HMS Goliath was sunk on May 13, 1915, in Morto Bay off Cape Helles during the Dardanelles Campaign, after being struck by three torpedoes from the Ottoman destroyer Muâvenet-i Millîye. This devastating attack resulted in the loss of 570 lives out of her crew of 750.
The Tragic End of HMS Goliath
HMS Goliath, a Canopus-class pre-dreadnought battleship, met its unfortunate end during the intense Dardanelles Campaign of World War I. Her sinking marked a significant moment in the naval operations supporting the Gallipoli landings.
Role in the Dardanelles Campaign
From March 1915, HMS Goliath was actively involved in the Dardanelles Campaign, playing a crucial role in the Allied efforts to force a passage through the Dardanelles Strait. She provided essential naval gunfire support for the Gallipoli landings in April, aiding the ground troops in establishing their positions against formidable Ottoman defenses. Her presence was vital for the ongoing operations, providing bombardment and protection for the transport ships and landing parties.
The Sinking
In the early hours of May 13, 1915, while anchored in Morto Bay off Cape Helles, HMS Goliath was targeted by the Ottoman destroyer Muâvenet-i Millîye. Under the cover of darkness and fog, the Ottoman vessel successfully penetrated the Allied defenses.
The attack was swift and decisive:
- Three torpedoes were launched, all striking HMS Goliath.
- The battleship quickly capsized and sank.
This sudden assault led to a massive loss of life, highlighting the dangers faced by naval forces operating in close proximity to enemy shores.
Key Details of the Sinking
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | May 13, 1915 |
| Location | Morto Bay, off Cape Helles, Dardanelles |
| Attacker | Ottoman destroyer Muâvenet-i Millîye |
| Cause | Three torpedoes |
| Casualties | 570 killed out of a crew of 750 |
| Campaign | Dardanelles Campaign (World War I) |
Legacy
The loss of HMS Goliath was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even large battleships to torpedo attacks, particularly at night and in confined waters. It underscored the persistent threat posed by the Ottoman naval forces and contributed to the strategic re-evaluation of naval tactics in the Dardanelles. Her wreck remains in Morto Bay, a silent testament to the fierce naval engagements of World War I.
[Naval History]
