Submarines pre 1917

[chris.p]

Trying to find 12 partially completed subs that were transported across Russia around 1915 to 1916 and were possabily assembled at the Baltic works pre revolution.My Gt Grand Father was working i think for Vickers or the Electric Boat company in Vladivostok?his name was Richard Dunderdale. He sent my Gt.Uncle Commander Wilfred Dunderdale aged only 16 as escort and interpreter when the Subs were transported in kits. I think they may have been AG11-15 OR AG21-23
I hope some one can help me.

[Antoine]

Trying to find 12 partially completed subs that were transported across Russia around 1915 to 1916 and were possabily assembled at the Baltic works pre revolution.

They could be only the AG (American Holland) class submarines. 11 units were built for the Imperial Russian Navy at Vancouver, delivered to Vladivostok and then completed at Petrograd or Nikolaev. First batch (AG11-15) were competed at the Baltic Wks (Petrograd) in 1916.
Then the Naval department ordered 12 more submarines: 6 (AG21-26) for the Black Sea Fleet, 3 for the Baltic Fleet and 3 for the Arctic Ocean Flotilla. AG21 & AG22 were completed by the Nikolaev section of the Baltic Wks in 1918 and 1919. Remaining four ones were completed after the Civil War. Baltic and Arctic submarines were cancelled after the Bolshevik revolution and became US H4-9.

[chris.p]

Antoine
Many thanks for your help. I am now looking for infomation on the sub Outka.
My Gt Uncle stopped her being taken over by the Bolshevik navy in May 1920 and he got the mbe and i think that's why he got the order of St. Ann but not to sure about that one.
Many thanks
Chris.

[Antoine]

Hi, Chris!

Many thanks for your help.

Not at all!:)

I am now looking for infomation on the sub Outka.

Some general information.
The "Utka" (means "duck") is a submarine of the "Lebed" class (Black Sea version of the "Bars" class):
650/785 t; 67.97x4.48x4.12 m; 2 diesels/2 electric motors, 500/900 hp = 9/9 kts, 2400 nm/9 kts (surfaced), 130 nm/5 kts (submerged), deep 50 m; 4x457mm TT, 4x457mm Dzhevetsky TT, 2x76mm guns, 1x37mm AA gun; 33 men.
Laid down July 2, 1915, Nikolaev section of the Baltic Wks; launched in autumn of 1916; commissioned June 20, 1917. Used for training tasks. May 1, 1918 captured by German at Sevastopol and then commissioned for their navy as US3. November 24, 1918 taken by the Allies. Since May 3, 1919 -- in staff of the Naval Forces of the South of Russia (the White Navy). November 14, 1920 left Sevastopol for Constantinople. December 29, 1920 arrived at Bizerta where was interned by French. October 29, 1924 officially became a property of USSR but wasn't given to Soviet. Sold for scrap in the end of 1920s.

My Gt Uncle stopped her being taken over by the Bolshevik navy in May 1920 and he got the mbe and i think that's why he got the order of St. Ann but not to sure about that one.

It would be VERY interesting to read more about this!

[Anthonyfraser]

Dear Chris
Astonished to discover that 'Uncle Biffy' still has family alive and well. I have no particular interest in naval history but happened on this website by chance when I Googled 'Dunderdale'. Our two families were very close, my father in a similar occupation during WWII, Bifski would have been my godfather except for the wartime situation. Knew him well for 35 years, even lived in the next village. Wonderful memories and stories by and about him. I am now retired and living in the south of England. Would very much like to make contact - much to discuss and discover? As none of this will be of any interest to other users of this website, please contact me on my normal e-mail which is anthony_fraser@btinternet.com

[Anthonyfraser]

Chris
I see that the website has underline the whole of my e-mail address. Please be aware that in fact between 'anthony' and 'fraser' there should be an underline/underscore not a blank space, otherwise will not reach me. Please do make contact.

[astraltrader]

Anthony for security reasons we do not recommend including your email address in full view but rather that you invite members to send you a PM with their email address then you can contact them.

It is however your choice.