Alexander Seversky , a veteran Russian pilot who had bombed German ships in the Great War , joined the effort , suggesting the bombers aim near the ships .
Expanding water pressure from the underwater blasts would stave in and separate hull plates .
Alexander Seversky , a veteran Russian pilot who had bombed German ships in the Great War , joined the effort , suggesting the bombers aim near the ships so that expanding water pressure from the underwater blasts would stave in and separate hull plates .