On this day 84 years ago on 08 May 1942, the submarine HMS Olympus struck a mine shortly after leaving harbour, leading to the death of 89 men and nine survivors.
Olympus had previously embarked survivors from the submarines Pandora, P36 and P39, which had been damaged and sunk during air raids whilst the submarines were alongside in Malta. Among them were Captain Edmonds of P36 and Captain Marriott of P39.
Shortly after departure, the Olympus hit a mine. The damage was catastrophic and it quickly became clear she would not survive. The order to abandon ship was given.
The survivors entered the water approximately seven miles from shore, in temperatures around 10.5°C. What followed was a long swim back to Malta. Many did not make it.
The Italian mining campaign which took place during the siege of Malta, had been extensive, with around 54 000 sea mines deployed, leading to the sinking of 180 ships.
A year earlier, on 9 May 1941, the same minefields claimed the SS Empire Song, with 18 killed. The Empire Song caught two mines in her paravanes (protective shields), the mines exploded and the ship caught fire and sank, taking 57 tanks and 10 aircraft with her.
The use of sea mines had proven very effective. A weapon, that once laid will remain patient until the opportunity to strike appears, often with little or no warning, and often having devastating effects.
The insidious sea mine continues to cause havoc to this day. The fear, hesitation and chaos this weapon can cause, never ceases to amaze.
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