Inside Britain's Last Surviving Second World War-Era Submarine | HMS Alliance

[@Scitch87]

I just realized that Commodore Thompson has to be around 70 years old when this was filmed. Which is amazing because from looking at him moving around i would have guessed he was maybe 50 years old. Honestly an amazing guide you got for this video. His anecdotes made the whole tour even more interesting.

[@GrahamWalters]

Depends how old he was when he joined the RN, if he joined as a middy at 17 he could be as young as 54, but that would be young for a Commodore

[@Scitch87]

@@GrahamWalters how did you get "54" out of that? He said he was serving on the submarine in 1969/70. That's already 51 to 52 years in the past. Unless he joined the Navy at an impressive age of 2 that would be impossible.

[@burb122]

He mentions he was bought into this world in the last months of Ww2. So DOB is ~1945. He has a wealth of knowledge. Love to chat with him!

[@joebombero1]

Navy veterans either die early within a few years of retirement or live forever.

[@rossrosco9423]

He was born in November 1943!

[@bmused55]

Please, more videos with the Commodore! I love his enthusiasm to share information and little stories

[@DOGGEDROMAN]

Please, for the love of our history, let this man tell us his stories. Let us hear them, uninterrupted, before his knowledge is lost, and the lessons lost with him.

[@alexmarshall4331]

Well said mate 👉❗👈

[@bertjilk3456]

This takes me back to my own time as a junior officer, hearing seniors tell tales of their experiences. Totally riveting. No pretension, no sensationalism, just real stories of their trials and tribulations. More like this, please!

[@jessesteel333]

Dan really blasted through this guys stories and switched the subject very fast. Slow down mate, we’re here to listen and learn.

[@thecremeegg]

Time limits play a big part - you don't get long to film these things, got to cover as much as possible in the time you've got. That means sadly that long stories need to be kept short

[@pgo2372]

I came here to make the same comment. Dan rudely cut him off whenever he was saying something interesting.

[@-nWo]

Yeah but he was dull..

[@beedalton9675]

I work in the engine room on merchant ships..all he.s talking about im one step ahead...😁 .. I been on steamers and diesels...gasturbine ...rule of thumb always open one valve befor you close another😁always interesting to watch.. Old mariners Surface or pigboat guys

[@g1nge211]

If anyone is interested, there is a podcast called Cold War Conversations. Eric features in episode 162.

[@2112jonr]

Dan Snow, three tips for interviewers: a) Let the person you're interviewing speak. That's what makes a video interesting. Not you. b) Don't shout. There's no need for it. c) Close your mouth when you're not talking. Thank you Eric for a very interesting and knowledgeable tour, I'm motivated to pay a visit on the back of watching your tour.

[@liamjames4921]

😂😂😂😂

[@jacobm2750]

This is an unfair comment. Perhaps at the start of the video Dan was a bit eager to talk, but overall I think he has done a great job of giving his subject an appropriate room to share his knowledge without letting the thread of video getting side tracked.

[@NickRatnieks]

Commodore Thompson defines the word "expert" in every way.

[@jackbrowning8013]

Wow! I could listen to Commodore Eric all day!

[@28wilksy]

Commodore Thompson is such a great guy, could’ve listened to him all day top stuff.

[@nutzonspanners6607]

Twenty eight minutes and fifty seven seconds of bliss......full length, unrushed, documentary would be great.

[@GrahamWalters]

Submariners saying, "There are only two types of sea going vessel........Submarines and targets"

[@cleophusA]

The Commodore is EXTREMELY interesting! I would love to see an entire video dedicated to him telling his war stories. Very entertaining.

[@kal9001]

Seems like one of those guys who could talk for days and still deliver gem after gem of lived first hand experience on these things. A true expert and enthusiast. Such a shame this video could be 10x as long! I also get the impression the reporter here didn't really do much justice to this clearly brilliant man and just wanted to hammer on his questions and romanticise the whole thing.

[@ElLowEl]

Absolutely fascinating. I could listen to him all day.

[@philipgilmartin6912]

What a fantastic guest and guide. Very knowledgeable, I feel I could sit with him in the legion and listen to his stories forever!

[@stoffer1981]

What an extraordinary gentleman. The stories and the knowledge he has on submarines is second to none. I’m working in the area, will have to visit it tomorrow.

[@matthewpiazza9308]

My father served on the HMS Artimis which was a sister ship to the alliance, i took him to walk though this for fathers days around 6 years ago. It was funny as he gave us a inside tour guide and by the end of the tour most of the group was listening to him

[@jaideedave]

Small world, I served on board HMCS Rainbow (sub) an old diesel boat in the early 70,s . One of our buddies was PO. Bill Howatson . He served on the "A" boats as a Canadian exchange sailor. A good friend and nice man.

[@Smokeyham]

Very interesting. Great to have someone with this level of experience to provide an in depth tour.

[@Furniture121]

I love the human element of having an experienced submariner explaining life onboard. It's easy to get caught up in the machine, and forget that humans operate it, and all humans poop... We had a fire on one of the ships I sailed in when I worked with the RCN. Getting toilet facilities running was major health issue, as we had nearly 300 people onboard, and no working heads.

[@VitaKet]

Wish you would have let him finish speaking half the time instead of interrupting for another question...

[@luke_foster]

Could listen to this man all day! What wonderful knowledge and a lovely man! Thank you!

[@itsmeoli3705]

What a brilliant artefact! I love visiting the sub museum and the historic dockyard, though I haven’t been in a while due to the whole thing.

[@stanmoderate4460]

Brings back memories of HMS/M Walrus and HMS/M Oracle on which I served during the Cold War.

[@typhoonb1]

Love Eric’s descriptions and read one of his books. Seems like he had a lot more to say! Follow up video!?

[@EmpyreanFrost]

This channel along with a handful of others are my favorites on youtube. I absolutely adore military history.

[@robc1014]

Amazing there! I only live 1/2 a mile away from it and see the beauty everyday on my way to work.

[@guymorris6596]

Commander Thompson, thank you for your service and the great knowledge which you gave to us during your submarine tour by way of this video.

[@mikewood866]

Eric Thompson was my MEO on HMS/M REVENGE (P) back in the 70s. I'm sure he'll remember my best friend and best man Bungy Mcwilliams and the big steam leak fiasco.

[@andrewthompson8610]

His book "on her majesty's nuclear service" opens with the steam leak event. Bungy is, of course, given due credit for his actions.

[@mikewood866]

@@andrewthompson8610 I was forward killick at the time of the steam leak, but spent time as lower level stoker with Bungy Mac on Revenge. Names such as Blackie, Jacko, Chris Pearce, Brum Connelly, Ram Murdoch, Ken Glover, Jimmy Green, Mac Mcdonagh, Dave Curtis, big Herman Faulkner, big Brigham young and Beasty Beale to name but a few. He was best man at my wedding so I was extremely upset by his tragic passing. Great times with great guys, some sadly missed.

[@dougproctor6933]

I was on there for that as well as POMA. All those names are still familiar, even after all this time. Great bunch of blokes!

[@mikewood866]

@@dougproctor6933 Yes I remember you Doctor Proctor👍happy times back in the 70s. So sad about my bezzy oppo Bungy Mac.

[@dougproctor6933]

@@mikewood866 Certainly was Mike. That was an interesting incident. There is a board in the Submarine Museum on that event. I work there as a volunteer guide so see it quite often! Hope you're keeping well.

[@Gorbyrev]

Now that was fascinating. Many thanks.

[@brucebermingham4616]

My uncle was Alliance cook. There was food stashed everywhere at the beginning of a voyage.

[@kRuss-sc4ed]

Could speak to this guy for weeks

[@7177YT]

Brilliant! Thank you! ....severely underrated video!

[@larsrons7937]

In 1972 as 3 years old I visited a Danish submarine in dock for repairs in Copenhagen. It still remember the cramped long narrow space and all the handles and controls everywhere, it looked not much different from this one. My granddad worked on the place. It was my father who had the interest, but he wasn't allowed in (restricted military area). I was so little that I couldn't be a Soviet spy so I was allowed.

[@izby2652]

very relaxed and enjoyable. He is one of those people you could happily sit and listen to for ages, hearing all his stories and things. Hillarious point to end on. 🙂

[@justink1075]

The Commodore, what a great bloke………🖖👌

[@roostaraver]

I could listen to his stories and info all day long

[@joebloggs8422]

Visited her a couple of years ago, absolutely brilliant tour. I think they should have HMS Conqueror as an exhibit as well

[@davidpage4005]

I think she is still alongside at Devonport awaiting de-commissioning. HMS Courageous is there with her, and is open to the public on specified days. Well worth a visit.

[@dtc1117]

The interviewer doesn’t seem to pay attention to the interviewee’s Historical stories. He seems set on tuning the drama. Sorry, everybody has an opinion……….

[@skdinterceptor2828]

Very informative and certainly educational. Absolute Marvel ENGINEERING! U boats inside are a maze of comp,ex pipes, valves, cables etc...........fantastic.

[@rebeccawayman4219]

This was an amazing interview…submariners are very unique fellows.

[@anthonywilson4873]

A Con Rod connects the Piston to the the Crankshaft. The Push Rods push the rockers (the exposed rockers in this case) which open and close the valves. Great presentation on the sub.

[@whattowatchrightnow]

This man knows his stuff. And, he's not shy about touching the wares. He knows who he is. Thank you, sir. ;-)

[@brucegibbins3792]

An enjoyable tour through a British RN diesel electric Submarine. Dan Snow has presented many a worthwhile documentary covering a wide range of topics but none better (subjectively speaking) than this one here as we tour the inside of HMS Alliance.

[@red.5475]

The A class boats, after their refits, were absolutely gorgeous boats. As were the Porpoise and Oberons.

[@workonesabs]

I've been in it. My grandfather was a Chief Petty officer in the Royal Navy. He and my Grandmother lived in Gosport where this is.

[@Sceme1991]

What a great guy. Could have listened way more of his stories

[@Nooziterp1]

'We're out of torpedoes sir.' 'Never mind. Hit 'em with eight cans of beer.'

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

According to my research, Dan Snow (the host) is a healthy 6’6”. He is 5” taller than me and about a foot taller than the average crew member of a submarine back then... Talk about watching your head!

[@BobSmith-ui4qu]

Fascinating , what a wealth of knowledge.

[@davidarchibald50]

mad buggers...more courage in their finger nails than in my whole aged body... We will remember them.

[@damon1957ful]

Could listern to this intresting chap all day , well done sir

[@stevbrkr]

HMS Andrew starred in the film "On The Beach". It played the part of an American Submarine that sailed into Melbourne, Australia, after a nuclear exchange in the northern hemisphere. Also staring HMAS Sydney.

[@rhodes1948]

That was absolutely fascinating and the Commodore was a very intelligent and entertaining man…

[@benjaminrush4443]

Thank you for the Tour.

[@rustykilt]

Beautifully preserved boat...such an interesting man, Commodore Thompson.

[@cannybearsed]

Brilliant. What a guy. So much knowledge and completely engaging.

[@Alfred289]

0:33 The museum isn't in Portsmouth, it's just over the water in neighbouring Gosport.

[@stevenparsons5553]

We(Gosport) never get a mention it's always portsmouth 🙄 lol

[@andrewharrison7767]

I visited hms alliance late 80s as a primary school kid, but never really took it in - I'm now disabled, so can't access it; thankfully this is a good substitute. I spent years sailing out of the joint services sailing centre which is literally in the shadow of the submarine

[@TheDemon190]

That's about right wouldn't expect a Commodore to know the difference between a con rod and a push rod

[@JustThinkForYourself]

Caught me off guard when he mentioned Whipp and Borune from Rochdale (Castleton) I live a stones throw away in Heywood and golf in Castleton.

[@I_Was_Chrispy_Kreme]

25:50 “you can fire from both ends” yeah Dan I had a stomach bug like that once

[@paulbeaney4901]

When you have a gentleman as knowledgeable as this SLOW DOWN, let him speak. Also, ask more complex questions. Please have this gentleman on again.

[@Skreezilla]

My Grand uncle Bill started out flying a Bi-plane, and finished his career in a Lightening. It was an amazing generation to live through i feel, we have not seen progress at that speed for many years.

[@Daanlikkewaan]

Interview a man with vast knowledge and experience, then interrupt him and change the subject every time he wants to tell an experience....

[@Yet_Another_Steve]

Me instead of Dan Snow: What's this? And this? And this? And what about this? And what does that do? And what's this? ad infinitum.

[@DevonDave118]

My late Dads second Boat after Artful, he was on this boat when a battery exploded and killed a guy. He did 500 hours on the helm and many sneakys on it. He told me that they had hit an under water mountain in Scotland and they lost power and were stuck on the bottom for a good while - nearly lost their lives. He said it had a bend in the bow because of it. Never seen anything on the internet about it. Brave men

[@7bootzy]

I hope to still look as good as the Commodore when I'm 45...

[@RasmusDyhrFrederiksen]

Great tour and interview. What a pleasent and knowledgeable guide.

[@alandean6692]

Absolutely fascinating stuff from an absolutely fascinating commodore

[@coleparker]

A great video, except when he mentioned the years 1969-1970 as a long time ago:). I was 17 years old in 1970 and It makes me feel old.

[@Lord_Baphomet_]

The difference between a boat and a ship is: a ship can carry a boat.

[@derekstocker6661]

I well recall an old seadog saying to me ages ago and putting his hand on a lifeboat but pointing at the ship we were on at the time, he said, this is a ship and then hand on rowing boat, this is a boat, this one is to save me if this one (pointing at ship) won't float.

[@johnbeauvais3159]

I’ve heard an argument that the difference has to do with the center of gravity and center of buoyancy. One is above the other depending on the type and is distinguishable by if it rolls in or out during a turn

[@phil6031]

@@johnbeauvais3159 yep, that's one of the standard measures. The term is called metacentric height.

[@markbee9446]

Wow... amazing interview with a great and so knowledgeable guy. Thanks!

[@jude_the_apostle]

Love the commodore's accent

[@calumclark1719]

This is brilliant, glad to hear a engineer going through all the details of the systems

[@ralphhindle]

Fascinating!!

[@abrahamdozer6273]

You can sure see where the Oberon and Porpoise classes were derived from.

[@davidcopplestone6266]

I live a 20 minute walk from here, and I haven't been for a very long time. Oh, It's actually in Gosport, so you might struggle finding it in Portsmouth.

[@jens-kristiantofthansen9376]

II'm normally quite happy with Dan's interviewing but I feel he was rushing this one and really didn't have to be.

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

Sorry mr. Commodore. What you pointed to and proclaimed con rods, were in face push rods. Also the interesting story about the switchgear , about the man who died testing/developing equipment, was interrupted by the blockhead you were talking to. Do the video again without the blockhead please.

[@bkenwood88]

The "live" copper wings just sticking out halfway across the corridor is insanity, I wonder if him saying they were fatal was a bit of hyperbole? That just seems like a crazy risk. I used to have an office manager who server on a sub in the 90's, he told me about when they had their planes stuck one time and he was responsible for calling out the depth every 5 feet as they approached crush, he said they got within 10ft. If I had puckered any harder during that story I would have been shitting diamonds, subs are fascinating but also about as horrifying a concept as exists.

[@pixelsquish]

220V DC is very easily capable of killing you in the right circumstances.

[@bradwoolley7307]

What a video! Absolutely superb as ever.

[@sylwesterandrzejczak5333]

I saw this ship,its impressive

[@Mrfrontrow]

Great informative Vlog! Just a bit of info on the difference between boats and ships. It has to do with the way they turn. When "ships" turn they "heel" or lean to the outside of the turn. "Boats" on the other hand "heel" or lean to the inside of the turn. It has to do with the way they are constructed and how they sit in the water and wether the center of gravity is below or above the freeboard. This can be checked on Wikipedia under "ship" sub category "nomenclature".

[@paulmcewen]

Brilliant dialogue by ex commodore Thompson well down.

[@ernesttravers7517]

Excellent video I worked on the building of two class subs from 1959 Then two polaris subs and a hunter/killer later

[@EdmundAcuto]

Fascinating Insight into a Submariners life in the Cold War. Particularly interesting to me as I spent the 1960's in the RAF on the V Bomber force.

[@timothykelly7974]

Rocker arms my dear fellow.

[@MelvynIves]

I went on a 2 week jolly on the Alliance as a junior stoker in 1972 when I was on HMS Undaunted and I slept in a torpedo rack. Happy days. Never went on one again tho, defo not for me 😮

[@DaveC2729]

They went the distance to make that side door look authentic, but I highly doubt that was part of the original construction.

[@Surfbumbrad]

I believe that the classification between a boat and a ship is that a ship can carry a boat but a boat can't carry a ship. Also the museum is located in Gosport not Portsmouth, it's the opposite side of the harbour to Portsmouth.

[@NonStoppie]

Very interesting interview. Thanks!

[@kingcuz.]

Absolute class video - Ill just bought Thompsons book, looking forward to the read.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Well done for your non-patronising attitute to the submarine veterans

[@HunterSW1]

My great grandad served on that ship

[@mjfan653]

there is an 1936 built in barrow-in-furness boat surviving in almost orig condition, the EML Lembit in the Estonian maritime museum. it was captured and used by the russians, with some estonian crew remaining, and was one of the most succesful boats in the baltic.

[@gmf121266]

Ive been on Alliance and also Ocelot which is at Chatham. Ocelot was the type of later quieter diesel/electric Oberon class subs that the Commodore was talking about. They did exercises during the cold war with US surface fleet and often evaded detection by skirting underwater ledges staying in very close then popping up in the middle of the fleet to their surprise and consternation.

[@gunner678]

Well worth a visit, if you are ever down there in sunny Gosport.

[@marknash4442]

Only one error; putting "The" before the name of any RN boat or ship. The HMS Alliance, should just be HMS Alliance.

[@raywarman]

When in Sluys in the 5th Destroyer flotilla in 1950 we often did submarine exercises with Anchorite and Affray, both out of Devonport and Londonderry.