HMS Warrior (1917) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Builder | |
| Launched | 4 February 1904 |
| Commissioned | 1917, 1940 |
| Decommissioned | 1918 |
| Fate | Sunk by German bombing, 11 July 1940 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steam yacht |
| Tonnage | 1,266 GRT |
| Length | 284 ft (87 m) |
| Beam | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Installed power | Originally, twin triple-expansion T3-cylinder 15-knot 2-screw steam engine, later twin 4-cylinder triple expansion engine |
| Propulsion | Screw |
HMS Warrior was a special steam yacht that served in the Royal Navy not once, but twice! This amazing ship took part in both World War I and World War II. She even played a role in the Spanish Civil War. Sadly, she was bombed and sunk in 1940.
Contents
The Original Warrior Yacht
The ship we know as HMS Warrior started out as a fancy yacht named Warrior. She was built in 1904 in Troon, Scotland. The Ailsa Shipbuilding Company constructed her for a wealthy man named Frederick William Vanderbilt.
This yacht was quite large, weighing 1,266 tons. She was 284 feet long and 32 feet wide. Warrior was powered by a strong steam engine, allowing her to travel at 15 knots (about 17 miles per hour). Inside, she was very luxurious, decorated in a fancy French style. She even had six guest bedrooms!
Early Adventures and New Owners
In 1914, Warrior had a bit of trouble when she got stuck near the Magdalena River in Colombia. Luckily, all the passengers, including the Vanderbilts, were rescued. The ship was later freed.
After a brief time owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt (who called her Wayfarer), she was bought by Alexander Smith Cochran in 1916. He changed her name back to Warrior.
Serving in World War I
In 1917, the Royal Navy needed ships for World War I. They took over Warrior to help with the war effort. In 1918, she became the flagship for Admiral Sir W.L. Grant during a visit to Washington, DC. During this trip, HMS Warrior took part in a Memorial Day ceremony. This event honored those who had died at sea during the First World War, including the victims from the famous ship RMS Lusitania.
Goizeko Izarra: A New Name
After World War I, in 1920, a Spanish businessman named Sir Ramón de la Sota Llano bought the yacht. He was from Bilbao, Spain. He gave the ship a new name in the Basque language: Goizeko Izarra. This name means "Morning Star".
HMS Warrior II: World War II Service
In 1937, Sir Hugo Cunliffe-Owen purchased the yacht. He decided to call her Warrior again. When World War II began, the Royal Navy once again needed ships. They took over Warrior for a second time.
The ship was fitted with two powerful 12-pounder guns. She was then renamed HMS Warrior II. This was because another famous ship, the armored frigate Warrior|1860|6, had already taken back the name Warrior in 1923.
The Final Battle
On July 11, 1940, HMS Warrior II faced a big air attack. Over 50 German Luftwaffe aircraft, including "Stuka" dive bombers, attacked her in the English Channel. Sadly, Warrior II was bombed and sunk during this attack. One person on board was lost.
Today, the wreck of Warrior II is a popular spot for divers to explore underwater.
