he Sirene class submarines, Espadon, Silure, Sirene and Triton were all built at Arsenalde Cherbourg in 1901. They were improved versions of the Narval type. These double hulled submarines were designed by Maxime Laubeuf.  They were built like torpedo boats and submerged by flooding the area between the two hull skins.  The cost for each of these submarines was £24,700 each.  All four submarines were based at Cherbourg during the first world war.  another interesting fact was there was a diverse range of diving times. the Espadon took 6 minutes and the Triton took 9 minutes.

Displacement: 157 tons  and 213 tons submerged.  crew: 13  Speed: 9.75 knots surfaced and  5.8 knots submerged.  Range: 600 nm at 8 knots on the surface and 55 nm at 3.75 knots submerged.  Armament: four 450mm Torpedoes in Drzewiecki drop collars.

Espadon, c.1915

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PFS008

A Sirene Class submarine at Saint Malo.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PFS104

Submarines at Cherbourg, including three of what look like Sirene Class submarines.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PFS106