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V 1

Built By: Vickers (Barrow)
Build Group: V
Fate: Sold for scrapping in November 1921.
V1
V1
V1 general arrangment
V1 general arrangment
V1 at sea
V1 at sea

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Completely double-hulled.

Roll of Honour

1
Blaber, Charles Stanley
Died: 18th Jun, 0017.
Able Seaman
Died of heart failure following a bout of tonsillitis

Events

 12-11-1912   Laid Down
 23-07-1914   Launched
 05-05-1915   Completed
V Specification
Length overall  147 ft 6 inch
Beam  12 ft
Depth  13 ft 4 inch
Displacement   391 tons (surface)
  457 tons (submerged)
Diving Depth  150 ft
Speed  Surface 13 knots (design)
  Surface 14 knots (service)
  Submerged 8.5 knots (design)
  Submerged 9 knots (service)
No. of shafts  2
Endurance  * Surface: 1200 miles at full power (design)
  * Surface: 1130 miles at full power (service)
  Submerged: 74 miles at 5 knots (design)
  Submerged: 50 miles at 5 knots (service)
Complement   20
Note  * These figures are accepted for V2 to V4, but V1 carried 6% more fuel and the endurance figures should be increased proportionately.
Further Reading
BUY
Thetis Down
Thetis Down

Tony Booth

The Slow Death of a Submarine explores in minute detail a more rounded picture of what really happened before, during and after her tragic loss. In doing so Tony Booths book also takes a fresh look at culpability and explores some of the alleged conspiracy theories that surrounded her demise.

The result is the first definitive account what happened to HMS Thetis and her men a fitting tribute, as the seventieth anniversary of her loss will be on 1 June 2009.

BUY
Thetis
Thetis

David Paul

The true story of loss of His Majesty's Submarine Thetis is still shrouded in mystery. As a result of media coverage at the time, a number of conspiracy theories were spawned, some gaining more credence than others, in light of the inconclusive findings of the official reports. In Thetis: Submarine Disaster,

David Paul, having studied the events surrounding the tragedy of HMS Thetis for many years, examines the issues which led to the disaster, and draws some conclusions.

BUY
The Admiralty Regrets
The Admiralty Regrets

C.E.T. Warren / James Benson

The story of the Thetis Submarine Tragedy in 1939, is the definitive account of the whole sorry episode of the Birkenhead built vessel that cost 99 lives; still today the worst submarine disaster in British History.

BUY
Only Four Escaped
Only Four Escaped

James D Benson / Charles Esme Thornton W

The hour-by-hour account of the bravery, bungling, helplessness and heroism of men trapped by the sea.

On June 1, 1939, the Submarine Thetis sailed out of Liverpool Bay with 103 men on board for diving trials, but on the very first dive it failed to surface, the escape hatch jammed, and help was too slow in coming.

BUY
HMS Thetis
HMS Thetis

David Roberts

After an exhaustive two-year search for the truth about the events and aftermath of this terrible Submarine disaster in Liverpool Bay, June 1939, David Roberts has at last found some shocking hitherto unpublished details.

BUY
The World Encyclopedia of Submarines
The World Encyclopedia of Submarines

John Parker / Francis Crosby

Charts over a century of submarine development, from the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves, two World Wars and the Cold War, through to the formidable machines in operation today.

Specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each submarine's country of origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement. Features more than 700 historical and modern photographs illustrating each type of submarine, plus artworks of selected examples. Includes fascinating quotes from military leaders and a glossary explaining key naval terms and abbreviations.

BUY
The World's Greatest Submarines
The World

David Ross

Each entry includes a brief description of the submarines development and history, a colour profile view or cutaway, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs.

The World s Greatest Submarines is a colourful guide for the military and naval history enthusiasts.

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Featured Badge

Seraph (P 219)

Class: 1935 - 1970: Improved S Class
Built By: Vickers (Barrow)
Build Group: S3
Fate:
Sold and scrapped, Briton Ferry, 20th December 1965.
Featured Book
The World
Each entry includes a brief description of the submarines development and history, a colour profile view or cutaway, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs.

The World s Greatest Submarines is a colourful guide for the military and naval history enthusiasts.
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