The _Tiger_ arrived in the Tyne on February 1st for refit, and left again on the 8th. The _Lion_ reached the Tyne for repairs on February 9th, remaining there for the remainder of the month. The strength of the destroyer force working with the Grand Fleet was increased on February 19th by the addition of the light cruiser _Fearless_ and two divisions of destroyers from the 1st Flotilla. These vessels had been relieved at Harwich by new destroyers of the “M” class. This addition brought the destroyer force actually with the Grand Fleet up to a total of 48, and further additions were now gradually made from the 1st Flotilla at Harwich as new destroyers were completed to relieve them. His Majesty the King honoured the Grand Fleet on February 27th by visiting the ships based on Rosyth. In the course of February the destroyers of the “River” or “E” class, based at Scapa for local defence, were replaced, by Admiralty directions, by destroyers of the “C” class (old 30-knot type). This change, although dictated by the general naval situation, limited considerably the range of activity of the local defence vessels, owing to the poorer sea-going qualities of the destroyers of the “C” class. During the month the destroyer _Erne_ was wrecked off Rattray Head on the Aberdeen coast, and became a total loss; the _Goldfinch_ went ashore in a fog in the north of the Orkneys and was also lost; the _Sparrowhawk_ also went ashore, but was got off, though considerably damaged. The armed merchant-cruiser _Clan McNaughton_, of the 10th Cruiser Squadron, was lost with all hands during the month, the supposition being that she foundered in one of the numerous heavy gales. Although a prolonged search was carried out, only a certain amount of wreckage was found. The loss of this ship and her efficient ship’s company brought once more into prominence the excellent work of the 10th Cruiser Squadron and the risks to which the ships were subjected. The activities of the 10th Cruiser Squadron were daily increasing, and the number of ships passing the blockade line unexamined was becoming very small. During one week in February sixty-seven vessels were intercepted and eighteen of them sent in with prize crews on board. During February the old battleships _Hannibal_ and _Magnificent_ were relieved as guard-ships by the old cruisers _Crescent_ and _Royal Arthur_. Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee succeeded Vice-Admiral Sir Douglas Gamble in the command of the 4th Battle Squadron during the month; Admiral Gamble’s period of command had expired. Sir Doveton Sturdee, who had served as Chief of the Naval Staff early in the War, came to the Fleet fresh from his Falkland Islands victory. The weather at the northern bases during February was less boisterous than usual. There was a good deal of misty and foggy weather in the early part of the month, and a considerable amount of snow towards the end. During March the principal movements of the Fleet were as follows: