*British, 1970, HM Submarine Warspite – Original Photograph*
Original Wire Photograph of 1970s Submarine HMS Warspite. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007.
Approximate Dimensions: 28cm x 21.6cm.
Marked on the front: "lONP101206. 10/12/70: Chatham. Kent. England. The nuclear powered submarine "Warspite", 3,500 tons arriving at the naval dockyard here 10/12, for a refit. the dockyard will have for the first time two nuclear submarines in refitting base. the other being the "Valiant" also 3,500 tons.
Marked on the reverse: Daily Express Wire Photo Glasgow. 12 Oct 1970. 13 oct 1970. 814.
HMS Warspite was the third British nuclear-powered submarine and the second of the Valiant class. Commissioned in 1967, she collided with a Soviet Echo II-class submarine in 1968 but returned safely for repairs. In 1976, she suffered a serious fire while docked in Liverpool, requiring civilian firefighters to assist in extinguishing it. Several crew members received commendations for their bravery.
Following a two-year refit, Warspite set a record for the longest publicly known submerged patrol—111 days from November 1982 to March 1983—covering over 57,000 km. A mechanical failure in 1991 led to her decommissioning, and she remains laid up at Devonport awaiting disposal. Notable commanders included Admiral Sandy Woodward, who later led the Falklands Conflict battle group.
In 1983, Warspite was featured in a BBC documentary during NATO's Ocean Safari exercise, offering a rare glimpse into life aboard a Royal Navy submarine.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAOXAH_2187195393
