British submariners play a significant role in the UK’s maritime history. They have attacked enemy ships and disrupted naval battles.
Royal Submarine Force led many great naval wars over the 20th century. They proved to be more than a nuisance. 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 a first for a British submariner to receive a Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn was the recipient of the award. He commanded HMS Upholder through the Mediterranean war. He and his crew achieved an extraordinary record of victory, sinking hundreds of thousands of tons enemy shipping.
Submariners loved the job. Although it was dangerous, they enjoyed it. 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 were served four meals daily in the galley, each freshly prepared by the navy chefs.
It was a difficult time in their lives. It was difficult to breathe in the toxic engine fumes, which made them more susceptible to illnesses.
The first of these diseases was the Red Flu, which killed a large proportion of their crew. It quickly spread to other ships and nearly everyone was killed.
MRSA was another deadly disease that caused bloodstream infection among the crew. This affected their immune system, making them more likely to die.
During the Falklands War three submarines - HMS Conqueror and HMS Splendid - attacked the Task Group 79.1 Argentine Navy carrier group Task Group 79.1 however they did not engage.
They preyed on enemy trade and played an important role in the Cold War. 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 Royal Navy submarines play a critical role in maintaining the UK's national safety and security. They are the foundation of a Continuously At Sea Deterrent. That is, one submarine is always available to launch nuclear missiles at any moment.