Standard riposte

“I read with interest about the recent auction of a German ensign from U 2326,” emails Roderick Stewart. “This ensign was previously sold in Essex in November 2015 and I have always been surprised at its good condition. Flags become quickly frayed when worn at sea and a ship or submarine will carry several ensigns; the apparently pristine condition of the auctioned ensign would suggest little use.

“By contrast the two surrendered naval dirks (they are not ‘daggers’) now onboard HMS Unicorn are in worn condition and of poor quality manufacture as might be expected for a non-essential luxury in wartime. In many ways the surprise is that these dirks exist at all, as most such ceremonial accoutrements were placed ‘in abeyance’ in wartime and would normally be left safely ashore during a patrol.

“The picture below shows U 2326 berthing at the Western Wharf, watched by an interested crowd. Her official surrender took place onboard Unicorn (then HMS Cressy) and the story is my standard riposte to the regular, slightly patronising remark people make that ‘Unicorn never fired her guns in anger.’

“Many warships have never fired their guns in anger; indeed it can be argued that they have failed in their deterrent purpose if they do. I don’t know of any other Napoleonic warship to have taken the surrender of a U-boat.”

Roderick Stewart has provided this photograph of U 2326 berthing at the Western Wharf, Dundee, watched by an interested crowd. See more on left.