The last of the Electra

The 1375 ton British destroyer Electra during the Battle of the Java Seas. Ordered to counter-attack about fifteen minutes after the Exeter had been hit, as the Electra cleared the smoke three heavy enemy destroyers were sighted on opposite courses, 6000 yards distant. She immediately engaged them but a shell hit her boiler room and the loss of steam caused her to stop. She continued to fire upon the enemy but as her guns were knocked out and heavy fires broke out, the order to abandon ship was given. This is the moment depicted here by William McDowell. Fifty-four survivors were rescued nine hours later by a United States submarine

Abandon Abandoning Apr24 Battleships Destroyer Electra Impression Java Listing Mcdowell Sank Sunk Survivors

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > ILN