harbours. This war added another proof of the moral worth of submarine mines; the French fleet not daring to approach German waters supposed to be defended by such means.