Blog

GREEK SUBMARINES
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GREEK SUBMARINE FORCE

By Captain Sam J. Tangredi, USN

Captain Tangredi is a Surface Ship Officer
of the US Navy, with a PhD in International Relations.
He serves as Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

In many smaller but technologically advanced nations, the Submarine Force is considered among the most privileged military forces, often occupying a very high share of the National Defense Budget. This is true for several NATO countries, with one of them being the Hellenic Republic which is justifiably proud of its submarine warfare heritage.
Greek historians date the beginning of this legacy to at least 322 BC when Alexander the Great's forces used underwater cages and other underwater chambers to conduct naval combat operations against the city of Tyre, an event chronicled by Aristotle. Amazed by these activities, Alexander the Great is reported to have eventually dived to the bottom of the sea in a specially designed glass barrel, remaining there for several hours.
Another proud fact is that a Greek submarine conducted the first recorded underwater torpedo attack against an enemy warship in 1912.
Today the Hellenic Submarine Command consists exclusively of a force of eight diesel-electric submarines, the Type-209, designed by Howaldtswerke Deutche Werft (HDW). Greece has also recently contracted with HDW for four Type-214 Diesels with independent air propulsion (AIP) capability. There have been conflicting reports as to whether the Type-214 will replace the four older 209s, or whether the Hellenic Navy will have a force of twelve submarines.

Initial Underwater Developments

In the late 1800s, the prospect of developing a practical submarine interested many European nations, especially those whose forces could never before challenge the naval forces of the great powers, especially the British Royal Navy. Numerous engineers and inventors created designs and constructions to attract investors and government support. Such as John Holland in the ports of New York/New Jersey and Simon Lake of Bridgeport, Connecticut/Long Island Sound, they made constructions and submarine experiments in many European port cities, including Piraeus.
The Greek engineer N. Griparis is reported to have built an experimental submarine, named "GRIPARA" in 1880 and tested it in the waters of Faliro. But as with Holland and Lake, it proved difficult for most European manufacturers to find the financial backing to bring their designs to fruition. Whether or not this was the case for N. Griparis, there is no record of him building a full-sized operational submarine.
Nevertheless, the Greek Government had an immediate priority to advance the submarine force. While generally good relations remained with the Navies of Britain, France and Russia (all of whom fought as allies in the Battle of Navarino, supporting Greek Independence), the Ottoman Turkish Empire remained a relentless enemy with a numerically superior fleet. In 1885, English-born George William Garrett produced a design for a torpedo-launching submarine which was built by the Swedish shipbuilder Thorsten Nordentfelt. When trials for the NORDENFELT #1 took place in Landskrone, Sweden, Nordendfelt invited naval observers from many European and Latin American countries. Although some observers turned away unimpressed, the Greek government decided to purchase NORDENFELT #1 for 9000 British pounds.
One source states that the infamous Baron Vasilis Sakharov played the role of middleman for this purchase. (Fans of the ITV1/PBS Reilly series, “Ace of Spies,” will remember Sakharov as the original and persistent opponent of Sydney Reilly.) Incidentally, Sakharov claimed to be of (at least partial) Greek descent and references to his patriotism had some influence on the Greek Government’s decision. Regardless of his descent and patriotism, Sakharov sold the next two NORDENFELT-class submarines to the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish Sultan wanted to neutralize any Greek advantage, and was willing to pay even more money.
It is difficult to obtain a true account of the actual operational capability and reliability of the NORDENFELT #1. She was steam-powered from construction, 33 meters long, displaced 160 tons, had a surface speed of 9 knots, had a crew of three and was equipped with one experimental torpedo. The Hellenic Navy used the submarine as a test and training platform. According to a semi-official source, she remained in the Fleet Force until 1901, without being operational. It is not clear whether such a record indicates that, as a training platform, the vessel was never included in the Fleet, or whether it indicates that in reality the NORDENFELT #1 was unable to sail and/or dive.

Balkan Wars and World War I

From 1901 to 1912, Greece does not appear to have had any submarines in service. But in September 1910, Greece ordered two submarines from France. In 1912, Greece established the Submarine Command of the Hellenic Navy with the acquisition of two submarines, built in France, HS (Hellenic Ship), DELPHINE (Dolphin), HS XIFIAS (Xifias). They were radical improvements over the NORDENFELT, utilizing 25 years of technological developments. The submarines were 310 tons (surface displacement), 460 tons (submerged displacement), with a speed of 13 knots on the surface, 8 knots submerged and with a crew of 24 men. They were equipped with five torpedoes of 45 cm diameter.
It was the "HS DELPHINE", under the command of Lieutenant Commander Stefanos Paparigopoulos, which carried out the first war torpedo attack in history, - against the Turkish battlecruiser "MEŽDIYE". According to the official record, it was unsuccessful. Later in this first Balkan War, the Greek Fleet achieved two victories against the Turkish fleet in very large engagements, but the role of submarines in these battles is uncertain.
Sometime during this period the Greek Government decided to contract with a German shipbuilder for a third submarine. World War I broke out shortly before delivery and the German Government preferred to keep the vessel and incorporate it into the German Navy. U-35 became the most successful submarine of that war. (In World War II, after its attack, U-35 rescued the crew of the Greek Merchant "DIAMANTIS" and left it on the shores of Ireland).
Greece did not initially participate in World War I. Although the sympathies of the elected government were with the Allies (and against Germany, which was allied with Turkey), the King preferred neutrality (the Queen was the Kaiser's sister). In an incredible series of intrigues, which seriously damaged Greek society, the King forced the government to resign, but was subsequently forced to agree with the Allies. French troops occupied Athens to expel the royalists and re-establish the government. During this period, the French captured the Greek Fleet, decommissioning the older ships but integrating the newer ones into the French Fleet. Therefore, the Delphini and the Xifias served as French submarines from October 1916 to July 1917. When Greece entered the war on the side of the Allies, the submarines, along with the rest of the Fleet, were re-incorporated into the Hellenic Navy. Both submarines remained in service until 1920.

Interwar Period

Most nations regard the interwar period as a period of conflict and eventual military disaster for Greece. Having made initial victories in Asia Minor, the Greek Forces were defeated by the Turkish forces under Kemal Atatürk in 1922. Most of the Greek population in Asia Minor was expelled. Understandably, the Submarine Force was considered of little importance during this period, and it was not until December 1927 that Greece began to acquire new submarines, once again from France. The first was the HS PAPANIKOLIS (Y-2), which was succeeded by the HS KATSONIS (Y-1) in January 1928. Later, Greece acquired four more French submarines, of slightly more advanced design: the HS PROTEUS (Y-3), HS NHREUS (Y-4), HS TRITON (Y-5) and HS GLAYKOS (Y-6). At the outbreak of World War II, the Hellenic Navy operated all six French-built submarines. These were capable of operations in the Mediterranean but not designed for long-duration patrols.

World War II

During World War II, the Hellenic Navy distinguished itself in operations and during the German occupation (1941), it became the original, independent, viable Greek force. In addition to the six submarines, the Hellenic Navy entered the war with a surface combat fleet of 24 ships and 30 auxiliaries.
In the initial phase (1940 – early 1941) – in the war against Italy – the Greek Army held off the Italians, who retreated deep into Albania, while Greek submarines sank 18 Italian ships from the Adriatic convoys and damaged others. This good result contributed significantly to the support of operations on land, although the PROTEUS (Y-3) was lost off Albania on 29 December 1940, sunk by the Italian destroyer ANTARES. But in the absence of an effective air force to provide aerial cover, both the land and sea forces could not hope to defeat the “Wehremacht” when German forces came to the aid of the Italians.
Despite British support for Greece, the Luftwaffe gradually dismantled the Hellenic Navy. By the time mainland Greece was about to collapse in April 1941, the remaining Hellenic Fleet consisted of 1 cruiser, 3 destroyers, 5 auxiliary ships and the 5 remaining submarines. The fleet was ordered to sail for Alexandria, Egypt, where the initial military forces of the Greek Government-in-exile were established, but under the orders of the British Royal Navy. The Greek submarines were each assigned to British submarine squadrons, with the newest, HS GLAYKOS, operating with the famous 10th British Submarine Flotilla in Malta in an attempt to prevent Rommel from resupplying. HS GLAYKOS was lost in the Maltese port of "La Valletta" by German air attack on 4 April 1942. The other submarines patrolled Greek waters with both success and losses. After a successful raid on a German convoy off Evia, HS TRITON was lost after a six-hour chase by German warships on 16 November 1942. In the same month, HS PAPANIKOLIS scored successes in the Dodecanese. In February 1943, the HS KATSONIS sank a German minesweeper while laying mines off the Greek coast. But on September 13, 1943, the KATSONIS collided with another German warship and was lost with its crew of 32.
In order to (partially) offset these losses, the Royal Navy handed over to the Hellenic Navy the captured Italian submarine PERLA (Royal Navy designation P712) in January 1943. This was named HS MATROZOS, and to this was added the activated HS PIPINOS by the Royal Navy. In 1944, PIPINOS carried out the last recorded successful Greek attack of the war, sinking the CALATAFIMI, an Italian destroyer flying the German flag. (Italy had already surrendered).
Perhaps more important than the sinking of a large displacement ship was the use of the Greek Submarine Fleet for special operations – leaving Allied Special Forces on the Greek islands and mainland Greece. In addition to courage and secrecy, this required patience. Today, residents of Megalonisos point to a sea cave as the “Papanikolis Cave” because of its (alleged) periodic use as a hiding place for the submarine before attacks and special operations. Presumably other such locations were also used by the submarines, which required special knowledge of near-shore navigation.
In total, Greece lost four of its original six submarines in World War II, along with 106 crew members. At the opposite end of the torpedo trail, Greece lost 334 merchant ships and over 2000 sailors, with 2500 wounded, to Axis submarines and air attacks. This aspect of submarine warfare was a devastating blow to the Aegean islands from which most of the sailors came.

Cold War

Once again the Greeks faced one of the bloodiest conflicts in a period of peace (a period that was becoming increasingly cold). The civil war of 1946-1949 was a tragedy for Greece, the effects of which are still felt today. But following the eventual victory of the democratic government, Greece became a member of NATO in 1951 and sent land and air forces to the Korean War. Although the acquisition of new submarines was not a priority during this period, British submarines were loaned to Greece. These submarines, all limited-range veterans of World War II, served in the Hellenic Navy until December 1958, when they were returned to the Royal Navy.
In replacement, the Hellenic Navy received two American GATO-CLASS high-self-sufficiency fleet submarines: HS POSEIDON (ex-USS LAPON SS-260) was delivered on 8 August 1957 and HS AMFITRITI (ex-USS JACK SS-259) was delivered on 21 April 1958. With over 2400 tons of submerged displacement and a crew of 60 men, these submarines represented a significant increase in self-sufficiency and duration of operations. This also marked the beginning of a 13-year period in which the Hellenic Navy operated exclusively ex-American submarines, a period during which strong ties developed between the Greek and American Navy.
On 26 February 1965, the former USS SCABBARD FISH (SS-397) was delivered to Greece as the U.S.S. TRIAINA. TRIAINA was a Balao-class submarine that had been upgraded to a Fleet Snorkel Submarine prior to delivery. In 1968, the U.S.S. AMPHITRITI was decommissioned and returned to the U.S. Navy where it was sunk as a target during exercises by the Sixth Fleet.
In 1971, the Hellenic Navy took the decision that led to its current structure. It was understood at the time that the United States would not build new diesel-powered submarines. Similarly, it was understood that nuclear power was not a practical option for the Greeks. The costs were too high and operation in the Eastern Mediterranean did not require the self-sufficiency and submerged endurance provided by nuclear propulsion. The Hellenic Navy took delivery of the first of four conventional Type -209/1100 Diesel-Electric submarines built in Kiel by HDW. It was commissioned under the name of the submarine GLAUKOS (S-110), in honor of the previous submarine, and has a submerged displacement of 1207 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots and a crew of 31 men. Like other German-built submarines, Greece is also equipped with American-made weapons, including the Harpoon underwater missile launcher.
Since it was desirable to maintain close ties with the United States, Greece received in 1972 the former USS HARDHEAD (SS-365), a Guppy IIA named the U-boat PAPANIKOLIS (SS-114). In 1973, a Guppy III, former USS RAMORA (SS-487), was received named the U-boat KATSONIS (S-115). In 1976, the U-boat POSEIDON was decommissioned for spare parts in order to keep the two "Guppys" in service.
In 1979-1980, the Hellenic Navy acquired four additional Type-4 submarines of an advanced version (TYPE-209/209), bringing the German-built submarine force to eight. In 1200, TRIAINA was decommissioned for training use. The Hellenic Navy now consisted of 1980 ships: 10 German, 8 American. But time and the lack of spare parts played their part in the Guppys. PAPANIKOLIS and KATSONIS were decommissioned in 2, which was decommissioned much later than its sister ships in the American fleet. (A USS RAMORA veterans' website claims that she was the last WWII ship to be deactivated). The Greek Submarine Forces after this period operated with purely European material, except for specific locators and weapons.

Future Power

The future of the Greek Submarine Forces continues to look decidedly European. With the acquisition of Swedish submarine manufacturer Kockums, HDW is now the dominant force in the diesel-powered submarine market, with contracts with Germany, Italy, Korea and Greece. Greece will be the first to receive the Type-214, which in addition to anaerobic propulsion (AIP), will use fuel cells instead of diesel engines to recharge batteries on the move (although it will still be equipped with diesel generators). The first submarine is being built in Germany and will be commissioned as the third PAPANIKOLIS submarine at the end of 2005. The other three submarines will be built at the Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramagka, Greece, which was purchased by HDW Ferrostaal Essen in 2002. Greece has been negotiating with American companies regarding weapons for these submarines. These submarines are designed with eight 53,3 cm torpedo tubes, four of which are capable of firing HARPOON submarines. As mentioned earlier, it is not clear whether older ships, all of which have been upgraded, will be deactivated to free up operating costs for the newer ones. And of course there is always the possibility of resale, although this has not been the practice of Greece in the past.
As a member of the European Union, it is natural that Greece will look to its European partners for weapons systems. But it is also evident that Greece will seriously consider acquiring American-built diesel submarines if there are any for sale. American manufacturers have considered this, but common sense has been that the cheap Russian KILO will flood the market. In fact, most buyers have rejected the KILO (most recently South Korea, which has its sights set on the Type-214s). The reality is that HDW/Kockums has a very good lead in design in AIP and new conventional technologies.
Given the geographical realities, Greece will continue to devote significant financial resources to the Submarine Force. While the surface fleet has made significant efforts to deploy ships to operate outside the Mediterranean in support of the American Coalition in Operation Enduring Freedom (a first for the Hellenic Navy), the Submarine Force will not have this capability. But it is likely to become the most effective force in combating the threats faced by Greece itself. It is important for both the United States and Greece to maintain close contacts between their submarine force communities, regardless of the source of acquisition of the Greek Submarine Force.