U-52 was a roughly 700-ton surfaced submarine with four torpedo tubes, seven torpedoes, two 88 mm guns, and unremarkable speed and endurance for its type. A range of 9,400 nautical miles at eight knots on the surface contrasted with only 55 nautical miles at five knots submerged. Across only four patrols, however, she sank nearly 70,000 gross registered tons of merchant shipping as well as major warships and auxiliaries. Her victims included the Town-class light cruiser HMS Nottingham during the German sortie of 19 August 1916. Nottingham's loss alerted the Royal Navy to the submarine presence when the German plan depended on drawing out and dividing British forces after Jutland, so one tactical success also compromised the larger operation.
Chapter · 2:01:38-2:05:13
U-52's four patrols and the strategic cost of Nottingham's loss
A modest Type U 51 boat achieved an exceptional record, while its sinking of HMS Nottingham helped expose the submarine screen supporting a German post-Jutland operation.