Specials

Special Vice Admiral J.M. Mansfield, Head RN Submarine Branch

" Ever since that May morning in 1940, when the first 'O' Class submarine berthed at Fort Blockhouse, Portsmouth, Submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy worked in the closest and most whole-hearted co-operation with the Submarine Branch of the British Navy

Pausing only to gather fresh momentum and inspiration from the gracious visit of Her majesty Queen Wilhelmina to Fort Blackhouse on 18tyh May, 1940, Dutch Submarines were soon at sea, taking their full share of the many burdens of submarine warfare. In submarines built by Dutch craftsmen and later in those purchased from the British also, officers and men of the Royal Netherlands Navy served and fought alongside their British comrades all over the world. Whether they were occupied in the dull but vital routine of the training flotillas, the drudgery of close escort to ocean convoys or the excitement of patrols in enemy waters., they never 'letting up' until those magic days of may and August 1945, when the 'Cease Fire ' sounded in the West and in the East and Holland was once more free.

These years of the second World War have brought a spirit of understanding and comradeship to the submarine branches of two proud fighting services, borne of triumphs and tragedies shared and overcome.

In this Commemoration Book (See footnote1) to which I, as present Head of the Submarine Branch of the British Navy, have the honour to write a foreword, a fully record of these triumphs and tragedies will be found.

To many this book will come as a thrilling story, but to us fellow submariners who know what lies beneath the surface, it will serve as a permanent record of a great and heartening experience and a very proud memory. "

Yours sincerely

J.M. Mansfield

Vice Admiral
Head of the Submarine Branch of the Royal Navy

 

Footnote1: J.M. Mansfield is referring to the book  'Veertig Jaren Onderzeedienst'

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