The Vindictive
undergoing repairs after her return from Zeebrugge, previous to leaving for Ostend where she was destined to finish her career.
This operation having proved unsuccessful, it was decided to make a further attempt, which was again entrusted to Commodore Lynes. This time the blockading ship was the Vindictive (Captain Godsal), and the Air Service took part in the enterprise. On the night of May 9, the weather being favorable, the Vindictive steamed towards a limelight placed by a motor-boat on the site of the Stroom Bank buoy.
Napoleon Fort, and the road leading to the Hindenburg Battery (on the left.)
Two motor-scouts torpedoed both ends of the wooden piers, at which signal the whole of the British artillery opened fire, and was immediately answered by the German guns. A thick fog soon swallowed up everything.
The Vindictive had to be led by scouts and, notwithstanding the death of her commander, and the numerous shells which hit the ship, Lieutenant Crutchley was able to carry out the manœuvre, swing the cruiser across the channel, and blow her up. The crew were picked up by a scout, and the flotilla put back to Dover.
The Hindenburg Battery, north-east of Ostend.