Chatham, Kent: One of the Worst Losses in British Naval History

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On 22 September 1914, three cruisers staffed by Royal Naval reservists from Medway were part of a squadron patrolling the Southern North Sea when one of them, Aboukir, was torpedoed. Thinking she had hit a landmine, cruisers Cressy and Hogue went to her aid and were all torpedoed. All three cruisers sank and 1,459 officers and men were lost. It had a significant impact on the nation's morale and belief in the Royal Navy's prowess. The action also marked the first major success by a German submarine, U9, which was responsible. The submarine made it back to port and its captain was made a hero and awarded the Iron Cross First Class. It alerted the Navy to the danger of U-boats. Location: Chatham, Kent ME4 4HB Image: HMS Aboukir, courtesy of Clydebuilt Warships