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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The 'A' Class Submarine
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The 'A' Class Submarine
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The 'A' Class Submarine
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The 'A' Class Submarine

Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The 'A' Class Submarine

Associated (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)
Medallist
DateMay 2004
Object NameMedal
MediumSterling Silver
ClassificationsMedals
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072500.73
About MeAlong and complex process of experiment, extending over several centuries, marked the efforts of scientists and technicians of many nationalities to evolve a practical submarine for use in war. By the end of the 19th century, it had been achieved, although the full potentialities of the submersible vessel were not yet perceived.

One of the first to realize that a new dimension had been added to sea warfare was Admiral Lord Fisher. He wrote: 'It is astounding to me how the very best among us absolutely fail to realize the vast impending revolution in naval warfare and naval strategy that the submarine will accomplish.' Largely through Fisher's advocacy, a small submarine, with electric propulsion submerged, which had been designed by John P. Holland in the United States, was chosen as the means to gain experience. Five were ordered in 1900. They were built in England under American guidance, and were armed with a single torpedo. They were in service the following year, concurrently with a larger and improved version, which were given the designation 'A' boats. Critics called them 'Fisher's toys.'

There was nothing toy-like about their performance. Within little more than a decade, despite tragic losses from collisions and accidents, the Navy had reached a high degree of proficiency in the handling of under-water vessels. The generation of commanding officers who served in what the Navy knew as 'the Trade' and who were called upon to operate in the war of 1914 -1918, had a marvellous record of success in proportion to their numbers and in view of their limited opportunities.

The exploits of the leading submariners, who had learnt their business in the comparatively primitive Holland and 'A' Class submarines, which were quickly improved, became almost legendary. Success in areas such as the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmora, and the Baltic, even to reach which was hazardous from bases in the United Kingdom, showed that a Navy which was predominant on the surface could also be formidable beneath it.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.

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