HMS H2

HMS H2 was one of the six H-class submarines built for the Royal Navy before the First World War. These submarines were among the first British boats to be equipped with diesel engines, offering improved range compared to earlier petrol-powered submarines.

Design and Specifications

The H-class submarines were designed by Vickers and were intended to be relatively small and inexpensive boats suitable for coastal defense and patrol duties. HMS H2 displaced 363 long tons (369 t) when surfaced and 434 long tons (441 t) when submerged. They had a length of 145 feet 6 inches (44.4 m), a beam of 15 feet 9 inches (4.8 m), and a draft of 11 feet 6 inches (3.5 m). The boats were powered by two Vickers diesel engines when surfaced and two electric motors when submerged. They had a surface speed of 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) and a submerged speed of 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph). The submarines carried a crew of 22 officers and ratings. They were armed with four 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes.

Service History

HMS H2 was laid down by Vickers at Barrow-in-Furness on 1 March 1915, launched on 20 October 1915, and commissioned on 13 December 1915. During the First World War, HMS H2 primarily operated in the North Sea, conducting patrols and engaging enemy vessels.

Fate

HMS H2 was sunk after being rammed by the destroyer HMS Petard during exercises in the English Channel on 26 January 1918. All 22 crew members were lost. The wreck of HMS H2 lies off Start Point in Devon.