Sketch of two Elco motor launches and an exploding mine RMG PV3595, William Lionel Wyllie, circa 1916

Sketch of two elco motor launches and an exploding mine these are american-built elco motor launches, ordered by the admiralty in 1915. The royal navy ultimately received 510 of them between 1915 and 1916 and this drawing probably shows the explosion of a floating mine set off by gunfire from the bow of the leading one of the pair depicted here in stern view. These launches were equipped for general patrol, anti-submarine work and inshore minesweeping. Date: circa 1916. Dimensions: 255 mm x 179 mm. Collection: Fine art.