*British, WW1, HMS E11 – Original Photograph and Superb Large Brass Model of WW1 Submarine*
A superb unnamed brass model of a WW1 submarine – likely E-Class, with its Dardanelles fitted deck gun, which with can be partially swivelled along with an original photograph of the E11 in the Dardanelles. 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 E11 was a British E-class 2nd Group submarine launched on April 23, 1914. Renowned for its success during the 1915 Dardanelles Campaign, E11 sank over 80 vessels across three tours in the Sea of Marmara.
Approximate Measurements:
Model: 30.2cm x 6cm wide x 10.5cm tall, 5.5lbs
Photograph: 24.2cm x 19cm
The British E-class submarines were developed as enhanced versions of the D-class and formed the backbone of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet during World War I. The last of the E-class submarines were retired from service by 1922.
Design
E11 displaced 662 long tons surfaced and 807 submerged, with a length of 180 feet and a beam of 22 feet 8.5 inches. Powered by diesel engines and electric motors, she reached speeds of 16 knots on the surface and 10 knots submerged. Initially lacking a deck gun, a 12-pounder was added after her first Dardanelles mission. The submarine had five torpedo tubes and carried 10 torpedoes.
Service History
Early Operations
Commissioned in October 1914 under Lieutenant-Commander Martin Nasmith, E11 patrolled the North Sea and Baltic but achieved limited success. She participated in the Cuxhaven Raid on December 25, 1914, rescuing stranded airmen and evading an attack by Zeppelin L 5, earning Nasmith a mention in despatches.
Dardanelles Campaign
In May 1915, E11 joined the submarine effort in the Sea of Marmara. Using a mix of torpedoes and deception, she sank or disabled multiple ships, including the Turkish transport Stamboul near Constantinople. Her attack caused panic in the city, forcing the German warship SMS Goeben to relocate.
On her second tour in August 1915, E11 torpedoed the Turkish cruiser Peyk-i Şevket and sank the battleship Barbaros Hayreddin, resulting in heavy Ottoman losses. She also destroyed supply vessels and disrupted the Constantinople–Baghdad railway, with her first officer earning the Distinguished Service Cross for a daring sabotage mission.
Achievements
Across three tours, E11 sank 27 steamers and 58 smaller vessels, significantly impacting Ottoman supply lines. Nasmith was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership during the campaign.
Legacy
E11 remains celebrated for its daring and effectiveness during one of the Royal Navy’s most challenging submarine campaigns of World War I.
*Condition*
The model is in excellent condition with some marks and scratches. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMGEOXABE_2827192870
