Special Service Squadron, world cruise 1923-1924

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Reference numberLH000322DescriptionSpecial Service Squadron, world cruise 1923-1924. The Squadron comprised Hood (41,200 tons), Repulse (26,500 tons) and light cruisers Danae, Dauntless, Delhi, Dunedin and Dragon, each of 4,850 tons. The battle cruiser Hood was the largest warship: albeit far from being the most powerful in the world. The proportions of the Hood gave her quite unusual beauty for a fighting ship and in the eyes of the British people, she epitomised the Royal Navy. The ships arrived at Fremantle on Wednesday 27th February 1924. Hood and two cruisers berthed at Victoria Quay; Repulse and the other three cruisers at North Wharf. Extraordinary interest was aroused and the wharf side crowds were huge.Destiny during WWII dealt harshly with these ships; Delhi alone coming through unscathed. Danae and Dragon were used for a breakwater, Normandy 1944 whilst Dunedin was sunk and Dauntless badly damaged. Repulse was sunk by Japanese torpedo-carrying aircraft on 10.12.1941 with grievous loss to her personnel. Even worse had been the fate of the Hood. In the mists of Denmark Strait early on the morning of 24.05.1941,she blew up, eight minutes after action had been joined with S.M.S. Bismark. Of Hood's complement of one and half thousand, fewer than a half dozen survived. The grief and dismay of the British people on learning of this calamity was indescribable. Many felt that with Hood, passed away not only a ship, but a whole era; swept away on the winds of the world. Source: Mr S. JonesDate1924PhotographerLa Tosca Studio Photograph FormatPhotographDigital ItemYes

CollectionPhotographic Collection

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RestrictionsContact the Fremantle History CentreConditions of useYou may print copy or download images for private research. This image may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes with acknowledgement e.g. [Image courtesy of City of Fremantle History Centre - Reference number]. To obtain copies for commercial purposes or of a higher resolution contact the Fremantle History Centre via email lhc@fremantle.wa.gov.auLocationPhotographic Collection

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Special Service Squadron, world cruise 1923-1924