The Story of Our Submarines

A vivid portrait of the Royal Navy’s under‑sea arm emerges from the pages, taking listeners into a world that stayed largely out of the public eye during the Great War. The narrative begins by laying out the modest fleet of early‑twentieth‑century submarines—B, C, D and E classes—explaining how each type was suited to specific duties, from coastal defense to the daring patrols around the English Channel. Readers hear first‑hand accounts of the rigorous selection and training that turned ordinary officers and sailors into a tightly knit crew, where every life depended on the skill of the next.

Beyond the technical details, the book contrasts Britain’s proactive approach to submarine readiness with the more hesitant attitudes of the German navy before the conflict. By revealing the daily challenges, the camaraderie, and the quiet heroism of those who served beneath the waves, it offers a compelling glimpse into a hidden chapter of naval history—one that shaped the outcome of the war long before the headlines caught up.