Motorised Submersible Canoe

Sleeping Beauty
Class overview
NameMotorised Submersible Canoe
Operators United Kingdom Special Operations Executive
Succeeded bySwimmer Delivery Vehicle
General characteristics
TypeWet sub
Displacement600 pounds (270 kg)
Length12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Beam2 ft 3 in (0.69 m)
PropulsionOne 24v electric motor (5 hp), powered by four 6v batteries
Speed4.4 knots (8.1 km/h) maximum, 3.5 knots (6.5 km/h) cruise
Range40 nautical miles (74 km)
Test depth50 ft (15 m)
CrewSingle occupancy
ArmamentNine limpet mines, 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) of explosives

The Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC), nicknamed Sleeping Beauty, was an underwater vehicle built by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the Second World War. It was designed to enable a single frogman to sabotage enemy ships, though it would also be used for short-range reconnaissance. They were replaced by the diver propulsion vehicle after the end of the war.

Design

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History

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MSCs were initially conceived of in an attempt to create an improved version of the simplistic folboat.[1] It was created by the Allied Inter-Services Research Bureau[2] and designed by Major Hugh Reeves, R.E.,[3] who was also given the task of designing an 'unspecified device' for an underwater approach[citation needed] at the confidential research area Station IX. based on an idea from Lt Col "Blondie" Hasler[4] which he called the 'underwater glider' and developed at Aston House to Hasler's specifications.[5] The design process began in 1942[3] and had all but finished by the end of 1943.[6]

It was originally called the "Underwater Glider", but nicknamed as the "Sleeping Beauty" before finally being officially named the Motorised Sumersible Canoe.[2] According to one story, the craft became known as "Sleeping Beauty" after Reeves was discovered sleeping in it by a passing officer.[7]

Although originally commissioned for naval battles, Reeves believed that the craft could be sold to civilians to use for pearl-diving and salvage diving.[8]

Specifications

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Cutaway image of Sleeping Beauty (Popular Science – March 1947)

Built from mild steel, the canoe was 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 m) long with a beam of 27 inches (0.69 m). A 5 hp electric motor powered by four 6-volt batteries gave the craft a maximum possible speed of of 4.4 knots (8.1 km/h). At a crusing speed of 3.1 knots (5.7 km/h), it could travel 30 to 40 nautical miles (56 to 74 km). Its maximum operating depth was 50 feet (15 m).[9]

The Sleeping Beauty was designed to carry up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) of explosives.[10] Located near the pilot's legs were ballast tanks that could either be filled with water or compressed air.[11]

Although the Sleeping Beauty was designed to accommodate only one pilot, a later model did attempt to produce a two-man version post war.[9] [page needed]

Operation

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The MSC moved in several different manners. One of these was nicknamed "porpoising". When "porpoising", the pilot would allow the craft to briefly rise to the surface, re-orientate themselves, then fully re-enter the water in order to move.[1][11] Alternatively, the pilot would submerge the craft and, guided only by a compass, travel completely underwater.[12] Movement was controlled by means of a joystick attached the two ballast tanks.[11] Upon nearing a target, the pilot would exit the craft and swim the rest of the way.[1] They would then attach one of the nine magnetic limpet mines to the side of the enemy ship.[11][13] The MSC could also be used for reconnaissance, although its main purpose was for sabotage and attacks.[13][1]

Operational service

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Following Operation Jaywick, a successful 1943 Allied raid in Singapore which used folboats to destroy several Japanese ships, the leader of the raid, Ivan Lyon, a British Lieutenant Colonel and member of the Z Special Unit, was brought to view and train on the Sleeping Beauties.[1] Lyon planned to use the canoes during Operation Rimau in an attempt to sabotauge Japanese ships.[13] However, after being found by a Japanese patrol boat during the raid, the canoes were scuttled and Ivan Lyon and his men were killed, captured, and executed.[1] Operatives at Careening Bay continued to be trained on MSCs, but few men were ever able to use them effectively and they never entered into widespread usage.[11]

During the summer of 1944, "Sleeping Beauty Number 72" was delivered to the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS). It was used for training until August 1945.[13]

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "The Sleeping Beauties". www.sea.museum. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b Ross 2010, p. 3
  3. ^ a b Ross 2010, p. 6
  4. ^ Southby-Tailyour, 1998, p74
  5. ^ Southby-Tailyour, 1998, p126
  6. ^ Rees 2008, p. 263
  7. ^ Rees 2008, p. 248
  8. ^ Rees 2008, p. 247
  9. ^ a b Rees, 2008
  10. ^ "BBC - History - World Wars: British Special Operations Executive (SOE): Tools and Gadgets Gallery". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Motorised Submersible Canoe "Sleeping Beauty"". www.collectionswa.net.au. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  12. ^ Thompson, Peter A.; Macklin, Robert (2007). Kill the tiger : Operation Rimau and the battle for Southeast Asia. Maverick House. p. 12. ISBN 978-1-905379-39-2.
  13. ^ a b c d "News Archive 25". www.mcdoa.org.uk. Retrieved 31 October 2024.

Bibliography

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