HMS Alliance

HMS Alliance, an illustrious submarine of the Royal Navy, stands proudly at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Great Britain. This remarkable vessel, belonging to the Amphion-class, also known as the A-class or Acheron-class, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life and history of British submariners. As the only surviving example of its class, HMS Alliance serves not only as a museum ship but also as a tribute to the brave souls who served in the silent service.

The Genesis of HMS Alliance

Laid down on 13 March 1945 at the Vickers-Armstrong shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, HMS Alliance was designed for operations in the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean. The need for long-range capabilities, high surface speeds, and relative comfort for the crew were paramount considerations in its design, allowing it to undertake extended patrols far beyond the requirements of submarines stationed in the Atlantic or the Mediterranean.

Launched on 28 July 1945 and completed on 13 May 1947, HMS Alliance was one of the seven A-class submarines equipped with a snorkel, a feature added by 1949. These enhancements made it a formidable presence beneath the waves, capable of remaining submerged for extended periods.

Technical Marvels and Specifications

HMS Alliance boasts impressive specifications. With a surface displacement of 1,360 tons and a submerged displacement of 1,590 tons, it measures 89.46 meters in length, 6.81 meters in beam, and has a draught of 5.51 meters. Its propulsion system includes two Admiralty-ML eight-cylinder diesel engines, each generating 2,150 horsepower, and four electric motors, each producing 625 horsepower, driving two shafts.

The submarine could achieve a maximum surface speed of 18.5 knots and a submerged speed of 8 knots. On the surface, it had an impressive range of 15,200 nautical miles at 10 knots, making it well-suited for long-range missions. Armed with ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, a 4-inch deck gun, a 20 mm Oerlikon cannon, and a Vickers machine gun, HMS Alliance was a formidable adversary. It carried twenty torpedoes and had a crew complement of sixty men.

Service and Modernization

HMS Alliance embarked on its first extended trial from 9 October to 8 November 1947, testing the limits of its snorkel off the coast of Africa. During this period, it remained submerged for an astonishing 30 days. Between 1958 and 1960, the submarine underwent significant modernization, including the removal of its deck gun and external torpedo tubes, streamlining of the hull, and replacement of the rudder with a larger, more streamlined aluminum version. These modifications aimed to enhance its underwater speed and reduce noise.

Despite these changes, HMS Alliance retained its original access hatch for the deck gun, allowing it to be rearmed with a small-caliber deck gun during the Confrontation between Indonesia and Malaysia in the early 1960s. In May 1961, the ship's pennant number was changed to S67, reflecting the new numbering system for post-World War II submarines.

Challenges and Resilience

HMS Alliance faced its share of challenges. On 13 January 1968, it ran aground on a rock ledge off the Isle of Wight but was successfully refloated with the help of tugs. In September 1971, a tragic battery explosion occurred on board while docked in Portland, resulting in fatalities.

From 1973 to 1979, HMS Alliance served as a static training vessel at HMS Dolphin, the Royal Navy's shore-based submarine training establishment. In August 1979, it was towed to Southampton for keel reinforcement, a necessary step to prepare it for its role as a memorial to British submariners who lost their lives in service. Since 1981, it has been on display at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.

Restoration and Preservation

In recent years, HMS Alliance faced significant corrosion issues, exacerbated by nesting pigeons and its position on supports over seawater. Urgent repairs were needed, and in May 2011, it received a substantial grant of £11 million from the National Lottery. This funding enabled crucial restoration work, including the repair of the bow and stern, combating surface corrosion, and reclaiming land beneath and beside the submarine to facilitate future maintenance.

The restoration project also included the creation of a new viewing platform for visitors and the installation of openings in the conning tower and hull. A new gallery was established to ensure that visitors fully appreciate the significance of HMS Alliance and its role in naval history. The restoration was completed in March 2014, and the submarine reopened to the public in April of the same year.

A Living Legacy

HMS Alliance is not only a museum ship but also a living testament to the courage and dedication of British submariners. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to step aboard and experience the cramped conditions, complex machinery, and rich history of this remarkable vessel. As you explore its decks and compartments, you can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of life beneath the waves.

In conclusion, HMS Alliance stands as a powerful symbol of the Royal Navy's submarine heritage. Its storied history, impressive technical specifications, and successful restoration make it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Gosport. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a naval buff, or simply curious about life on a submarine, a visit to HMS Alliance promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of maritime history.