*British, 1985, HM Submarine Sceptre – Original Photograph with Crown Copyright*
Original Photograph of Submarine HMS Sceptre This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007.
Approximate Dimensions: 25.2cm x 19.9cm
Written on the reverse: “HMS Sceptre (May 1985)”. Stamped: “Area Photographic Unit. H.M.S. Drake, Plymouth – 9 May 1985. Neg No: 7265-7. Crown Copyright Reserved.” “Photograph by Wren Jane Savage.”
HMS Sceptre, a Swiftsure-class submarine, was launched in 1976 and commissioned in 1978. She was the Royal Navy’s tenth nuclear fleet submarine and served until decommissioning on 10 December 2010, making her the oldest operational vessel in the fleet at the time. Around 1,500 men served aboard during her career.
Sceptre had a history of accidents, including a collision with Soviet submarine K-211 in 1981, which caused severe damage. In 1987, she received an improved reactor core but later experienced issues, including a coolant leak in 1990, a fire in 1991, and propulsion failure in 1995. A serious reactor defect was discovered in 1998.
In 2000, during a propulsion trial in drydock, excessive steam caused the engines to run at full speed, breaking moorings and damaging the dock. Though an investigation suggested scrapping, repairs were carried out, and Sceptre returned to service in 2003.
In 2005, she underwent repairs in Gibraltar, sparking diplomatic tensions with Spain. In 2010, she deployed to the Falklands amid oil exploration activities before returning to Devonport for decommissioning in December. She remains docked at HMNB Devonport awaiting dismantling.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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