HMS Druid (1911)

HMS Druid was an Acheron-class destroyer of the Royal Navy that served during World War I and was sold for breaking in 1921. She was the sixth Royal Navy ship to be named Druid, after the Druids of Celtic polytheism.

Construction
She was built under the 1910-11 shipbuilding programme to an Admiralty design by William Denny & Brothers of Dumbarton and was launched on 4 December 1911.

Pre-War
Druid served with the First Destroyer Flotilla from 1911 and, with her flotilla, joined the British Grand Fleet in 1914 on the outbreak of World War I.

The Battle of Heligoland Bight
She was present with First Destroyer Flotilla on 28 August 1914 at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, led by the light cruiser Fearless. Druid suffered one man wounded during the action and shared in the prize money for the engagement.

The Battle of Dogger Bank
On 24 January 1915 the First Destroyer Flotilla, including Druid were present at the Battle of Dogger Bank, led by the light cruiser Aurora. Her battle ensign from the engagement is preserved at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute in Wales. Her crew shared in the Prize Money for the German armoured cruiser Blücher.

Mediterranean Service
From 1917 the Third Battle Squadron was deployed to the Mediterranean. Druid was present at the entry of the Allied Fleet through the Dardanelles on 12 November 1918.

Disposal
In common with most of her class, she was laid up after World War I, and on 9 May 1921 she was sold to Ward of Briton Ferry for breaking.