*British, WW2, HM Submarine Upholder (P37) – Original Photograph*
Original Photograph of WW2 Submarine Upholder. 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: 25.4cm x 20.4cm.
Stuck to the reverse: “HMS Upholder (left) at her Malta Base during World War II – the only authenticated photograph of the Royal Navy’s most distinguished submarine.”
HMS Upholder (P37) was a U-class Royal Navy submarine, built by Vickers-Armstrong and commissioned on 31 October 1940. She was notable for having two external torpedo tubes in addition to the standard four, but this design caused issues with depth-keeping at periscope depth. Under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn, she became the most successful British submarine of WWII, sinking 93,031 tons of enemy shipping, including four warships and 10 merchant vessels.
Upholder was especially renowned for Wanklyn’s Victoria Cross-winning patrol in 1941, where she successfully attacked a heavily-defended convoy. Her other significant successes included sinking the Italian troopship Conte Rosso, damaging the Giuseppe Garibaldi, and sinking the Neptunia and Oceania troopships in September 1941. She also destroyed several enemy freighters, submarines, and a minesweeper.
On her 25th patrol in April 1942, Upholder was lost with all hands after becoming overdue on 14 April. The most likely cause of her sinking was an attack by the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso northeast of Tripoli, though other theories include a mine explosion or a German aerial attack. Her loss was announced on 22 August 1942, and she was posthumously praised for her exemplary service, with her crew’s skill and bravery serving as an inspiration to the fleet.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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