The remains of a surrendered First World War German U-boat beached in the inter-tidal zone to the west of Humble Bee creek in Stoke Saltings, after being broken up locally in 1921 or 1922. Various candidates have been suggested, including U 122 and U 123; UB 76, UB 93, UB 122, UB 144, UB 145, and UB 150. The wreck in the Medway measures circa 50m, more consistent with the dimensions of a UB type vessel than a U type. The identity most persistently suggested for this vessel is the remains of UB 122, which, however, was recorded at Portsmouth for sinking in deep water in 1921. This wreck can be seen on aerial photographs taken in 1946 and was still visible in 2011. It was mapped from aerial photographs as part of the English Heritage: Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project. A neighbouring wreck is the remains of the SWALE, recorded at 1538287. This is a really significant site. Although this particular U-boat probably did not see active service (it was probably completed just before the Armistice, or afterwards), it is an example of the most numerous class of U-boats which had a profound impact on Allied and neutral shipping and seafarers in 1917-18. This example was hulked after being partly scrapped, but UB III class U-boats were active in the North Sea and so the wreck is still, to a degree, 'in context'. As it is in the intertidal zone this U-boat is relatively accessible compared to other examples that are submerged, especially in terms of visualisation by the public. The remains of the U-boat are substantial even though major components have been removed; the decayed condition of the wreck makes it possible to see details of how U-boats were constructed.

Period

Modern (1901 and later)

Period comments

Lost after surrender 1921

The earliest date of the feature, as a year, if known

1921

The latest date of the feature, as a year, if known

1921

Monument Type - Broad

Wreck

Monument Type - Narrow

Monument Description

The remains of a vessel, which has either sunk or suffered structural damage to the extent where it can no longer function.

Evidence Type - Broad

Evidence Type - Narrow

Evidence Description

Object Type - Broad

Object Type - Narrow

Object Description

Other records:

NRHE Number

900735

NT HBSMR Number

Unknown

HER Event Number

Unknown

External Link

None

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