HMS Exeter sinking in World War 2, HMS Encounter, and HMS Exeter D89

23) One of two last known photographs of HMS Exeter's final moments, taken 'bow on' from a Japanese scout plane, just moments before the legendary cruiser continued her roll to starboard and sank. Both forward eight inch turrets (A and B, and C aft for that matter) point at an acute angle off to starboard and 'sternwards' and if one looks very closely the rear hatchway to B turret can be seen to be open, a black smudge in the picture. This was actually confirmed to be so by the divers on the wreck. The 'silvery' coloured water covering the top half of the photo is an oil slick. A Japanese torpedo has almost severed the bow where the red arrow points (just forward of A turret).

24) The legend continues! The current HMS Exeter (D89), a Type 42 Destroyer and a proud veteran of the Falklands War, has more than upheld the traditional Exeter motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).

25)The WW11 destroyer HMS Encounter, captained by the courageous 'Rattler' Morgan, fought to the last alongside HMS Exeter, eventually succumbing just several miles away, yet still now keeps an ever watchful eye over her old consort.