S Class Medium Patrol Submarines 1943

In the late 1920's and early 1930's it was decided that two main type of patrol submarine would meet the future requirements of the Long Range Overseas Patrol Submarine, a medium sized type for confined waters and a slightly larger one for overseas.

Having learned from past experience that external fuel tanks were not ideally suited the decision was taken that all future construction of submarines should have their fuel tanks internally built. It was intended to maintain the quick diving and the manageable handling of the 'H' class whilst submerged, combined with the long range qualities of the 'O','P' and 'R' classes.

The result was the 'S' class. This class was in production for over 15 years and was the largest single group of submarines built for the Royal Navy.

There were three distinct groups in this class with varying differences as will be seen within the class notes and individual boat profiles.

5 Built

Submarine	Builder	Built
Saga, Sanguine, Scorcher, Springer, Spur	Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.	1940 - 1945

Sea Robin, Sprightly, Surface and Surge were never ordered

Technical Information

Displacement (tons):	715 sf 990 sm
Length (ft):	217 oa
Breadth (ft)	23.75
Draught/Height (ft):	13.25
Machinery:	8 cylinder Admiralty diesel engines 1,900 bhp Admiralty electric motors 1,300 bhp As for Sunfish.
Speed (kts):	14.75 sf 9 sm
Oil Supply (tons):	44 normal (84 mal)
Armament:	1 x 4 inch/40 QF 1 x 20mm Oerlikon 2 or 3 0.303 Lewis or Vickers MG 6 x 21 inch bow tubes, 12 reloads or 12 mines.
Range:	7,500 nm at 10 kts (Surface on 84 ton Diesel oil)
Complement:	48

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H.M. Submarine Saga

Type:	S Class	Third Group
Pennant No.:	P.257
Laid Down:	5th April 1944.	Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.
Commissioned:	14th June 1945.	Not known at present.
Commander:	Not known at present.	Not known at present.
Complement:	48	5 Officers and 43 Ratings.
Service Career:	Not known at present.	Not known at present.
	Not known at present.
Fate:	Transferred to the Portuguese Navy 1949, renamed Nautilo.

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H.M. Submarine Sanguine

Type:	S Class	Third Group
Pennant No.:	P.266
Laid Down:	10th January 1944.	Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.
Commissioned:	13th May 1945.	Not known at present.
Commander:	Not known at present.	Not known at present.
Complement:	48	5 Officers and 43 Ratings.
Service Career:	Not known at present.	Not known at present.
	Not known at present.
Fate:	Sold to the Israeli Navy 1958 and renamed Rahav. Scrapped Haifa, 1969.

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H.M. Submarine Scorcher as she appeared during WWII

H.M. Submarine Scorcher

H.M. Submarine Scorcher 1953

Type:	S Class	Third Group.
Pennant No.:	ex P.258
Laid Down:	14th December 1943.	Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.
Commissioned:	16th March 1945.	Not known at present.
Commander:	Not known at present.	Not known at present.
Complement:	48	5 Officers and 43 Ratings.
Service Career:	1945.	Indian Ocean.

Fate:	Scrapped 14th September 1962.

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More Details to Follow

H.M. Submarine Springer 1955