Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 92.djvu/579

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��The McCombie depth-bomb is fired from a gun like a shell. It has a special ad- vantage insofar as it may be thrown within harbors or other protected areas

leased a depth bomb, though not halting his. speed in the least.

In a moment a great concussion shook the water roundabout, and to the rear of the Fontting a huge column of water rose- high in the air, oil and bubbles following. The powerful ex- plosive, three hundred pounds in weight, and in a steel case, had sunk with a little splash into the destroyer's wake, bringing its message of death and destruction to the shark-like craft.

Meanwhile the Nicholson had ar- rived on the scene, and it too dropped a depth-bomb. Then both boats began cir- cling the area wait- ing developments.

Inside three min- utes developments came. With a splash of water the sub- marine suddenly ap- peared on the sur- face, like a great whale coming up to breathe. It behaved erratically; was evi- dently unmanage- able. The Fanning again bore down, fir- ing from the bow gun. The XichoJson also closed in. But

only a few shots were necessary. Out piled the entire German crew, holding up their hands in token of surrender. Before they could all be transferred the U-boat sank from under them, never to return. Some of the American crew jumped into the water in an attempt to save stragglers.

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��Upon the McCom- bie bomb's alight- ing in the water, a water-ignited fuse sets off ejecting powder. Thereupon bomb separates into three parts, a float, the bomb, and outer shell-case itself

At center of page is bomb before sepa- rating into its three parts. Parts after separation are at left. Entangle- ments catch on pass- ing ship, draw bomb against its side, pro- jecting glass tubes containing fuse- mechanism break, and bomb explodes

��One drowned however, in spite of these efforts. Another later died. Four offi- cers were captured, and thirty-five mem- bers of the crew. The submarine was among the largest in the Germany navy. This is one case of effective work on the part of depth-bombs, and of American sea strategy. It is typical.

Depth-Bombs Are of Many Kinds

What are depth-bombs? Trinitrotoluol or other high explosive in a container. Detonated under water, they cause a

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