The Incredible Untold Story of the Unheard Unseen Submarine E14 and Its Heroic Adventures in the Dardanelles

The Dardanelles campaign during World War I is often remembered for its devastating losses, heroic sacrifices, and strategic failures. However, lurking beneath the surface of the tumultuous battle, there is an extraordinary and lesser-known tale that involves the unheard unseen submarine E14. This article will delve into the captivating account of the E14's remarkable feats and the indomitable spirit of its crew.

The Birth of an Unsung Hero

The E14 was an E-class submarine that was commissioned by the Royal Navy. It embarked on its maiden voyage in early 1915, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Edward Boyle. Little did Boyle know that his vessel would soon become a silent and unseen force to be reckoned with in the treacherous waters of the Dardanelles.

Equipped with a crew of 32 dedicated submariners, the E14's primary mission was to disrupt enemy shipping and hinder the Ottoman Empire's control over the vital sea route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea.

Unheard, Unseen: Submarine E14 and the Dardanelles

by David Boyle(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	500 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A Game of Cat and Mouse

Operating in the narrow and heavily fortified strait, the E14 faced constant threats from enemy warships, mines, and other dangers lurking beneath the surface. Despite these challenges, the submarine consistently outmaneuvered its adversaries, earning itself the nickname "The Ghost of the Dardanelles."

One of the E14's most audacious missions occurred in the summer of 1915 when it managed to penetrate deep into the Dardanelles, navigating through minefields and evading relentless enemy fire. Its objective was to disrupt supply lines and destroy enemy warships that posed a significant threat to the Allied forces.

A Lightning Strike

Under the cover of darkness, the E14 unleashed a surprise torpedo attack and successfully sunk numerous enemy warships, severely weakening the Ottoman naval defenses. The daring assault not only inflicted heavy losses on the enemy but also boosted the morale of the Allied forces, who were desperately seeking a breakthrough in the campaign.

The submarine's success did not go unnoticed, and Commander Boyle was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire, for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the mission.

Unseen Sacrifices

However, the E14's triumphs came at a high cost. During its time in the Dardanelles, the submarine endured relentless attacks, sustaining severe damage on multiple occasions. Despite the constant threat of annihilation, the crew of the E14 remained resilient and tenacious, driven by their unwavering determination to contribute to the ongoing war effort.

In February 1918, the E14 was finally forced to surface due to persistent mechanical problems during a covert operation. Rather than surrendering to enemy forces, the crew opted to scuttle the submarine, ensuring that its valuable technology and secrets would remain out of enemy hands.

An Unforgettable Legacy

The E14's remarkable achievements often go unrecognized, overshadowed by the larger narrative of the Dardanelles campaign. However, its heroic exploits and the sacrifices made by its crew should never be forgotten.

The unheard unseen submarine E14 and its courageous submariners represented the epitome of bravery and dedication in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their enduring legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who served in the Royal Navy and fought for a better future.

Unheard, Unseen: Submarine E14 and the Dardanelles

by David Boyle(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	500 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

New Year 1915.

The world is locked in a terrible conflict, and Winston Churchill has conceived of a bold plan. Constantinople would be seized and Turkey knocked out of the war.

The key is the Dardanelles.

The British submarine E14 approached the portal of the Ottoman Empire, viewing the ominous darkness from its small conning tower, eight feet above the waves.

Its commander, Courtney Boyle, had told his superiors he thought the voyage – probably the longest dive ever contemplated in a submarine – was impossible. It would also take him past the wreckage of the submarines that had tried to pass that way in the days before: their dead buried on the beach, their survivors in captivity.

The crew had said their goodbyes. They had written their farewell letters and given them into safekeeping, knowing that the chances were now against their survival.

This book sets out what happened next and tells the story of the pioneering submarines of the Dardanelles.

David Courtney Boyle, born 1958, is a British author and journalist who writes mainly about history and new ideas in economics, money, business, and culture. He lives in Steyning in West Sussex.