HMS Scott (1917)

HMS Scott was the first of a new destroyer leader class built to be flotilla leaders for the V- and W-class destroyers. She was ordered during the First World War in 1916, and the class would unofficially be named after her. The ship herself was the first to bear the name Scott and was named after Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet.

Career
Scott was launched on 18 October 1917; on 15 August 1918, however, she was sunk off the Dutch coast — less than a year after entering service. The cause of her sinking is unclear, it is assumed that a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk her, however it is also possible that she hit a mine. Regardless of cause, the German submarine SM UC-17 — which had been patrolling and mining the area — is usually credited with her sinking.

Legacy
Although Scott did not have a fulfilling career, the "Scott-class" was a rather successful class. Five of the class survived the First World War, and two more were subsequently completed. Six saw action throughout the Second World War (Stuart with the Royal Australian Navy) and none were lost in that conflict.

Wreck
The wreck of Scott is approximately 20 nmi off the Dutch coast. The wreck lies upright with the stern in 35 m of water, and the bow in 28 m. The keel and the engines are still visible.