Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Southsea Common

HM Submarine E-3

Submarine E3 had been detailed to patrol off the Island of Borkum in the North Sea. However Submarine E3 was sighted, whilst on the surface, by the German U-Boat U-27. The Commander of U-27 fired his torpedoes and sank E3. It is reported that four of the crew were seen in the water after the Submarine sank but the Commander of U-27 (Lieutenant Commander Bernhard Wegener) was unwilling to close the area to make a rescue as he was concerned that there was another British Submarine in the area. When he finally closed the area of the sinking all four had vanished. As a result all of the crew of Submarine E3 died in the sinking.

Leading Seaman Stanley Vernon Coutanche
Royal Navy, HMS Submarine E3
18/10/1914

1914-15 Star

 

 

 

Son of Francis John and Susan Mary Coutanche, of 1 Langley Cottage, Poonah Road, St Helier, Jersey. Educated at OW National School and a member of the Rechebites. In the Navy for 10 years prior to his death.

Killed in action, aged 26 years

 

The first submarine loss of the Great War