Side scan sonar survey of the U-8 First World War Submarine shows conning tower, radio masts and periscope, sitting proud of the seabed

The wrecks of two submarines which sank over 100 years ago have now been given protected status.

A First World War German U-boat which was submerged in 1915 and a British A-class submarine that sank in 1912 before being salvaged and used as a gunnery target have been made protected historic wreck sites.

The German U-8 was the first to be sunk in British waters, after it was snared in anti-submarine nets off the coast of Folkestone, Kent, as it passed through the Dover Strait in March 1915.

It was hit by the destroyer Ghurka and forced to the surface, where it was consequently abandoned, before descending to the depths after coming under more fire from fellow-destroyer Maori.

However all the crew survived and were marched through the town to Dover Castle.

One of the propellers from the German wreck, which lies in the Dover Strait, was returned to the German Navy after being stolen by divers and was later found being used as a coffee table in Kent. The second propeller is still missing.

The British A3 submarine sank in February 1912 off Lulworth, Dorset, after being accidentally rammed while surfacing by the depot ship HMS Hazard off the Isle of Wight.

The vessel was salvaged and subsequently sunk as a gunnery target, now lying east of Portland.

Protecting the German U-8 is part of a project by Government heritage agency, Historic England to investigate the locations of 11 submarines known to have been lost in the First World War in English waters, to better understand their condition.

The German U-8 (similar to this one pictured) was the first to be sunk in British waters, after it was snared in anti-submarine nets off the coast of Folkestone, Kent, as it passed through the Dover Strait in March 1915

It was hit by the destroyer Ghurka and forced to the surface, where it was consequently abandoned, before descending to the depths after coming under more fire (Pictured: Multibeam acoustic survey of the boat)

Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: 'The UK has a long and proud maritime heritage and these wreck sites tell an important story about our past.

'As we mark the centenary of the First World War, it is fitting that we remember the role of the wider war at sea and I am excited that these sites will be protected for years to come.'

Mark Dunkley, maritime designation adviser for Historic England, said: 'The U-8's design and construction, complete with six torpedoes, marked a turning point in submarine development.

The British A3 submarine (similar to this one pictured) sank in February 1912 off Lulworth, Dorset, after being accidentally rammed while surfacing by the depot ship HMS Hazard off the Isle of Wight

'The Type U-5 boats were superior to allied submarines both in fighting ability and seaworthiness. The U-8 sits upright on the seabed in excellent condition and you can still see its periscopes and radio masts attached.'