HMS M3

HMS "M3", built by Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle Upon Tyne was a British M class submarine for the Royal Navy. She was laid down on the 4 December 1916 and was commissioned in July 1920. She was originally conceived as "K20", but renamed prior to launch.

"M3"'s 12-inch gun was removed in Chatham in 1927-1928 following the signing of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty. The upper deck was modified to carry a casing with a conveyor belt to carry and launch over the stern 80 Type B mines which was then changed to 100. The mines were laid through a door at the stern. "M3" proved to be a successful minelayer and was used in the design of the "Porpoise" class minelayers.

From 9 May to 15 May 1926, M3 was used to generate electricity for the Royal Victoria Dock, Royal Albert Dock and King George V Dock in London during a general strike .

M3 was sold on 16 February 1932. She was then scrapped at Newport in April 1932.

The monitor HMS|Raglan was also known by the name "HMS M3" for a short time.

References

* Colledge, J.J. (2006) "Ships of the Royal Navy: the complete record of all fighting ships from the 15^th century to the present", New Ed., Warlow, B. (Ed.), London: Chatham, 396 p., ISBN 1-86176-281-X
* Hutchinson, Robert (2003) "Jane's submarines : war beneath the waves from 1776 to the present day", New ed., London : Collins, 224 p., ISBN 0-00-716368-1