Themes

Conflict and Change

• Introduction

• In Focus: 1900

• In Focus: World War One

• In Focus: Interwar

  • Surface Fleet

  • Submarines

  • Royal Marines

  • Fleet Air Arm

• In Focus: World War Two

• In Focus: Post War Conflict

• In Focus: Cold War Climate

• In Focus: Falklands and Beyond

• Special Exhibition: Falklands 25

Learning

• How To: Understand Propaganda

• Propaganda Image Galleries

• Education Project: Sea With Your Own Eyes

HMS Oberon

HMS Oberon - protecting the Far East

The end of World War One drastically changed the meaning of overseas for the Royal Navy. The first new designs constructed in peacetime reflected Britain's changing strategic situation. Growing rivalry in the Pacific between Japan and the United States persuaded Britain not to renew its Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1923, as it desired closer relations with the Americans. Submarine classes designed in the 1920s were large, long-range boats meant to safeguard Britain's interests in the Far East, especially as Japan now seemed the most probable future naval opponent. However, Royal Navy submarines could barely reach Japanese waters from the nearest British base, located in Hong Kong.

HMS Oberon at sea (RNSM)

Article Highlights

• Introduction

• Development of the O Class

• Specifications

Follow the links to find more about...

Attempts to ban submarines

Improvements in submarine design

Preparations for war

HMS Oberon

Submarine disasters

Developments in submarine escape

Related External Links

• Royal Navy Submarine Museum