Sub T class

British submarine ‘T’ Class of World War II.

British submarine ‘T’ Class of WW2

The British Submarine ‘T’ Class, also known as the Triton Class, played a crucial role in the Royal Navy‘s underwater operations during World War II. These diesel-electric submarines were designed in the 1930s to replace older models. The Royal Navy built 53 T Class submarines, making it their largest ocean-going submarine class ever.

The first T Class submarine, HMS Triton, entered service in December 1938. These boats were built to operate in deep waters and had long-range capabilities. They proved their worth in various naval theaters throughout the war, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific.

T Class submarines were versatile and effective. They carried out many tasks, including sinking enemy ships, gathering intelligence, and supporting Allied operations. The Royal Navy relied heavily on these boats to disrupt Axis naval activities and protect vital supply lines during the conflict.

Design and Development

The T-class submarines were designed in the 1930s to replace older submarine classes. They were built to be ocean-going vessels with improved capabilities.

Naval Construction and Engineering

The T-class submarines were built by several shipyards, with Vickers Armstrong playing a key role. The first boat, HMS Triton, was laid down in 1935 and launched in 1937. These subs had a double hull design for better survivability.

The boats were about 275 feet long and 26 feet wide. They had a diving depth of around 300 feet. The T-class could stay at sea for up to 8 weeks.

Treaty Limitations and Submarine Specs

The Washington Naval Treaty and London Naval Treaty limited submarine sizes. This affected the T-class design. The boats had a standard displacement of 1,090 tons and a full load displacement of 1,575 tons. This was achieved by using fewer diesel engines, which made the hull smaller but reduced the speed.

T-class subs had a crew of about 60 officers and men.

The first assembly group had 10 torpedo tubes, all pointing forwards. Eight were mounted in the bow, six of them in the hull and two in the fairing. Two more were located amidships, angled away from the fairing at the rear of the bridge.
Only the torpedo tubes located in the front of the hull could be reloaded.

From the second assembly group – the so-called ‘war boats’ – there were 8 torpedo tubes in the bow, one in the stern and the two tubes mounted amidships were directed aft. The boats could carry up to 16 torpedoes.

Diesel-Electric Propulsion System

T-class submarines used a diesel-electric propulsion system. They had two diesel engines for surface running and charging batteries. Electric motors were used for underwater propulsion.

The boats could reach speeds of 15.25 knots on the surface and 9 knots submerged. The diesel engines produced 2,500 horsepower. The electric motors generated 1,450 horsepower when submerged.

Some early T-class subs used unreliable German-designed MAN diesel engines. Later boats switched to more dependable British-made engines.

Operational History

The T class submarines saw extensive action throughout World War II. They took part in key naval battles and sank many enemy ships across multiple theaters of war.

Early War Patrols

T class submarines began operations soon after the war started in 1939. HMS Triton, the lead boat of the class, conducted patrols in the North Sea. In October 1939, Triton mistakenly sank the British submarine HMS Oxley in a friendly fire incident.

T class boats also deployed to the Mediterranean. They patrolled shipping lanes and attacked Axis supply convoys bound for North Africa. Several T class submarines operated from Alexandria, Egypt to interdict Italian naval forces.

Notable Engagements and Battles

T class submarines played a role in major naval actions. During the German invasion of Norway in 1940, they harassed German ships and transports along the Norwegian coast.

The submarines took part in the Battle of Cape Matapan in March 1941. They helped locate and shadow Italian naval forces before the main engagement. This led to a decisive British victory over the Italian fleet.

The T-class boats sank numerous Axis ships. HMS Trident fired seven torpedoes at the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen off Norway on 23 February 1942, one of which hit the ship in the stern, blocking the rudder and damaging the engines.
The HMS Truculent sank the German submarine U-308 in the Arctic on its first voyage in early 1943.

By the end of the war, the T-class boats had sunk a total of 13 enemy submarines.

Later War Years and Beyond

As the war progressed, T class submarines ranged farther. They conducted long-range patrols in the Bay of Biscay and off the coast of Norway. Some operated as far as the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

After World War II, many T class boats remained in service. The Royal Navy used them for training and patrols during the early Cold War era. The last T class submarine was decommissioned in 1969.

A total of four T class submarines served with the Royal Netherlands Navy after the war. These boats formed the Zwaardvisch class and operated until the 1960s.

Losses

15 T class boats (14 of them from the first construction group) were lost in the Second World War, 13 of them in the Mediterranean alone. These were:

HMS Triad: 1940 for unknown reasons.
HMS Triton: sunk in 1940 by the Italian torpedo boat Clio.
HMS Tetrach: 1941 for an unknown reason.
HMS Tempest: sunk in 1942 by the Italian torpedo boat Circe.
HMS Thorn: Sunk in 1942 by the Italian torpedo boat Pegaro.
HMS Talisman: 1942 for unknown reason.
HMS Traveller: 1942 for unknown reason.
HMS Triumph: 1942 for unknown reason.
HMS Turbulent: sunk by an Italian motor torpedo boat in 1943.
HMS Thunderbolt: sunk in 1943 by the Italian corvette Cicogna.
P.91 (lost before name was assigned): 1943 probably by mine.
HMS Trooper: October 1943 by German mine in the Icarian Sea (see below).
HMS Tigris: 1943 for unknown reason.

The two other losses occurred in home waters:

HMS Tarpon: April 1940 by German minesweeper M.6 in the North Sea.
HMS Thistle: April 1940 by the German submarine U-4 off Norway.

HMS Thetis sank in an accident during takeover tests in Liverpool Bay in 1939, but was later raised, repaired and put into service as HMS Thunderbolt.

Finally, HMS Terrapine was severely damaged by Japanese depth charges in the South Pacific in May 1945 and decommissioned as a total loss.

Submarine Fleet Dynamics

The T-class submarines played a crucial role in shaping naval warfare during World War II and beyond. Their impact extended to fleet composition, operational tactics, and strategic planning.

Allied Versus Axis Submarines

Allied and Axis submarines had distinct strengths and weaknesses. T-class subs offered better range and endurance compared to German U-boats. This allowed them to operate far from home bases.

U-boats excelled in wolf pack tactics, hunting in groups to overwhelm convoys. T-class submarines often worked alone or in small teams. They focused on long-range patrols and special operations.

Allied subs benefited from better radar and sonar tech. This gave them an edge in detecting enemy ships. Axis subs relied more on visual spotting and radio intercepts.

Submarine Operations and Tactics

T-class subs were versatile. They performed various tasks beyond just sinking ships. These included:

• Coastal surveillance
• Special forces insertion
• Minelaying
• Intelligence gathering

Crews learned to use ocean currents and thermal layers to hide. This made them harder to detect. They also developed silent running techniques to evade sonar.

Submarine warfare evolved rapidly. Both sides adapted tactics based on battle experience. The T-class proved flexible enough to keep up with these changes.

Post-War Developments and Cold War

After WWII, submarine tech advanced quickly. Nuclear power changed everything. It gave subs nearly unlimited range and endurance.

T-class subs were upgraded but eventually phased out. They couldn’t match newer nuclear boats. But their lessons shaped future designs.

The Cold War brought new challenges. Soviet subs became a major threat. NATO navies, including Britain, focused on anti-submarine warfare. This led to new sonar systems and tactics.

Submarine roles expanded. They became platforms for nuclear deterrence. Some carried ballistic missiles. Others hunted enemy subs in cat-and-mouse games under the sea.

Technical Specifications

The T class submarines had advanced features for their time. They packed powerful armament and detection systems into a relatively compact design.

Torpedo Armament

The T class subs had 10 x 21-inch (53.3cm) torpedo tubes. Eight of these were located in the bow and two below the conning tower. From the 2nd assembly group, a torpedo tube was installed in the stern and the two tubes installed below the conning tower were also orientated to the rear.
This made it possible to fire several salvos at different targets. The submarines could store up to 16 torpedoes in total.

The Mark VIII torpedo was the standard weapon. It had a range of 5,000 yards at 40 knots. Later in the war, improved Mark X torpedoes were introduced. These had longer range and more powerful warheads.

T-class boats were equipped with a 4-inch (10.2cm) deck gun. This made them suitable for attacking the surface to a limited extent. In the middle of the war, they were also fitted with a single 2 cm (0.79-inch) anti-aircraft gun at the rear of the conning tower.

Navigational and Detection Systems

T class subs used hydrophones to detect enemy vessels. Early models had simple listening gear. Later versions got the more advanced ASDIC sonar system.

For navigation, they relied on compasses, charts, and dead reckoning. Periscopes allowed for visual scanning when near the surface.

Radio equipment let the subs communicate with their base. It also picked up enemy transmissions.

In the middle of the war, most of the boats were equipped with air warning radar.

Survivability and Defensive Measures

The T class had a test depth of around 300 feet. Their pressure hulls were made of high-strength steel. This gave good protection against depth charges.

The subs had diesel-electric propulsion. On the surface, diesel engines charged batteries. These powered electric motors when submerged.

Submerged endurance was about 36 hours at 2.5 knots. This let them stay hidden for extended periods.

Emergency blowing tanks could rapidly surface the sub if needed.

Service and Legacy

The T class submarines played a crucial role in World War II naval operations. They served in various theaters and left a lasting impact on submarine design and naval history.

Noteworthy Submarines and Their Fate

HMS Thetis suffered a tragic accident during sea trials in 1939. It sank in Liverpool Bay, claiming 99 lives. Only four survivors escaped. The submarine was later salvaged, renamed HMS Thunderbolt, and returned to service.

Many T class boats were deployed in the Mediterranean and the Far East. HMS Truant sank the German light cruiser Karlsruhe in 1940. HMS Trident damaged the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in 1942. Several submarines were lost during the war due to enemy action or accidents.

Influence on Modern Submarine Design

T class submarines introduced innovations that shaped future naval construction. Their streamlined hull design improved underwater speed and handling. The boats featured an enhanced diving depth, allowing for better evasion tactics.

The class pioneered the use of welded pressure hulls. This technique became standard in later submarine designs. T class boats also had improved living conditions for crew members. These features influenced post-war submarine development.

Commemoration and Cultural Impact

Royal Navy submariners remember the T class in memorials and ceremonies. The National Submarine Museum in Gosport, UK, features exhibits on these boats. Books and documentaries have explored their wartime exploits.

The tragic loss of HMS Thetis led to improved safety measures in submarine design and testing. This disaster remains a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by submariners. T class veterans’ associations keep the memory of these boats alive through reunions and educational outreach programs.

British submarine HMS TROOPER found at great depth in the Icarian Sea

British submarine HMS TROOPER found at great depth in the Icarian Sea: WWII Wreck Discovered After more than 80 Years.

The HMS Trooper’s Final Journey

The HMS Trooper, a T-class submarine of the Royal Navy, met its tragic end in October 1943 whilst on a covert mission in the Aegean Sea. For 81 years, the fate of this vessel and its brave crew remained a mystery until a recent discovery brought closure to decades of uncertainty.

The submarine’s wreckage was found in the Icarian Sea at an astounding depth of 253 metres. This remarkable find was made possible by the tireless efforts of a team of underwater researchers led by Kostas Thoctarides. The HMS Trooper is the eighth sunken submarine uncovered by this dedicated group, marking a significant contribution to naval history and remembrance.

The wreck’s condition provides crucial insights into the submarine’s final moments. The 84-metre-long vessel lies in three distinct sections – bow, midship, and stern – indicating a violent sinking likely caused by a mine explosion. This discovery not only solves a long-standing mystery but also offers a sense of closure for the families of the 64 crew members who perished.

The HMS Trooper’s last mission took place during a tumultuous period in World War II. The Italian surrender on 8th September 1943 had dramatically altered the strategic landscape in the Aegean, leading to increased naval activity and danger for all vessels in the region.

The submarine’s crew included servicemen from various backgrounds, including 22-year-old Australian volunteer Sub-Lieutenant John Stuart Ryder. Their sacrifice underscores the international nature of the war effort and the shared loss felt across nations.

It’s important to note that the wreck site is considered a maritime war grave, and as such, has been treated with the utmost respect during the investigation. No disturbance or intervention of any kind was made to the wreckage, preserving the final resting place of these brave sailors.

The discovery of the HMS Trooper has been met with emotion and gratitude from those connected to its history. George Malcolmson, former Archive Manager at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, expressed his appreciation for the team’s work in solving this 81-year-old mystery. He noted that knowing the location of the submarine’s final resting place would provide closure for surviving relatives and descendants of the crew.

Richard Wraith, a Royal Navy Captain CBE and son of the Trooper’s commander, shared his long-standing awareness of the research team’s persistent efforts. He expressed hope that the definitive location of the Trooper would serve as a reference point for families of the lost crew members, aiding in the remembrance of their loved ones.

The discovery of the HMS Trooper serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring impact of such losses on families and nations. It also highlights the importance of ongoing historical research and the role of advanced underwater exploration techniques in uncovering the secrets of the past.

Common Queries

What led to the sinking of a Royal Navy submarine in World War II?

The HMS TROOPER disappeared in October 1943 during a covert mission in the Aegean Sea. Evidence suggests it likely struck a German EMF mine containing 350 kg of Hexanite. The submarine was found in three separate sections, pointing to a catastrophic explosion.

What are the key features of T class submarines used by the British Navy?

T class submarines were built for long-range patrols. They had:

• Diesel-electric propulsion
• Surface displacement of about 1,300 tons
• Length of around 84 metres
• Crew of about 60 officers and ratings
• Armament including deck gun and torpedo tubes

How are human remains handled in recovered submarine wrecks?

When human remains are found in submarine wrecks:

1. The site is treated as a war grave
2. Remains are left undisturbed if possible
3. Any recovery is done with utmost respect
4. Families of the crew are notified
5. Proper burial at sea may be arranged

What is the process for identifying World War II submarines and crew after discovery?

1. Gather historical records and mission logs
2. Compare wreck location to last known position
3. Examine hull markings and distinctive features
4. Analyse any visible serial numbers or equipment
5. Review crew lists and compare to any personal effects found
6. Consult naval historians and experts
7. Use DNA testing if remains are recovered

What are some notable incidents involving British submarines in World War II?

• HMS Thetis sank during sea trials in 1939, with significant loss of life
• HMS Truant sank the German cruiser Karlsruhe in 1940
• HMS Triumph conducted daring raids in the Mediterranean
• HMS Turbulent sank over 90,000 tons of Axis shipping before being lost in 1943

How does finding sunken wartime submarines affect historical and naval research?

Discoveries of submarines like HMS TROOPER provide:

• New information on naval tactics and technology
• Insight into specific wartime operations
• Closure for families of lost crew members
• Opportunities to study long-term effects of submersion on materials
• Validation or correction of historical records
• Improved understanding of underwater archaeology techniques

Specification for T class

Specifications:

Armament:

Service Statistics:

Frequently Asked Questions

T-class submarines played a key role in British naval operations during World War II. These vessels had unique features and capabilities that set them apart from other submarine classes of the era.

What were the primary roles of T-class submarines during World War II?

T-class submarines carried out patrols, attacked enemy ships, and gathered intelligence. They operated in various theaters, including the Mediterranean and Pacific. These subs were crucial in disrupting Axis supply lines and protecting Allied convoys.

How did T-class submarines compare in performance to other classes of the period?

T-class subs had good range and speed for their time. They could travel long distances and stay at sea for extended periods. Their performance was on par with many other submarine classes of the era, making them effective in combat roles.

What armament did T-class submarines typically carry?

T-class submarines were armed with torpedoes and deck guns. They usually carried around 10-12 torpedoes. The deck gun was used for surface engagements against smaller vessels or for shore bombardment when needed.

What were the technological advancements in T-class submarines?

T-class subs had improved diesel engines and better diving capabilities. They featured more advanced sonar systems than earlier submarine designs. Some later models also had radar equipment installed, enhancing their detection abilities.

How did the design of the T-class submarine evolve during the war?

The T-class design was updated throughout the war. Later models had stronger hulls for deeper diving. Some versions got improved ventilation systems and more powerful engines. These changes helped the subs stay effective as the war progressed.

What were some notable missions or achievements of T-class submarines in WWII?

T-class submarines sank many enemy ships during the war. They conducted daring raids in enemy-controlled waters. Some T-class subs successfully penetrated heavily defended areas like the Mediterranean. Their actions helped weaken Axis naval power and support Allied victories.