THE ACTION OF 22 SEPTEMBER 1914, HMS ABOUKIR, HOGUE AND CRESSY


Early on 22nd September 1914, HMS Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy were patrolling in the North Sea 60 miles off the Dutch coast, when they were attacked by U-Boat U9 and all were sunk with the loss of 1,459 lives.

The ships’ complements were mainly reservists, called into service at the declaration of war. A number of the survivors were picked up by Dutch fishing vessels and a number of Dutchmen attended the commemoration event at Chatham Historic Dockyard this weekend. 

The three cruisers were part of the Royal Navy’s 7th Cruiser Squadron. Their task was to protect ships in the North Sea which were carrying supplies between Britain and France. However, the ships were considered obsolete and were crewed largely by naval reservists. Because of the age and inexperience of the crews the Squadron was considered to be at high risk and had earned the nickname “the Live-Bait Squadron”.

On 22nd September 1914, the three ships were on patrol. The Squadron’s flagship and its screen of destroyers had been forced to return to port so the cruisers were unsupported. They were spotted by a German U-boat, U-9.
The submarine fired a torpedo at Aboukir which broke the cruiser’s back. The Hogue came to the Aboukir’s aid and was herself torpedoed, as was the Cressy when she steamed in to help. All three ships were sunk and over 1,450 men were killed, many of them reservists from the Medway Towns. 
 

Three life rings from the three cruisers and door panel from HMS Cressy. Image copyright CHDT, objects on loan from IWM and are on display at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
 
Valour, Loss & Sacrifice: Chatham, The Royal Navy and the War at Sea is showing in No. 1 Smithery: The Gallery at The Historic Dockyard Chatham from 26th July – 30th November 2014 and is included in the normal dockyard annual admission ticket.



 

 

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