View source for H.M.S. Erin (1913)

<div name=fredbot:career>{{ShipCareer|fullname=H.M.S. ''Erin'' (1913)|fate2=Scrapped
|comm=Aug, 1914{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
|cat=Dreadnought
|launch=3 Sep, 1913{{DittColl|p. 34}}
|builder=[[Vickers]]{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
|type=dreadnought
|fate=Sold
|fatedate=19 Dec, 1922{{DittColl|p. 34}}
|requisitioned=Aug 1914{{DittColl|p. 33}}
|chain=Battleships,Foreign Orders
|name=Erin
|laid=1 Aug, 1911{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
|nat=UK
|pend=56 (Aug 1914)<br>61 (Jan 1918)<br>76 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 34}}
|fg=white|bg=crimson}}</div name=fredbot:career>
'''H.M.S. ''Erin''''' was a dreadnought battleship ordered along with her uncompleted sister-ship ''Reshad-i-Hamiss'' by the [[Osmanlı Donanması|Ottoman Navy]] in 1911. She was considered very similar in design to the [[King George V Class Battleship (1911)|''King George V'' class]]. 

==Launch==
''Reshadieh'' was launched on Wednesday, 3 September, 1913, by Naile Hanoum, the daughter of the Turkish Ambassador to Britain, Tewfik Pasha.  Rose water instead of the usual bottle of wine was used to christen the ship, which took the water in 45 seconds.  Hanoum was afterwards presented with a platinum necklace set with diamonds.  Hakki Pasha, Grand Vizier when the order for ''Reshadieh'' was placed with Vickers, was also present and gave a speech at the post-launch luncheon.

==Armament==

===Main Battery===
This section is sourced from ''The Sight Manual, 1916''.{{TheSightM|pp. 32, 108}}

* ten 13.5-in 45calMark VI "Vickers Special"{{Burt|p. 248}} guns were in special mountings able to elevate 20 degrees and depress 5 degrees.  The sights, however, were limited to 15 degrees elevation (18,800 yards).  It is not known whether "20 degree super-elevation strips" were provided.  6 degree super-elevation prisms may have been provided by 1916.{{INF}}

The sights were F.T.P. and gear-worked with a range gearing constant of 17 and range dials for 2379 fps, 2000 fps and 6-pdr sub-calibre guns.  Muzzle velocity was corrected by adjustable scale plate.  

The deflection gearing constant was 57.5, with 1 knot equalling 2.69 arc minutes, calculated as 2379 fps at 5500 yards.  Drift was corrected by automatic displacement of the deflection pointer.

The side position sight line was 37.5 inches above the bore and 52 inches abreast.  The central position's sight lines were 46.5 inches above and 41.4 inches abreast.

Presumably, the sights had temperature and "C" correctors, but no detail is known. 

The original storage was 80 rounds per gun.{{Burt|p. 248}}

===Secondary Battery===
* sixteen 6-in 50 cal on P. X mountings,{{DirectorH|p. 145}} with 150 rounds per gun.{{Burt|p. 248}}

===Torpedoes===
[[File:ARTS1914Plate20.jpg|thumb|400px|'''Elswick 21-in side-loading tube'''{{ARTS1914|Plate 20}}]]

* four Elswick 6.3m 21-in submerged broadside tubes, depressed 2 degrees with forward pair bearing 85 and aft pair 90.{{INF}}  Impulse from Elswick H.P. air.{{ARTS1915|p. 36.<br>The bearing of aft tubes is not clearly indicated}}

At the start of the war, all 21-in Weymouth torpedoes in England were purchased:  ten [[21-in Weymouth Mark II Torpedo]]es intended for Japan were given to ''Erin'', but her Elswick type submerged tubes required the torpedoes be shortened to 6.5m from 6.8m by removing a section at the rear of the head.  The modified Mark II torpedoes retained their settings for:{{ARTS1914|pp. 10-11}}
* 41 knots to 1,000 metres
* 41 knots to 2,000 metres (sic)
* 38 knots to 3,500 metres
* 29 knots to 7,000 metres
* 25 knots to 10,000 metres

In 1916 or soon thereafter, she may have received some of the [[21-in Weymouth Mark III Torpedo]]es previously allotted to {{UK-Agincourt}}'s stern tube after they had been re-ranged for 21-knot running.{{ARTS1916|p. 46}}

==Fire Control==
[[File:ARTS1915Plate110.jpg|thumb|200px|'''''Erin'''s Fire Control Systems'''<br>As shown in ''Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1915''.]]

===Rangefinders===
As completed, she carried six rangefinders: one in the control top, one on the fore bridge, and four in turrets.  A high angle model (likely a 2m [[F.T. 29]]) was added in 1918 over the control top.{{Burt1986|pp. 225, 230}}

By 1921, her RF outfit was as follows:{{HRFs1921|p. 172}}
* "A" and "V" turrets: 18ft [[F.T. 24]] or [[F.T. 25]] on [[M.G. 8]] mounting
* "B", "Q" and "X" turrets: 9ft [[F.T. 8]] on [[M.G. 3]]
* Fore top: 12ft [[F.Q. 2]] on [[M.G. 1]]
* Fore bridge: 9ft [[F.Q. 2]] on [[M.N. 1]]
* High Angle: 2m [[F.T. 29]] on [[M.T. 6]]

===Evershed Bearing Indicators===
In 1917, it was approved that capital ships of [[H.M.S. Dreadnought (1906)‎|''Dreadnought'' class]] and later should have Evershed equipment added to their {{CT}}, able to communicate with either the fore top or the G.C.T..  In ''Erin'', this might be interpreted as the spotting tower.{{INF}}  If there were not enough room in the C.T., a bearing plate with open sights and 6-power binoculars would be added to the C.T..{{ARTS1917|p. 230}}

Also in 1917, it was decided that all directors were to be fitted with receivers and, "as far as possible", ships were to have fore top, {{GCT}} and controlling turrets fitted to transmit as well as receive, though this was noted as being impossible in some earlier ships.  While it would have been nice to have the {{CT}} able to transmit bearings to the 6-in guns, it was decided not to do this for reasons of space.{{ARTS1917|p. 230}}

===Mechanical Aid-to-Spotter===
At some point, ''Erin'' was equipped with a pair of [[Mechanical Aid-to-Spotter Mark I]]s, one on each side of the foretop, keyed off the Evershed rack on the director.  As the need for such gear was apparently first identified in early 1916, it seems likely that these installations were effected well after Jutland.{{FCHMShips|pp. 25-6}}

In 1917, it was decided that these should probably all have mechanical links from the director and pointers indicating the aloft Evershed's bearing.{{ARTS1917|p. 230}}

===Gunnery Control===
The control arrangements were as follows.{{HFCI1914|pp. 222-223, Plate 110}}

====Control Positions====
* Fore top
* Spotting tower

====Control Groups====
Prior to the installation with director firing, wiring in the T.S. for the 13.5-in battery was flexible enough that "any gun can be controlled from any position", as there were 5 sets of transmitters with a C.O.S. as to whether to transmit from the T.S.'s own D.O.R. transmitter, or pass on that from the fore top or the spotting tower.{{HFCI1914|p. 223}}  The 6-in guns were in 4 groups of 4 guns &mdash; 2 groups on each side.

===Directors===
In 1915, Erin had not yet been fitted with a director.{{HFCI1914|p. 223}}

====Main Battery====
By the end of 1917, ''Erin'' had a director in a light aloft tower with two directing turrets as back-ups.{{DirectorH|p. 88}}

The turret [[Elevation Receiver]]s were pattern number H. 4, capable of matching the 20 degree elevation limit of the mountings.  The [[Training Receiver]]s were the [[Double Dial Turret Training Receiver|double dial type]], pattern number 11.{{DirectorH|pp. 144-6}}

====Secondary Battery====
''Erin'' eventually received two directors on pedestal mountings,{{DirectorH|p. 143}} likely one on each broadside, forward.

The [[Elevation Receiver]]s were 6-in P. VII Type with electrical tilt correctors, Pattern H. 23.  They could indicate elevations up to 15 degrees.  The [[Small Type Training Receivers]] were pattern number 19.{{DirectorH|p. 145, 146}}

===Torpedo Control===
By mid 1917 and likely a considerable time before,{{INF}} she was provided a [[Torpedo Control Plotting Instrument Mark I]] in the T.C.T..{{HTC1916|p. 38.  Inference based on Mark II gear being in place in other ships in 1915}}

By 1917-1918, a number of common Torpedo Control equipment packages were to be provided to those ships not already sporting them.  Those for the 21-in torpedo ships follow.

[[File:ARTS1917Plate71.jpg|thumb|400px|'''Torpedo Control Data between C.T. and T.C.T..'''{{ARTS1917|Plate 71}} ]]
The data instruments to be wired between C.T. and {{TCT}} to share range, order and deflection data provided a single deflection transmitter in the T.C.T. so that the results of the torpedo plot to be sent to the single deflection receiver in the {{CT}} for the information of the Torpedo Control Officer.  Conversely, a combined range and deflection transmitter forward allowed the T.C.O. to send back the deflection and intended firing range to the secondary T.C.O. in the {{TCT}}.{{ARTS1917|p. 208.  (T.O. 29/17.)}}

[[File:ARTS1917Plate72.jpg|thumb|240px|'''Torpedo Control Evershed'''{{ARTS1917|Plate 72}} ]]
The 21-in torpedo ships were also to be provided with Evershed transmitters in the {{CT}} and a receiver at the torpedo rangefinder in the {{TCT}} in order to ensure that it was obtaining data on the intended target.  Limited "slit space" in the C.T. required that the customary binocular-based transmitters be foregone in favour of placing the transmitter on or below the floorboards and to drive it by a shaft from a [[Torpedo Deflection Sight Mark IV]].  A control key on the transmitter allowed it to indicate when it was controlling the remote rangefinder or not.{{ARTS1917|p. 208. (C.I.O. 4585/17.) }}

Finally under the 1917-1918 mandate, sufficient instruments were to be provided to permit the Fore Bridge to communicate with the tubes.{{ARTS1917|p. 208.  (C.I.O. 1644/17, 3706/17.)}}

===Transmitting Stations===
''Erin'' had a single T.S..{{HFCI1914|p. 223 and Plate 110}}

===Dreyer Table===

''Erin'' and {{UK-Agincourt}} were the only British dreadnoughts to fight at the [[Battle of Jutland]] without Dreyer Tables installed,{{BrooksJutland|p. 74}} though both are noted in 1918's Dreyer Table Handbook as having had [[Dreyer Table Mark I]]s installed.{{DreyerH|p. 3}}

===Fire Control Instruments===
''Erin'' was equipped with [[Mark III Vickers Fire Control Instruments]] with some Barr and Stroud instruments such as their Combined Range, Order and Deflection gear.{{HFCI1914|p. 223}}

==Machinery==
In September, 1914, the Commander-in-Chief of the [[Grand Fleet]], Admiral [[John Rushworth Jellicoe, First Earl Jellicoe|Sir John R. Jellicoe]], wrote to the [[Director of Naval Construction (Royal Navy)|Director of Naval Construction]], [[Eustace Henry William Tennyson d'Eyncourt, First Baronet|Eustace H. W. T. d'Eyncourt]]:

<blockquote>The Erin is I fear going to be a trouble to me.  She only has 1000 tons of coal that is available for steaming.  The rest is athwart Engine Rooms & can't be trimmed forward for real steaming.  The nominal 2000 tons is a fraud.  I am telling her to use oil whenever possible to help the coal out.<ref>Jellicoe to d'Eyncourt.  Letter of 9 September, 1914.  D'Eyncourt Papers.  National Maritime Museum.  DEY/16.</ref></blockquote>

==Alterations==
Although in November, 1914 ''Erin'' was specified as a ship to receive a director and this task received special emphasis in mid 1915,{{FCHMShips|p. 10}} she fought at the [[Battle of Jutland]] without a director{{FCHMShips|p. 11}} and was not fitted until some time in July-August, 1916 at Invergordon.{{CN}}

''Erin'' received directors for her secondary battery in December, 1917.{{FCHMShips|p. 16}}

At some point, ''Erin'' was equipped with a pair of [[Mechanical Aid-to-Spotter Mark I]]s, one on each side of the foretop, keyed off the Evershed rack on the director.  As the need for such gear was apparently first identified in early 1916, it seems likely that these installations were effected well after Jutland.{{FCHMShips|pp. 25-6}}

===Rangefinders===
When in 1918 it was desired to give each capital ship possible an additional effective 9-foot rangefinder to support torpedo control, it was proposed that ''Erin'' should receive one aft of the after funnel, which would require a platform between No. 3 searchlight towers, on a transversing mounting to permit forward arcs.  {{ARTS1918|p. 177. Particulars are here described as offered for ''King George V''}}

===Torpedo Control===
In mid-1920, it was decided that ''Erin'' should each receive a [[Renouf Torpedo Tactical Instrument Type B]].{{ARTS1919|p. 119}}

==Service==
''Erin'' joined the {{UK-BS|4}} in September 1914.  In November 1915, she transferred to the {{UK-BS|2}}, remaining there until the war ended.  When that formation was reclassified as the {{UK-BS|3}} in March 1919, she came along.<ref>See {{UK-BS|4}}, {{UK-BS|2}} and {{UK-BS|3}} for citations.</ref>

There was a ship's magazine called ''The Erin Echo.''<ref>See National Maritime Museum.  ADL/Z/18.</ref>

===Jutland===
:{{Main|H.M.S. Erin at the Battle of Jutland}}
''Erin'' participated as a unit in the {{UK-BS|2}}, but she only fired a few 6-in rounds due to poor visibility.

===Post-War===
''Erin'' recommissioned with reserve crew at the Nore on 18 December, 1919 to serve as a turret drill ship.{{NLJan21|p. 770-1}}

==Captains==
Dates of appointment are provided when known.
<div name=fredbot:officeCapt otitle="Captain of H.M.S. ''Erin''">
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Victor Albert Stanley|nick=The Hon. Victor A. Stanley|appt=August, 1914<ref>Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 432.</ref>{{NLDec16|p. 394''e''}}|precBy=New Command|end=26 April, 1917<ref>Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 432.</ref>}}
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Walter Maurice Ellerton|nick=Walter M. Ellerton|appt=26 April, 1917<ref>Ellerton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 153.</ref>{{NLNov17|p. 393''n''}}<ref>Day of month taken from predecessor.  Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 432.</ref>}}
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Herbert William Richmond|nick=Herbert W. Richmond|appt=1 January, 1919{{NLAug19|p. 788}}<ref>Richmond Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 288.</ref>|end=1 December, 1919<ref>Richmond Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 288.</ref>}}
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Percival Henry Hall Thompson|nick=Percival H. H. Thompson|appt=1 December, 1919{{NLJan21|p. 770-1}}|end=12 January, 1921}}
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=William Douglas Paton|nick=William D. Paton|appt=14 January, 1921<ref>Paton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/60.|D7602848}} f. 68.</ref>|end=May, 1922<ref>Paton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/60.|D7602848}} f. 68.</ref>{{MackieRNW}}}}
</div name=fredbot:officeCapt>

==See Also==
{{refbegin}}
{{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Erin_(1913)}}
{{refend}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
*{{FCHMShips}}
*{{ARTS1915}}
{{refend}}

{{Footer H.M.S. Erin (1913)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Erin}}

{{CatClassDreadnought|UK}}
{{CatShipDreadnought|UK}}


<!-- data

nat=UK
cat=Dreadnought
type=dreadnought

chain=Battleships,Foreign Orders

{ship
name=Erin
pend=56 (Aug 1914)<br>61 (Jan 1918)<br>76 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 34}}
builder=[[Vickers]]{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
order=Requisitioned, Aug 1914{{DittColl|p. 33}}
laid=1 Aug, 1911{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
launch=3 Sep, 1913{{DittColl|p. 34}}
comm=Aug, 1914{{Conways1906|p. 36}}
fate=Sold
fate2=Scrapped
fatedate=19 Dec, 1922{{DittColl|p. 34}}
}


data -->

[[Category:Featured Ship Classes]]