The crew executed the command releasing the depth charges into the sea. These cylindrical bombs descended rapidly, timed to explode at a predetermined depth where the submarine was likely to be located.
Simultaneously, the hedgehog mortars, mounted at the bow of the battleship, were activated. Unlike depth charges, which detonated upon reaching a certain depth, hedgehogs fired a salvo of small bombs in an arc, designed to explode on contact with a submarine. This made them more precise, reducing the chances of missing the target.
The crew watched anxiously as the hedgehogs arced through the air before plunging into the water.
Seconds later, the depth charges detonated, sending shockwaves through the water. The explosions from the depth charges were powerful, creating columns of water that shot up from the sea's surface.
