The G class were the first British submarines to be fitted with a 21 inch torpedo tube. Living conditions on these boats were considered to be a great improvement on the previous classes, particularly in the provision of an electric oven.

During WWI they operated mainly in the North Sea and north Russia.

War Losses

G7, G8 and G11. G9 was sunk by accident of the Norwegian coast by HMS PASLEY, with only one survivor, a Stoker named Drake.

The surviving boats were paid off in January 1919.

1917

G13, under the command of Lieutenant Commander G.F. Bradshaw sank the German submarine UC43 off the Shetland Islands. Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw was awarded the D.S.O. for this action.

Zeppelins and Submarines

Zeppelins of the German Navy regularly patrolled the Heligoland Bight, it being the main approach to the German Naval basis on their North Sea coast. They would also make regular sorties across the North Sea to bomb east coast towns of England and of course London.

Initially, several British submarines carried a 2 pounder or 12 pounder guns, the primary purpose being for firing at Zeppelins, which enjoyed undisputed monopoly of the air over the North Sea.

E4 uniquely carried four 6 pounders on her casing solely for anti-Zeppelin duties.

In encounters between Zeppelins and British submarines, no Zeppelin was ever brought down, in fact Zeppelins generally succeeded in forcing the submarines to dive.

In one instance, G13 (Commander G.F.Bradshaw), whilst diving at sunrise, sighted a Zeppelin patrolling to the North. Surface gun action was ordered, opening with five rounds rapid fire, whilst the boat got underway.

The Zeppelin took up station off G13's stern, where her gun could not be brought to bear, forcing the submarine to dive. Attempts by G13 to surface were greeted by the dropping of one or two bombs to keep her down.

Towards sunset, several bombs were dropped by the Zeppelin, which then disappeared landward, allowing G13 to finally surface.