British Submarines In The Cold War Era. By Norman Friedman. Seaforth Publishing, Barnsley, Yorkshire, 2021.
Reviewed by Peter Briggs
(British Submarines in the Cold War Era was recently reviewed for the ANI by Greg Gilbert; however, such is the current Australian interest in submarine matters it was thought appropriate to ask RADM Briggs his opinion of the book.)
This is a book that will occupy pride of place in a submarine library. Replete with technical details, schematic diagrams and photographs it covers more than just the Cold War, tracing the development of British submarines and their systems from 1945 until publication in 2021.
Norman Friedman is a well-known and prolific naval analyst and historian, who has meticulously researched his subject. This is reflected in his detailed analysis and conclusions, supported by extensive footnotes. His extensive knowledge of the USN and other submarine services provides a broader base for his observations.
As a young officer I underwent submarine training in the UK and served in a Royal Navy Oberon class submarine during the Cold War. The detailed account of the equipments, submarines and tactics provide a fascinating retrospect to this experience.
The book makes use of several photographs sourced from Australian archives; some are incorrectly captioned which is an unfortunate distraction for an antipodean reader.
The photo on p86 is HMAS Otway on a slave dock in Sydney Harbour, being broken up after decommissioning in 17 February, 1994. HMAS Oxley decommissioned in Western Australia 13 February 1992 and was broken up there. I had the dismaying experience of watching the shipyard’s progress each day as I drove past my old command, enroute HMAS Stirling.
The photo on p96 is the panel watchkeeper in HMAS Otama’s control room manning the auxiliary blowing panel, with his hands on Q Tank high pressure air blow, awaiting the order from the Officer of the Watch to ‘blow Q’.
From the background, the photo at p170 is HMS Triumph arriving at HMAS Stirling, Fleet Base West, Garden Island, south of Fremantle.
The photo on p178 is HMAS Ovens, still in position today at the West Australian Maritime Museum. HMAS Onslow is a floating exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.
The book is well timed to attract Australian readers given the recent AUKUS announcement of collaboration with the US and UK to assist Australia to build at least eight nuclear powered attack submarines. The compromises struck in finalising a design, balancing the various requirements within a financial ceiling are of particular relevance as Australia embarks on this national challenge. Chapter 7 ‘Going Nuclear’ and chapter 9 ‘New Generation Nuclear Attack Submarines’ are particularly interesting.
Overall, this is an excellent, detailed and comprehensive coverage of the subject and highly recommended for the technical reader or those with an interest in submarines.
