HMS Redgauntlet (1916)

Redgauntlet was laid down by William Denny and Brothers at Dumbarton on the River Clyde on 30 September 1915 with the yard number 1057. Launching took place on 23 November 1916, the destroyer leaving the yard on 27 January and being delivered on 7 February 1917.^[1]

On commissioning, Redgauntlet joined the 10th Destroyer Flotilla of the Harwich Force.^[5] The Harwich Force was heavily committed to escorting merchant vessels, but casualties through conflict with the enemy were rare. For example, on 10 May 1917, a large contingent of destroyers from the Force were escorting a Dutch convoy from the Hook of Holland when they encountered twelves German torpedo boats. Despite the expenditure of much ammunition, no hits were obtained on either side.^[6] Two days later, the Flotilla was involved in supporting the bombardment of Zeebrugge by the monitors Erebus and Terror, again without loss.^[7] However, later that month, on 21 May, the destroyer struck a British mine while on patrol looking for submarines in the English Channel. Despite being severely damaged, Redgauntlet returned to Sheerness for repairs and was soon back in service.^[8]

At the dissolution of the Harwich Force after the war, Redgauntlet was reassigned to the 4th Destroyer Flotilla under King George V as part of the newly formed Home Fleet.^[9] Subsequently, the ship was allocated to the anti-submarine school at Portsmouth and was involved in the development of ASDIC.^[10] However, in 1923, the Navy decided to scrap many of the older destroyers in preparation for the introduction of newer and larger vessels.^[11] Redgauntlet was one of the destroyers chosen for retirement.^[12] In July 1927, the destroyer was sold to J.J. King of Garston and broken up.^[13]