A baralong fate

A baralong fate: A German submarine-service expression for being trapped by a British Decoy Ship. These were commonly called in the German Navy "Trap Ships." The expression "A Baralong Fate" originated after the memorable surprise and sinking of the German submarine U 27 on 19 August, 1915, off the south of Ireland by the "Mystery" or "Q-ship," Baralong. The Baralong, disguised as a "tramp steamer," came upon U 27 while attacking the Mule-Transport Numidian, and hoisting the White Ensign disclosed her guns and opened fire, with ultimate disastrous results to the submarine, whose survivors tried to board the Numidian, and were knocked on the head by the Yankee muleteers.

See also: Decoy ship, Mystery ship, Q ship.