German minelaying submarines were among the most successful boats of the First World War. Britain treated that record as a practical lesson rather than reducing submarine warfare to torpedo attacks. Its interwar programme therefore included boats designed to lay mines, carrying proven wartime experience into new construction. Mine warfare belongs in the story of British submarine development as well as escort defence.
Notable Point · 15:32-16:10
Why Britain retained minelaying submarines
The success of German minelaying boats in the First World War persuaded Britain to preserve submarine mine warfare in its interwar force.