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HMS 'Audacious' sinking off Loch Swilly after striking a mine, 27 October 1914, early 20th century (watercolour)
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HMS 'Audacious' sinking off Loch Swilly after striking a mine, 27 October 1914, early 20th century (watercolour)
7341751 HMS 'Audacious' sinking off Loch Swilly after striking a mine, 27 October 1914, early 20th century (watercolour) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931); 30.6x44.3 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: William Lionel Wyllie
A starboard bow view of HMS 'Audacious' sinking after striking a mine off Tory Island, Loch Swilly, at 08.45 on 27 October 1914. The mine exploded under the port wing engine room, where there was no protective bulkhead, which led to the slow progressive flooding of the ship. By 09.45 she had a 9 degree list to port and by 10.00 the engines had stopped. All non-essential crew were removed by 14.00. During this episode she was protected by a screen of destroyers, visible off the port bow of 'Audacious', and astern. 'Audacious' was taken in tow by RMS 'Olympic' (1911), but the attempt was short-lived. At 17.00 all but 50 men were evacuated, and the battleship was finally abandoned at 18.15. The loss of Audacious remained an official secret until three days after the war had ended. It is likely, therefore, that Wyllie made this watercolour some time after the event depicted. Wyllie had made an earlier watercolour of Audacious in dock (PAF1848) as a study for the leading ship in his painting Masters of the Seas, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1915 (BHC4167).); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38409024
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
1914 1918 Wwi Ww One) Amred Forces Battleship Combatant Ship Damage Demolish Demolishes Demolition Explode Explosion Explosions First War 1914 1918 Life Boat Lifeboat Lifeboats Mariners Paddle Wheel Steamer Paddlesteamers Rescue Boats Rescue Ship Row Boat Rowboat Rowing Boat Royal Academician Royal Academicians Sailoress Seaman Steamship War Ship Warship Warships Watercolors Watercolour Paint William Lionel Wyllie William Lionel Wyllie (ra) Ww I Wyllie Wyllie William Lionel (1851 1931)
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting watercolour print captures the tragic sinking of HMS 'Audacious' off Loch Swilly on 27 October 1914. Painted by William Lionel Wyllie, the image shows the starboard bow view of the battleship as it slowly succumbs to the depths after striking a mine. The explosion under the port wing engine room led to a gradual flooding of the ship, eventually causing it to list heavily to port.
Despite efforts to save her, including being towed by RMS 'Olympic', 'Audacious' was ultimately abandoned and left to sink into the icy waters. The bravery and sacrifice of her crew is evident in this poignant depiction, with destroyers visible in the background providing support during their evacuation.
The loss of HMS 'Audacious' remained a closely guarded secret until after World War I had ended, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to this historical event. Wyllie's attention to detail and skillful rendering bring this moment in naval history vividly back to life, reminding us of the courage and resilience shown by those who served aboard her.
This print serves as both a tribute to those who perished on that fateful day and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of warfare at sea during this tumultuous period in history.
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