Name HMS Scott Ordered April 1916 Launched 18 October 1917 Draft 3.81 m | Namesake Sir Walter Scott Fate Sunk, 15 August 1918 Length 101 m | |
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Class and type Admiralty type destroyer leader Displacement 1,801 long tons (1,830 t) | ||
HMS Scott was the first of a new destroyer leader class built to be flotilla leaders for the V- and W-class destroyers. She was ordered during the First World War in 1916, and the class would unofficially be named after her. The ship herself was the first to bear the name Scott and was named after Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet.
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Career
Scott was launched on 18 October 1917; on 15 August 1918, however, she was sunk off the Dutch coast — less than a year after entering service - in the same accident with the R-class destroyer HMS Ulleswater. The cause of her sinking is unclear. It is assumed that a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk her, but it is also possible that she hit a mine. Nevertheless, the German submarine U-17 — which had been patrolling and mining the area — is usually credited with her sinking.
Legacy
Although Scott herself did not have an extensive career, the class as a whole served for many years. Five of the class survived the First World War, and two more were subsequently completed. Six saw action throughout the Second World War (HMAS Stuart with the Royal Australian Navy) and none were lost in that conflict.
Wreck
The wreck of Scott is approximately 20 nmi (37 km; 23 mi) off the Dutch coast. The wreck lies upright with the stern in 35 m (115 ft) of water, and the bow in 28 m (92 ft). The keel and the engines are still visible.