When U-8 became entangled in the Dover Barrage, Gurkha, Viking, Maori, and Nubian converged on the trapped submarine. Gurkha's trailed explosive sweep helped force U-8 to the surface, where the destroyers shelled it into surrender. Such sweeps were usually unreliable despite this success. Gurkha also took part in the bombardment of Zeebrugge in August 1915 before a mine sank her off Dungeness in February 1917 with only five survivors. Her nearby wreck is now a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
Notable Point · 28:03-30:37
HMS Gurkha attacks U-8 at the Dover Barrage
Gurkha's career demonstrates both the improvised explosive sweep used against U-8 and the mine danger facing Dover Patrol destroyers.