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IMAGE
of WAR
RULING THE WAVES
Valletta's Grand Harbour, Malta, circa 1919.
Keen to continue Britain’s dominance of the high seas as the Great War drew to a close,
eight Admiralty-type (also known as the Scott-class) destroyer flotilla leaders were ordered
for the Royal Navy from April 1916 onwards. Tasked with carrying flotilla flag staff, the
vessels could accommodate additional crew, signalling equipment and an extra 4.7in
(120mm) gun. HMS Bruce (D81), built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead, Merseyside,
in 1917/1918, is seen at Malta in 1919, with two rowing boats in the foreground.
After years of service, the redundant destroyer was used for target practice off
the Isle of Wight and was sunk on November 22, 1939. Her seven sister
vessels survived both world wars, most being converted into escort ships.
One, Stuart, was transferred to Australia and became the command
of Captain Hector Waller and the famous 'Scrap Iron Flotilla'.
(MARY EVANS LIBRARY)