British Forces

Queen Wilhelmina's "transport".

Wright & Logan Naval Photographic Archive/Royal Naval Museum (UBoat.net)

Prewar 'photo of Royal Navy "H" Class destroyer, HMS Hereward (H 93). On 10 May 1940, the Dutch Royal Family accepted the offer of transport (proferred by King George VI) on the Hereward to relocate them to the Province of Zeeland, but this proved impossible due to German military activity. Failing the original plan, the Hereward transported the Royal Family and other senior Dutch government figures into exile in England. HMS Hereward was subsequently bombed and sunk by JU 87 dive-bombers off Plaka, Crete. 26 crew were killed; 91 survivors were taken prisoner. Best regards, JR.