Launch party of HMS Champion, Italy

Launch party of HMS Champion, launched by Lady Cynthia Asquith at the Hebburn shipyard of Hawthorn Leslie, 29 May 1915 (TWAM ref. 4923/2). Have you noticed a few uninvited guests in the background. sneaking into the photo?..HMS Champion was a C-class light cruiser and one of the first vessels of the Light Cruiser Squadron in action at the Battle of Jutland...The Rivers Tyne and Wear were responsible for building many vessels, which served Britain during the First World War. This set remembers some of those warships that took part in the Battle of Jutland from 31 May to 1 June 1916. During the battle over 6,000 British sailors lost their lives and 14 Royal Naval vessels were sunk. The losses included the battlecruisers HMS Queen Mary and HMS Invincible, as well as the destroyers HMS Shark, HMS Sparrowhawk and HMS Turbulent, all built on Tyneside. Their memory lives on...(Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email [email protected]