Explosion of HMS Bulwark

Date: November 26, 1914 • Location: Upchurch, United Kingdom

A large internal explosion destroyed HMS Bulwark near Sheerness, killing 741 people on board.

HMS Bulwark was one of five London-class pre-dreadnought battleships built for the Royal Navy at the end of the 19th century. The Londons were a sub-class of the Formidable-class pre-dreadnoughts. Completed in 1902 she was initially assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet as its flagship. The ship then served with the Channel and Home Fleets from 1907 to 1910, usually as a flagship. From 1910 to 1914, she was in reserve in the Home Fleet.