UB-121

3D Model

Is this a terrifying relic of the First World War? Resting on the rocks at Birling Gap, East Sussex are the scattered remains of UB-121, a First World War German u-boat surrendered to British forces in 1918. It was being towed to Cherbourg, France as part of reparation payments in the early months of 1920 but broke free of its tow and smashed in the SS Oushla, a steam ship already wrecked on Birling Gap foreshore.

Sources indicate that the bow of UB-121 smashed into the boiler room of the Oushla causing extensive damage to both vessels. The waves then caused UB-121to pivot on its bow and come to rest parallel to the Oushla (see our blog for aerial images). This fragment of wreckage identified by CITiZAN volunteers during fieldwork on the 28 - 29th May 2016 is possibly the port-side bow of the vessel. Explore the model to find out why we believe this could be UB-121!