HMS Sidon (P259)

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Sidon Memorial, Portland Dorset

HMS Sidon (P259) was a submarine of the Royal Navy, launched in September 1944. She was part of the third group of the S class submarines, which were designed during the World War II era and saw extensive service in the post-war period. The Sidon was named after the Siege of Sidon in 1840, continuing the Royal Navy tradition of naming submarines after naval battles and historical events.

Design and Description

The S class submarines, including HMS Sidon, were designed for patrolling the restricted waters of the North Sea and the Mediterranean. They had a length of 217 feet, a beam of 23 feet 6 inches, and a draught of 11 feet. These submarines were powered by twin diesel engines for surface propulsion and electric motors for underwater movement, enabling them to reach speeds of up to 14.75 knots on the surface and 9 knots underwater. They had a complement of 48 officers and enlisted men.

HMS Sidon was armed with six 21-inch torpedo tubes in the bow and carried a total of 12 torpedoes. She also had a 3-inch gun for surface action and a variety of anti-aircraft guns for defense against air attack.

Service History

HMS Sidon had a distinguished service history. After her commissioning in 1945, she was initially deployed in the North Sea and later in the Mediterranean. During her service, Sidon participated in various exercises and operations, showcasing the capabilities of the S class submarines in post-war naval strategy.

In 1955, HMS Sidon was involved in a tragic incident while moored in Portland Harbour. An experimental torpedo, known as the Mark 20 "Fancy", malfunctioned during a test, causing an explosion inside the submarine. The accident resulted in the loss of 13 crew members and significant damage to the submarine. This incident led to a reevaluation of the safety procedures for handling experimental weapons aboard submarines.

Following the accident, the damaged HMS Sidon was raised and eventually scuttled off the coast of Portland in 1957. The wreck has since become a popular site for divers, offering a unique glimpse into the Royal Navy's post-war submarine operations.

Legacy

The loss of HMS Sidon and her crew was a somber reminder of the risks associated with submarine service and the development of new naval technologies. The incident highlighted the importance of rigorous safety protocols and contributed to improvements in submarine safety measures. Today, HMS Sidon is remembered for her service and the sacrifice of her crew, as well as for the lessons learned from the tragic accident that marked the end of her operational life.