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M2 PRESS RELEASE The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) is planning a series of events this autumn to mark the 75th anniversary of the loss of 60 sailors and airmen when their unique aeroplane-launching submarine sank during exercises off Lyme Bay, Dorset.From: Mark Beattie-Edwards, Project Manager, Nautical Archaeology Society Tel: 023 92 818419 Email: mark@nasportsmouth.org.uk Date: 18th July 2007 Portland submarine disaster to be commemoratedThe highlight of the commemorations will be the laying of a White Ensign over the wreck of the M2 submarine by Ministry of Defence service personnel and recreational divers who will dive the wreck between 3rd - 5th September. The flag is being laid on behalf of project partners the NAS, the Fleet Air Arm Museum, and the Dorset Branch of the Submariners Association. A further memorial service will take place at St.Andrew’s Church in Southwell, Portland on 9th December to commemorate the Royal Navy’s abandonment of its salvage attempts that month in 1932. Three years before the disaster, the M2 had been adapted to launch a seaplane from its hold using a catapult mechanism. It is believed that the disaster happened because the submarine’s hangar doors were opened before it had properly surfaced. The entire crew perished and with the exception of two, whose bodies were recovered, remain inside the hull. In November 2006 the wreck was designated a Protected Place under the Protection of Military Remains Act (since November 2006). “We wish not only to remember the 60 sailors and airmen who lost their lives in the disaster, but also to remind the public and recreational scuba divers of her protected status.” says Mark Beattie-Edwards, Project Manager with the NAS. Commander Rupert Best DL, President of the Dorset Branch of the Submariners' Association, said: "We are most grateful to the Nautical Archaeology Society for all that they are doing to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the loss of the M2 in 1932. In the early days, submarines often operated at the limits of technology and lives were lost as new concepts and techniques were developed and brave men explored the operational and technical boundaries of undersea warfare. It was such people as these who performed so valiantly and with such sacrifice during the Second World War. Today's submariners are the inheritors and beneficiaries of their dedication and professionalism. M2 was a unique example of a new design in an age of innovation and we honour her crew and all those submariners who died for their country in peacetime, just as we grieve for the families they left behind." The project partners plan to produce a Christmas card based on one sent in 1932 by Jack Lewis, a crewman on the M2 who died when it sank. The original card has recently come to light and has been made available to the project and the Submariners Association. The cards will be available to buy from the NAS and other project partners during December. The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton (www.fleetairarm.com) plans to host an exhibition on the M2 submarine and the 75th anniversary project from January 2008. Project Timetable The timetable of the M2 Submarine 75th Anniversary Project is currently:
Project Supporters The Project has already received significant support from the following organisations, without which the commemoration would not be possible.
Jane Maddocks, Wreck Protection and Underwater Heritage advisor for the British Sub-Aqua Club has stated that 'for years the M2 has been an iconic dive, but we should never forget that the crew are still inside the boat. This means that we should dive her with respect. As a past Diving Officer of HMS Dolphin Sub Aqua Club I know that this boat is special, and that submariners who dive her still feel an affinity with those inside the hull'. The BSAC is proud to sponsor the commemoration event. Suzanne Pleydell, Group Manager, Education and Instructor Development at PADI says that "Sport divers often take such an active role in researching, discovering, managing and protecting our maritime heritage; PADI are delighted to be able to help raise awareness about our nautical history, the laws in place to protect sites and to be involved in commemorating the tragic loss of lives of so many sailors and airmen" The project has received considerable support from the local Dorset diving industry through the generosity of Divedorset (www.divedorset.com), who are providing support boats throughout the diving operations. Adam Clifton from Divedorset has stated that "Divedorset is keen to support any venture which seeks to raise the profile of Dorset's rich maritime heritage whilst remembering those lost at sea" Press Day The Project will hold a press day on the dive boat on 4th September during diving operations. During the day it is planned that a Lynx helicopter from the Fleet Air Arm will lay a wreath over the site of the M2 wreck.
To reserve a place on the boat on Press Day, or for further information, contact Mark Beattie-Edwards at the NAS (details above/below). Spaces are limited and are not guaranteed. Members of the press are also invited to attend the memorial service at the St. Andrew’s Church on the 9th December. Background information on the M2 submarine The M2 was one of four M-class submarines. In addition to the traditional torpedo armament, these submarines all carried a single 12-inch turret mounted gun in front of the conning tower that could hole a battleship. The M2's gun turret was removed in 1927 and replaced with a hanger and launching catapult for a seaplane.
On the morning of 26 January 1932 the M2 was taking part in submarine exercises in the eastern part of Lyme Bay. Several other ships saw the M2 dive. It was not seen again. The M2 failed to return to Weymouth that evening. Given the vulnerability of submarines on the surface the crew of the M2 underwent regular drill in order to surface, launch the plane and dive again as quickly as possible. It is thought that it was during one these drills that disaster struck: trying to improve their launch speed, the hanger doors were opened a few seconds too early in anticipation of breaking the surface. Having opened the doors too early, the submarine took on water and sank rapidly. The M2 was found eight days later by Navy hardhat divers, sitting upright and intact. They reported that the hanger doors were open, as well as the 21-inch access hatch that connected the hanger to the submarine. Entangled in the wreckage of the plane were the bodies of aircraft technician Leslie Gregory and Leading Seaman Albert Jacobs. The rest of the 58 crew had drowned inside where their remains rest to this day. Had the access hatch been closed after the two crewmen entered the hangar, the remaining crew may have survived. The salvage operation lasted 11 months, involving 26 divers and 1500 dives, before being called off just before Christmas. Note to Editors For further information on the Nautical Archaeology Society please visit www.nasportsmouth.org.uk or contact Mark Beattie-Edwards (Project Manager), Tel: 02392 818419 or email: mark@nasportsmouth.org.uk
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