Ottomar Gern battle submarine

Historical information

Ottomar Gern also known as Konstantin Borisovich Gern, was a russian fortification engineer.

In summer 1854, Gern arrived in Tallinn to strengthen the local defence facilities. After a couple of months, the Crimean War (1853–1856) had reached a point where the British and French allies of Turkey has reached the Gulf of Finland, and Russia announced a naval blockade. The British warships were stationed near Naissaar, blocking the exit route from Tallinn. Battery fire from the shore could not reach them.

To resolve this situation, Gern came up with the idea of constructing a submarine, which could reach enemy ships undetected and attack them unexpectedly. Gern got approval for his project and the first submarine was constructed in Tallinn in summer 1854. There were no large shipyards there at the time, so Gern had to do with the options available.

In early autumn, the Tallinn harbour works constructed a 5-metre wooden submarine. It had a crew of four. The weapon to attack enemy ships was located at the forward end.