Royal Navy Submarine Museum facts for kids
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport is a cool place to learn all about submarines! It's a maritime museum, which means it focuses on things that happen at sea. This museum tells the story of submarines from ancient times, like the age of Alexander the Great, all the way to today's amazing machines. You can especially explore the history of the Royal Navy Submarine Service. This includes the very first Royal Navy submarine, Holland 1, and even the powerful nuclear-powered Vanguard-class submarines. The museum is located near where HMS Dolphin used to be. This was the main home for the Royal Navy Submarine Service from 1904 until 1999.
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Discovering Submarine History
The museum's collection began in 1963. It was first called the Submarine Branch Collection. It was kept above St Ambrose Church inside HMS Dolphin. Not many people knew about it back then. Also, it was hard for the public to visit because of security rules. The Ministry of Defence officially recognized the museum in 1967. Other museums like the Fleet Air Arm Museum were also recognized at this time. The museum got its first full-time manager the next year.
The museum became an official charity in 1970. Since then, it has grown a lot! In 1978, the museum moved outside HMS Dolphin. This meant everyone could visit it easily. Around this time, HMS Alliance was given to the museum. This submarine was used for training and displays. People raised £410,000 to lift the submarine out of the water. Then, it was carefully put in place at the museum.
The new museum opened in August 1981. HMS Alliance was the main exhibit. Over the years, more submarines and submarine items have been added. In 1983, the museum got a new building for displays. Visitors were also allowed inside HMS Alliance. In 2001, a special building opened. It keeps Holland 1 safe in a controlled climate.
Today, visitors can explore HMS Alliance with a real submariner as their guide. You can also check out the fun science gallery. Step aboard the Royal Navy's first submarine, Holland I, built in 1901. Or, simply walk around and see all the amazing exhibits!
Amazing Submarines and Underwater Vehicles
You can see these cool submarines and underwater vehicles at the museum:
- HMS Alliance: This is a large Amphion-class submarine from after World War II. It was a hunter-killer submarine. Now, it sits on stilts out of the water.
- Holland 1: This was the very first submarine used by the Royal Navy.
- X24: This is the only X-craft midget submarine that served in the Second World War. It is still in one piece today.
- Biber (No.105): This is a German World War II midget submarine. Apprentices from Fleet Support Limited restored it in 2003. This restoration was even shown on a TV show called "Salvage Squad."
- LR3: This is a special deep-sea vehicle. It was used for surveying the ocean floor and for rescue missions.
- Maiale: This was an Italian human torpedo. It was like a small, manned torpedo used by divers.
- JIM suit: This is a special suit that allows a person to work deep underwater. It's like a personal submarine.
- Cutlet: This was an early ROV, which stands for Remotely Operated Vehicle. It's a robot controlled from a distance.
- Turtle: This is a copy of the first submarine ever used in a battle.
Galleries: From Pirates to Peacekeepers
The museum's main galleries are called "From Pirate to Peacekeeper." They show how submarines have changed over time. Here are some things you can find:
- A huge collection of submarines and torpedoes.
- The periscopes from HMS Conqueror. This submarine was famous during the Falklands War. You can look through the periscopes and see Portsmouth Harbour!
- Remembrance Corner: This area honors the brave people who served in the Submarine Service.
- Submariners' medals: See medals, including the Victoria Cross awarded to Edward Courtney Boyle.
- Fun activities for kids:
- Control Room trainer: This is a simulation where you can pretend to command a submarine!
If you enjoy the Submarine Museum, you might also like these places nearby:
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: This area has famous historic ships and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth.
- Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower: This museum is all about naval weapons and firepower.
See also
- Submarine Force Library and Museum (United States)
- Naval Undersea Museum (United States)
