British submariners played an important role in the UK’s naval history. They have sunk enemy shipping, disrupted naval battles and hunted Russian and Chinese spy ships for the UK Navy.
The Royal Submarine Force was involved in many naval battles throughout the 20th century. This proved that they were more than just a nuisance. A submarine was actually one of the most valuable weapons in the world during World War II. It destroyed more German ships than any other Allied vessel.
This was also the first occasion that a British submariner had been awarded a Victoria Cross. It was given to Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn who commanded HMS Upholder during the war in the Mediterranean. He and his men had a remarkable track record of success, sinking many thousands of tons worth of enemy shipping.
It was a difficult job but one they loved. They could spend up to six consecutive months on patrol.
They found a home in the bowels and often lived there. They were served four meals daily in the galley, each freshly prepared by the navy chefs.
Their lives were hard but not impossible. The noxious engine fumes made it a difficult environment, and they were prone to diseases.
Red Flu was the first of these diseases, and it claimed many lives. It spread rapidly on the ship and almost all of its crew died.
MRSA was another deadly disease that caused bloodstream infection among the crew. Their immune systems were weakened, which made it easier to die.
During Falklands War 3 submarines - HMS Conqueror HMS Splendid HMS Spartan – preyed on Task Group 79.1 Argentine Navy ship group Task Group 79.1. But did not engage.
They were also a key player in the Cold War by preying on enemies trade. They destroyed a number Turkish and Soviet merchant vessels, while HMS Swiftsure, a submarine designed in Barrow-in-Furness, sank a German cruiser at the North Sea.
Today, the submarines of the UK's Royal Navy still play a vital role in the national security of the UK. They are the backbone of a Continuous At Sea Deterrent, which means that one submarine is on patrol anywhere in the world armed with nuclear missiles ready to launch them at a moment's notice, 365 days a year.