HMS K17 by Ivan Berryman. [Original Painting]

K17 was one of the unusual K-class submarines operating in the Royal Navy in World War One. This class were unusual in that they were powered by steam while operating on the surface to allow them the speed to keep up with the fleet. They were also unusual in their notorious poor fortune, gaining the nickname 'Kalamity Class'. None of the class ever successfully engaged with the enemy, and yet 6 were lost in accidents, including K17. Known as the 'Battle of May Island', a series of unfortunate collisions between submarines and surface vessels in the misty darkness of 31st January - 1st February 1918 saw both submarines K4 and K17 sunk, with several other vessels damaged. From a crew of 56, just 9 men escaped from K17 and just 8 survived the freezing waters. Here, K17 is shown cruising on the surface with funnels up in 1917.

Original painting, oil on canvas, by Ivan Berryman.

Size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm)