Documentary praised after U-boat wreck discovery

A German military historian said Britain dealt with war graves "more respectfully" than other nations

A documentary has been hailed as "exemplary" following the discovery of a German U-boat which was found by a team of Guernsey divers.

The comments were made by Christian Lübcke, military historian and regional director of the German War Graves Commission.

Discussing the film, made by Karl Taylor, he said: "The way he's dealt with the discovery has been exemplary and I hope many other filmmakers, British and German, follow suit."

The vessel UC-18 was lost in 1917 after a battle with a secret Royal Navy ship, Lady Olive, which was also sunk.

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Designated war grave

Mr Lübcke also praised the UK for "essentially a greater interest in underwater war graves".

He added Britain dealt with war graves "more respectfully" than other nations.

The historian also said that he had become worried by the lack of connection European society now had with war graves.

"Older people have passed and younger people don't have a personal relationship with those who died in the World Wars," he said.

"Added to this is that many graves, especially underwater ones, are invisible to the general public."

He added: "That's why it's so important never to forget them.

"Karl Taylor's documentary is part of this reminder and I hope there are more documentaries like this in the future."

All findings made in the documentary have been passed to the French authorities and the German Navy.

The French authorities disclosed the UC-18's location to divers as it is a designated war grave.

The Hunt for Lady Olive and the German Submarine is due to air on Wednesday on BBC Four at 21:00 BST.