HMS Terror: The Only Royal Navy Monitor Lost in World War Two

HMS Terror was one of the Royal Navy's 15-inch gun monitors, known for their unique design and role during both World Wars. Commissioned in mid-1916, Terror was built in response to the shortcomings of earlier monitors like Marshal Ney. Armed with two powerful 15-inch guns, she participated in several bombardments along the Belgian coast during the First World War, including Ostend and Zeebrugge. Despite sustaining damage from a German torpedo boat attack in late 1917, Terror's torpedo bulges minimized flooding, allowing her to beach for repairs and return to service.

Throughout 1918, she continued supporting operations in the Dover Patrol, utilizing her big guns to harass German positions. Following the war, Terror played a vital role in gunnery trials, firing at surrendered German warships, including SMS Baden, to evaluate the performance of British shells and tactics. Despite consideration for scrapping in the early 1920s, she was retained and repurposed as a turret drill ship, eventually being stationed in Singapore to guard against potential Japanese aggression.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Terror returned to Europe, where she saw action across various theaters, from defending the English Channel to the Mediterranean. She provided essential naval gunfire support during campaigns in Libya and Greece, but her aging design made her vulnerable to air attack. On February 24, 1941, while stationed off the Libyan coast near Derna, she was struck by German dive bombers. Despite valiant efforts by her crew, the damage proved too severe, and she sank shortly thereafter, marking her as the only monitor lost in combat during the Second World War.

This video dives into the history and operational career of HMS Terror, detailing her contributions during World War I, her interwar activities, and her ultimate fate in World War II. We’ll explore her design evolution, significant engagements, and the trials she faced while operating as a unique and formidable artillery platform for the Royal Navy.

Intro 0:00
WW1 1:12
Interwar 10:50
WW2 13:49
Sinking 20:43
Conclusion 22:26

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