1901

Holland one, the Royal Navy’s first submarine, fitted with a single torpedo tube, was born at Vickers, Sons & Maxim Ltd. (now BAE Systems Marine, Barrow) amidst great controversy in an era when the submarine was regarded as the weapon of the weaker power. ‘Submarining was no occupation for a gentleman’.
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1902-08

Submarines quickly became established in the fleet but were still regarded with some disdain despite the fact that they had sounded the death-knell for the mighty DREADNOUGHTS. Even so they still remained relatively primitive craft with three white mice warning of dangerous petrol exhaust gases.
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1908-14

Diesel engines made them safer and longer ranged. Boats became bigger and more powerfully armed. Although viewed primarily as defensive platforms, forward thinkers such as Lord Fisher pushed for the ‘overseas’ and ‘fleet escort’ submarine.

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1914-18

The Royal Navy entered World War One with 100 submarines. Many famous exploits completed (five Victoria Crosses won) and a number of future admirals made their mark (eg Max Horton). Losses (54 boats) were relatively severe.

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1918

A time of experimentation which saw submarines being driven at high speed by steam propulsion; one being fitted with a 12 inch gun; and another carried its own aircraft. Many of these submarines were lost in peacetime accidents. Thus the first stab at the ‘fleet escort’ missed its mark.
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1918-39

A period of consolidation. Overseas squadrons were established which maintained British presence around the globe. A significant number of new classes of submarine were built to fulfil the task.

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1939-45

The Royal Navy entered World War Two with 57 submarines. Many campaigns fought and won but at tremendous cost and sacrifice. Chances of not returning from patrol during 1943/44 were 65%. Nine Victoria Crosses were won. Once again many post war admirals emerged from the ranks of the survivors.
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1945-58

Start of the Cold War. Ageing submarines held the line, but it was recognised, not least by Earl Mountbatten, that nuclear power held the key to counter the growing, eventually huge, Soviet submarine threat.

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1960

HMS DREADNOUGHT was built in Barrow by Vickers. She established a line of outstanding SSNs (nuclear powered fleet submarines) which were to play a pivotal role during the cold war. Their contribution, in partnership with their USN colleagues, was to confront the potential enemy wherever he went.
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1968

HMS RESOLUTION conducted the first of 229 unbroken Polaris deterrent patrols. This was a brilliant achievement and vital to the national interest at a time of great global uncertainty.


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1982

RN submarines, most notably HMS CONQUEROR, played a vital part during the Falklands conflict. The Commander in Chief was Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fieldhouse (the most senior submariner in history), and the task group was commanded by another submariner, Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward.
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1991

The cold war, fought to a great degree beneath the waves, was won.




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1995

Strategic nuclear deterrent patrols continue with the first Vanguard Class patrols, equipped with ‘Trident’ ballistic missiles.



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2001+

2001 marked the laying down of Astute - the first of a new generation of attack submarines that will never require refueling at any time throughout their 25 year service history. The proud and powerful descendants of the tiny Holland One, equipped with ‘Trident’ ballistic missiles, Tomahawk land attack missiles, Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and GEC-Marconi Spearfish torpedoes maintain the vigil for peace...Click here for a larger view

The Archives and Research Department at the Submarine Museum hold Files on all Royal Navy Submarines.

The Photographic Department holds over 120,000 submarine related images.