Totentanz Series: Britannia Rules the Waves? Obverse

During the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, the Royal Navy attempted to force the straits of the Dardanelles resulting in the humiliating loss of several warships. First Sea Lord John Fischer eventually called off the attempt. Ultimately, the failed Gallipoli campaign led to his resignation and to the resignation of his superior the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill (cf. no. 12).

Death waist-deep in the sea sinking a British battleship; within curve around: BRITANNIA·RULE—THE·WAVES·THOUGH?