HMS L2

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HMS L2 was a British L class submarine built by Vickers, Barrow. She was laid down on 18 May 1916, launched 6 July 1917 and was commissioned on 18 December 1917. She was originally names E58.

HMS L2 survived a fierce accidental attack by 3 American destroyers on 24 February 1918. The first heavy depth charge jammed the hydroplanes hard up. This cause a tremendous inclination to the stern with the tail of the submarine touching the sea bed at 300ft. 4 more heavy depth charges exploded shaking the boat. The skipper Lieut Cmdr Anworth gave the order to blow ballast tanks no 5 and 6. L2 surfaced and came under fire by the 3 destroyers from about 1500 yards. One shot struck the pressure hull just abaft the conning tower. The crew waved white ensigns and fired rifles and the destroyers ceased fire. She survived the encounter.

HMS L2 sailed to Hong Kong in 1919 and then was placed in the Reserve Flotilla in Hong Kong in 1923.

HMS L2 was finally sold in March 1930, and arrived in April at Ward, Grays for break up.

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