Turtle

On September 7, 1776, a daring and innovative assault was carried out by the first submarine used in combat—the Turtle—against the British warship HMS Eagle. This event marked a significant moment in military history, as it represented the earliest use of a submersible in warfare. The brainchild of David Bushnell, a Connecticut-born inventor, the Turtle was a revolutionary design intended to bring a new dimension to naval warfare during the American Revolutionary War. This analysis delves into the development of the Turtle, the preparation for its mission, the attack itself, and its subsequent failure. It also examines the aftermath of the attack, the ultimate fate of the Turtle, and its lasting legacy in military and submarine history.

David Bushnell, born in 1740, was an innovative thinker with a deep interest in military engineering. Educated at Yale University, Bushnell devoted much of his time to developing methods of underwater warfare. His most notable achievement was the creation of the Turtle, a one-man submersible designed to attach explosive devices to enemy ships. The Turtle was shaped like a walnut and was constructed using oak reinforced with iron bands. It was equipped with a hand-operated propeller, a rudimentary ballast system, and a screw for attaching a timed explosive to the hull of an enemy vessel.

The Turtle’s construction was a feat of ingenuity, especially considering the technological limitations of the 18th century. Bushnell’s design included a watertight interior, and the submersible was capable of staying underwater for approximately 30 minutes. The vessel was also equipped with bioluminescent foxfire to illuminate the controls, a crude form of underwater navigation that allowed the operator to steer the vessel in complete darkness.

In the months leading up to the attack on HMS Eagle, Bushnell and his team conducted several test runs of the Turtle in the waters around Long Island Sound. These tests revealed both the potential and the limitations of the submersible, particularly in terms of its maneuverability and the physical strain on its operator. Despite these challenges, Bushnell believed that the Turtle was ready for its mission against the British fleet.

Ezra Lee, a sergeant in the Continental Army, was selected to pilot the Turtle during its attack on HMS Eagle. Lee, born in 1749 in Lyme, Connecticut, was a dedicated soldier with a strong sense of duty. Although he had no prior experience with submersibles, Lee was chosen for his physical strength and resilience, qualities that were essential for operating the Turtle in the challenging conditions of New York Harbor.

In the early hours of September 7, 1776, Lee set out in the Turtle to attach a bomb to HMS Eagle, the flagship of the British fleet anchored off Staten Island. The mission was fraught with difficulties from the outset. The Turtle’s limited speed and cumbersome handling made it difficult for Lee to reach his target. Once he arrived beneath the Eagle, Lee encountered another obstacle: the hull of the ship was sheathed in copper, making it nearly impossible to secure the explosive device. After several failed attempts, Lee was forced to abandon the mission and retreat.

The attack on HMS Eagle ultimately failed due to a combination of technical difficulties and unforeseen challenges. The copper cladding on the ship’s hull, a common practice in the British Navy to prevent marine growth, rendered Bushnell’s screw mechanism ineffective. Additionally, the physical demands of operating the Turtle, particularly the effort required to propel the vessel and maintain its course, left Lee exhausted and unable to complete the mission as planned.

Remarkably, the British were unaware of the attack on HMS Eagle. Despite the potential threat posed by the Turtle, there was no immediate reaction from the British fleet. This lack of response can be attributed to several factors, including the stealthy nature of the submersible and the fact that the attack occurred under the cover of darkness. Moreover, the Turtle’s small size and unconventional appearance may have contributed to its ability to evade detection.

In the aftermath of the failed attack, David Bushnell continued to refine his designs for underwater explosives and submersibles. However, the Turtle was never used in combat again. The vessel was eventually lost when the sloop transporting it was sunk by the British in October 1776. Despite this setback, Bushnell’s work laid the foundation for future developments in submarine warfare.

The Turtle’s attack on HMS Eagle, though unsuccessful, represents a pivotal moment in the history of military technology. Bushnell’s innovative design was a precursor to the development of more advanced submarines, and his work inspired subsequent generations of engineers and inventors. The Turtle demonstrated the potential of underwater warfare, a concept that would come to fruition in later conflicts.

In terms of its place in submarine history, the Turtle is recognized as the first combat submarine. Although it did not achieve its intended goal, the vessel’s design and the audacity of its mission captured the imagination of military strategists and engineers alike. The Turtle’s legacy is evident in the continued evolution of submarine technology, from the early prototypes of the 18th century to the sophisticated submersibles of the modern era.

Moreover, the Turtle’s assault on HMS Eagle is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. Faced with the overwhelming might of the British Navy, Bushnell and his compatriots sought to level the playing field through innovation. While the attack on HMS Eagle did not alter the course of the war, it demonstrated the willingness of the American forces to explore unconventional methods of warfare.

The Turtle’s attack on HMS Eagle on September 7, 1776, stands as a remarkable episode in the annals of military history. David Bushnell’s creation, though ultimately unsuccessful in its mission, paved the way for the future of submarine warfare. Ezra Lee’s bravery in piloting the Turtle under challenging conditions further underscores the determination of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. The legacy of the Turtle endures as a symbol of innovation and the relentless pursuit of new strategies in the face of adversity.