HMS Hogue

HMS Hogue was one of three Cressy-class armored cruisers built for the Royal Navy around 1900. Named after the Battle of La Hogue in 1692, it served in the early years of World War I.

The Cressy-class cruisers were designed as improved versions of the Diadem-class protected cruisers. They were intended for trade protection and could also act as commerce raiders. Hogue displaced approximately 12,000 tons and was armed with two 9.2-inch guns, twelve 6-inch guns, and a number of smaller weapons.

At the outbreak of World War I, Hogue was assigned to the 7th Cruiser Squadron, patrolling the North Sea. This squadron was tasked with intercepting German ships attempting to enter or leave the English Channel.

On September 22, 1914, while on patrol off the Dutch coast with HMS Cressy and HMS Aboukir, Hogue was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-9, commanded by Otto Weddigen. Aboukir was sunk first, and Hogue was then attacked while attempting to rescue survivors from the Aboukir. The sinking of the three cruisers resulted in the loss of over 1,400 British sailors and caused significant shock and grief in Britain. The event highlighted the vulnerability of large warships to submarine attack. The wreck of Hogue remains a designated war grave.