X1, submarine technology, and the Meyers espionage case

A book on X1 combines design history with the difficulty of reconstructing details from incomplete and sometimes misdated photographic records. Its discussion of paint schemes demonstrates how historians must reconcile photographs with logbooks rather than trust captions automatically. The account then turns to former commander Colin Meyers, who retained plans, trial reports, tactical material, and other sensitive submarine papers after retirement. Meyers's exceptional knowledge of experimental equipment and submarine communications made the breach serious even though prosecutors did not prove that he had passed secrets to Japan.