HMS Defence was a Royal Navy battleship launched in 1861. This ship played a significant role in the Battle of Jutland during World War I, where it was sunk with the loss of 903 lives. The vessel was part of the Warrior-class ironclads and featured a unique design with a retractable propeller. Throughout its service, HMS Defence underwent multiple refits and modifications to enhance its capabilities. The ship saw action in various conflicts, including the Crimean War and the Russo-Turkish War. Its participation in the Battle of Jutland highlighted the challenges faced by battleships in modern naval warfare, as it fell victim to a catastrophic explosion. The sinking of HMS Defence remains a notable event in naval history, symbolizing the risks and sacrifices associated with naval combat. The ship's legacy continues to be remembered through various memorials and commemorations honoring the crew who served on board.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.