The destroyer HMS Medusa (1915) under tow from HMS Lightfoot (1915) in the North Sea

A very distant view of the damaged destroyer HMS Medusa (1915) under tow from the destroyer HMS Lightfoot (1915). While Lightfoot is painted grey, Medusa is in the standard black destroyer livery. The photographer was on board the light cruiser HMS Aurora (1913) and some of the wash from the ship can be seen in the foreground. HMS Aurora stood by the tow in the late afternoon of 25 March.

Medusa had been screening the seaplane carrier HMS Vindex (1905) during the raid on the airship sheds at Hoyer when she was rammed in the engine room by HMS Laverock (1913). After being towed for a few hours she was abandoned and sunk. This is believed to be the only known photograph of Medusa.

The negative is in fair condition with some areas of silver mirroring. However, the left side has been over-exposed, although it does not affect the image of the ships.

Object Details

ID: N22611
Type: Roll film negative
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Hooper, Lieutenant Geoffroy William Winsmore
Vessels: Medusa (1915); Lightfoot (1915)
Date made: 25 March 1916
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Captain Gunn Collection
Measurements: Overall: 82 mm x 109 mm