HMS Erebus: The Longest Serving Big Gun Royal Navy Monitor

HMS Erebus, a monitor of the Royal Navy, had a unique and storied career spanning two world wars and numerous conflicts. Commissioned in September 1916, Erebus was designed as a response to the disappointing performance of earlier monitors like Marshal Ney. Armed with powerful 15-inch guns, she participated in significant naval operations during World War I, including the bombardments of Ostend and Zeebrugge. Despite being damaged by a German remote-controlled boat in 1917, Erebus’s robust torpedo bulges protected her from serious damage, allowing her to continue serving effectively.

Following the First World War, Erebus was deployed during the Russian Civil War, aiding British operations in the White and Baltic Seas. These missions were crucial in supporting the White Russian forces against the Bolsheviks, demonstrating Erebus's adaptability and the strategic value of her firepower. Between the wars, she served as a gunnery training ship and conducted trial firings on captured German vessels, ensuring that her crew remained proficient and that the Royal Navy could develop tactics and techniques for the next generation of naval warfare.

During the Second World War, Erebus saw action across multiple theaters, from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. She bombarded German positions on the continent in 1940. Then, she moved into the Indian Ocean and helped to defend against Japanese attacks against Ceylon. Erebus also participated in the invasion of Sicily in 1943 and provided support during the operations. Her ability to deliver accurate and devastating fire support was invaluable in these campaigns, demonstrating the continued relevance of monitors in modern naval warfare. Despite her age, Erebus’s robust construction and continual upgrades allowed her to meet the demands of new combat environments effectively.

Notably, she played a crucial role in the D-Day bombardments, showcasing her enduring utility and firepower. Her powerful guns were instrumental in neutralizing German fortifications on the French coast, aiding the successful landings of Allied forces on June 6, 1944. Throughout her career, Erebus underwent several refits to enhance her capabilities. These included improvements to her armament, armor, and machinery, ensuring she remained a formidable asset to the Royal Navy. Her service in varied and challenging theaters of war is a testament to her resilience and the ingenuity of British naval engineering. Erebus's adaptability and endurance made her one of the most effective and long-serving monitors in naval history.

After the war, HMS Erebus continued to serve in various capacities until 1947, when she was finally decommissioned and scrapped. Her legacy, however, lives on as a symbol of the Royal Navy's ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving nature of naval warfare. The story of HMS Erebus is a fascinating journey through some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century military history.

Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of HMS Erebus, a ship that epitomized the evolution of naval warfare and the enduring legacy of the Royal Navy's monitors. From the shores of Europe to the far reaches of the Indian Ocean, Erebus’s service record is a remarkable chronicle of resilience, adaptability, and strategic importance in both World Wars and beyond.

Intro 0:00
Background 1:15
WW1 service 7:38
Intervention in Russia 15:09
Interwar years 19:20
1939 21:51
1940 23:25
1941 27:38
1942 29:30
1943 30:30
1944 34:20
D-Day and after 35:15
Conclusion 40:24

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Video Information: Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.

[ImportantHistory]

Thanks for watching everyone! Before anyone comments about the title, there were monitors that served longer overall careers, like HMS Marshal Ney, serving as a depot ship amongst other roles. However, Erebus served the longest strictly as a monitor.

[iantobanter]

Thanks for posting. My dad served on her in Operations Neptune and Infatuate.following the sinking of Penelope during Anzio.

[paullaw]

Many thanks for your account of this remarkable but neglected ship. I was unaware she had such a busy and varied career. Astonishing that she survived the attentions of the Luftwaffe while anchored close to the shore.

[CliveN-yrgv]

Oh while i remember. You mentioned lifting capacity at Harland and Wolf being not up to lifting the guns. Before anyone asks, the massive cranes at Harland's, Samson and Goliath, we're installed in 1969 and 1974. They became a landmark for many and still are. Faugh a ballagh!

[downix]

One of my favorite ships of the Royal Navy. I love this odd looking beastie.

[CliveN-yrgv]

What a varied and fabulous career this ship had! Very interesting doco. Touched on the mostly forgotten support to the White Russians too.
I loved the joke - Cerebos, home for old salts. Cerebos is still a brand of table salt in UK.
Thanks again for the entertainment and education 🙏🏽👍🏽👏🏽

[venom]

An amazing type of ship, it has really unique lines that give her an unusual but attractive look to her

[VoreAxalon]

Always a good day when ya got a fresh video on deck, mate!

[happyhighway]

#19 Thank You for this fine History Report on this Great Ship and her Career. The Officers and Ratings that served aboard her should be very proud to contribute to winning both World Wars. Maybe in this Century, the big gun monitor still a a roll to play, as a replacement to a more expensive battleship. The US could build 16 inch tri-barreled turret Monitor for coastal gunfire support. Thank You, and carry on!

[captaccordion]

Just a little correction. Gauss, as in degaussing, is normally held to rhyme with house rather horse. Cheers.

[Acherea]

I really enjoyed this video, fascinating story about a slight unusual ship, almost felt myself getting attached to her by the end!

[mattwilliams]

Less than a minute in and I’ve already learning that in WWI Germany used remote control kamikaze drone boats…neat.