SM UB-122: A Profile of the German Type UB III Submarine
The SM UB-122 was a specialized submarine, known as a U-boat, operated by the German Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) during the closing stages of World War I. As a member of the Type UB III class, it represented the evolution of coastal submarine design, balancing agility with the endurance required for wartime patrols.
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Key Facts
- Class: Type UB III submarine.
- Builder: AG Weser, Bremen.
- Commission Date: March 4, 1918.
- Armament: Five 50 cm torpedo tubes and one 8.8 cm deck gun.
- Fate: Surrendered in November 1918 and scuttled in July 1921.
Development and Construction
The SM UB-122 was ordered between February 6 and 8, 1917, and constructed by AG Weser in Bremen. The vessel was laid down on May 21, 1917, and launched shortly before the end of the war on February 2, 1918. The total cost of construction was 3,654,000 German Papiermark.
The boat was officially commissioned into service on March 4, 1918, under the command of Oblt.z.S. Alexander Magnus, who led the vessel throughout its active operational life.
Technical Specifications
The Type UB III was designed for versatility. The SM UB-122 featured a surfaced displacement of 512 tonnes (504 long tons), which increased to 643 tonnes (633 long tons) when submerged. Its physical dimensions included a length of 55.85 meters, a beam of 5.80 meters, and a draught of 3.72 meters.
Propulsion and Performance
The submarine utilized a dual propulsion system to handle different operational environments. For surface travel, it relied on two Körting four-stroke 6-cylinder diesel engines producing 1,050 bhp (780 kW), allowing for a top speed of 13.9 knots. When submerged, it switched to two Siemens-Schuckert electric motors providing 780 shp (580 kW), reaching a speed of 7.6 knots.
Its range was significant for its class, capable of traveling 7,280 nautical miles at 6 knots on the surface, while its submerged range was limited to 55 nautical miles at 4 knots. The vessel had a certified test depth of 50 meters.
Armament and Crew
The SM UB-122 was equipped for offensive strikes with five 50 cm (19.7 in) torpedo tubes—four located at the bow and one at the stern—carrying a total of 10 torpedoes. For surface engagements, it carried a single 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun. The crew complement consisted of 3 officers and 31 men.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 55.85 m |
| Surfaced Displacement | 512 t |
| Submerged Displacement | 643 t |
| Max Surface Speed | 13.9 knots |
| Max Submerged Speed | 7.6 knots |
| Torpedo Tubes | 5 (4 bow, 1 stern) |
| Deck Gun | 1 × 8.8 cm |
Operational History and Fate
During its service, the SM UB-122 was assigned to the III Flotilla from July 7 to November 11, 1918. Despite conducting two patrols, the submarine recorded no victories.
Following the Armistice with Germany, the UB-122 was surrendered to the Allies at Harwich on November 20, 1918. After being exhibited in Southampton in December 1918, the vessel was laid up at Portsmouth. It was eventually scuttled—intentionally sunk to prevent capture or reuse—in the English Channel on July 1, 1921.
Historical records occasionally show confusion regarding its final resting place. While Admiralty documents confirm its scuttling in the English Channel, some sources have mistakenly associated the UB-122 with submarine wrecks found in the Medway. However, official documentation clarifies that the Medway wrecks were actually the UB-144, UB-145, or UB-150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who commanded the SM UB-122?
The submarine was commanded by Oblt.z.S. Alexander Magnus from its commissioning on March 4, 1918, until November 11, 1918.
What was the primary armament of the UB-122?
The vessel was armed with five 50 cm torpedo tubes (four in the bow and one in the stern) with a capacity of 10 torpedoes, as well as one 8.8 cm deck gun.
How many victories did the SM UB-122 achieve?
Despite completing two patrols during its service with the III Flotilla, the SM UB-122 recorded no victories.
What happened to the SM UB-122 after World War I?
The submarine surrendered to the Allies at Harwich in November 1918, was exhibited at Southampton, and was later scuttled in the English Channel on July 1, 1921.
Is the SM UB-122 located in the Medway?
No. Although some sources suggest this, Admiralty documents confirm it was scuttled in the English Channel; the wrecks in the Medway are identified as UB-144, UB-145, or UB-150.