HMS Holland No.5 and Norman’s Bay Wreck with NAS

Having just joined the Nautical Archaeological Society in October, I’ve just just booked my ticket with NAS to dive this Holland No.5 and the Norman’s Bay Wreck.

From what I understand, Holland No.5 is the 5th eldest submarine of the British Royal Navy. Developed by John Philip Holland and initially named Holland VI, it was the first submarine having power to run submerged for any considerable distance. Purchased by the US Navy and renamed the USS Holland, it’s design was adopted by the British Royal Navy and developed in secret between 1901 and 1903. Of these five HMS Holland’s, Holland No.1 is on display in the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport. Holland 2 was sold, 3 sank in sea trials, 4 sunk as a gunnery target and 5 lays at 32m off the Sussex coat on a sandy sea bed.