The Naval Revolution: Triumph and Disaster
Summary
Dan Snow explores the 1908 peacetime disaster of HMS Tiger, a pioneering destroyer lost in a collision with HMS Berwick during a night exercise. Joined by maritime historians Dan McCullen, Dave Wenz, and Leo Fielding, the episode details the technological revolution of early destroyers and the dangers of pre-radar naval warfare. The team reveals their recent discovery of the remarkably preserved wreck, offering new insights into the tragedy that shaped modern naval tactics.
Topics discussed
Intro and ad for History Hit documentaries
The tragic collision of HMS Tiger and HMS Berwick
Overview: HMS Tiger and the search for its wreck
The torpedo threat and the rise of destroyer technology
HMS Tiger's speed, armaments, and design specifications
Life aboard a destroyer: crew size and harsh conditions
Night exercises and the lack of navigation aids
The fatal error: Tiger's unexplained turn and sinking
Aftermath, salvage attempts, and lessons learned
Discovering the wreck: artifacts and historical insights
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