HMS M2

HMS M2 was a Royal Navy submarine launched in 1919, notable for being the first submarine to carry an aircraft. The submarine was originally built as a conventional K-class submarine but was later converted into a unique configuration with a hangar for a small seaplane.

Design and Construction

Vickers Limited in Barrow-in-Furness built HMS M2, which was launched on 9th December 1919. The submarine was initially designed as a K-class submarine, equipped with ten 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and a 4-inch (102 mm) deck gun. However, in 1927, the submarine underwent a significant conversion. The deck gun was removed and replaced with a hangar that housed a small seaplane, a Parnall Peto. This made HMS M2 the first submarine in the world to carry an aircraft.

Operational History

HMS M2 served in the Royal Navy from 1919 until her tragic sinking in 1932. The submarine's primary role was to launch her seaplane for reconnaissance missions. The seaplane, after completing its mission, would land alongside the submarine, be winched aboard, and then folded into the hangar.

Sinking

On 26th January 1932, HMS M2 left her base at Portland Harbour for an exercise in the English Channel. The submarine failed to resurface and was later found on the seabed by divers. All 60 crew members were lost in the incident. The exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, but it is believed that the hangar door was left open, allowing water to flood in.

Legacy

The wreck of HMS M2 is now a designated Protected Wreck under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. The submarine's innovative design and tragic end have made her a significant part of naval history.

See Also

• List of submarines of the Royal Navy
• History of the Royal Navy