Portsmouth: Where depth charges were developed

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In 1916 Britain needed a new weapon to counter the growing threat from U-boats. The world’s first adjustable depth charge was developed at HMS Vernon in Portsmouth by a civilian engineer, Herbert Taylor. By the end of the war, depth charges had helped to account for around 178 U-boats. Prototype depth charges were dropped over the side of a ship with a rope attached to the detonator. Herbert Taylor designed a “pistol” which relied on water pressure to activate the charge. The pistol could be pre-set to fire at different depths. Depth charge throwers were developed to allow ships to achieve a safe distance from the explosion. British vessels were equipped with the new weapon from January 1916. They were so successful that the designs were passed to America to boost production. It later emerged that patents were claimed by American Naval officers and it is unclear whether Herbert Taylor was ever fully paid. Location: Portsmouth PO1 3TY Image: Imperial War Museums, Q 18856