Subsmash: The Mysterious Disappearance of HM Submarine Affray

by Alan Gallop

In April 1951, the disappearance of HM submarine Affray knocked news of the Korean War and Festival of Britain from the front pages. Affray had put to sea on a routine peacetime simulated war patrol in the English Channel. She radioed her last position at 2115hrs on 16 April, 30 miles south of the Isle of Wight - preparing to dive. This was the last signal ever received from the submarine. After months of searching, divers eventually discovered Affray resting upright on the sea bottom with no obvious signs of damage to her hull. Hatches were closed tight and emergency buoys were still in their casings. It was obvious that whatever had caused Affray to sink, and had ended the lives of all those on board, had occurred quickly. Sixty years later, in this compelling maritime investigation, Alan Gallop uses previously top secret documents, interviews with experts and contemporary news sources to explore how and why Affray became the last British submarine lost at sea - and possibly the greatest maritime mystery since the Marie Celeste.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Andy Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This disaster, runs through the veins of the submarine service. Well researched and informative, this book turns a few stones over.

[Bobby24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, very interesting and intelligently written. As to the subject what can you say other than in the Service ..Some men are told when and where to die and their job is to shut up and do it.