The German submarine U-8 entered the Channel on a war patrol on 4th March. She was spotted on the surface in mist by HM Destroyer VIKING which opened fire. The submarine dived undamaged, and fired one torpedo which missed. Now forced to remain submerged, U-8 worked her way into the Straits of Dover where she became entangled in an anti submarine net. HM Drifter ROBURN saw the indicator buoys bobbing, sending radio messages for Dover based destroyers to assist her. An anti-submarine sweep wire fitted with explosive charges towed by HM Destroyer GURKHA fouled an obstruction and the explosives were detonated. This brought U-8 to the surface. HMS GURKHA and MAORI opened fire hitting the conning tower and the German CO then stepped up on deck with his hands raised in surrender. U-8's crew were taken off and a destroyer attempted to tow her back to Dover. However, the seacocks had been opened and she sank in 16 fathoms. The prisoners were taken to HMS ARROGANT at Dover. Builder: Germaniawerft Engine HP: 225 Armament: 2 x bow TT, 2 x stern TT. Owner: German Navy Master: Stoch. Alfred Crew: 29 Crew Lost: 0 Passengers: 0 Date of Loss Qualifier: A Additional sources cited in United Kingdom Shipwreck Index. SUB. p17; The Killing Time, Gray.E 1972 p91,93-4; BUB. P31

Around 2014 the wreck was illegally dived and a propellor stolen. The propellor was recovered by Kent Police in 2014 and returned to the German navy at a ceremony in 2015.

<1> United Kingdom shipwreck index, Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6340.