The Baralong Incident Obverse

On August 19, 1915, the German submarine U-27 was in the process of capturing the British steamer Nicosian when HMS Baralong, a Royal Navy Q-ship (a heavily armed decoy merchant ship) came upon the scene disguised as a neutral American freighter and, with the advantage of surprise, fired upon and sank the submarine. Twelve crew members survived, but were ordered shot by Baralong’s captain, Lt. Godfrey Herbert. Once news of the incident broke, the Germans demanded that Herbert and his crew be tried for murder.

Hand holding a knife, sleeve displaying the British Union Jack; to left and right: 19. AUG 1915; laurel branch; around: BARALONG/ MOERDER (“Baralong murder”)