RN Subs

1941 - 1958: V Class

Launched in May 1943, HMS Venturer was transferred to the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1946 and renamed Utstein

In 1941, modifications were made to the design of the U Class submarines in order to quickly obtain a type of boat which while retaining the same characteristics, would be stronger but simpler and less expensive. The resultant V Class were slightly longer than the U Class and, because of a partly-welded pressure hull, had a greater operational depth - 300 feet as opposed to 200 feet. The electric welding of hull assemblies also gave a quicker building time.

The class were built exclusively at Barrow and the first eight submarines were ordered in 1941. Large numbers were planned, and 42 V boats were ordered between 1941 and 1943. However, with the capitulation of Italy in 1943 the need for coastal submarines in the Mediterranean decreased and 20 of the class were subsequently cancelled when the end to hostilities in Europe seemed imminent.

HMS Vox P73, HMS Voracious P78 & HMS Virtue P75

None of the 22 V Class submarines built were lost during the war, and the lead ship, HMS Venturer, distinguished herself by sinking two German submarines, one in November 1944, the other in February 1945. Venturer was transferred to the Norwegian Navy following the war, and many other V Class vessels served with Allied navies (particularly Greece, Norway and Free France) during and after the conflict. The last of the class in service with the Royal Navy, was scrapped in 1958.

Further Reading

BUY Harwich Submarines in the Great War

Mark Harris / Rear Admiral Jonathan Westbrook CBE The authoritative story of the Royal Navy's first submarine campaign, told using new research. The Harwich Submarine Flotilla played a key role establishing British dominance in the North Sea at the beginning of the First World War. Letters, diaries, memoirs and combat reports of the participants are used to give a complete account. Much of this is in print for the first time. Foreword by Rear Admiral Jonathan Westbrook CBE, former Royal Navy Submariner. Written in collaboration with the Friends of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, with profits from royalties contributing towards the work of the Museum.

Featured Boat

Tuna (N94)
The Crew of HMS Tuna on stage with the cast of ‘Panama Hattie’ at the Alhambra, Glasgow (1943)
Class:	1935 - 1970: T Class
Built By:	Scotts (Clyde)
Build Group:	T 1
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Featured Book

The authoritative story of the Royal Navy's first submarine campaign, told using new research. The Harwich Submarine Flotilla played a key role establishing British dominance in the North Sea at the beginning of the First World War. Letters, diaries, memoirs and combat reports of the participants are used to give a complete account.

Much of this is in print for the first time. Foreword by Rear Admiral Jonathan Westbrook CBE, former Royal Navy Submariner. Written in collaboration with the Friends of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, with profits from royalties contributing towards the work of the Museum.

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