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Image Not Available for HMS FOAM in the Mediterranean
HMS FOAM in the Mediterranean
Image Not Available for HMS FOAM in the Mediterranean

HMS FOAM in the Mediterranean

Datec 1909
Object number00015815
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 81 x 137 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jennifer Smyth
DescriptionBlack and white postcard of the HMS FOAM in the Mediterranean. A handwritten note on th back of postcard reads "A photo of the Foam going out of the harbour just passing sidonia (?)/ Crete. How do you/ like her. Happy xmas to all at home. GAG Haggard. To Miss P Haggard, 38 Cathcart road, Redcliffe GRNS, S Kensington, London, SW, England" handwritten in ink. HMS FOAM was a destroyer ordered by the Royal Navy in 1895. She remained in the Mediterranean for the majority of her naval years and was sold in May 1914. Commander Geoffrey Haggard served on board during 1909.HistoryLaunched in February 1914, the AE2 was involved in naval operations in the Dardanelles campaign during the First World War. In April 1915, the AE2 became the first Allied vessel to penetrate the straits. After 'running amok' for several days, the AE2 was torpedoed. All hands survived and were held as POWs by the Turkish. Geoffrey Arthur Gordon Haggard was born in London on 4th May, 1888. He was transferred from the Royal Navy to the RAN in 1913 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded 'Submarine Pay' from this date. He was based at the PENGUIN from this date before being posted to the AE2. Haggard was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during the action and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1918 and discharged in 1919. In 1928 he was promoted to Commander on the Emergency List. Haggard was said to have planned to re-enlist when the Second World War broke out in 1939, but was killed in an accident before he could assume his post.SignificanceThe story of the AE2 and her infiltration of the Dardanelles in World War I is a highly significant Allied military and Australian naval episode. Although the event did not ultimately alter the course of the war it did demonstrate to Britain that Turkish waters could be breached. Subsequent submarine activity there by E11 and E14 severely hampered Turkish efforts to reinforce and supply their troops engaged at Gallipoli by forcing them to take the more arduous overland route.