HMS LANDRAIL Motor Torpedo Boat [31M] – (Dive Dorset: 71 p64) & (Diver Guide; Weymouth & Portland: Ed 5 p32 No. 39 – 50 33.74N; 02 37.51W). (Clarke: 50 33.75N, 02 37.54W) Note: HMS LANDRAIL was in collision with SIREN on 11/07/1896. Weymouth Library Pamphlet L910.4, LA5) Sunk in 1906 as a Target. Detail also in LARN.
“Having been towed to Portland from Sheerness to be sunk as a target, the tug CAMEL towed her her several miles out into West Bay were she was moored fore and aft. The ships of the Channel Fleet then anchored in two long lines either side of the LANDRAIL, distance between lines being roughly 2 miles. H M battleships EXMOUTH, CAESAR, ALBERMARLE and TRIUMPH, all steamed off 4 miles and commenced to fire at the target, giving the other vessels an excellent view of proceedings. Both 6 and 12 inch guns were fired at her, and the LANDRAIL took two direct hits from 12 inch shells. Having been previously reinforced and partly filled with cork, her crew then reconnected the tow back to Portland. Halfway across the bay she commenced to settle, heeled over and sank in deep water. Her crew were saved except for Signalman Leonard Wardley. The firing practice in fact only lasted 8 to 10 minutes. Wreck lies in a general depth of 31M, orientated N/S and is in two parts.”
References:
Weymouth Telegraph 05 & 06/10/1906
Ships of the Royal Navy Vol. 1 p309
Day of Loss: 4
Month of Loss: 10
Year of Loss: 1906
Longitude: 50 33.74
Latitude: 02 37.51
Approximate Depth: 31