British K-class submarine

Common card · No. 398829

The K-class submarines were a class of steam-propelled submarines of the Royal Navy designed in 1913. Intended as large, fast vessels with the endurance and speed to operate with the battle fleet, they gained notoriety and the nickname of "Kalamity class" for being involved in many accidents. Of the 18 built, none were lost through enemy action, but six sank, with significant loss of life, in accidents. Only one ever engaged an enemy vessel, K-7 hitting a U-boat amidships, though the torpedo failed to explode with what has been described as typical "K" luck; K-7 escaped retaliation by steaming away at speed. The class found favour with Commodore Roger Keyes, then Inspector Captain of Submarines, and with Admirals John Jellicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, and David Beatty, Commander-in-Chief Battlecruiser Squadrons. Former (and future) First Sea Lord Admiral Jacky Fisher was opposed; he responded to the proposal of the class in 1913 that "The most fatal error imaginable would...

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