Our marine archaeologists have been part of a special Historic England commissioned project commissioned to mark the centenary of the 1914-18 conflict. Historic England’s First World War Submarine Wrecks project included an assessment of potential significance of submarine wrecks of the conflict and this identified 47 submarine wrecks lost in that part of UK Territorial Waters that lies off the English coast, mostly German U-boats. 11 wrecks were selected as being of special interest because of their rarity and identity. These wrecks, including the UB-109, were subsequently investigated by teams of geophysicists and archaeologists, with a number subsequently being given protection.
To support professionals and avocational divers carrying out investigations of a First World War submarine wreck to better understand what is likely to be important about that wreck, what from an archaeological perspective should be recorded, and how that can be achieved, the project learnings have been published. The recommendations have been drawn from project experience, as well as from other studies of submarines that were lost both before and shortly after the war. It is not intended as formal guidance, but rather provides examples for consideration.
Approaches to Submarine Wreck Investigations and an appendix of examples can be downloaded here (PDFs added to webpage)
The archaeological report on the investigation and history of the UB-109 wreck can be downloaded from the Historic England website at UB-109 off Folkestone Kent: Archaeological Report | Historic England. The investigation of the wreck was assisted by volunteer divers from the Canterbury and Folkestone branches of the British Sub-Aqua Club.
Please use the links below to read online or to download this report.