| Built By: | Vickers (Barrow) |
| Build Group: | SSBN1 |
| Fate: | Laid up at Rosyth |
Keel Laying
Launched by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
| 08-05-1963 | Ordered from Vickers, barrow |
| 26-02-1964 | Laid Down |
| 15-09-1966 | Launched |
| 03-10-1967 | Completed |
| 15-02-1968 | The first test-firing of a Polaris missile from a Royal Navy submarine was successfully conducted |
| Length overall | 425 ft |
| Beam | 33 ft |
| Displacement | 7500 tons (surface) |
| 8400 tons (submerged) | |
| Diving Depth | In excess of 1000 ft |
| Speed | 20 knots (surface) / 25 knots (submerged) |
| 25 knots (submerged) | |
| No. of shafts | 1 |
| Armament | 6 x 21 inch bow tubes |
| 16 x Polaris A-3 tubes | |
| Complement | 143 (two crews) |
They're a funny breed, these submariners. They score at the top of the military entrance exams and can thrive for weeks beneath the surface of the sea in what amounts to a sophisticated tin can loaded with some of the world's most lethal weapons. They have their own rituals and initiations; their own language and bars. They tell jokes, love a good prank and will wrestle on the floor like puppies.
The British submarine, K13, was due to leave the Fairfield yard in Govan on the River Clyde, for her final acceptance trials at 0800 on Monday, 29th January 1917. On board were 80 men, both naval personnel and civilian contractors. A problem with one of the mooring wires caused a delay, and she had only travelled a mile down the river when the submarine ran aground at Whiteinch,
Despite this, she reached the Gareloch by 11:30 and carried out various tests that were required as part of the acceptance program. After the diving trial, her engineer, Lieutenant Arthur Lane, reported that there was a small leak in the boiler room. He suggested a further short dive to determine the source of the leak
As the submarine dived, the aft compartments of the submarine flooded, and it sank. 32 crew members and contractors lost their lives, and 48 were saved. It is the worst ever British submarine accident; conversely, despite the loss of life, it remains the most successful submarine rescue ever
The Board of Inquiry laid the blame for the accident solely on Lt Arthur Lane, the vessel's engineer. The book will provide an in-depth analysis of the sinking of the K 13 in the Gare Loch. It will offer a different perspective on the accident, a view that calls into question the legitimacy and accuracy of the Board of Inquiry's findings and verdict. The investigations and conclusions that lead to this interpretation are based on detailed examination of archived records, personal accounts and in-depth analysis of the evidence.
22 pages added or updated in the last 15 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.
| Length overall | 425 ft |
| Beam | 33 ft |
| Displacement | 7500 tons (surface) |
| 8400 tons (submerged) | |
| Diving Depth | In excess of 1000 ft |
| Speed | 20 knots (surface) / 25 knots (submerged) |
| 25 knots (submerged) | |
| No. of shafts | 1 |
| Armament | 6 x 21 inch bow tubes |
| 16 x Polaris A-3 tubes | |
| Complement | 143 (two crews) |
They're a funny breed, these submariners. They score at the top of the military entrance exams and can thrive for weeks beneath the surface of the sea in what amounts to a sophisticated tin can loaded with some of the world's most lethal weapons. They have their own rituals and initiations; their own language and bars. They tell jokes, love a good prank and will wrestle on the floor like puppies.
The British submarine, K13, was due to leave the Fairfield yard in Govan on the River Clyde, for her final acceptance trials at 0800 on Monday, 29th January 1917. On board were 80 men, both naval personnel and civilian contractors. A problem with one of the mooring wires caused a delay, and she had only travelled a mile down the river when the submarine ran aground at Whiteinch,
Despite this, she reached the Gareloch by 11:30 and carried out various tests that were required as part of the acceptance program. After the diving trial, her engineer, Lieutenant Arthur Lane, reported that there was a small leak in the boiler room. He suggested a further short dive to determine the source of the leak
As the submarine dived, the aft compartments of the submarine flooded, and it sank. 32 crew members and contractors lost their lives, and 48 were saved. It is the worst ever British submarine accident; conversely, despite the loss of life, it remains the most successful submarine rescue ever
The Board of Inquiry laid the blame for the accident solely on Lt Arthur Lane, the vessel's engineer. The book will provide an in-depth analysis of the sinking of the K 13 in the Gare Loch. It will offer a different perspective on the accident, a view that calls into question the legitimacy and accuracy of the Board of Inquiry's findings and verdict. The investigations and conclusions that lead to this interpretation are based on detailed examination of archived records, personal accounts and in-depth analysis of the evidence.
22 pages added or updated in the last 15 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