A carved oak launching casket for the Royal Navy D-Class submarine HMS D.8.

Velvet lined interior containing the ceremonial hammer and chisel.

Engraved plaque inside lid:

SUBMARINE D.8.

LAUNCHED AT CHATHAM

– BY –

The Hon Lady Barker

23^rd September 1911

Hammer carved: 23^rd SEPTEMBER 1911 “D.8”

Chisel blade engraved: D.8 23-9-11

With key.

Width: 35 cm.

Depth: 25.5 cm.

Height: 17.5 cm.

HMS D8 was one of eight D-class submarines built for the Royal Navy during the first decade of the 20th century. The D-class submarine was the Royal Navy’s first class of submarines capable of operating significantly beyond coastal waters. They were also the first boats to be fitted with wireless transmitters.

D8 was built by Vickers Armstrong, laid down on 14 February 1910, the submarine was launched at Chatham Dockyard on the 23^rd of September 1911.

HMS D8 fought in the WWI Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August 1914, along with sister ships HMS D2 and HMS D3. On 18 October 1914 HMS D8 shadowed the German S.S. Ophelia which was judged to be spying and was interned.