Sunken Warships: Secrets from the Deep: Season 2, Episode 3

2 - 3: HMS Barham: Catastrophe and Coverup

Across 27 years and two World Wars, the Barham was an iconic member of the British fleet. With a speed of 24 knots, she was fast and immensely powerful. She played an important role in World War Two and was later sent south in Operation Menace, an attempt to capture the strategically important Vichy held port of Dakar. She then transferred to the Mediterranean fleet, fighting at the famous Battle of Cape Matapan. In November 1941, she was hit by 3 torpedoes fired from U-331. News of her sinking was suppressed for as long as possible to protect British morale.