Prewar navies wanted submarines fast enough to accompany their battle fleets. A submerged screen placed ahead of an enemy could turn a tactical maneuver such as a battle-line turn-away into an ambush. Even without firing, the possible presence of submarines increased uncertainty and constrained an opponent's choices. The concept therefore offered a hidden 'Sunday punch' alongside the fleet's visible gun power. The Royal Navy's large submarine service, long-range patrol boats, and varied operational ideas contradict the stereotype that it lacked interest in submarines.
Chapter · 1:21-5:50
The fleet submarine as a hidden Sunday punch
The fleet-submarine concept promised to place an unseen torpedo threat ahead of an enemy battle line and increase uncertainty during a fleet action.