Submarines At Harwich

[DEL1408]

I Am Looking For Photos/Info On Submarines At Harwich.

My Grandfather Served On, B11,E50,55 And Many More.

I Have Some Photos Of His Subs And Crew Photos But Wd Like To Research
Other Subs In Harwich During The War.

If Anyone Has Any Further Info Then That Wd Be Great.

Many Thanks

[tomsam]

Hello Del 1408. There has been submarine flotillas at harwich during both wars, The numbers you mention however are WW1 boats. It is my understanding that at one time in WW1 the 8th Submarine Flotilla was based there and comprised mostly of B and C boats with a few E boats Maidstone was the Depot Ship. E6 and E7 were definately there.
If you are interested in WW2" the 3rd Squadron was operating from Harwich from HMS Cyclops,the boats were SUNFISH,SNAPPER,SEALION,SALMON,SHARK,STERLET AND SPEARFISH.In the summer of 1940 three of the seven mentioned were lost in the North Sea.
I am sure others will chip in with other boats.
Regards, Les

[dennis a feary]

DEL, Many, many submarines served from Harwich - H boats served WW1 & WW11.
For your grandfather - if you post his name more can be found.

Sadsac

[DEL1408]

I Am Researching Submarines That Where Based Or Visited Harwich
WW1 & 2

My Grandfather Served On Several Subs Mainly E Class

I Am Looking For Names And Photos Of Subs At Harwich Even U-Boats That
Where Captured.

This Will Be Used On A Local Web Site Of Harwich & Dovercourt

If Anyone Has Any information Or Would Like To Supply Any photos Then
Please Get In Touch.
All Photos Will Be Credited..

Many Thanks

[Dreadnought]

Hi there,

You will find lots of information here regarding submarines at Harwich. The problem will be finding it all.

I thought this might help however. Firstly, submarines at Harwich in the WWI period:

Harwich 8th Flotilla1914
HMS MAIDSTONE (Depot Ship)
E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E,7 E8, E9, E11,
D1, D4, D,7 D8,

HMS ADAMANT(Depot Ship)
D3, D5, D6

Harwich 9th Flotilla1916
HMS MAIDSTONE (Depot Ship)
E23, E29, E30, E31, E35, E37, E38, E42, E43, E45, E53, E54, E55, E56, E32, E33, E46, E47

Harwich 9th Flotilla1919
HMS MAIDSTONE (Depot Ship)
C23 C25
E29 E31 E41 E43 E45 E51 E52 E53 E56
L9 L15 L14 L17

Thread about C-Class Submarines:
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2400&highlight=SUBMARINES (http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2400&highlight=SUBMARINES)

Thread about D-Class Submarines:
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9951&highlight=SUBMARINES (http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9951&highlight=SUBMARINES)

Thread about E-Class Submarines:
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=779&highlight=SUBMARINES (http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=779&highlight=SUBMARINES)

Gallery Thread RN Submarines 1900-1925
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1423&highlight=SUBMARINES

I am pretty sure that within these threads you will pictures of submarines at Harwich during the WW1 period
.
.

[DEL1408]

Superb many thanks for all the info

Sorry for late reply but couldn't reply to posts

Appreciate the info

Steve

[peter schofield]

7 February 1935 - Commander Kellett - Obituary
Commander GH Kellett RN whose service in the Navy was largely confined to submarines died at Grimsby yesterday. While in command of S1 during the war his vessel broke down in the Heligoland Bight. He submerged until dusk and then came up alongside a German trawler, which he captured and made the trawler tow the submarine to safety. In December 1917 he was in command of the submarine depot ship Forth and was assistant to the Captain in charge of the Harwich submarines until the Armistice. Commander Kellett assisted in the taking over of 144 German submarines surrendered at Harwich at the end of the War. He retired at his own request in 1922.

[peter schofield]

30 June 1908 – The Home Fleet Mobilization - Submarines
Harwich Flotilla – Commander Oswald H Davies (Thames). Depot ship Thames. Submarines – C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. Total six boats.

27 June 1910 – Mobilization of the Fleet
Section III Flotilla (Harwich)
Commander WR Napier in command (Thames, depot ship). Submarines – C1 - C9 (Total nine boats).

31 July 1911
Submarine C9 which damaged her bow casting six months ago when going into Hartlepool Harbour at night was refloated at Sheerness on Saturday after being fitted with a new casting made for her at Barrow and will at once resume duties with Section III Submarine Flotilla at Harwich.

[DEL1408]

Many thanks for all the info on harwich subs
I'm still looking for more info and pictures

Thanks

[dennis a feary]

Del, just seen this Sub / Harwich Thread. Have awards for submarines Harwich based WW1 such as the following ;

THOMPSON Leslie N/E Lt. RNR 82O052 S/M E.51Captain (S) Harwich 21.06.18 Gazetted
In Minelaying Submarines 1918 DSC
Has taken part in mine-laying operations since the 17th December, 1917.
He is an exceptionally good and careful navigator, and that the mines laid by "E.51" have been accurately placed is shown by the fact that minefields laid by her were successful in destroying at least two submarines and several surface class.

If of interest have more. Also info re Harwich / Subs WW2.

Sadsac

[DEL1408]

Del, just seen this Sub / Harwich Thread. Have awards for submarines Harwich based WW1 such as the following ;

THOMPSON Leslie N/E Lt. RNR 82O052 S/M E.51Captain (S) Harwich 21.06.18 Gazetted
In Minelaying Submarines 1918 DSC
Has taken part in mine-laying operations since the 17th December, 1917.
He is an exceptionally good and careful navigator, and that the mines laid by "E.51" have been accurately placed is shown by the fact that minefields laid by her were successful in destroying at least two submarines and several surface class.

If of interest have more. Also info re Harwich / Subs WW2.

Sadsac

Hi
Thanks for the above I have done a lot of research and now putting together subs and there history/fate etc
Any info you have relating to harwich would be appreciated especially photos
Which I'm putting on my web site ....

Many thanks

[peter schofield]

Bits and Pieces

The TIMES Friday 2 August 1907

In order that room may be provided at Harwich for berthing the cruiser Thames, parent vessel of submarines, it has been decided to remove the Ganges II from that port. The youths now accommodated on board the latter vessel will be transferred to the Ganges (late Minotaur) that ship having more than cabin accommodation than the old Agincourt. The ship’s artificers are preparing the Ganges as a training depot, but it is not expected that she will be ready to receive the youths before the end of the month.

Monday 23 Mar 1908

The Thames, cruiser, Commander OH Davies, seagoing depot ship for submarines and the Nore Submarine Flotilla at present stationed at Sheerness are to make Harwich their permanent headquarters from 21 April.

Friday 24 April 1908

The Rodney, battleship is to be taken from Sheerness to Harwich where she will be berthed for the submarines belonging to the Nore flotilla to take up moorings alongside her.


Friday 1 May 1908

Submarines C1, C2, C5 and C6 of the Nore Flotilla escorted by the Thames, cruiser, Com. OH Davies, seagoing depot ship, Jason tgb and Elfin special services vessel left Sheerness yesterday for the Tyne on an exercise cruise, calling at Harwich, Yarmouth or Lowestoft or other possible anchorages en route according to weather or other circumstances. The headquarters of the flotilla was transferred yesterday from Sheerness to Harwich, to which port the flotilla will return on 21 May from the cruise to the Tyne.

Tuesday 4 Aug 1908

The Ganges, training ship, is to be removed from her moorings in Harwich Harbour and will be converted to a coal hulk. The berth now occupied by the Ganges will be utilized by the old battleship Rodney, which is to be towed across from Sheerness to act as a repair vessel for submarines.

Friday 21 Aug 1908

The Thames, cruiser, depot ship for submarines, and the submarines attached to the Nore flotilla are ordered to leave Harwich on 25 August on a cruise on the east coast for exercises, calling at Lowestoft and Grimsby as convenient, and returning on 10 September.

Monday 14 September 1908

The Camperdown, battleship arrived on Saturday at Sheerness and will be taken to Harwich where she will be stationed as a berthing ship for submarines of the Nore Home Fleet Flotilla to moor alongside.

Tuesday 1 Oct 1908

During torpedo practice off Harwich yesterday, the Zebra tbd turned sharply to avoid a torpedo fired from a submarine boat and a bluejacket on the vessel lost his balance and fell overboard. His head was struck by a propeller and he sank immediately. His body had not been recovered last night.

Wednesday 11 Nov 1908

Submarines C1, C3 and C4 left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to rejoin the Nore Submarine Flotilla

[Linton]

Shrimp Simpson describes Harwich in his autobiography and the use of the port during the opening of WW2 for submarine operations.

[DEL1408]

Many thanks for info Peter my grandfathers subs was attached to the Thames

Great info

[dennis a feary]

Del, here two more awards for services submarines Harwich based from NOIC ;

PULLEYNE Richard I N/E Lt. RN 82O037 S/M E.34Captain (S) Harwich 19.12.17 Gazetted
In Torpedoing Enemy Steamer 23.10.17 M in D
Torpdoed an enemy merchant steamer on the 23rd October, 1917.
He exercised good judgement and his attack was very well carried out.

WATKINS Geoffrey R.S N/E Lt.Cdr. RN 82O023 S/M E.45Captain (S) Harwich 22.06.17 Gazetted
In Submarines 1916 - 1917 DSO
For services in submarines 1916 - 1917. Their Lordships' appreciation expressed to Officers and Men of the manner in which they have carried out their hazardous duties.

Sadsac

[peter schofield]

More bits and pices Del, which boats did your grandfather serve on and did he every write letters or keep diaries about his experiences?

Tuesday, 16 March 1909
The Bonaventure Commander F Brandt, seagoing depot ship for submarines, with submarines C10, C11. C12 and C13 in company, will leave Portsmouth today for the Firth of Forth and will be joined off Harwich by the Hazard tgb and submarines C7 and C8.

Tuesday 26 October 1909
Submarines C7, C8 and C9 which yesterday completed refitting at Sheerness Dockyard have been fitted with the new pattern bridges and will be inclined for inclination tests before rejoining the Nore flotilla at Harwich. C2, C5 and C6 arrived at Sheerness Yard yesterday fro Harwich.

Saturday 13 November 1909
Submarine C19, Lieutenant HJ Hearn left Sheerness under the escort of Conflict tbd for Harwich where she will begin duties in the Nore Submarine Flotilla.

Monday 22 November 1909
The Charger will relieve the Conflict on duties with the Nore Submarine Flotilla at Norwich

Thursday, 13 January 1910
Submarines C2, C5 and C6 which have been fitted with new pattern navigation bridges left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to resume duties in the Nore Submarine Flotilla.

Saturday, 29 January 1910
Submarines C1, C3 and C4 completed refitting and Sheerness yesterday and were ordered to leave Harwich to rejoin the Nore Fleet.

Monday 31 January 1910
Submarine C19, which has been temporarily serving in Section III Submarine Flotilla at Harwich, is ordered to join Section VII Submarine Flotilla at Dundee.

Wednesday 23 February 1910
Tb No.9 left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to relieve the Charger

Tuesday, 2 August 1910
Submarines C1, C2 and C4 which have been refitted have left Sheerness under the convoy of the Charger tgb to resume duties at Harwich in Section III Submarine Flotilla

Wednesday, 14 September 1910
The Thames, cruiser Commander WR Napier, which has been at Chatham yard for the last three months refitting arrived yesterday at Sheerness and will resume duties today at Harwich as seagoing depot ship of Section III Submarine Flotilla

Friday 4 November 1910
Submarines C2 and C8 left for Harwich to rejoin Section III Submarine Flotilla

Tuesday, 20 December 1910
Submarine C3 escorted by the Wizard tbd left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to resume duties in Section III Submarine Flotilla

[Bonzo]

I have book of the history of Lowestoft and in it are photos of the Submarines from Harwich that were transfered to the town in 1910
for interested submariners.
There are also photos of RN surface vessels that I can attach later. Including HMS Hearty - HMS Leda - HMS Halcyon and HMS Jupiter

[astraltrader]

I have book of the history of Lowestoft and in it are photos of the Submarines from Harwich that were transfered to the town in 1910
for interested submariners.
There are also photos of RN surface vessels that I can attach later. Including HMS Hearty - HMS Leda - HMS Halcyon and HMS Jupiter


Thanks Bonzo would very much like to see those pictures.

[Bonzo]

Thanks Terry I'll scan them and find a suitable thread

[DEL1408]

More bits and pices Del, which boats did your grandfather serve on and did he every write letters or keep diaries about his experiences?

Tuesday, 16 March 1909
The Bonaventure Commander F Brandt, seagoing depot ship for submarines, with submarines C10, C11. C12 and C13 in company, will leave Portsmouth today for the Firth of Forth and will be joined off Harwich by the Hazard tgb and submarines C7 and C8.

Tuesday 26 October 1909
Submarines C7, C8 and C9 which yesterday completed refitting at Sheerness Dockyard have been fitted with the new pattern bridges and will be inclined for inclination tests before rejoining the Nore flotilla at Harwich. C2, C5 and C6 arrived at Sheerness Yard yesterday fro Harwich.

Saturday 13 November 1909
Submarine C19, Lieutenant HJ Hearn left Sheerness under the escort of Conflict tbd for Harwich where she will begin duties in the Nore Submarine Flotilla.

Monday 22 November 1909
The Charger will relieve the Conflict on duties with the Nore Submarine Flotilla at Norwich

Thursday, 13 January 1910
Submarines C2, C5 and C6 which have been fitted with new pattern navigation bridges left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to resume duties in the Nore Submarine Flotilla.

Saturday, 29 January 1910
Submarines C1, C3 and C4 completed refitting and Sheerness yesterday and were ordered to leave Harwich to rejoin the Nore Fleet.

Monday 31 January 1910
Submarine C19, which has been temporarily serving in Section III Submarine Flotilla at Harwich, is ordered to join Section VII Submarine Flotilla at Dundee.

Wednesday 23 February 1910
Tb No.9 left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to relieve the Charger

Tuesday, 2 August 1910
Submarines C1, C2 and C4 which have been refitted have left Sheerness under the convoy of the Charger tgb to resume duties at Harwich in Section III Submarine Flotilla

Wednesday, 14 September 1910
The Thames, cruiser Commander WR Napier, which has been at Chatham yard for the last three months refitting arrived yesterday at Sheerness and will resume duties today at Harwich as seagoing depot ship of Section III Submarine Flotilla

Friday 4 November 1910
Submarines C2 and C8 left for Harwich to rejoin Section III Submarine Flotilla

Tuesday, 20 December 1910
Submarine C3 escorted by the Wizard tbd left Sheerness yesterday for Harwich to resume duties in Section III Submarine Flotilla

Hi Peter
He Served On B11,E50,E55 Where The Main Subs There Are Other Listed in
His Records I Dont Think He Ever Wrote Letter home

[dennis a feary]

Del, see my suggestion in Post *3 !!!

Sadsac