*British, Post WW2-1964, HMS Opportune (S20) - Original Photograph and Large Model of Oberon-Class Submarine*
A large unnamed period model of a submarine – likely Oberon-Class. Accompanied by an original photograph of HMS Opportune (S20) dated Sept 1966. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007. HMS Opportune (S20) was a Royal Navy Oberon-class submarine, a successor to the Porpoise class, featuring improved equipment, updated fittings, and a higher-grade pressure hull.
Approximate measurements:
Model: 30.5cm x 5cm tall, 3cm wide
Wire Photograph: 25.2cm x 21cm
Photograph marked on the front: 124247-1, back: Wire Photo Glasgow, 16 Sep 1966. "Sunk Submarine - British Submarine on way to scene. The British Attack Submarine Opportune which is on the way to the spot in the North Sea, where the German Submarine the Hai (Shark) was reported in a Reuter message from the Hague to have sunk yesterday evening (Wednesday). Opportune has left the Thames Estuary and is making full speed to the surface. She is expected to be in the area by 3pm."
About HMS Opportune
Measuring 295.2 feet (90.0 m) overall with a beam of 26.5 feet (8.1 m) and a draught of 18 feet (5.5 m), the submarine displaced 2,030 tons surfaced and 2,410 tons submerged. Powered by two Admiralty Standard Range diesel generators and electric motors, it achieved speeds of 17 knots submerged and 12 knots surfaced. Armed with eight 21-inch torpedo tubes (six forward, two aft), it carried 24 torpedoes and operated with a crew of 68.
Built by Scotts Shipbuilding, Opportune was laid down on 26 October 1962, launched on 14 February 1964, and commissioned on 29 December 1964.
In 1967, Opportune collided with sister submarine Orpheus near Portsmouth, causing minor damage. A collision with a merchant ship in 1971 damaged the fin and periscopes. She participated in the 1977 Silver Jubilee Fleet Review at Spithead.
Decommissioned on 2 June 1993, Opportune was scrapped at Pounds scrapyard in Portsmouth. Former crew members hold annual reunions to commemorate their time aboard.
About Oberon Class
The Oberon class consisted of 27 British-designed submarines operated by five nations, serving during the Cold War. Developed as a successor to the Porpoise class, they shared similar dimensions but featured stronger hull materials and upgraded equipment. Known for their exceptional quietness, Oberon submarines excelled in surveillance, ship and submarine tracking, special forces operations, and anti-submarine training. Built between 1957 and 1978 across four shipyards, 13 served with the Royal Navy, six with the Royal Australian Navy, three each with the Brazilian and Canadian Navies (plus two ex-Royal Navy subs used in Canada), and two with the Chilean Navy. They remained operational until 2000, replaced by newer classes like the Collins in Australia and Victoria in Canada.
*Condition*
The model is in excellent condition with minor marks and scratches. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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