The Espadron (Swordfish) was commissioned in 1960. In 1961, as she served as a target for mock torpedo exercises, she was hit by two inert torpedoes, damaging her propeller. She nevertheless managed to surface, but had to be towed to Toulon. In September of the same year, while cruising underwater, she collided with the German submarine U766, sustaining extensive damage to her bow and to the front of her sail.
Mike would have thought that was enough and jumped ship!
Wait, there's more.
On 13 August 1963 a fire in the torpedo room wounded and intoxicated four sailors, one of whom later died of his wounds. Then in May 1964, Espadon and Marsouin steamed under sea ice in the Norwegian Sea as far as 70° north. Espadon undertook significant modifications from 1966 to 1968, notably upgrading her sonar, sail and rudders.
Espadon has been a museum ship at the "ville-port" of Saint-Nazaire in the German-built submarine base since 1987
 |
The Espadron. Now housed inside the old German Fortified lock. |
 |
"Here's to swimming with Bow Legged women!" |
 |
"We dive at Dawn." |
 |
For'ard Torpedo room. |
.
Both Jackie and I enjoyed this immensely. Tickets from L'escal Atlantique office.
If you suffer from claustrophobia it might not be a good idea but it passes a very pleasant hour.
