Thanks Nom Anor

The sinking of the torpedo boat 'Torpilleur 325' on 22 January 1919 beats 'Chaouia' by seven days for the record of being the last vessel sunk in WW1 by a u-boat: both French ships, both in the Mediterranean, both mined, and both with considerable loss of life (18 men: 476 men).

I never thought to check the 'loss by month' statistics on this site so thank you very much for 'instructing' me. It is interesting that these are the only two recorded losses to u-boats in 1919. One might think that with all of the loose mines floating around, or waiting to be lifted, there would have been more late casualties and over a longer period.

Two small coincidences:
First, '325''s mine was laid by Otto Gerke from UC 27. Previously, Gerke commanded U 43 (October 1917 - March 1918); this boat was also commanded (June - September 1918) by Erich Gerth, who sank the 'Chaouia' with UC 53. This website states that U 43 made no patrols after June 1917 due to serious engine trouble.
Second, U 43 was scuttled at Pola on 28 October 1918, the same place and day that Gerth's last command, UC 53, was also scuttled.

Best wishes
Chris