 | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Motorised Submersible Canoe |
| Operators |  United KingdomSpecial Operations Executive |
| Succeeded by | Swimmer Delivery Vehicle |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Wet sub |
| Displacement | 600 pounds (270 kg) |
| Length | 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) |
| Beam | 2 ft 3 in (0.69 m) |
| Propulsion | One 24v electric motor (5 hp), powered by four 6v batteries |
| Speed | 4.4 knots (8.1 km/h) maximum, 3.5 knots (6.5 km/h) cruise |
| Range | 40 nautical miles (74 km) |
| Test depth | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Crew | Single occupancy |
| Armament | Ninelimpet mines, 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) ofexplosives |
TheMotorised Submersible Canoe (MSC), nicknamedSleeping Beauty, was anunderwater vehicle built by the BritishSpecial Operations Executive (SOE) during theSecond World War. It was designed to enable a singlefrogman to sabotage enemy ships, though it would also be used for short-rangereconnaissance. They were replaced by thediver propulsion vehicle after the end of the war.
MSCs were initially conceived of in an attempt to create an improved version of the simplisticfolboat.[1] It was created by the Allied Inter-Services Research Bureau[2] and designed by MajorHugh Reeves,R.E.,[3] who was also given the task of designing an 'unspecified device' for an underwater approach[citation needed] at the confidential research areaStation IX. based on an idea from Lt Col"Blondie" Hasler[4] which he called the 'underwater glider' and developed atAston House to Hasler's specifications.[5] The design process began in 1942[3] and had all but finished by the end of 1943.[6]
It was originally called the "Underwater Glider", but nicknamed the "Sleeping Beauty" before finally being officially named the Motorised Submersible Canoe.[2] According to one story, the craft became known as "Sleeping Beauty" after Reeves was discovered sleeping in it by a passing officer.[7]
Although originally commissioned for naval battles, Reeves believed that the craft could be sold to civilians to use forpearl-diving andsalvage diving.[8]
Built frommild steel, thecanoe was 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 m) long with a beam of 27 inches (0.69 m). A 5hpelectric motor powered by four 6-volt batteries gave the craft a maximum possible speed of 4.4 knots (8.1 km/h). At a crusing speed of 3.1 knots (5.7 km/h), it could travel 30 to 40 nautical miles (56 to 74 km). Its maximum operating depth was 50 feet (15 m).[9]
The Sleeping Beauty was designed to carry up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) ofexplosives.[10] Located near the pilot's legs were ballast tanks that could either be filled with water or compressed air.[11]
Although the Sleeping Beauty was designed to accommodate only one pilot, a later model did attempt to produce a two-man version post war.[9][page needed]
The MSC moved in several different manners. One of these was nicknamed "porpoising". When "porpoising", the pilot would allow the craft to briefly rise to the surface, re-orientate themselves, then fully re-enter the water in order to move.[1][11] Alternatively, the pilot would submerge the craft and, guided only by a compass, travel completely underwater.[12] Movement was controlled by means of a joystick attached the twoballast tanks.[11] Upon nearing a target, the pilot would exit the craft and swim the rest of the way.[1] They would then attach one of the nine magnetic limpet mines to the side of the enemy ship.[11][13] The MSC could also be used for reconnaissance, although its main purpose was for sabotage and attacks.[13][1]
FollowingOperation Jaywick, a successful 1943 Allied raid in Singapore which usedfolboats to destroy several Japanese ships, the leader of the raid,Ivan Lyon, a British Lieutenant Colonel and member of theZ Special Unit, was brought to view and train on the Sleeping Beauties.[1] Lyon planned to use the canoes duringOperation Rimau in an attempt to sabotage Japanese ships.[13] However, after being found by a Japanese patrol boat during the raid, the canoes were scuttled and Ivan Lyon and his men were killed, captured, and executed.[1] Operatives atCareening Bay continued to be trained on MSCs, but few men were ever able to use them effectively and they never entered into widespread usage.[11]
During the summer of 1944, "Sleeping Beauty Number 72" was delivered to the United StatesOffice of Strategic Services (OSS). It was used for training until August 1945.[13]
