British submariners play a significant role in the UK’s maritime history. They have sunk enemy shipping, disrupted naval battles and hunted Russian and Chinese spy ships for the UK Navy.
The Royal Submarine Force fought many epic naval wars during the 20th century, proving they were more than a nuisance, they could be a real threat. In fact, a submarine was the most powerful weapon in the world during World War II. They destroyed more German shipping than any other Allied ship.
It was also the first award of a Victoria Cross to a British submariner. This went to Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn (commander HMS Upholder in Mediterranean during World War II). He and his crew achieved an extraordinary record of victory, sinking hundreds of thousands of tons enemy shipping.
It was a difficult job but one they loved. They could be stationed on patrol for up six months.
They had a home away from home on board a submarine and would often live in the bowels of the boat. They had four meals a days in their galley, which was prepared fresh by navy chefs.
It was a difficult time in their lives. It was difficult for them to live in this environment of toxic engine fumes.
Red Flu, which claimed the lives of a large number of crew members, was the first of these deadly diseases. It spread quickly and almost everyone perished.
Another deadly disease was the MRSA, which caused an infection in the bloodstream of the crew. Their immune systems were weakened, which made it easier to die.
During the Falklands War HMS Conqueror was attacked by three submarines, HMS Splendid, HMS Splendid, and HMS Spartan, but they were not able to engage the Task Group 79.1 Argentine Navy carriers.
They preyed upon enemy trade, and also played a significant role in the Cold War. They sink several Soviet and Turkish merchant boats, while HMS Swiftsure (a submarine designed by Barrow-in-Furness) sinks a German cruiser on the North Sea.
Today, the Royal Navy submarines play a critical role in maintaining the UK's national safety and security. They are the core of a Continuous At Sea Defense, meaning that one submarine is always on patrol around the globe armed with nuclear missiles, ready to launch them at any time, 365 days a.