If that’s HMS Barham, and I am pretty sure it is, she was sunk by torpedoes not mines, and there is a pretty grisly video of her turning turtle and exploding right after this picture was taken.
It;s not the best tactic, but it works: Drive an old junky ship at the head of a column of ships. The point vessel either proves the path is safe or triggers whatever mine is there. The others follow down the clear lane.
PugJesus
kalpol