The British V class submarine (officially "U-Class Short hull 1940-41 program"[1]) was a class of 34 submarines built for the Royal Navy during World War II. The V-class submarines were very similar to the preceding U-class (long-hull) boats, but had thicker, welded pressure plate and could move faster on the surface. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore the Senior Service). ... The British U-Class submarines were a class of 49 small submarines built just before and during the Second World War. ...