A-1

Plunger alongside the quay dock at the Holland Torpedo Boat Company facility, New Suffolk, NY., approximately 1903. Plunger was unique in that she had a different shape to her bow than the other A-class boats. Shark sits behind her. Note that her conning tower has several rectangular deadlight windows in it. These boats did not yet have periscopes so the boat had to broach the surface briefly in order to see where they were going. The open hatch reveals that there were three circular deadlights in the hatch itself. This was to provide the commanding officer with some light while he steered the boat. Plunger has a temporary wooden deck installed.

Photo NH 58109 courtesy of NHHC.

Plunger being overtaken by pleasure boaters as she maneuvers, most likely on Gardners Bay, Long Island, near where the Holland company facility was located. The submarines, being so new, attracted considerable attention from the public. The photo is undated but is assumed to have been taken some time about 1903 to 1905. Probably the later date as she has a periscope mounted and she was commissioned without one.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

This photo was taken about the same time as the one above, in Gardner's Bay, NY, approximately 1905. There are some really nice looking sailing vessels in this photo. Nearest the submarine is a gaff rigged yawl, partly concealed behind this vessel is a catboat, also gaff rigged. Seen above the power boat, probably gasoline powered, is a gaff rigged cutter.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

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