H.M.S. SHARK

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Overview

Sepia print. Port side of K-Class torpedo boat destroyer, H.M.S. Shark on calm water. She has three funnels and her forward gun is clearly visible. She is flying flags from the bow, stern and main mast. In the foreground is a banner, outlined in 'rope' and flags, bearing the words [BRITAIN'S BULWARKS/ H.M.S 'SHARK']. In the bottom right corner is [PHOTO. CRIBB, SOUTHSEA.].

Historical information

Built in 1912, H.M.S. Shark was a K-Class torpedo boat destroyer of 950 tons, capable of 31-32 knots. She was armed with three 4 inch guns and four 21 inch torpedo tubes. Initially she patrolled the English Channel and North Sea and was then attached to the Grand Fleet. In May 1916, during the Battle of Jutland, she was one of four destroyers screening battle cruiser H.M.S. Invincible and was ordered to attack oncoming German ships. She was badly damaged and then one of her torpedoes that was being lifted into place was hit by an incoming shell causing a violent explosion. She sank shortly afterwards. The Shark's commander, Loftus Jones, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross and missing sailors from the battle are commemorated on the the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Former Scotch College student, Robert Walker was serving on board the HMS Shark when it sank.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-28--14-41-

Item type

Photographs

Last modified

Sunday, 8 February, 2026

Completeness

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Town of Claremont Museum