HMS Flirt (1897-1916): The Tragic Tale of Dover Strait’s Forgotten Destroyer

HMS Flirt Postcard

HMS Flirt was a C-class destroyer, known affectionately as a “thirty-knotter” for her ability to reach speeds of 30 knots. Built by Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company in Jarrow, she was laid down in 1896 and launched on the 15th of May, 1897, with great pomp and ceremony. Miss Rosalind Milburn had the honour of christening her, with the band playing the stirring anthem, “Rule Britannia,” as she was blessed and sent sliding into the waters of the River Tyne.

The Flirt was one of eight Star-class destroyers, also referred to as the three-funnelled C-type, sharing her lineage with siblings like HMS Fawn, HMS Ferret, and HMS Lynx. Sadly, today, none of these sister ships remain; they were all sold for scrap by the 1920s. Flirt herself was 65 meters long, with a narrow beam of just 6.2 meters, and powered by steam turbines with three boilers, giving her a service speed of 30 knots. Her armament included one 12-pounder and five 6-pounder guns, alongside two torpedo tubes.

Under the command of Lieutenant Richard Kellett, HMS Flirt was assigned to the Dover Patrol, a critical force tasked with safeguarding the English Channel and the Dover Barrage, a minefield intended to deter German U-boats. Her days were spent patrolling the Dover Strait, a hotspot of maritime conflict during the Great War.

The Sinking of HMS Flirt

On the night of the 26th to 27th of October 1916, the German Navy launched a daring raid on the Dover Barrage. HMS Flirt, with her crew of dedicated sailors, was on duty when the German destroyers attacked. The drifter Waveney II had been set ablaze, and Flirt, ever the gallant guardian, came to the rescue. Lieutenant Kellett ordered her searchlights on to aid in the rescue of the drifter’s crew, a decision that would seal her fate. As Flirt’s spotlight pierced the night, she became an easy target for the German destroyers, which mistook her for an enemy and opened fire.
 
The gallant Flirt was sunk with the loss of nearly all hands, save for those in the lifeboat sent to aid Waveney II. Among the night’s losses were six drifters, an empty transport ship named SS The Queen, and another destroyer, HMS Nubian. HMS Amazon and HMS Mohawk were also damaged, the latter significantly. The German forces, led by Admiral Ludwig von Schröder, managed to escape back to Zeebrugge with only minor damage to one of their torpedo boats.

The Wreck of HMS Flirt

Today, the wreck of HMS Flirt lies at the bottom of the Dover Strait, approximately 39 meters below the surface, making it an intriguing site for wreck divers. The site is known for its challenging currents, which can vary significantly with the tides, demanding respect and caution from those wishing to explore her remains. Divers might find themselves navigating through a landscape of historical artifacts, including her propeller, amidst the shifting sands of the channel.

For those planning a dive, visibility can range from poor to surprisingly clear, with reports suggesting up to 6-8 meters on good days. The wreck is located close to the Goodwin Sands, a known navigational hazard even in peacetime, which adds to the dive’s complexity.

Anecdotes and Remembrance

One poignant anecdote from Flirt’s service tells of her commander, Andrew N. Swainson, who tragically drowned along with five crew members in an incident in June 1916, just months before her final battle. Lieutenant Kellett took command shortly after, leading her until her tragic end.
 
Her legacy is one of bravery and sacrifice, encapsulated in the moment she shone her lights not for battle, but for rescue. Her story lives on, not just in naval records but through the wreck divers who visit her, paying silent homage to her and her crew’s valiant service.

In Conclusion

HMS Flirt’s story is one of courage, service, and the harshness of war. Her memory serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Royal Navy in the First World War. As we remember her, let us also acknowledge the bravery of those who sailed with her, forever etched in the waves of history.
 
Good night, and may we never forget the gallant HMS Flirt.

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