In 1917 the 'V and' W' class destroyers made its appearance. This class was destined to be the most successful and enduring destroyer of the 20th century. A total of 67 vessels were built. The 'V' and 'W' class was the epitome of a destroyer and many graced the jetties of HMS Columbine up until the late 1920's. Such was the durability of this class of destroyer, that almost half of them went on to see service throughout the inter-war years and into the second world war.
The destroyer was developed from the end of the 19th century as a response to the rising threat of the torpedo boat. Vessels were designed and built specifically for the purpose of destroying torpedo boats. the actual name 'Destroyer' being derived from the term 'Torpedo Boat Destroyer'. This class of vessel not only eliminated the torpedo boat, but for a time replaced it.
The main duty of a destroyer in wartime is that of the outer guarding of the battle fleet. This was achieved by forming a screen around the main units of the fleet, this could also be applied to a convoy of merchant ships. Therefore providing protection against enemy attack. They were without doubt the workhorses of the fleet enduring long and regular periods at sea in appalling weather. Their duties included submarine detection, patrolling, convoy work, and mine laying, all of which would bring them into close contact with the enemy.
Life and conditions were difficult. Crews enduring cramped and uncomfortable living quarters, stormy seas and the inevitable sea sickness.
The main duty of a destroyer in wartime is that of the outer guarding of the battle fleet. This was achieved by forming a screen around the main units of the fleet, this could also be applied to a convoy of merchant ships. Therefore providing protection against enemy attack. They were without doubt the workhorses of the fleet enduring long and regular periods at sea in appalling weather. Their duties included submarine detection, patrolling, convoy work, and mine laying, all of which would bring them into close contact with the enemy.
Life and conditions were difficult. Crews enduring cramped and uncomfortable living quarters, stormy seas and the inevitable sea sickness.
On 17th November 1917, Port Edgar based destroyers, along with major units of the Grand Fleet, engaged the German High Sea Fleet off the Heligoland Bight. Naval Intelligence had reported that a large enemy force was carrying out minesweeping operations off the Bight. They were a considerable distance from their home base.
Admiral Sir David Beatty wasted no time and sailed from the Firth of Forth with the 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron, the 1st Cruiser Squadron , two light Cruiser Squadrons and screening Destroyers. What followed was a hot running battle. No major losses were sustained by either side. However the light cruiser Calypso suffered shell damage, and lost 8 men including her Commanding Officer Captain H E Edwards, to whom a memorial was erected in the graveyard at South Queensferry –
(see Common wealth Graves 1917)
(see Common wealth Graves 1917)
Apart from one other occasion this was the last time that the two naval antagonists of the Great War were to meet before the armistice was signed in November 1918.
Life at Port Edgar became even more hectic, following the decision in April 1918 to transfer the entire grand fleet from Scapa Flow to the Firth of Forth, some 150 warships in all. The main advantage to the Grand Fleet was that she was nearer to her enemy. However the downside was a now massively congested Rosyth, and anchorages above and below the Forth Bridge only increasing the difficult ship maneuvering, particularly in the strong tides. The jetties at Port Edgar must have been near to bursting point.
Life at Port Edgar became even more hectic, following the decision in April 1918 to transfer the entire grand fleet from Scapa Flow to the Firth of Forth, some 150 warships in all. The main advantage to the Grand Fleet was that she was nearer to her enemy. However the downside was a now massively congested Rosyth, and anchorages above and below the Forth Bridge only increasing the difficult ship maneuvering, particularly in the strong tides. The jetties at Port Edgar must have been near to bursting point.
Getting in and out of the Forth in these days was no easy task. As well as the inner anti submarine nets, which were passable, following the correct light sequencing being shown on the Forth Bridge, there was also the outer anti submarine defences to be negotiated between Eli and Fidra Island, at the entrance to the Forth. Four separate defence systems in all.
They were essential to the Forth's security. Earlier in the war, a late night intrusion by the German submarine U.21 reached as far as the Forth Bridge before she was detected. Her attempt at destroying ships of the Grand Fleet were thwarted. She made her escape into the North Sea where three days later she torpedoed and sunk the light cruiser Pathfinder, on the 25th September 1914. This was the first ever warship destroyed by a torpedo fired from a submarine.(See Commonwealth Graves 1914)
Extracts are with kind permission of Peter A Collinson,
condensed from his book 'The Royal Navy at Port Edgar'-2004.
© Queensferry History Group 2015
condensed from his book 'The Royal Navy at Port Edgar'-2004.
© Queensferry History Group 2015