Exile personnel gave the Dutch enough trained crews to evaluate several British submarine types in actual service. Dolfijn, a U-class boat, fought effectively in the Mediterranean, while Zeehond represented the versatile but heavily used S class. Zwaardvisch used a T-class hull for special operations and combat, including the sinking of U-168. Dutch officers valued the T class because it was dependable, comparatively easy to maintain, and armed with eleven tubes and nineteen torpedoes. Their repeated requests for more T boats, including postwar acquisitions, provide practitioner evidence that the design met both operational and logistical needs.
Notable Point · 2:19:39-2:27:17
Why experienced Dutch crews preferred British T-class submarines
Dutch crews tried British U-, S-, and T-class boats, then repeatedly requested T-class submarines for their reliability, maintainability, and heavy torpedo battery.