A British Submarine Fires Its Torpedoes at a Nazi U-Boat

A British submarine on a mission to deliver supplies to Norwegian resistance fighters spots an unsuspecting enemy submarine in 1944. It's simply too good an opportunity to pass up.

[AllansStation]

I am the ex secretary of Scotland North East Branch of the Submariners association, we had 2 members in the branch who served in Venturer during this attack, and l heard their story first hand. I served in World War Two boat Tally Ho. In my 90s now, but never forget my band of brothers in the Submarine Service

[aussievaliant]

What is more impressive about Jimmy Launders is the fact that subsequent to the sinking of U771, he sank U864 as part of Operation Ceasar. Launders, still in command of HMS Venturer, stalked a Type IX (U864) which was on a secret mission ferrying supplies and plans to Japan. What is truly incredible is that Launders detected U864 whilst it was submerged, and U864 detected HMS Venturer whilst it was submerged. The U boat took evasive manoeuvres, but Launders continued to stalk U864. Launders calculated U864's position, course and speed and fired 4 torpedoes, one of which hit U864 which sank with all hands. It is the only time one submarine has sunk another submarine whilst both were submerged. Launders mathematical calculations were very complex, but mathematics was a hobby of his. An amazing man who survived the war and continued to serve the Royal Navy into the 1980s. He passed away in 1988. I came across his medal ribbons here in Australia after his wife, Olive, passed away in 2010. I have tried to investigate Launders further, and even investigated him further when on holiday in the UK. I was met with indifference after making inquiries with the Royal Navy and the Imperial War Museum. Such a shame, as this man was incredible.

[billygowhoop]

Being in a submarine that's been hit by a torpedo must be one of the most horrible experiences. I can only imagine the feeling of helplessness and the constant paranoia that you must feel.

[carloreneeventura]

This guy is 25 years old and able to do his math and hit a moving kriegsmarine vessel..im 27 and i barely know how to do take aways

[scottparis]

Little known fact: British submarines had a dedicated dry-cleaning compartment for keeping those sweaters spotless.

[orakelgottes]

They show the right respect of fellow humans, after sinking the u-boat they didn't cheer up to celebrate but showing concerned feeling about losses of lives .. that's the way to go ...

[gmf]

No real elation from the attacking submariners. They are just relieved that they were not spotted and torpedoed the U boat before it saw them and attacked. I suspect they also empathise with the plight of the crew of the sticken U boat. Enemies they were but they were all fellow Submariners.

[lancepoo]

Looks like they’re having a bit of a Christmas party in there

[Trades]

Interesting how in the Cold War, both the US and Soviets developed hunter killer subs with the primary mission of hunting other subs, but that role never really occurred.

Yet the only recorded attempt of a sub engaging another sub with a torpedo was during WW2.

[mattsterh]

It's got to be nerve wracking being in a submarine, not know who is out there and if someone is watching you.

[aidandahl]

In 6 minutes, this man calculated the position and fired upon a U-Boat.

[chrminid]

2:51 Brits when they sink a sub: *handshake*

Americans when they sink a sub: WHOOOO *highfives*

[geoben]

The timing, and speed in which an attack is executed is the essence of the type of weapon a submarine is. The ability to attack while submerged and undetected and remain submerged during retreat or escape after the attack is the whole concept of the submarine. Run silent, run deep. 🇺🇸

[AlistairClark]

Similar to this, on 15 June 1944, 19 days out of Stavanger on her first, and only war patrol, U-987 was sunk by torpedoes west of Narvik, in the Norwegian Sea. U-987 was attacked by the British submarine HMS Satyr. All Fifty-three of her crew were lost.

[mrcadair]

This story made me think of my time in the service it was amazing at the responsibility that we had at such a young age. Now my days are repetitive and dull miss the good old days

[GameArchiver]

Sailor: Torpedoes away
Captain: Oh jolly good

[_knightz_]

Just imagine knowing you just sunk a submarine, and know that there are people in water and people trapped in the submarine trying to escape.

[alanstrong]

The Battle of The Atlantic was formidable. It was such a long, treacherous ordeal.

[UnionAndroidSRboi]

Royal Navy vs Kriegsmarine ❎
Sweaters vs Jumpers ☑

[infinitecanadian]

They probably saved a lot of lives. We have them to thank.