News / Plinth will mark centenary of submarine sinking
ONE OF the heaviest loss of military life in Shetland during the First World War will be commemorated in Unst this March.
Thirty-one lives were lost when the British submarine HMS E49 struck a German mine between Balta Isle and Huney on 12 March 1917.
Descendants of those who died and representatives from the Royal Navy, as well as local and national politicians, are expected to attend when a plinth overlooking Balta Sound and the two islands sheltering the voe will be unveiled on 12 March to mark the centenary.
“The E49 had come into Baltasound for repairs and was on her way back to sea when disaster struck,” Unst resident Harry Edwards said. “All hands were lost, three officers and 28 crew.”
The former isles policeman has researched the crew and has invited the great-nephew of the submarine’s master and the grandson of the second in command to come to Unst and witness the plinth unveiling ceremony.
The wreckage of the 55-metre long submarine lies in 29 metre of water and was only found in 1988.
Edwards said his research into the crew and what happened on that day in March 1917 will be made available to the Shetland Archive and the Unst Heritage Centre.
Note: YouTube footage of the HMS E49 was taken in 2012 by Andy Jackson of the Scarborough Sub Aqua Club.
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