*British, WW1, HM Submarine D4 – Original Photograph*
Original Photograph of WW1 Submarine D4. 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: 15.3cm x 9.9cm
HMS D2 was one of eight early 20th-century D-class submarines built for the Royal Navy, featuring improvements over the C-class such as diesel engines, saddle tanks, and increased dimensions. It was built by Vickers, Barrow. Laid down on 24 February 1910, launched on 27 May 1911, and commissioned on 29 November 1911, she was the first submarine fitted with a gun for offensive use.
During World War I, on 22 June 1915, D4 encountered the stranded German minesweeper Bielefeld in the Heligoland Bight, guarded by a destroyer. Attempting to attack the destroyer first, D4 missed its torpedo shot and endured several ramming attempts before the destroyer withdrew. D4 then surfaced and sank Bielefeld, which was later salvaged but not returned to naval service.
On 12 May 1918, D4 torpedoed and sank UB-72 off the English Channel. After stalking the U-boat, Lt. Claud Barry fired two torpedoes, hitting the target. D4 surfaced and rescued three survivors from UB-72's crew of 34.
Decommissioned in 1919, D4 was sold on 17 December 1921 to H Pounds, Portsmouth.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
