Kelly had served aggressively in the First World War, including command of the light cruiser HMS Dublin during the unsuccessful effort to intercept Goeben. He later took command of the Atlantic Fleet after the pay crisis and Invergordon Mutiny exposed a severe failure of institutional communication. He died in 1936. Because both crews and the Admiralty trusted him, the name honored his part in restoring confidence after the dispute as well as his fighting reputation. A fast, ten-torpedo destroyer was especially apt for an officer who admired destroyers throughout his career despite never serving in one.
Notable Point · 18:39-21:19
HMS Kelly commemorated an officer trusted after Invergordon
HMS Kelly's name honored Admiral Sir John Kelly, whose leadership helped restore trust in the Atlantic Fleet after the Invergordon Mutiny.