Q&A ยท 3:15:29-3:17:03

Ships that fought alone against stronger formations

Glowworm's attack on Admiral Hipper and Spitfire's surviving collision at Jutland provide comparisons with Africa's isolated action at Trafalgar.

Question

What other ships performed an action like HMS Africa fighting alone at Trafalgar?

Short answer

Glowworm's attack on Admiral Hipper and Spitfire's collision at Jutland are suggested comparisons; Glowworm was lost, while Spitfire returned with battleship armour on her bow.

Notes

HMS Africa survived her isolated fighting at Trafalgar and shared in the victory. HMS Glowworm's attack on Admiral Hipper provides another example of a ship fighting a much stronger enemy, although Glowworm was lost. HMS Spitfire survived a close encounter at Jutland and returned with German battleship armour on her bow after ramming. These examples differ in their outcomes, so Glowworm's charge does not reproduce Africa's successful survival.