AN ARCHIVE OF DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE LOSS AND SALVAGE OF H.M. SUBMARINE THETIS, JUNE 1939

comprising approximately 400 assorted documents circulated between the Admiralty; HMS 'Dolphin'; Cammel Laird (Thetis's bulders); Mersey Harbour Board; Trinity House and others, and containing official reports, evidence, telegrams, letters, invoices, etc., each autographed, stamped and liberally annotated throughout, many marked Secret or Confidential and pinned in two volumes, various sizes, the outer paper sheets -- 13¼ x 8in. (33.7 x 20.3cm.)

(A lot)

Provenance: Believed to have come from the Mersey Harbour Board archives, dispersed 2006.

The loss of the 275ft Thetis whilst on her final diving trials in Liverpool Bay is still controversial. A confusing layout of valves and test cocks blocked with enamel paint had led to the bow flooding and resting on the seabed 150ft below leaving 59 crew, together with 25 staff from Cammell Laird and a host of senior naval observers, bringing the total to 103 men stranded in the aft compartments. Four men managed to successfully deploy the escape hatch, however the fifth panicked and drowned in the hatch with the external door open, condemning the remainder to death by carbon monoxide poisoning. At the Board of Enquiry, the Navy invoked Crown Privilege to suppress evidence regarding the hull and machinery and the case is one of interest in English law, as the judges accepted the Admiralty's claim at face value with no scrutiny. Thetis was subsequently raised, refitted and re-named Thunderbolt and had a successful wartime career until sunk on 14 March 1943 by the Italian corvette Cicinga off Sicily with all hands in 4,430ft of water, the only RN vessel to be sunk with her crew twice.

Condition Report

Generally good, upper few pages now detached, some ragged edges.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.