HISTORY
The British E-class submarines started out as improved versions of the British D Class submarine. The E class served with the Royal Navy throughout World War 1 as the backbone of the submarine fleet. The last surviving E class submarines were withdrawn from service by 1922.
All of the first group and some of the second group of the class were completed before the outbreak of World war 1. The group 1 boats cost £101,900 per hull. As submarine technology improved, the E class went through several design modifications. The group 2 boats cost £105,700 per hull. The group 3 boats, the last group, incorporated all improvements.
The class primarily served in the North sea and the Baltic, while some served with Russian ships in Russian coastal waters before their crews scuttled the submarines to avoid them falling into the hands of the Germans after the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk ended fighting between Germany and Russia. Additionally, some of the submarines operated against the Turks.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
An excellent example of a World War One period Royal Navy Sailor’s cap for a Submariner.
Similar in concept and design to RN caps of later periods these early examples are distinctive in their lower profile and general appearance.
This example is constructed with a one piece white waterproof Tarpaulin top with four side panels of the same material, each side with a pair of brass ventilation eyelets with white pained enamel finish. The hatband is the standard Royal Navy-blue wool with an H.M. Submarines. (dot) cap ribbon or Tally approximately 26mm wide which along with the smaller size of the lettering is slimmer than later Tallies.
Inside, the lining is a Grey/Buff-coloured cotton with a crown piece, adjustable with a draw string.
Rare to find a WW1 period sailors cap to HM Submarines.
Overall condition is very good. There is one small area of moth or wear to the lower edge of the blue hatband and light marking to the tarpaulin top. The Tally is dusty, and the bow dispensed with, the ends of the Tally sewn together.