*British, WW1, HMS L5 – Original Photograph and Small Brass Relief Model of L-Class Submarine*
An Original Photograph of HMS L5, marked June 1929 on the reverse. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007. Accompanied by a small unnamed brass relief submarine model – possibly L-Class. HMS L5 was an L-class submarine built for the Royal Navy during World War I. Completed in 1918, she survived the war and was scrapped in 1931.
Approximate Measurements:
Brass Relief Model: 15cm x 4.8cm tall x 0.6cm wide, integrated stand 2cm wide
Photograph: 17.8cm x 12.7cm
Design and Specifications
The L-class submarines were improved versions of the earlier E class, measuring 231 feet (70.4 m) in length with a beam of 23.5 feet (7.2 m) and a draft of 13.3 feet (4 m). They displaced 891 long tons on the surface and 1,074 long tons submerged, with a crew of 35. Powered by twin 1,200 bhp diesel engines for surface running and 600 hp electric motors for submerged operation, they could reach speeds of 17 knots (surface) and 10.5 knots (submerged), with a surface range of 3,200 nautical miles at 10 knots. Armament included six 18-inch torpedo tubes—four in the bow and two in broadside mounts—with ten reloads for the bow tubes, along with a 4-inch deck gun.
Service History
Laid down on 23 August 1916 by Swan Hunter at Wallsend, L5 was launched on 1 September 1917 and completed on 15 May 1918. Initially based at Falmouth in 1918, she joined the 4th Submarine Flotilla in 1919 and sailed to Hong Kong, arriving on 14 April 1920. Serving on the China Station during the 1920s, L5 notably helped rescue the crew of the merchant ship SS Irene from pirates near Hong Kong on 20 October 1927, using her deck gun. In 1931, HMS L5 was sold and scrapped in Charlestown, Fife.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Model has expected minor scratches. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMIEXAEO_6399193245
