Built with compartmentalisation and endurance not previously achievable, these were the best submarines in the Royal Navy at the start of the First World War.

[3] When war was declared with Germany on 5 August 1914, E3 was based at Harwich, in the 8th Submarine Flotilla of the Home Fleets.

[5] Although 'conned down', the number 83 was clearly visible on the conning tower of the British boat, now identified as such beyond reasonable doubt.

Survivors were visible in the water but fearing a second British submarine might have been lurking nearby, U-27 dived and withdrew.

[5][6] In October 1990, the stern section was snagged by a fishing boat north of Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands, which in turn alerted divers from Zeester.

The stern hatch was open, but the nature of the explosion indicates that men in the engine room and motor compartments would have died instantly.

The motor and engine rooms are fully exposed and have consequently been looted of all removable fittings, including the bell.