Description
The UC 14 was a submarine that served during World War I and was part of the UC I Class Boat. Commissioned on June 5, 1915, it served in both the Pola Flotilla and the Flandern Flotilla during its career. Its first commander was Oberleutnant zur Zee Cäsar Bauer, who served from June 5, 1915, until January 6, 1916, before being relieved by Oberleutnant zur See Franz Becker.
During its service, the UC 14 was responsible for sinking a total of 14 Allied ships and two warships. Its class of submarines was unique in that they were mine layers and did not carry deck guns or torpedoes. Sadly, the UC 14 met its end on October 3, 1917, when it hit a mine at the entrance of the Zeebrugge Harbor, and all hands were lost.
Today, a piece of history from the UC 14 is available in the form of its Kriegstagbuch, or war diary/combat patrol document, covering December 24-28, 1915, during Bauer’s command. The diary measures 8 1/4″ x 13″ and contains four pages of typed information, with additional pencilled comments and other information. It details the daily activities of the UC 14, including its exact position and activities performed, such as mine laying and ship-sightings.
Bauer, who was later killed while commanding the UB 46, was most likely on his last patrol before being transferred to another U-Boot when he commanded the UC 14. Becker, his successor, went on to command other U-Boots, sinking 42 ships and damaging five. He eventually earned the 1914 Iron Crosses 1st and 2nd Class, as well as the Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Hohenzollern House Order.
References:
- “German Submarine Warfare 1914-1918,” Naval-History.net, accessed March 22, 2023, https://www.naval-history.net
- “UC-14,” Uboat.net, accessed March 22, 2023, https://uboat.net/wwi/boats/index.html?boat=UC+14.
- “Franz Becker,” Uboat.net, accessed March 22, 2023, https://uboat.net/wwi/men/commanders/145.html.
