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 participated in numerous epic naval wars in the 20th Century, proving that they were not only a nuisance but a threat. A submarine was one the most important weapons of World War II. In fact, it destroyed more German shipping that any other Allied boat.
It was also first time that a British submariner received the Victoria Cross. The award went to Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm David Wanklyn of HMS Upholder, which was stationed in the Mediterranean during WW2. His men achieved a remarkable record for victory by sinking enemy ships, securing tens of thousands of tonnes.
For submariners, it was a dangerous job, but one that they loved. They could go on patrol for as long as six months.
They found a home in the bowels and often lived there. Their galley served four meals a day - all freshly cooked by the navy chefs.
They lived a hard life. 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 quickly spread to other ships and nearly everyone was killed.
MRSA was another deadly disease that caused bloodstream infection among the crew. This stifled their immune system, making it easier for them 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.
The Royal Navy of the UK still plays a crucial role in national security. They form the basis of a Continuous at Sea Deterrent. This means that one submarine can be stationed anywhere in the world with nuclear missiles and is ready to launch them at any moment, 365 days per year.