Intro
Explore the British T-class submarine, a pivotal wartime vessel with a rich history. Discover its specifications, combat role, and notable battles during World War II. Learn about its design, speed, and armament, as well as its impact on the war effort. Get the inside story on this iconic submarine class.
The British T-class submarines were a series of 62 submarines built by the Royal Navy during World War II. These submarines played a crucial role in the war effort, conducting covert operations, reconnaissance, and attacking enemy ships. In this article, we will delve into the wartime history and specifications of the British T-class submarines.
Design and Construction
The T-class submarines were designed by the British Admiralty's Naval Construction Department, with the first submarines being laid down in 1937. The class was divided into three batches: the initial batch of 15 submarines (T1-T15), the second batch of 16 submarines (T16-T31), and the third batch of 31 submarines (T32-T62). The submarines were built by various shipyards in the UK, including Vickers-Armstrongs, Cammell Laird, and Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company.
Wartime History
The T-class submarines began entering service in 1940, just as the war was intensifying. These submarines were deployed in various theatres, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Far East. They conducted a range of operations, including:
- Convoy escort: T-class submarines escorted convoys across the Atlantic, protecting them from German U-boats and surface raiders.
- Reconnaissance: Submarines conducted reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence on enemy naval movements and port activities.
- Attacking enemy ships: T-class submarines attacked enemy ships, including German U-boats, surface warships, and merchant vessels.
Some notable examples of T-class submarines' wartime exploits include:
- HMS Triton (N15): Sank the German submarine U-5 in 1940, becoming the first British submarine to sink an enemy submarine in the war.
- HMS Thunderbolt (N25): Conducted a series of daring raids on German U-boats and surface warships in the Mediterranean, earning her crew several awards for bravery.
- HMS Tigris (N63): Sank the Japanese heavy cruiser Ashigara in 1945, one of the largest enemy warships sunk by a British submarine during the war.
Specifications
The T-class submarines had the following specifications:
- Displacement: 1,290 tons (surfaced), 1,560 tons (submerged)
- Length: 275 feet (84 meters)
- Beam: 26 feet 6 inches (8.1 meters)
- Draft: 12 feet 9 inches (3.9 meters)
- Speed: 15.5 knots (surfaced), 9 knots (submerged)
- Range: 8,000 nautical miles (surfaced), 80 nautical miles (submerged)
- Crew: 61 officers and men
- Armament: 6 x 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes, 1 x 4-inch (102mm) deck gun, 1 x 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun
Gallery of British T-Class Submarines
British T-Class Submarines Image Gallery
FAQs
What was the primary role of the British T-class submarines during World War II?
+The primary role of the British T-class submarines was to conduct covert operations, reconnaissance, and attack enemy ships.
How many T-class submarines were built by the Royal Navy during World War II?
+A total of 62 T-class submarines were built by the Royal Navy during World War II.
What were some notable exploits of the T-class submarines during the war?
+Some notable exploits of the T-class submarines include HMS Triton sinking the German submarine U-5, HMS Thunderbolt conducting daring raids on German U-boats and surface warships, and HMS Tigris sinking the Japanese heavy cruiser Ashigara.
The British T-class submarines played a significant role in the Allied victory during World War II. Their bravery, cunning, and sacrifices will always be remembered as a testament to the bravery of the men who served on these submarines.