The Suicide Club

A history of the Royal Navys steam powered submarines. (Second Edition)

Barrie Downer. The Submariners Association."There have been several books written about the ‘K’ Class Submarines in the past however, most of them have concentrated solely on their poor safety record and the many fatal accidents involving Submarines of the Class. This new Book, as well as describing the many accidents and incidents, also looks into the decision-making process behind the design, why steam propulsion was chosen, the complexity of the design and many of the characters who commanded these ‘Fleet’ submarines.

Much of the information comes from the Ships Covers, Ships Logs, Court Martial and other Records held at the National Archives at Kew, and also contemporary personal records by some who served in ‘K’ Class boats. One letter quoted (from the Royal Archives at Windsor) was written by HRH Midshipman the Duke of York (the future King George VI) to his father describing the near disastrous diving incident to Submarine K3 in Stokes Bay in the Solent in December 1916. Luckily Stokes Bay is quite shallow - otherwise British history might have been quite different. The book contains many photographs, charts and drawings (many not seen before) which assist with understanding the ‘K’ Class story".

I’m pleased to present a revised second edition of The Suicide Club. The ‘technical qlitches’ that plagued the first volumes launch have been resolved. In addition the opportunity was taken to revise and edit the book once more.
Andy.