U boat in the Dover Straits

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[Stuart2007]

Just read an article in the paper.

A German U boat (33) from WW1 which sank in the channel losing all hands is now causing a hazard to shipping.

It is only in 75 feet of water and apparently it is acually moving due to turbulence from passing ships. They wanted to blow it up until Germany, quite rightly, pointed out that it was a war grave. So now they are planning to tow it into deeper water.

So next time you are on a Dover Calais ferry... look out, theres a U boat ahead.

Stu

[Orinoco]

It's called the English channel for a reason. 

[Stuart2007]

After reading today the floating hotel that used to be the royal navy, I'm quite embaressed to see that flag.

And please be careful. Being patriotic is good. EVERY country should be patriotic, but as we are talking about a German boat- please ensure that you don't offend our German neighbours or indeed, any of our neighbours over in Europe.

Stu

[Orinoco]

After reading today the floating hotel that used to be the royal navy, I'm quite embaressed to see that flag.

And please be careful. Being patriotic is good. EVERY country should be patriotic, but as we are talking about a German boat- please ensure that you don't offend our German neighbours or indeed, any of our neighbours over in Europe.

Stu

I'm never embarrassed by the White Ensign or our Navy Personnel, what I do get embarrassed about, it how little regard our government has for defence issues and spending (prime example, cutting an order for 12 Type 45 destroyers to .

No offence intended folks! Just a bit of banter!

[Stuart2007]

Incidentally, I am very patriotic and, until 1997, used to love my country. However, I should point out that it is only called the English Channel in the English language

the french don't call it that for one!
You might also like to know that the Germans call that stretch of water on our eastern coast... the German sea.

Stu

[greyhill]

I beleive that England named it the english channel before the Royal Navy came into being, so it would have been armed merchant ships that protected the british shores, so it should be the red ensign 

[Stuart2007]

Since the red ensign started its days as the flag of 'red squadron' of the royal navy, I doubt you are right...

And since we have had a royal navy for over 1150 years, I am not sure I can trace the first record of the name English Channel anyway.

Also back in 937, I don't think there were that many armed merchant ships about... more viking long boats and corricles than sea going freighters
Stu

[Orinoco]

I beleive that England named it the english channel before the Royal Navy came into being, so it would have been armed merchant ships that protected the british shores, so it should be the red ensign 

The Senior Service has protected it and the UK from England's mighty Wooden Walls to today, so in my mind, they've earned it. 

[greyhill]

No offence intended folks! Just a bit of banter!

 

[Stuart2007]

The Senior Service has protected it and the UK from England's mighty Wooden Walls to today, so in my mind, they've earned it. 

Quite right, orinoco. Lets be thankful that Nelson wasn't up against the Iranian Navy though

Stu