A Sub and a Submarine: The Story of H.M. Submarine R19 in the Great War

A young Sub‑Lieutenant returns home on a brief leave, bringing his spirited Irish terrier, Flirt, along for the respite. The quiet coastal town offers a glimpse of ordinary life—family, local politics, and the occasional comic mishap when the dog’s fierce loyalty meets a cantankerous councilman. These early scenes set the tone for a narrative that balances humor with the lingering weight of wartime duty.

When the officer returns to his submarine, HMS R19, the story shifts beneath the waves to the stark realities of North Sea patrols. Readers follow the crew’s camaraderie, the cramped conditions aboard a World War I vessel, and the tense moments of spotting enemy ships or evading depth‑charge attacks. Through vivid description and personal reflections, the book captures both the bravery and the everyday concerns of those who served beneath the surface.