item details
NameDinner gong
ProductionUnknown; 1916
Classificationgongs
Materialssteel
DimensionsOverall: 180mm (width), 270mm (length), 70mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH001964/1
Credit lineGift of External Affairs Dept., 1953
Overview
This distorted fragment of steel is a piece of armour plating from the British battlecruiser HMS New Zealand, which was struck by a German shell during the Battle of Jutland in 1916. The fragment was later mounted for use as a dinner gong in the ship's wardroom.
A lucky ship
HMS New Zealand was luckier than three other British battlecruisers involved in the Battle, which blew up when hit because of inadequate armour plating and the 'flash' from the exploding shells igniting their stored ammunition.