History of Sorts

Cornelis Jacobszoon Drebbel was a Dutch engineer and inventor. He was the builder of the first operational submarine in 1620, but it was not until 150 years later that they were first used in naval combat.

The world’s first submarine attack occurred during the American Revolutionary War, on September 7, 1776. This historical event was conducted using a revolutionary craft known as the Turtle, designed by American inventor David Bushnell. The Turtle is often regarded as the first combat submarine, and its mission was aimed at disrupting British naval dominance in the waters around New York City.

The Design of the Turtle

The Turtle was a small, one-man submersible shaped like two turtle shells joined together, hence its name. It was made of wood reinforced with iron and sealed with pitch for waterproofing. Measuring about 6 feet long and 3 feet wide, the submarine was cramped, with barely enough space for the operator. Inside, it had a rudimentary air supply and was powered by hand-cranked propellers, one for forward movement and one for vertical motion.

The submarine was equipped with a unique explosive device—a keg of gunpowder attached to a time fuse. The idea was for the operator to attach this explosive to the hull of an enemy ship, retreat safely, and let the bomb detonate after a timed delay.

The Mission

The Turtle’s target was the British warship HMS Eagle, the flagship of Admiral Richard Howe, which was anchored in the New York Harbor. The Turtle was piloted by Sergeant Ezra Lee, who volunteered for this dangerous mission. Late at night, Lee submerged and carefully navigated the dark waters toward the HMS Eagle.

Upon reaching the Eagle, Lee attempted to attach the explosive to the ship’s hull by drilling into the wooden surface with an auger. However, due to the copper sheathing used on the lower hull of the Eagle, the drill failed to penetrate the ship’s exterior. After several unsuccessful attempts and running low on air, Lee was forced to abandon the operation.

As daylight began to break, Lee released the explosive into the water and made his escape. The bomb eventually detonated, though it was far from the British vessel. While the attack itself was a failure, it startled the British Navy, demonstrating the potential of submarine warfare for the first time.

Significance

Though the Turtle’s mission did not succeed in sinking the HMS Eagle, it marked the first use of a submarine in warfare. The design and concept of the Turtle were pioneering, foreshadowing the future of underwater combat. Submarines would later play a crucial role in naval warfare, especially during the 20th century in both World Wars.

David Bushnell’s invention, though ahead of its time, laid the foundation for more advanced submarines, leading to the development of the modern vessels we know today. The Turtle’s attempt in 1776 remains a significant moment in the history of military technology.

Sources

https://www.handshouse.org/a-brief-history-of-the-turtle

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/worlds-first-submarine-attack