HMS K8

HMS K8 was a K-class submarine of the Royal Navy, built by Vickers Limited at Barrow-in-Furness during World War I. Part of the initial order for the class, she was laid down on 10 October 1915 and launched on 20 September 1916. K8 entered service in December 1916.

The K-class submarines were designed to operate with the Grand Fleet in high-speed surface actions, possessing a high surface speed (24 knots) achieved through the use of steam turbines. This made them significantly larger and more complex than contemporary submarines.

K8 served with the 4th Submarine Flotilla, based at Great Yarmouth. The K-class suffered numerous accidents, and K8 was involved in several minor incidents. These incidents highlighted the inherent dangers and difficulties of operating steam-powered submarines in close proximity with surface warships.

After the war, the K-class submarines were considered increasingly problematic and expensive to maintain. As a result, many were scrapped in the years following the armistice. HMS K8 was sold for scrap on 26 October 1921.