Designed as a counter to a perceived (but incorrect) threat from high speed German U-boats.
Reports that the Germans had submarines capable of speeds equal to that of surface vessels led to consideration of high-speed submarines by the Admiralty. The idea that submarines could keep up with and work alongside the surface fleet had already been attempted with the troublesome steam-powered K Class but the idea was taken further even though the reported German boats were proved to be non-existent.
This resulted in a diesel-electric design that was unique having three screws, which allowed them to reach a speed of 19.5 knots on the surface, slightly less than the top speed of current battleships.
Eight boats were originally planned, this dropped to six before settling at seven.
Chapter 7: Double-Hull Overseas Types - Nautilus, Swordfish (1913), G & J Classes
The Development of HM Submarines from Holland 1 (1901) to Porpoise (1930)
It is indeed a far cry from Blyth on the east coast of England to Kimberley in Griqualand West, South Africa, and a long span of time, over sixty-two years, since I was a boy-telegraphist (wireless operator) serving on HM Submarine J3 part of the tenth submarine flotilla stationed at Blyth.
| 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. |
14 pages added or updated in the last Array month
Please help to maintain this site by reporting any Errors, Broken Links, Information or Site Issues on this page using this button
If you find this site useful, please consider supporting my work with a small Donation. Or you can make a big one if you like :)
Please Note: Donations made using this option go directly to the site owner and not to the Submariners Association.
Thankyou for your support.
Chapter 7: Double-Hull Overseas Types - Nautilus, Swordfish (1913), G & J Classes
The Development of HM Submarines from Holland 1 (1901) to Porpoise (1930)
It is indeed a far cry from Blyth on the east coast of England to Kimberley in Griqualand West, South Africa, and a long span of time, over sixty-two years, since I was a boy-telegraphist (wireless operator) serving on HM Submarine J3 part of the tenth submarine flotilla stationed at Blyth.
| 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. |
14 pages added or updated in the last Array month
Please help to maintain this site by reporting any Errors, Broken Links, Information or Site Issues on this page using this button
If you find this site useful, please consider supporting my work with a small Donation. Or you can make a big one if you like :)
Please Note: Donations made using this option go directly to the site owner and not to the Submariners Association.
Thankyou for your support.
This form is for you to comment on, or add additional information to this page. Any questions will be deleted. If you wish to ask a question contact the Branch or the Webmaster using the Contact Us page or ask your question on our Facebook Page