Three "Formidable" class battleships were laid down in 1898, Irresistible being the last to be completed in February 1902. Based in Malta from 1902-08, she then served in Home Waters until February 1915 when she was sent to the Dardanelles where she was mined and sunk on 18 March that year.
Built between 1900 and 1904, the "Monmouth's" comprised ten fast armoured cruisers all named after counties. Intended for trade protection rather than fleet work, most served with distinction in the Great War, most notably H.M.S. Monmouth herself which was sunk with the loss of all hands at the battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914.