The German U-Boat That Beached at Hastings ?

[antsmith]

Hello everyone.

I'm new here, and am hoping you good people of Hastings and St. Leonards might be able to help me out. I'm looking for anyone who remembers, or who has/had relatives or friends that remembers the German U-Boat (UB-118) that beached at Hastings on April 15th 1919.

'm researching this unique event for an internet forum that is based around all things Submarine and U-Boat that I help run.

I appreciate it was a considerably long time ago, but any recollections, or stories, whatever, would be extremely welcome and helpful.

PS: I'm not far from Hastings, in Shoreham By Sea, so I could, if possible come over and visit if need be.

Many Thanks for your time.

[crazy_sussex_lad]

Hi Ant,

From my knowleadge I know that the U-boat was washed onto Hastings beach near Easter time and stayed on the beach for a few months.
I believe chlorine gas killed several coastguards and the U-boat was removed from the beach shortly after.
That probably isn't entirely accurate, but I hope it's still helpful.

CSL



Why is "abbreviation" such a long word?

You'll Never Walk Alone

[Anonymous1]

http://www.coastguardsofyesteryear.org/ ... ple19.html

Bit of info here U 118

[Geoff]

Some info on U118 on our Miscellaneous History page
http://www.hastingschoice.co.uk/HASTING ... istory.htm

Also a couple of pics of the u-boat on the Days Gone By gallery
http://www.hastingschoice.co.uk/HASTING ... photos.htm

hope this helps_ _ _

Geoff

[patrick]

The Hastings Reference Library will have all the details relating to this U-boat and photos etc are available..The Mayor at the time Arthur Blackman organised trips aboard the Sub. for a small charge,the proceedings going towards a fund for the returning soldiers of the war..Full details would be in the Hastings Observer..if you are planning a visit, phone the Library in advance and ask them to have available the relevant paper for you

[Fliss]

The John Manwaring Baines book Historic Hastings is said to be the Bible of local history. Am sure he would have covered this subject.