HMS Nestor (1915) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Nestor |
| Builder | Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend |
| Laid down | 15 May 1915 |
| Launched | 22 December 1915 |
| Completed | 29 April 1916 |
| Fate | Sunk, 31 May 1916 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Admiralty M-class destroyer |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 269 ft (82 m) |
| Beam | 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m) |
| Draught |
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| Propulsion | 3 shafts, steam turbines, 25,000 shp (18,642 kW) |
| Speed | 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph) |
| Range | 237–298 tons fuel oil |
| Complement | 80 |
| Armament |
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HMS Nestor was a fast warship called a destroyer, launched on December 22, 1915. She was part of the British Grand Fleet during World War I. Sadly, Nestor was sunk on May 31, 1916, during a huge sea battle known as the Battle of Jutland. Today, her wreck is a special protected place to honor those who served on her.
Contents
The Battle of Jutland
The Battle of Jutland was one of the biggest naval battles in history. It happened during World War I between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet.
Destroyer Attack Mission
At the start of the battle, Nestor was chosen for a brave attack. She was the lead ship in a group of twelve destroyers. Their mission was to approach the German battlecruisers and fire torpedoes. These German ships were led by Admiral Franz von Hipper.
Facing the Enemy
As Nestor and HMS Nomad led the charge, they met a group of German destroyers. Both sides exchanged fire as they passed each other. The German battlecruisers then turned away. Nestor also turned back towards the British ships.
Encounter with the German Fleet
Soon, it became clear that the German battlecruisers were heading towards the main German High Seas Fleet. This huge fleet was now visible. Nestor, along with HMS Nicator and HMS Moorsom, bravely moved closer to the German battleships.
Under Heavy Fire
As they got closer, more German ships began firing at the destroyers. Nestor was hit and became disabled, meaning she could no longer move. HMS Nicator had to quickly steer away to avoid crashing into Nestor. Nicator then returned to the British fleet.
Nestor and Nomad's Final Stand
Nestor and HMS Nomad were both disabled and left behind. They now faced the entire German battle fleet coming towards them. The two ships fired their last torpedoes at the approaching enemy.
The Sinking of Nestor
Commander Edward Bingham was in charge of Nestor. He ordered his crew to destroy all secret documents and charts. He also made sure the ship's boats and rafts were ready with water and biscuits. To keep his crew busy and calm, he had them prepare cables, as if they were going to be towed.
German ships opened fire when they were about five miles away. Nestor fired her very last torpedo. After only a few minutes of heavy fire, the ship began sinking quickly. Commander Bingham ordered his crew to abandon ship. Nestor sank around 5:30 PM. Many of her surviving crew were rescued by German ships.
