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Here we see the repeat M class destroyer HMS Mystic and the troopship SS Oriana runaground at Torcor Head. There appears to be some mystery about this event. On 8 May 1918 the converted passenger ships Oriana, Aeneas and Manora, all working as troop ships, ran aground in dense fog at 'Torcor Head', along with their escorting destroyers. However these destroyers are named as HMS Martial and HMS Nicator. The destroyer in this photograph carries the Mystic's pennant number of G3A, which was never used by the other two destroyers, so at least one is clearly listed in error. All five ships hit gently shelving rocks and were refloated within two weeks, so the incident doesn't get the prominance it would have done if one or more had been lost. 'Torcor Head' is either Torcor Point or Torr Head, at the north-eastern point of Northern Ireland.
© IWM Q 75503