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{{short description|Submarine of the Royal Navy}}
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{{Infobox Ship Image
{{EngvarB|date=March 2017}}
|Ship image=[[Image:HMS Spark.jpg|300px]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=HMS Spark.jpg
|Ship caption=
|Ship caption=
}}
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{{Infobox Ship Career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country=
|Ship country=United Kingdom
|Ship flag=[[Image:Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|60px|Royal Navy Ensign]]
|Ship flag=[[File:Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|60px|Royal Navy Ensign]]
|Ship class=[[British S class submarine (1931)|S class submarine]]
|Ship name=HMS ''Spark''
|Ship name=HMS ''Spark''
|Ship ordered=
|Ship ordered=
|Ship awarded=
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company|Scotts]], [[Greenock]]
|Ship builder=[[Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company|Scotts]], [[Greenock]]
|Ship laid down=[[10 October]], [[1942]]
|Ship laid down=10 October 1942
|Ship launched=[[December 28]] [[1943]]
|Ship launched=28 December 1943
|Ship christened=
|Ship christened=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=[[28 April]], [[1944]]
|Ship commissioned=28 April 1944
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
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|Ship struck=
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship fate=broken up [[October]] [[1950]]
|Ship fate=broken up October 1950
|Ship badge=[[File:SPARK badge-1-.jpg|left|100px]]
|Ship status=
|Ship homeport=
}}
}}
{{Infobox Ship Characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[British S-class submarine (1931)|S-class submarine]]
|Ship displacement=814-872 tons surfaced<br>990 tons submerged
|Ship displacement=*{{convert|842|LT|t|abbr=on}} surfaced
|Ship tons burthen=
*{{convert|990|LT|t|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length=217 ft
|Ship beam=23 ft 6 in
|Ship length={{convert|217|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught=11 ft
|Ship beam={{convert|23|ft|9|in|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|14|ft|8|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft=
|Ship power=*{{convert|1900|bhp|kW|lk=in|abbr=on}} (diesel)
|Ship propulsion=
*{{convert|1300|hp|kW|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship speed=14.75 knots surfaced<br>8 knots submerged
|Ship propulsion=*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
|Ship range=
*2 × [[electric motor]]s
|Ship endurance=
|Ship speed=*{{convert|15|kn|lk=in}} surfaced
|Ship test depth=
*{{convert|10|kn}} submerged
|Ship boats=
|Ship range={{convert|6000|nmi|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surface; {{convert|120|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|3|kn}} submerged
|Ship capacity=
|Ship test depth={{convert|300|ft|1}}
|Ship complement=48 officers and men
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship complement=48
|Ship armament=*7 × [[British 21-inch torpedo|{{convert|21|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}]] [[torpedo tube]]s (6 bow, 1 stern)
|Ship sensors=
*1 × [[QF 3-inch 20 cwt|3-inch (76&nbsp;mm)]] [[deck gun]]
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=6 x forward 21-inch torpedo tubes, one aft<br>13 torpedoes<br>one three-inch gun (four-inch on later boats)<br> one 20 mm cannon<br>three .303-calibre machine gun
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honours=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
|}
|}
[[Image:SPARK badge-1-.jpg|left|100px]]
'''HMS ''Spark''''' was an [[British S class submarine (1931)|S class submarine]] of the [[Royal Navy]], and part of the Third Group built of that class. She was built by [[Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company|Scotts]], of [[Greenock]] and launched on [[December 28]] [[1943]]. So far she has been the only ship of the Royal Navy to bear the name ''Spark''.


'''HMS ''Spark''''' (pennant number P236) was a [[British S-class submarine (1931)|S-class submarine]] of the third batch built for the [[Royal Navy]] during World War II. She survived the war and was scrapped in 1950.
She survived the [[Second World War]], spending between [[December]] [[1944]] and [[July]] [[1945]] with the [[Eastern Fleet]], arriving at Trincomalee on [[21 October]], [[1944]]. She went on to sink two Japanese sailing vessels, three Japanese coasters, a barge and a tug. Another coaster was forced ashore on Panjang Island. ''Spark'' was attacked by an enemy escort which dropped sixteen depth charges, but managed to escape damage. She returned to the UK in [[October]] [[1945]].<ref>[http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3453.html HMS Spark], Uboat.net</ref>

==Design and description==
The third batch was slightly enlarged and improved over the preceding second batch of the S-class. The submarines had a length of {{convert|217|ft|m|1}} [[length overall|overall]], a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|23|ft|9|in|m|1}} and a [[draft (ship)|draft]] of {{convert|14|ft|8|in|m|1}}. They [[displacement (ship)|displaced]] {{convert|842|LT|t}} on the surface and {{convert|990|LT|t}} submerged.<ref name=gg9>Chesneau, p. 51</ref> The S-class submarines had a crew of 48 officers and [[naval rating|ratings]]. They had a diving depth of {{convert|300|ft|1}}.<ref name=i7>McCartney, p. 7</ref>

For surface running, the boats were powered by two {{convert|950|bhp|lk=in|0|adj=on}} [[diesel engine]]s, each driving one [[propeller shaft]]. When submerged each propeller was driven by a {{convert|650|hp|0|adj=on}} [[electric motor]]. They could reach {{convert|15|kn|lk=in}} on the surface and {{convert|10|kn}} underwater.<ref>Bagnasco, p. 110</ref> On the surface, the third batch boats had a range of {{convert|6000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}} and {{convert|120|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|3|kn}} submerged.<ref name=i7/>

The boats were armed with seven [[British 21 inch torpedo|21 inch (533 mm)]] [[torpedo tube]]s. A half-dozen of these were in the bow and there was one external tube in the stern. They carried six reload torpedoes for the bow tubes for a grand total of thirteen torpedoes. Twelve [[naval mine|mines]] could be carried in lieu of the internally stowed torpedoes. They were also armed with a [[QF 3-inch 20 cwt|3-inch (76&nbsp;mm)]] [[deck gun]].<ref>Chesneau, pp. 51–52</ref>

==Construction and career==
HMS ''Spark'' was built by [[Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company|Scotts]], of [[Greenock]] and launched on 28 December 1943. Thus far she has been the only ship of the Royal Navy to bear the name ''Spark''. She survived the [[Second World War]], spending between December 1944 and July 1945 with the [[Eastern Fleet]], arriving at Trincomalee on 21 October 1944. She went on to sink two Japanese sailing vessels, three Japanese coasters, a barge and a tug. Another coaster was forced ashore on Panjang Island. ''Spark'' was attacked by an enemy escort which dropped sixteen depth charges, but managed to escape damage. She returned to the UK in October 1945.<ref name="HMS Spark">[http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3453.html HMS Spark], Uboat.net</ref> She was sold on 28 October 1949. ''Spark'' was broken up at Faslane in October 1950.

''Spark'' acted as tow for the midget submarine [[XE-class submarine|''XE-1'']], which was assigned to attack the Japanese [[heavy cruiser]] {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Myōkō||2}} in [[Singapore]] Harbour as part of [[XE-class submarine#Operation Struggle|Operation Struggle]].<ref name="HMS Spark"/>


==Notes==
She was sold on [[October 28]] [[1949]]. ''Spark'' was broken up at Faslane in [[October]] [[1950]].
{{Reflist|30em}}


==References==
==References==
* {{cite book|last=Akermann|first=Paul|title=Encyclopaedia of British Submarines 1901–1955|edition=reprint of the 1989|year=2002|publisher=Periscope Publishing|location=Penzance, Cornwall|isbn=1-904381-05-7}}
*{{Colledge}}
* {{cite book|last=Bagnasco |first=Erminio |title=Submarines of World War Two |year=1977 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=0-87021-962-6}}
* {{cite book|title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|editor1-last=Chesneau|editor1-first=Roger|publisher=Conway Maritime Press|location=Greenwich, UK|year=1980|isbn=0-85177-146-7}}
* {{Cite Colledge2006}}
* {{cite book|last=McCartney|first=Innes|location=Oxford, UK|title=British Submarines 1939–1945|series=New Vanguard|volume=129|year=2006|publisher=Osprey|isbn=1-84603-007-2}}


<!-- non-breaking space to keep AWB drones from altering the space before the navbox -->
{{British S class submarine}}
{{British S class submarine}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Spark}}
[[Category:British S class submarines|Spark]]
[[Category:Royal Navy submarines|Spark]]
[[Category:British S-class submarines (1931)]]
[[Category:1943 ships]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Navy ship names]]

Revision as of 18:33, 9 April 2023

History
Royal Navy EnsignUnited Kingdom
NameHMS Spark
BuilderScotts, Greenock
Laid down10 October 1942
Launched28 December 1943
Commissioned28 April 1944
Fatebroken up October 1950
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeS-class submarine
Displacement
  • 842 long tons (856 t) surfaced
  • 990 long tons (1,010 t) submerged
Length217 ft (66.1 m)
Beam23 ft 9 in (7.2 m)
Draught14 ft 8 in (4.5 m)
Installed power
  • 1,900 bhp (1,400 kW) (diesel)
  • 1,300 hp (970 kW) (electric)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) surfaced
  • 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) submerged
Range6,000 nmi (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surface; 120 nmi (220 km; 140 mi) at 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) submerged
Test depth300 feet (91.4 m)
Complement48
Armament

HMS Spark (pennant number P236) was a S-class submarine of the third batch built for the Royal Navy during World War II. She survived the war and was scrapped in 1950.

Design and description

The third batch was slightly enlarged and improved over the preceding second batch of the S-class. The submarines had a length of 217 feet (66.1 m) overall, a beam of 23 feet 9 inches (7.2 m) and a draft of 14 feet 8 inches (4.5 m). They displaced 842 long tons (856 t) on the surface and 990 long tons (1,010 t) submerged.[1] The S-class submarines had a crew of 48 officers and ratings. They had a diving depth of 300 feet (91.4 m).[2]

For surface running, the boats were powered by two 950-brake-horsepower (708 kW) diesel engines, each driving one propeller shaft. When submerged each propeller was driven by a 650-horsepower (485 kW) electric motor. They could reach 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) on the surface and 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) underwater.[3] On the surface, the third batch boats had a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) and 120 nmi (220 km; 140 mi) at 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) submerged.[2]

The boats were armed with seven 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. A half-dozen of these were in the bow and there was one external tube in the stern. They carried six reload torpedoes for the bow tubes for a grand total of thirteen torpedoes. Twelve mines could be carried in lieu of the internally stowed torpedoes. They were also armed with a 3-inch (76 mm) deck gun.[4]

Construction and career

HMS Spark was built by Scotts, of Greenock and launched on 28 December 1943. Thus far she has been the only ship of the Royal Navy to bear the name Spark. She survived the Second World War, spending between December 1944 and July 1945 with the Eastern Fleet, arriving at Trincomalee on 21 October 1944. She went on to sink two Japanese sailing vessels, three Japanese coasters, a barge and a tug. Another coaster was forced ashore on Panjang Island. Spark was attacked by an enemy escort which dropped sixteen depth charges, but managed to escape damage. She returned to the UK in October 1945.[5] She was sold on 28 October 1949. Spark was broken up at Faslane in October 1950.

Spark acted as tow for the midget submarine XE-1, which was assigned to attack the Japanese heavy cruiser Myōkō in Singapore Harbour as part of Operation Struggle.[5]

Notes

  1. ^ Chesneau, p. 51
  2. ^ a b McCartney, p. 7
  3. ^ Bagnasco, p. 110
  4. ^ Chesneau, pp. 51–52
  5. ^ a b HMS Spark, Uboat.net

References

  • Akermann, Paul (2002). Encyclopaedia of British Submarines 1901–1955 (reprint of the 1989 ed.). Penzance, Cornwall: Periscope Publishing. ISBN 1-904381-05-7.
  • Bagnasco, Erminio (1977). Submarines of World War Two. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-962-6.
  • Chesneau, Roger, ed. (1980). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. Greenwich, UK: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.
  • Colledge, J. J.; Warlow, Ben (2006) [1969]. Ships of the Royal Navy: The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy (Rev. ed.). London: Chatham Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86176-281-8.
  • McCartney, Innes (2006). British Submarines 1939–1945. New Vanguard. Vol. 129. Oxford, UK: Osprey. ISBN 1-84603-007-2.