Naval historian to present 'Submarines at the Cape' Aug. 15

Delaware Seashore State Park will host a presentation and book signing event with author and retired naval intelligence officer William H. J. Manthorpe Jr. His book, "A Century of Service: The U.S. Navy on Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware: 1898-1996," discusses the unique history of the little-known association of the Navy with Cape Henlopen and the citizens of Lewes.

The presentation, “Submarines at the Cape: Friend and Foe,” will begin at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15. In it, Manthorpe will discuss the U.S. Navy submarines that operated in the vicinity of Cape Henlopen and passed through the Delaware Bay from the early 1900s to the late 1970s. Most were on the way to war or returning to the reserve fleet, while others conducted trials and testing in the waters off the Cape.

One major event even prompted the Navy to call it “…one of the great tales of submarine rescue at sea.” German submarines also operated in coastal waters and at the Cape in both World War I and WW II, providing a real threat to U.S. shipping.

This is a free presentation, and no preregistration is required. Copies of the book will be on sale before and after the event, and there will be time for signing after the presentation. For more information, call 302-227-6991.