Torpedo Gunboats  from the first, HMS Rattlesnake, and the classes, Grasshopper, Sharpshooter, Alarm and Halcyon Class Torpedo Gunboats built between 1886 and 1894.. Many of these ships were converted to Minesweepers and depot ships and many saw service in World war one.  These were the predecessor o the destroyer  which started with HMS Havock.

Name of Vessel

Launch Date

Fate

Philomel Class Wooden Gunvessels

HMS Cygnet

6th June 1860

HMS Dart

10th March 1860

HMS Dart - Name History

The seventh “DART” was a 5-gun twin-screw gun vessel launched at Millwall in 1860.  She was of 570 tons, 336 horse-power, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 146ft., 25ft., and 12ft.  In 1865 the “Dart,” commanded by Commander Frederick W. Richards, while at Akatoo on the West Coast of Africa, received notice of a rumour to the effect that the natives were about to plunder the British factories.  One factory had been actually looted, and a schooner had been stripped and set adrift.  Commander Richards landed some men from his ship and from the “Lee,” to protect British interests.  Several boats were capsized in the surf, and two men were drowned.  Commander Richards succeeded in restoring order, with a loss of only one seaman wounded. 

HMS Espoir

HMS Griffon - Name History

The thirteenth “GRIFFON” was a 5-gun screw gunboat, launched at Northfleet in 1860.  She was of 425 tons, and 80 horse- power.  Her length, beam, and draught were 145ft., 26ft., and 8ft.   From 1861 to 1865 the “Griffon” was engaged in the suppression of west African slavery, and assisted in capturing eight slavers.   In October 1866 the “Griffon,” commanded by Commander Duncan G. Davidson, was stranded and lost after collision with H.M.S. “Pandora” off little Popo.  The accident was due to the detective condition of the night-signalling system.

HMS Pandora, behind HMS Bristol, 1869.

Cormorant Class Wooden Gunvessels

HMS Cormorant - Name History

HMS Eclipse - Name History

The fifth “ECLIPSE” was a 4-gun screw gun vessel, launched at Millwall in 1860.  She was of 700 tons, and 200 horse-power.  Her length, beam, and draught were 185ft., 28ft., and 8ft.   In 1863 the “Eclipse,” commanded firstly by Commander Richard Charles Mayne and secondly by Commander Edmund Robert Fremantle, took part in the second New Zealand War in a squadron of ships under commodore Sir William Wiseman with his broad pennant in “Curacoa.”  On June 4^th the “Eclipse” co-operated in an attack which was made by the garrison of New Plymouth on the rebel position at the mouth of the Katikara.  In October a Naval Brigade of 200 seamen under Commander Mayne landed, captured, occupied, and fortified the town of Merrimi.   On November 20^th the Naval Brigade of 400 men, under Commodore Sir William Wiseman bombarded and assaulted the town of Rangariri, where the Maoris had strongly entrenched themselves.  Four separate assaults were repulsed by the brave defenders, two of which were made by the Naval Brigade under Commander Mayne.  On the following day the Maoris surrendered, the British forces having won a costly victory with a loss of 36 killed and 98 wounded.  The Naval Brigade losses were 5 killed and 10 wounded, among the latter being Commander Mayne, of the “Eclipse,” who was promoted to captain for his services.    In January 1864 the “Eclipse” proceeded to Waikato, and landed a detachment of men under Lieutenant William Fletcher Boughey to co-operate with the troops.  The town of Waikato was captured, and the Maoris were defeated at Rangioawhia, with a considerable loss in killed and prisoners.   In April 1864 the “Eclipse” contributed to a Naval Brigade 430 strong, which joined the army under Sir Duncan Cameron.  On April 29^th the combined forces proceeded to attack a Maori stronghold at Gate Pah.  The place was bombarded, and at 4.30 p.m. the Naval Brigade, under Commander Edward Hay, moved forward to the assault and entered the works.  Inside the pah the rebels fought with desperation, and the Brigade was obliged to retreat with a heavy loss.  The Maoris lost about 35 killed and wounded, but the British suffered 27 killed and 66 wounded, to which the Naval Brigade contributed 3 officers and 8 men killed or mortally wounded, and 3 officers and 19 men wounded.  The Naval Brigade behaved admirably, and withdrew only when nearly all its leading officers had been shot down. In 1867 this vessel was broken up. 

HMS Nassau.

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HMS Sylvia, Simon's Bay.

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HMS Sylvia, Hamoaze, 1882.

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Officers of HMS Sylvia, 1885.

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Crew of HMS Sylvia, 1885.

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Officers of HMS Sylvia.

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Officers of HMS Sylvia.

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Plover Class Wooden Gunvessels

HMS Bittern - Name History

The fourth “Bittern” commanded by Commander the Hon. Archibald St. Clair, undertook active operations against the piratical natives of Corisco and Elobey Islands, and succeeded in capturing Coomba, the Chief of the Corsican tribe, which had pillaged the wrecked mail steamer “McGregor Laird.”  In March 1872 the “Bittern” was engaged in the mouth of the Congo River in protecting the Banana Creek Factories from native attack.   In 1873 the “Bittern” commanded by commander Prescot William Stephans, took part in the Ahantee war.  In October 1873, 34 men from the “Bittern” formed part of a Naval Brigade 300 strong which, under Captain the Hon. Edmund Fremantle, advanced towards Assayboo with the object of breaking up an Ashantee force which was believed to be assembling there, but the Naval Brigade took little part in the fighting on this occasion.   In November the Naval Brigade marched inland to the relief of Abrakrampa, which was sorely pressed by the Ashantees.  The enemy got into a panic and retired hastily, abandoning almost all their stores.  In 1882 the “Bittern” commanded by Commander the Hon. Thomas Brand, was engaged in the bombardment of Alexandria in a fleet of 14 ships commanded by Admiral Sir Beauchamp Seymour, with his flag in “Alexandra."   At 7 a.m. on July 11^th the “Alexandra” fired the first shot of the bombardment.  Owing to the flag ship’s draught of water the Commander-in-Chief temporarily hoisted his flag in “Invincible.”  All ships were cleared for action with topgallant masts struck and bowsprits rigged in.  By 7.10 a.m. all ships were engaged, and such forts that could bring their guns to bear replied with vigour.  By 5 p.m. all guns ashore had been silenced, and the fleet ceased bombarding at 5.30 p.m.  The British casualties were 5 killed and 28 wounded.  The Egyptian loss has never been properly ascertained, but it is believed to have been about 150 killed and 400 wounded, out of two thousand men engaged in working the forts.  During the operations a party of men from the “Bittern” among other ships, landed through the swell and breaking surf, spiked six smooth bores and disabled two 10-inch guns without casualty except the loss of the “Bittern’s” dinghy.  The “Bittern” also assisted the “Condor” in the attack on fort Marabout, anchoring so close in that the enemy’s guns could not be sufficiently depressed to reach her.  The “Bittern” was sequent seint in with Flag-Lieutenant the Hon. Hedworth Lambton to receive the surrender of the town, and although the governor refused to give in, the town was abandoned on the following day.  On July 13^th the “Bitern” and other ships steamed into the harbour, and contributed to a brigade of 150 seamen and 450 marines which, under the command of Captain Lord Charles Beresford, policed Alexandria and kept the turbulent mixed population in order.   In 1887 the “Bittern” was sold.

HMS Magpie at Malta.

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HMS Magpie.

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HMS Ringdove.

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HMS Seagull, 1868.

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Beacon Class Composite Gunvessels

HMS Avon - Name History

The fourth “Avon” was a 4-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Portsmouth in 1867.  She was of 603 tons, 530 horsepower, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 155ft, 25ft, and 10ft.  In 1873 the “Avon,” commanded by Commander John C. Paterson, was engaged in the suppression of piracy on the coast of Perak.  On December 11^th of that year she came across three trading craft at a moment when six boats full of piratical cutthroats were attacking them.  The “Avon” drove them off with loss, but did not succeed in capturing any of them, though the subsequently destroyed some stockades at the mouth of the Jugra River, in which they were supposed to have taken shelter.  In May 1874 the “Avon,” commanded by commander Armand T. Powlett, in company with two other vessels, proceeded up the Lingie River, near Malacca, which was a centre of piratical activity.  Some stockades were burned at Bukit Tiga, and the River Lingie was re-opened to the trade, with the rich tin mines in the interior. In 1876 the “Avon,” commanded by Commander Leicester Chantrey Keppel, was one of a fleet of 12 ships under Commodore Sir William Hewett, with his broad pennant in “Active,” which engaged in the blockade of Dahomey on the Nigerian Coast.  The blockade lasted for eleven months in a pestilential climate, and at the end of that time King Gelele entered onto negotiations, and the blockade was raised.  In January 1877 the “Avon” proceeded up the Congo River, and burned five villages, as a punitive measure in reply to the natives having pillaged the American trading schooner “Joseph Nickerson.”  In August 1877 the “Avon” proceeded up the River Niger in company with two other vessels upon a punitive expedition.  They burned the town of Emblana, and assisted to Chastise some anti-British natives, who had refused to release some British prisoners.  During the advance the “Avon” ran on to a sandbank, and delayed the attack for some hours.  The ships left the river on August 28^th, having had only 3 men wounded.   In 1890 this vessel was sold.

HMS Dwarf - Name History

The fifth “DWARF” was a 4-gun twin-screw gunboat launched at Wollwich in 1867.  She was of 584 tons, 495 horse-power, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 155ft., 25ft., and 9ft.  Towards the end of 1868 a British schooner was captured by Malay pirates near Marudu Bay, Borneo, and three of her men were killed.  Upon hearing of this outrage the “Dwarf,” commanded by Lieutenant Charles F. Walker, started in pursuit, with the Governor of Laubuan on board.  The pirates made a stand on the island of Ubian and, refusing to give up their leader, were punished by a landing party which burnt their village and brought about their submission.   In 1886 the “Dwarf” was broken up at Devonport. 

HMS Fly, 1867.

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HMS Gnat, 1867.

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HMS Hart - Name History

The ninth “HART” was a 4-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Glasgow in 1868.  She was of 584 tons, 608 horse-power, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 155ft., 25ft., and 9ft.  In 1873 the “Hart” commanded by Commander Thomas H. Royse, was engaged in the blockade of the Spanish Mediterranean littoral, assisted in the operations against the Spanish Intransigents, and prevented the insurgent ships from bombarding various coastal towns.  In September 1874 the “Hart,” commanded by Commander T.H. Royse, in company with the “Charybdis,” took part in an expedition to the Indian River, in the Maylay Pininsula, and composed some differences between the rulers of Johore and Pahang.  In November 1874, the “Hart,” in company with the “Charybdis,” took part in an expedition to the Lukit River to intervene in serious disputes which had arisen between the ruler of Sungei Ujong and one of his feudatories.  It was decided to support the ruler, and a small Naval Brigade of 73 officers and men were landed with troops on November 26^th.  After some short fighting the Maylay feudatory deserted Campayang, and escaped into the bush.  One sailor was mortally wounded, and 50 of the enemy coolies were killed.  Search parties were sent out in various directions, but they failed to catch Bandar, who did not surrender for some weeks later. During these operations the “Hart” proceeded to Langkat, to warn the Selangor authorities against affording assistance to the insurgents.

HMS Hart, 1868.

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Beacon Class Gunboat.

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Frolic Class Wooden Gunvessels

HMS Ready as a merchant ship, February 1938.

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Arab Class Composite Gunvessels

HMS Arab - Name History

The tenth “Arab” was a 4-gun screw gunboat, launched at Glasgow in 1874.  She was of 720 tons, 660 horsepower, and 10.4 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 150ft, 28ft, and 14ft.  In 1884 the “Arab” commanded by commander R. W. Stopford, was engaged in the operations in the Eastern Soudan, and assisted in the defence of Suakin.  In 1889 the “Arab” was sold.

HMS Arab, 1874.

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Condor Class Composite Gunvessels                             View Class

Linnet Class Composite Gunvessels

Algerine Class Composite Gunvessels

HMS Algerine - Name History

The sixth “Algerine” is a 6-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Devonport in 1895.  She is of 1050 tons, 1400 horsepower, and 13 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 185ft, 32ft, and 12ft.   In 1900 the “Algerine” commanded by commander Robert Johnston Stewart took part in the third China war or boxer riots.   On June 17^th the “Algerine” was one of a fleet of 8 ships and several torpedo boats of various nationalities, which took part in the attack on the Taku forts under Captain Dobrolovski in the Russian gunboat “Bobr.”  The Chinese having received their ultimatum, opened fire soon after midnight, the ships replying with vigour.  Simultaneously a landing party of 35 officers and 869 men, of mixed nationalities, under commander Christopher Cradock of the “Alacrity” attacked from the landward side with great gallantry.  The “Algerine” had a steam cutter hulled at the davits, some rigging cut away, and 6 men wounded.  At 7.10 a.m. the engagement ceased, Commander Cradock having captured and occupied the forts against heavy odds.  The “Algerine” subsequently landed a 4-in gun, which did good work in the operations resulting in the capture of Tientsin and elsewhere.

HMS Algerine, 1880.

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HMS Rambler, with what seems to be either a Gadfly or an Ant class gunboat.

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Crew of HMS Rambler.

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HMS Rambler at Malta, c.1900.

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Curlew Class Gun and Torpedo Vessels

HMS Curlew gunboat pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Curlew, 1886.

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HMS Curlew.

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HMS Landrail, 1887.

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Vixen Class Armoured Gunboats

HMS Waterwitch, 1867.

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Britomart Class Wooden Gunboats

HMS Britomart - Name History

The fifth “Britomart” was a 2-gun screw gunboat, launched at Newcastle in 1860.  She was of 330tons, 200 horsepower, 8 knots speed, and carried a crew of 40 men.  Her length, beam, and draught were 120ft, 22ft, and 8ft.  In 1865-67 the “Britomart” commanded by Lieutenant Arthur H. Alington, was one of 13 ships under Captain Algeron de Horsey, in the “Aurora,” which were employed in Canadian waters during the Fenian rising.  The issue of a medal in 1899, or over thirty years rewarded their services, which were principally of a preventive nature, afterwards.    In 1892 the “Britomart” was sold, and is illustrated herein as being broken up.

Ariel Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Coquette - Name History

The fifth “COQUETTE” was a 4-gun screw gunboat, launched at Pembroke in 1876.  She was of 430 tons, 406 horse-power, and 9 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 125ft., 23ft., and 9ft. In 1882 the “Coquette,” commanded by Lieutenant Lennox Napier, took part in the Egyptian War.  In August 1883 a landing party from the “Coquette” and other ships, consisting of 565 officers and men, occupied the town of Ismailia in the Suez Canal after some slight fighting.  The “Coquette” further assisted in the seizure of the Suez Canal, an operation necessary in order to secure a safe passage for the British troops who were going to use Ismailia as a base.  In February 1884 a landing party from the “Coquette,” Lieutenant Fritz Eden Crowe.  And two other ships went ashore at Suakin, and assisted in the defence of that place by manning the fortifications. In March 1885 a Naval Brigade from the “Coquette” and four other ships joined a field force of 13,000 men under Lieutenant General Sir Gerald Graham which marched out of Suakin.  They occupied Hasheen on March 20^th, where the Royal Marines specially distinguished themselves, and on the 22^nd, under Major-General Sir J.C. MacNeill, they fought the battle of Tofrik, where the Arabs after a temporary advantage were repulsed with a loss of a thousand dead.  The Naval Brigade in this action lost 7 killed and 5 wounded. The Naval Brigade burnt a number of huts in the khor Ghob, and re-embarked again on April 6^th. In 1889 the “Conquette” was sold 

HMS Goshawk, 1872.

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HMS Staunch, 1867, shortly after launch and completion.

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Ant Class Flatiron Gunboats

HMS Bonetta as a salvage vessel, 1900s.

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HMS Comet.

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HMS Cuckoo, October 1955, shown near the end of her long service in various roles (as YC37 - Cable Lighter?).  HMS Cuckoo became a tender to HMS Vivid (gunnery school) along with HMS Snap and HMS Badger in 1907.   

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HMS Mastiff, 1880s.

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HMS Weazel, c.1900.

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Gadfly Class Flatiron Gunboats

Gadlfy Class Gunboat?

Is this a Gadfly class gunboat, spotted in the background of a larger photo of HMS Rambler? It looks similar in size and style to the Ant class gunboats, which are of almost identical specification, but without masts.  At the time of writing, we have no photo of a Gadfly class boat to compare with.  

Bouncer Class Flatiron Gunboats

Medina Class Flatiron Gunboats

HMS Dee - Name History

The third “DEE” was a twin-screw 3-gun gunboat, launched at Jarrow in 1877.  She was of 363 tons, 330 horse-power, and 9 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 110ft., 34ft., and 7ft.  

HMS Spey of the Medina Class gunboats pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Pembroke (ex HMS Trent) c1900.

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Medina Class Gunboat, 1867.

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Forester Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Cygnet - Name History

The fifteenth “CYGNET” was a 4-gun screw gunboat.  Launched at Sunderland in 1874.  She was of 455 tons, 457 horse-power, and 11 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 125ft., 24ft., and 10ft. In June 1876 the “Cygnet,” commanded by Lieutenant Robert Frederick Hammick, took part in a small expedition up the river Niger in company with two other vessels under Commodore Sir William Hewett with his broad pennant temporarily in “Sultan of Sokoto.”  The natives had been obstructing the river and preventing the passage of the British trade.  At Akado three guns were captured, and after the natives of the town of  Sabogrega had shown hostile intent the town was bombarded for two days.  The boats were then manned and armed, and dashed in under a galling musketry fire.  They dislodged the natives , burned the town, blew up the powder store, and flung the heavy guns into the river.  The boats then proceeded and attacked Agberi, which was burned without much resistance.  The squadron lost 1 marine killed and 5 officers and 9 men wounded.  In 1876 the “Cygnet,” commanded by Lieutenant Robert F. Hammick, was one of a fleet of twelve ships, under Commodore Sir William Hewett with his broad pennant in “Active,” which engaged in the blockade of Dahomey on the Nigerian coast.  The blockade lasted for eleven months in a pestilential climate, and at the end of that time King Gelele entered into negotiations and the blockade was raised.  In 1882 the “Cygnet,” commanded by Lieutenant Hugh Dudley Ryder, was engaged in the bombardment of Alexandria in a fleet of 14 ships, commanded by Admiral Sir Beachamp Seymour with his flag in “Alexandra.”  At7a.m. on July 11^th the “Alexandra” fired the first shot of the bombardment.  Owing to the flagship’s draught the Commander-in-Chief temporarily hoisted his flag in “Invincible.”  All ships were cleared for action with top gallant masts struck and bowsprits rigged in.  By 7.10a.m. the entire fleet was engaged, and such forts as could bring their guns to bear replied with vigour.  By 5p.m. all guns ashore had been silenced and the fleet ceased bombarding at 5.30p.m. The British casualties were 5 killed and 28 wounded.  The Egyptian loss has never been properly ascertained, but it is believed to have been about 150 killed and 400 wounded, out of the two thousand men engaged in the forts.  The “Cygnet” also assisted the “Condor” in the attack on Fort Marabout, anchoring so close in that the enemy’s guns could not be  sufficiently depressed to reach her.  The Governor refused to surrender when summoned, but on the following day the Egyptians fled, and Alexandria was occupied and policed by the British. In 1885 the “Cygnet,” commanded by Lieutenant Alexander Gardiner, took part in the Egyptian campaign and assisted in the defence of Suakin from the Mahdists. In 1889 the “Cygnet” was sold.

HMS Firefly, 1877.

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HMS Forward - Name History

The third “FORWARD” was a 4-gun screw gunboat, launched at Barrow in 1877.  She was of 455 tons, 450 horse-power, and 9 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 125ft., 24ft., and 10ft.   This vessel ended her career as a coal depot at Bermuda, and in 1903 she was sold for £400.

HMS Foxhound - Name History

The fourth “FOXHOUND” was a 4-gun screw gunboat, launched at Barrow in 1877.  She was of 455 tons, 470 horse-power, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 125ft., 24ft., and 10ft.  In 1878 the “Foxhound,” commanded by Lieutenant William Henry Nowell, was one of squadron of seven ships which occupied the island of Cyprus under Vice-Admiral Lord John Hay with his flag in “Minotaur.”  This vessel was eventually converted to a coal haulabout at Devonport, after many years in the Coastguard service.  

HMS Foxhound, 1877.

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The launch of HMS Sphinx in 1882.

Ships from left to right are: Norfolk, Stormcock (tug), T.S.S. Tomki (small black ship on ramps, for Austrlian owners), SS Suffolk (larger ship on ramps), HMS Sphinx (white ship with flags) and Melbourne.

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Banterer Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Cockchafer, 1881.

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HMS Grappler, 1880.

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HMS Raven, as a Diving Tender, c.1910.

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HMS Stork, 1882.

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HMS Stork as a training ship, 1935.

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HMS Stork at Hammersmith. 

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HMS Wasp at Devonport.

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Albacore Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Albacore - Name History

The sixth “Albacore” was a 4-gun screw gunboat, launched at Birkenhead in 1883.  She was of 560 tons, 770 horsepower, and 11 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 135, 26ft., and 11ft.

           In 1884 the “Albacore,” commanded by Lieutenant Palmer Smythies, took part in the Egyptian campaign, and assisted in the defence of Suakin against the Mahdists.  In 1906 the “Albacore” was sold.

HMS Albacore

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HMS Watchful, 1883.

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HMS Watchful, 1887.

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HMS Watchful of the Albacore Class pictured pre 1896.

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Bramble Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Bramble - Name History

The sixth “Bramble” was a 6-gun screw gunboat, launched at Belfast in 1886. She was of 715 tons, 1000 horsepower, and 13 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 165ft, 29ft, and 13ft. This vessel’s name was changed to Ccockatrice” in 1896, and she served on the Danube for some years in accordance with the terms of the treaty of Berlin.  She was sold at Chatham in 1906 for £3800.

HMS Bramble, 1886.

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HMS Wasp, 1886.

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HMS Drudge.

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The “DRUDGE” is a 1-gun screw gunboat, launched at Newcastle in 1887.  She is of 890 tons, 336 horse-power, and 8 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 130ft., 35ft., and 6ft.  For many years this ship has been attached to Whale Island, the Naval Gunnery School at Portsmouth, as a vessel for experimental gun trials.

Pigmy Class Composite Gunboats

Crew of HMS Partridge with young boy in front. 

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HMS Pigmy of the Pigmy class pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Pigmy.

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HMS Plover of the Pygmy Class gunboats pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Plover, 1888.

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Redbreast Class Composite Gunboats

HMS Goldfinch, 1889.

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HMS Lapwing of the Redbreast class composite gunboats.  Photographed off the Eden Gardens, Calcutta.

The company of HMS Lapwing

HMS Magpie coaling at Durban c.1898

HMS Thrush, 1889.

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The Widgeon at anchor off Kosi Bay, Amatongaland c.1900. Amatongaland was the area where Zululand (South Africa) ran up to join what was the Portuguese part of Africa.

Bramble Class Steel Gunboats

HMS Bramble, 1898.

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HMS Britomart, 1899.

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The Royal Navy Gunboat HMS Dwarf in 1902

Officers and Warrant officers of HMS Dwarf in 1902.

HMS Dwarf - Name History

 The sixth “DWARF” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat launched at Glasgow in 1898.  She is of 710 tons, 1300 horse-power, and 13.5 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 180ft., 33ft., and 8ft.   In 1900 the “Dwarf,” commanded by Lieutenant Frank Hastings Shakespear, played a minor part in the second Boer War. In January 1901 the “Dwarf,” commanded by Lieutenant F.H. Shakespear, assisted in a minor way in some combined Anglo-French operations in the Gambia River against the rebellious chief, Fodeh Cabbah.

HMS Thistle,15th January 1923.

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Heron Class River Gunboats

HMS Robin, 1898.

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HMS Sandpiper, 1898.

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Woodcock Class River Gunboats

The Royal Navy gun-boat HMS Woodcock on the Yangtse River c.1900. She was specially built for river service in China and had one sister ship HMS Woodlark under the command of Commander D R Watson.

Some of the crew of the gunboat HMS Woodcock in their winter gear c.1900.

HMS Woodlark, 1898.

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Moorhen Class River Gunboats

HMS Moorhen, West River Flotilla, c.1927.

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HMS Teal, 1901.

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Three China River gunboats, c.1910 - 1912.

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Widgeon Class River Gunboats

HMS Widgeon, 1904.

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Kinsha Class River Gunboats

Fly Class River Gunboats

River gunboat Grayfly.

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HMS Sedgefly

Insect Class River Gunboats

HMS Aphis 

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HMS Bee, 1915.

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HMS Bee, 1920.

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HMS Bee.

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Detail from photo opposite, HMS Bee.

HMS Cicala, 1936.

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HMS Cicala, West River Flotilla, c.1927.

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HMS Cockchafer, 1924.

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HMS Cockchafer, 1915.

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HMS Cockchafer, 1915.

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HMS Cockchafer, 1915.

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HMS Cockchafer with possibly HMS Widgeon at Tchang.

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HMS Cricket, 1915.

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HMS Glowworm at Archangel, 6th July 1919.

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HMS Glowworm, 1920.

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HMS Ladybird, 1924.

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HMS Mantis.  Sent in by Colin Jameison

HMS Moth, West River Flotilla, circa.1927.

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HMS Moth, 1926.

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HMS Moth, 1935.

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HMS Tarantula, West River Flotilla, circa.1927.

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HMS Tarantula, 1935.

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HMS Tarantula, 1938.

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Unknown Insect Class gunboat 1927.  Photo taken from HMS Emerald. We think this is either Mantis, Cicala or Scarab, most likely Mantis.  

Tern Class River Gunboats

HMS Seamew, 1928.

Tern Class River Gunboat, launched 1927 - 28, designed for use in Chinese rivers.  Scrapped 1947.

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HMS Seamew, 1935.

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HMS Seamew, West River Flotilla, circa.1927.

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HMS Tern, 1927.

Tern Class River Gunboat, launched 1927, designed for use in Chinese rivers.  Scuttled at Hong Kong 19th December 1941.

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Peterel Class River Gunboats

HMS Peterel.

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HMS Robin, 1934.

River gunboat launched 1937.  Served as a boom depot ship in Hong Kong.  Scuttled Hong Kong 25th December 1941

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HMS Robin, 1934.

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Dragonfly Class River Gunboats

Colonial Gunboats

South Australia

Queensland

Gayundah Class Steel Gunvessels

Victoria

HM Victoria.

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Torpedo Gunboats

HMS Rattlesnake, 1887.

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HMS Rattlesnake, 1887.

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Grasshopper Class

HMS Grasshopper - Name History

The fifth “GRASSHOPPER” was a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Sheerness in 1887.  She was of 525 tons, 2700 horse- power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 200ft., 23ft., and 10ft.    In 1905 this vessel was sold. 

HMS Sandfly a Grasshopper Class torpedo gunboat pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Spider, at breakers, 1903.

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HMS Spider.

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Sharpshooter Class

HMS Assaye, 1892.

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HMS Gleaner, 1891.

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HMS Gossamer, 1904.

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HMS Seagull pictured pre 1896.

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HMS Seagull.

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HMS Sheldrake.

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HMS Skipjack.

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HMS Skipjack, 1891.

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HMS Skipjack, 1913.

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HMS Spanker c.1918 sister ship to the Sharpshooter class gunboat HMS Speedwell

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HMS Spanker, 1890.

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HMS Speedwell, 1906.

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HMS Speedwell, at breakers, March 1920.

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HMS Speedwell.

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HMS Speedwell a Sharpshooter class gunboat built 1889. Photograph taken c.1908. 

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HMS Speedwell of the Sharpshooter class of torpedo gunboats

HMS Boomerang

HMS Boomerang, 1891.

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HMS Boomerang firing a torpedo

HMS Boomerang

Alarm Class

HMS Antelope, 1895.

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HMS Antelope in Bristol Docks, c.1908.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHX637

HMS Circe, 1893.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3145

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3145

HMS Hebe aground, with Torpedo Boat 95 alongside.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHX685

HMS Hebe.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHX686

HMS Hebe at Malta, c.1900.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PL0030

A close up of HMS Hebe from the photo opposite.

HMS Jaseur, 1906.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3146

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3146

HMS  Jason

part of the Alarm Class Torpedo Gunboats,  Launched 14th May 1892 and Completed June 1893. saw service in World war One, being mined and Sunk 1917 

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX121

HMS Jason, 1909.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3147

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3147

HMS Leda, 1914.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3148

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3148

HMS Niger, 1893.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3149

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3149

HMS Niger before she was sunk by a German submarine off Deal on 11th November 1914. 

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX122

HMS Niger.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHX447

HMS Onyx, 1894.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3150

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3150

HMS Renard, 1894.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3151

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3151

HMS Renard, 1894.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3152

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3152

HMS Speedy being launched at Chiswick.

Contributed by Trevor Piper.  © Vosper Thornycroft. Click here for details of new book on the history of Vosper Thornycroft and their ships

HMS Speedy. 

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHD155

HMS Speedy, 1894.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3153

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3153

HMS Speedy an Alarm Class torpedo gunboat, pictured pre 1896

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX123

HMS Speedy.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX339

HMS Speedy

HMS Speedy.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX124

Dryad or Halcyon Class

HMS Dryad.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX439

HMS Dryad - Name History

The fourth “DRYAD” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Chatham in 1893.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse-power, and 18.5 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 250ft., 30ft., and 10ft. For some years this vessel acted as tender to the Navigation School at Portsmouth.  

HMS Halcyon, 1895.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3154

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3154

HMS Harrier, 1895.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3155

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3155

HMS Harrier, 1915.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3156

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3156

HMS Harrier - Name History

The eighth “HARRIER” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Devonport in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse- power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught are 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft. This vessel became a sea-going tender to the Portsmouth Navigation School.

HMS Hazard, 1894.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3157

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3157

HMS Hazard - Name History

The thirteenth “HAZARD” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched Pembroke in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught are 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft.  In 1897 and 1898 the “Hazard,” commanded by Lieutenant Price Vaughan Lewes, was engaged in the pacification of Crete.  It had been decided by a council of Naval officers to collect a certain proportion of export duties and to expand the proceeds for the general benefit of the island .  Orders were given therefore that the Custom House at Candia should be turned over to the British authorities.  A desperate attack on a small force of sailors and soldiers by a fanatical, well-armed mob, occurred on September 6^th, 1898.  At the same time the British hospital and camp at the other end of the town were attacked.  There were only 130 British troops in the town, and the Turkish troops did not assist as they should have done.  The “Hazard” opened fire on the town with 4.7’s.  In each case the defence was heroically maintained, and then the infuriated mob turned upon the native Christians, of whom it is believed nearly a thousand were massacred.  The “Hazard” lost four seamen killed and several wounded; but the Queen marked her  pleasure at the behaviour of the “Hazard” by promoting Lieutenant Lewes to Commander, and awarding the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Order to Surgeon W.J. Maillard and Lieutenant E.H. Nicholson respectively.  A monument to the killed seaman has been placed in the Upper Barracca at Malta.  The “Hazard” eventually became a sea-going depot ship for submarine boats. On February 2^nd, 1912 the “Hazard,” while commanded by Lieutenant Charles J.C. Little, collided with the submerged submarine A3, which unfortunately sank with a loss of 14 lives.

HMS Hussar, 1895.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3158

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3158

HMS Hussar - Name History

The ninth “HUSSAR” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Devonport in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft.   In 1897 the “Hussar,” was employed in the pacification of the Island of Crete, which led to the appointment of Prince George of Greece as High Commissioner, under the suzerainty of the Sultan of Turkey.    The last Turkish troops to be removed from the island were conveyed to Salonica by the “Hussar.”   This gunboat was eventually converted into a special service ship for service with the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, and has now only met mast.

River gunboat on the Yangtze 

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX135

Shallow Draft Gun Boat pictured in 1898 serving on the Niger She was in service with a number of similar ships on the Niger   Built by Yarrow and Co. and is armed with two 12 pounder QF guns and  Eight maxims, It can accommodate an amazing 1,000 troops.  It has a 24 inch Draught.

Original naval Magazine photograph of March 1898. Image size 8" x 5" price £10.  order V12B

Shallow Draft Gun Boat pictured in 1898 serving on the Nile. Built by yarrow and Co. and is armed with two 12 pounder QF guns and  Eight maxims, It can accommodate an amazing 1,000 troops.  It has a 24 inch Draught.

Original naval Magazine photograph of March 1898. Image size 8" x 5" price £10.  order V12

HMS Sultan, 1898.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP3106

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP3106

Shallow Draft Gun Boat pictured in 1896 serving on the Niger She was in service with a number of similar ships on the Niger   Built by Yarrow and Co. and is armed with two 12 pounder QF guns and  Eight maxims, It can accommodate an amazing 1,000 troops.  It has a 24 inch Draught.

Contributed by Trevor Piper.  © Vosper Thornycroft. Click here for details of new book on the history of Vosper Thornycroft and their ships

HMS Hearty a special service gunboat / survey vessel pictured pre 1896.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX125

HMS Triad.  

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PHX126

More information required to identify this ship.  If you can help please e-mail us.

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