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)
Further Reading |
|
| 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. |
| Class: | 1935 - 1970: Improved S Class |
| Built By: | Scotts (Clyde) |
| Build Group: | S3 |
| Fate: | |
| Scrapped Dunstone 23rd August 1960 | |
Sea Wolves is the story of the crews who bravely manned British submarines in the Second World War. This small band of highly trained and highly skilled individuals fought in the front line for six long years, undertaking some of the most dangerous missions of the war.
Britain's Sea Wolves operated close to shore in mined waters, attacking warships and heavily guarded convoys. But in the course of these vital operations, the submariners suffered devastating casualties.
This is the vivid, thrilling story of the survivors and their promising young comrades who fought with such courage, in the face of the sickening terror of depth-charge attacks and the cold fear of having to escape from a sunken submarine filled with the bodies of close friends.
20 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.
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)
Further Reading |
|
| 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. |
| Class: | 1935 - 1970: Improved S Class |
| Built By: | Scotts (Clyde) |
| Build Group: | S3 |
| Fate: | |
| Scrapped Dunstone 23rd August 1960 | |
Sea Wolves is the story of the crews who bravely manned British submarines in the Second World War. This small band of highly trained and highly skilled individuals fought in the front line for six long years, undertaking some of the most dangerous missions of the war.
Britain's Sea Wolves operated close to shore in mined waters, attacking warships and heavily guarded convoys. But in the course of these vital operations, the submariners suffered devastating casualties.
This is the vivid, thrilling story of the survivors and their promising young comrades who fought with such courage, in the face of the sickening terror of depth-charge attacks and the cold fear of having to escape from a sunken submarine filled with the bodies of close friends.
20 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.
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