Depth Charge

Squat metal cylinder fitted with a detonator and stabilization fins, dropped from the loch shore under Benton’s hands. The charge plunges into the dark water where the Zygon vessel lurks below, its firing command delivered through the Brigadier’s clipped order. A moment later the explosion ruptures the surface, hurling a geyser of muddy water skyward and rattling the distant trees, though the Zygons inside remain stubbornly submerged.

4 appearances

Purpose

Naval weapon designed to sink or disable submerged targets by generating localized underwater shock waves.

Significance

Triggers the scene’s central escalation: the Brigadier’s first overt military strike against the seemingly impregnable alien craft. When the Zygons refuse to surface, the failed assault forces their hand, revealing their human hostages and pushing the invasion timeline into the open.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S13E3 · Terror of the Zygons Part 3

Brigadier orders depth charge strike on Zygon craft

The depth charge is loaded into the launcher, primed and guided by Benton’s hands, then propelled into Loch Ness under the Brigadier’s command. Its detonation creates a violent plume of water and mud, intended to compel the submerged Zygon vessel to surface—only to fail in eliminating the threat, thus escalating the crisis.

Before: Stored, ready, and armed beside the launcher on the loch shore

After: Detonated in mid-air after launch; unstable remnants likely sink into the loch

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S13E3 · Terror of the Zygons Part 3

Brigadier orders strike against Zygon vessel

The depth charges are hastily loaded and fired in rapid succession under Benton’s command. Each cylinder splashes into the loch, its detonation timed to rupture the water and target the Zygon craft buried below. The charge embeds the threat in a explosion of muddy water and force.

Before: Stacked and primed, loaded into mortars and ready for immediate launch from the gravel shore.

After: Detonated in sequence, their metal hulls rupturing under high-pressure blast, sending shockwaves through the water and air.

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S13E3 · Terror of the Zygons Part 3

Brigadier orders depth charge strike on Zygons

The depth charge, a squat metal cylinder fitted with a detonator and stabilization fins, is loaded into position with precision and then hurled toward the submerged Zygon vessel. Within moments, the device plunges into the ominous depths of Loch Ness where menace stirs silently.

Before: Armed, loaded, and in position awaiting deployment.

After: Deployed, detonated, and destroyed upon impact with the Zygon vessel.

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S13E3 · Terror of the Zygons Part 3

Depth charges trigger Zygon ship's launch

Depth charges are deployed from the loch shore in a coordinated salvo, their warheads piercing the water's surface before detonating near the submerged Zygon vessel. The explosions create violent shockwaves that rupture the alien craft's hull while triggering emergency systems designed to ensure vehicle survival.

Before: Stacked and prepared at the shore by UNIT personnel under direct command of the Brigadier, armed with naval-grade explosives fitted with stabilizing fins for targeted underwater detonation.

After: Detonated successfully against the Zygon vessel; warheads spent but hull breached, with surviving systems now triggering emergency ascent protocols.

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