Set to the score for Wolfgang Petersen's film Das Boot, Innes McCartney's latest production explores a selection of seven Royal Navy submarine wrecks sunk around the shores of Britain between 1901 and 1951.
The wrecks, chronologically listed, range from the Holland-class vessel considered to be the world's first true submarine to the massive T-class HMS Tantivy. Tragedy surrounds many of these wrecks and some are off-limits to divers. HMS Affray is one such (lost with all hands and considered Britain's Kursk).
Others such as the Monitor-class M2 are popular dive sites, though submarines such as this are also graves and should be treated with the respect they deserve by divers.
Tantivy was sunk as a sonar target in 1947 and is an imposing wreck. Lost and found, it is now owned by Aberdeen SAC and is popular with more experienced divers.
The camera work throughout the half-hour DVD is as clear and moody as the music, though all the heavy breathing was at times distracting. Nevertheless, coupled with historical photographs and an informative narrative, this DVD will whet the appetite of those whose passion is historical wreck diving.
Alex Khachadourian
Lost Submarines of the Royal Navy by Innes McCartney (Periscope Publishing, www.periscopepublishing.com). £13.61 |
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