The news of the sinking of a German submarine by a Woolston-built destroyer spread rapidly throughout Southampton, eliciting widespread jubilation among the populace.
The early reports, while inaccurate in their identification of the submarine as U-20, nonetheless confirmed a significant victory for the Allied forces.
The submarine that fell victim to HMS Ariel was, in fact, U-12, a highly capable German vessel renowned for its advanced technology and skilled crew.
The encounter took place in the waters off Aberdeen, where the British destroyers had been conducting a search operation following reports of U-12's presence in the area.
The engagement began when HMS Attack spotted the German submarine and immediately opened fire.
HMS Ariel, under the command of Lieutenant Commander JV Creagh, and HMS Acheron joined the assault, converging on the target.
U-12 attempted to evade the attack by diving, but its periscope betrayed its position, allowing HMS Ariel to ram it.
The submarine was damaged severely, and its crew were forced to abandon ship.
However, their escape was hindered by a jammed conning tower hatch, which compelled them to exit through other openings.
Despite the challenges, approximately ten of the 28 crew members managed to escape before the submarine sank.
The German crew were captured and taken prisoner by Allied forces.
The destroyers then proceeded to fire upon the sinking submarine, ensuring its destruction. The loss of U-12 was a significant blow to the German submarine fleet, which was believed to consist of approximately eleven vessels at that time.
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