Commissioning crew of HMS H8 taken at Halifax in July 1915 showing Lt. B.L. Johnson, RNVR, CO and his 1st Lt, Mate Alfred E. Brewster.

Johnson was the first and only RNVR to command a submarine in WW1. A highly qualified Master Mariner he transferred to the RNR upon reaching England as the RN couldn't stomach the idea of a VR being in command. He went on to win a DSO and finished the war as a commander.

With thanks to Dave Perkins ©

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