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D-class (UK)

1907 WORLD WAR 1

History of D-Level (UK)

The D-class diesel-electric submarines were the first British deep-sea patrol boats to enter the Royal Navy's inventory. This addition now offers war planners considerable tactical flexibility, as underwater forces are no longer confined to coastal areas and can venture further afield to meet the enemy. Compared to previous Royal Navy ships, the D-class offered larger displacement, more powerful diesel engines, and was equipped with wireless equipment for sending/receiving communications in the field. Eight of these ships were laid between 1907 and 1910 (two others were planned but launched as E-class ships), and it is fitting that they were named HMS D1 to HMS D8.

Vickers Limited was involved in its construction.

This group replaced the earlier C-Class, and was itself replaced by the E-Class.

When built, these submarines displace 483 tons when surfaced and 600 tons underwater. The overall length is 163 feet, the beam is 13.6 feet, and the draft is 10.4 feet. The installed power (diesel engine for surface cruising and electric engine for underwater work) drives 1,750 hp on 2 propellers in the stern for a speed of 10 knots and a range of up to 1,100 nautical miles. The crew consisted of 25 people, and the weapons were concentrated on 3 x 18 in (450 mm) torpedo tubes with a load of 6 rounds.

Two of the tubes are facing forward and the remaining one is facing back. 1 x 12lb (76mm) deck gun carries shorter - rich surface work.

These ships were in service when the First World War (1914-1918) broke out in August 1914. This unit was assigned to escort the waters of the Channel when British ground troops sailed to France to fight.

The ships were also used for general patrolling in the waters of the North Sea and around Heligoland (the gulf between Norway and the United Kingdom) to contain German forces. The Portsmouth vessel was set up as a training platform for future submariners until the end of hostilities.

HMS D1 survived the war, but was sunk as a floating target in 1918. HMS D2, D3, D5 and D6 were all casualties of the war, while HMS D4, D7 and D8 served for some time after the war.