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The Sinking of the Centurion by German U-20 in 1915

The Fateful Encounter of the U-20 and the Centurion

On the 19th of March, 1915, the waters south-east of Ireland witnessed a tragic maritime incident when the German submarine U-20 sank the British merchant ship Centurion. This event was part of World War I, where naval warfare took precedence, and the ensuing tensions led to several losses of both civilian and military ships.

German U-20: A Key Player in Naval Warfare

The U-20 was one of the most infamous submarines of its time, commissioned into the Imperial German Navy. Under the command of Captain Walther Schwieger, the submarine was tasked with disrupting Allied shipping routes, a strategic maneuver aimed at weakening Britain's war effort. In just one year since its launch, U-20 had already made headlines for its successful attacks.

The Tragedy of the Centurion

The Centurion, a British merchant vessel, was serving its fare under the flag of commerce and had no direct involvement in military activities. On that fateful day, while navigating through the seemingly calm waters, the Centurion was torpedoed without warning. The attack resulted in the deaths of 29 crew members, sending shockwaves through the maritime community.

Impact of the Sinking on Naval Warfare

The sinking of the Centurion highlighted the brutal reality of underwater warfare, which was a defining characteristic of WWI. The use of submarines by Germany marked a shift in naval tactics, as these stealthy vessels began targeting not only military ships but also commercial ones, causing significant civilian casualties.

Global Reactions to the U-20’s Actions

The incident raised eyebrows across the globe, as the loss of civilian lives at the hands of military engagements was increasingly scrutinized. International discourse began to pivot towards the implications of unrestricted submarine warfare, which would later become a central issue in diplomatic relations between the warring nations.

Legacy of the Centurion’s Sinking

The events surrounding the sinking of the Centurion were not just another statistic of war; they became part of a wider narrative questioning the ethics of naval warfare. The ensuing outrage led to changes in naval engagement rules, as rules of engagement came under review for both the Allied and Central Powers.

Fun Fact

Centurion's Interesting Fact

The Centurion, before its ill-fated journey, was primarily used for trading, often transporting goods across perilous waters of the Atlantic.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on the U-20 and Naval Warfare

For a deeper exploration into the significance of U-boat warfare and events like this, consider reading "The Great War at Sea: 1914-1918" and "U-Boat Wars: A History of the German Submarine Force". These resources effectively encapsulate the critical role of submarines during World War I.