It has been established that six submarines were lost in the barrage and three more so badly damaged that they never again put to sea. However, from further evidence, the British Admiralty officially credit the barrage with fourteen additional, or a total of twenty-three. Two hundred German U-boats were destroyed in the war, or fifty more than the Allies could account for. To err on the conservative side, we claim but eight out of the fourteen credited the barrage by the British Admiralty, or a total of seventeen. This is also the figure arrived at by Captain R. R. Belknap, commander of Mine Squadron 1. What does this figure show? Eight and one-half per cent of the total number of submarines lost during the war were brought into the list of missing by the barrage, which existed for only six per cent of the period of the war. Such results more than justified the effort and time and funds expended.
PLANTING MINES IN THE NORTH SEA
A squadron of American mine planters at work. Inset: Rear Admiral Joseph Strauss, who was in general command of mining operations.
HOW THE BIG MINES IN THE NORTH SEA BARRAGE WORKED
Fig. 1. Mine and Anchor leaving launching rails.
Fig. 2. Fifth wheel released, plummet supported by dashpot.
Fig. 3. Plummet released and unwinding cord.
Fig. 4. Plummet at end of cord. Slip hook pulled off.