HMS Natal was a ‘Warrior Class’ cruiser, launched at Barrow in Furness on 30th September 1905. In 1914 she joined the Second Cruiser Squadron, which by 1915 was based in the Cromarty Firth, in the north of Scotland.
The Natal had arrived in the Cromarty Firth the week before Christmas under the command of Captain Eric Back and was enjoying some respite from duty in the North Sea, anchored between Cromarty and Invergordon. As a treat for some locals a film show was organised for the afternoon of 30th December and earlier that day a party of guests including QARNNS nurses, and some civilians including children had also arrived on board.
At twenty past three in the afternoon there was a huge explosion on board followed by several lesser internal explosions and a fire began to rage below. The Natal slowly keeled over to port while some members of her company escaped into the water but within five minutes the Natal had completely capsized.
There was a terrific loss of life with many killed in the explosion and many more were drowned as the ship sunk, or died of exposure in the freezing winter waters of the Cromarty Firth. 421 lives were lost. The site has since been recognised as an official war grave and a buoy still marks the spot where she sank.
John Munro
Fortrose Academy // Cromarty Community Rowing Club
John grew up on the Black Isle where he’s been volunteering for five years. He loves working with people and has done just under 700 hours of volunteering and loves coming to Youth Café every week. He is one of our young leaders and he is great at running sessions either by himself or with others.
He loves sitting number one on a rowing boat, stroke, and enjoys going out during summertime with rowers. John has won a number of awards such as Lord Lieutenant award, Saltire awards, Summit awards and many more.
