HMS Holland 1

Step into the fascinating world of naval history at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, where the HMS Holland 1 stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of early 20th-century submarine engineering. This historic vessel, the first submarine commissioned by the Royal Navy, offers a captivating glimpse into the dawn of underwater warfare and the technological advancements that have shaped naval operations over the last century.

The Birth of HMS Holland 1

In the year 1900, the visionary Irish engineer John Philip Holland embarked on an ambitious project to construct the first submarines for the Royal Navy at the Vickers shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. The keel of HMS Holland 1 was laid on February 4, 1901, under a veil of secrecy. To maintain this secrecy, the submarine was assembled in a building marked Yacht Shed, with parts fabricated off-site. The vessel was launched on October 2, 1901, and made its first dive in a closed basin on March 20, 1902. Sea trials commenced in April of the same year, marking the beginning of a new era in naval warfare.

Operational History

By September 1902, HMS Holland 1 had arrived in Portsmouth, joining the First Submarine Flotilla under the command of Captain Reginald Bacon. Despite the inherent dangers and initial setbacks, Captain Bacon’s cautious and methodical training of his volunteer officers and sailors paid off. He famously remarked that even these small boats would be a terror to any ship attempting to linger or pass near a port. Nevertheless, the Holland 1 experienced its share of challenges, including an explosion on March 3, 1903, which resulted in four injuries.

One of the most notable moments in the submarine's career occurred on October 24, 1904, when it, along with other submarines of its class and three A-class submarines, sailed from Portsmouth to engage a Russian fleet that had mistakenly attacked British fishing vessels in the North Sea. This event, known as the Dogger Bank incident, was diffused before any confrontation occurred, and the British fleet was recalled in time.

The End of Service and Loss

Deemed obsolete, HMS Holland 1 was decommissioned and sold in 1913 to Thos. W. Ward for £410. The sale required that all accessories remain intact and that the torpedo tube be rendered inoperative. However, fate had another plan. While being towed to the scrapyard, the submarine encountered a severe storm. To prevent damage to the towing vessel, the crew decided to detach the towline, leading to the submarine's loss approximately one and a half nautical miles from the Eddystone Lighthouse.

Rediscovery and Preservation

The story of HMS Holland 1 did not end at the bottom of the sea. In 1981, historian Michael Pearn located the wreck, and in November 1982, the submarine was successfully salvaged. The following year, after being treated with an anti-corrosion chemical, it was displayed at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.

Restoration efforts continued until 1988, but by 1993, it became apparent that the chemical treatment was insufficient. A new preservation strategy was implemented, involving the application of a fiberglass coating around the hull and immersion in a sodium carbonate solution. After four years, the corrosion was halted, and HMS Holland 1 was once again ready for public display.

In 1996, the submarine was officially registered as a vessel of the United Kingdom's maritime heritage by the National Historic Ships UK and included in the National Historic Fleet. To commemorate its centenary in 2001, a new building was constructed to house the submarine, inaugurated by the Countess Mountbatten. That same year, the Royal Mail issued a 65-pence stamp featuring the historic vessel. In 2011, the submarine was honored with an Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Visiting HMS Holland 1

Today, visitors to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum can explore HMS Holland 1 and delve into its rich history. The museum provides an immersive experience, offering insights into the early days of submarine warfare and the technological innovations that have since transformed naval operations. The preserved submarine, with its storied past and remarkable journey from the seabed to the museum, stands as a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and resilience.

As you walk around this historic vessel, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by the early submariners and the groundbreaking advancements that paved the way for modern naval submarines. The HMS Holland 1 is not just a relic of the past; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the relentless pursuit of progress that continues to drive naval innovation today.