Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:27:12-3:27:35

The overlooked U-class submarines and Hunt-class escorts

U-class submarines and Hunt-class escort destroyers performed major wartime work without receiving the recognition commonly given to better-known Flower-class corvettes.

Escort DestroyersHunt Class DestroyersRoyal NavyU Class SubmarinesWorld War II
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Question

What was Britain's most overlooked naval unit of the Second World War?

Short answer

The U-class submarines are a leading answer, with the Hunt-class escort destroyers also deserving far more credit for their wartime work.

Notes

The U-class submarines are the first choice for Britain's most overlooked naval unit of the war. The Hunt-class escort destroyers deserve similar attention. The Flowers dominate popular memory of convoy escort, but the Hunts carried a substantial share of the work. Considering both classes broadens the story beyond the most photographed or celebrated wartime types.