THE BRITISH NAVY
BRITISH BATTLESHIPS
DREADNOUGHTS
IRON DUKE CLASS.
IRON DUKE (Flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir John Jellicoe,
Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleets).
MARLBOROUGH. EMPEROR OF INDIA. BENBOW.
(Completed 1914.)
These fine ships are the very latest additions to the British
battle-fleet. The displacement is 25,000 tons, but with a full supply of
coal, ammunition, and stores on board the actual figure is nearly 27,000
tons. The length over all is 645 ft., the maximum breadth is 89½ ft.,
and under normal conditions the ship draws 28 ft. of water. Parsons’
turbines, designed for 29,000 h.p., give a speed of 21 knots, which was
exceeded by over one knot on trial. An extremely powerful armament is
carried. It consists of ten 13·5-in. and twelve 6-in. guns, with some
small quick-firers on high-angle mountings for use against aircraft.
The big guns, mounted in twin turrets, are all on the centre line, and
can thus be trained on either broadside, while four train ahead and the
same number astern. Ten of the 6-in. guns are disposed in an upper-deck
battery forward, the remaining two in casemates right at the stern. This
disposition was adopted owing to the fact that torpedo attacks are
usually delivered from ahead, and it is necessary, therefore, that as
many quick-firing guns as possible can be trained on the approaching
boats before they are able to discharge their torpedoes.
Armour protection is very complete in this class. On the waterline there
is a 12-in. belt, with 10-in. armour rising above this as far as the
upper deck. The belt thins to 6-in. forward and aft, but the extreme
ends of the ship are unarmoured. On the turrets there is 12-in. armour,
with 6-in. plating over the secondary battery. Four 21-in. submerged
torpedo tubes are fitted. The fuel supply is well over 3,000 tons. The
complement of these ships totals more than 1,000 officers and men. They
each cost over £2,000,000 to complete.
AGINGOURT.
(Completed 1914.)
This battleship, although she was only launched in January, 1913, has
had a very chequered career. Originally laid down as the Rio de Janeiro
for the Brazilian Government at Elswick, she was purchased before
completion by Turkey, and was on the point of leaving for Turkish waters
under the name of Osman I., when she was taken over by the British
Admiralty on the outbreak of war with Germany. Turkey is understood to
have made a protest, but the transfer is an accomplished fact, and this
fine vessel has already passed into our battle fleet. She is quite
unique in design. The displacement is 27,500 tons, length 632 ft., and
the designed speed, which was made on trial, 22 knots.
Her main armament consists of no fewer than fourteen 12-in. guns,
mounted in seven double turrets on the centre-line, an arrangement which
permits all fourteen weapons to be fired on either broadside. In the
secondary battery are mounted twenty 6-in. quick-firing guns, and the
tale of weapons is completed by sixteen small quick-firers and three
torpedo tubes. The ship is armoured with 9-in. plates amidships,
tapering to 6 in. and 4 in. at the ends. Armour of the same thickness
(9-in.) protects the 12-in. turrets, and there is 6-in. plating over the
secondary guns. The maximum coal capacity is 3,500 tons. A complement of
1,100 officers and men is required to work this huge vessel, which cost
nearly £2,700,000 to build and equip.
ERIN.
(Completed 1914.)
This vessel was laid down at Barrow for the Turkish Government, and
named Reshadieh, but was taken over by the British Admiralty on the
outbreak of war with Germany. Launched in September, 1913, she displaces
23,000 tons, is 525 ft. long, and has turbines of 31,000 h.p., which
are expected to give a speed of 21 knots. In general her design
corresponds to that of the Iron Duke class. The armament consists of ten
13·5-in., sixteen 6-in., and four 12-pounder guns, with five submerged
torpedo tubes.
The five double turrets in which the big guns are mounted are on the
centre-line, thus allowing all ten weapons to be used on each broadside.
Armour protection is very complete, the main belt being 12 in., the
turrets 12 in., and the secondary battery 5 in. thick. Her coal capacity
is 2,100 tons. The complement is 900 officers and men. The price paid
for this ship has not yet been made public.
KING GEORGE V. CLASS.
(Completed 1912-13.)
KING GEORGE V. CENTURION. AJAX. AUDACIOUS.
These fine vessels are among the most powerful of our super-Dreadnought
battleships. The displacement is nominally 23,000 tons, but when in
service, with maximum fuel, stores, &c., on board, they displace about
25,000 tons. They are 596 ft. in length, with a beam of 89 ft., and
their turbines of 27,000 h.p. drive them at a speed of 21½ knots. The
armament consists of ten 13·5-in. and sixteen 4-in. guns, with three
submerged torpedo tubes.
All the big guns, which are mounted in pairs in turrets on the centre
line, can fire on either broadside. Protection is afforded by a 12-in.
armour belt amidships, with thinner plating above and at the ends. The
turrets are of 11-in. armour. The secondary battery of 4-in.
quick-firers is practically unprotected. A maximum fuel supply of 2,700
tons can be carried. The complement is 900 officers and men. Each of
these ships cost more than £1,900,000 to build and equip.
ORION CLASS.
(Completed 1911-12.)
ORION. MONARCH. CONQUEROR. THUNDERER.
Super-Dreadnoughts of 22,500 tons displacement and 545 ft. in length.
The Orion class, to which these ships belong, inaugurated the
“super-Dreadnought” era by reason of the super-calibre guns with which
they are armed. They are propelled by Parsons’ turbines of 27,000 h.p.
at a speed of 21 knots, but did considerably better than this on the
trial runs. The main armament comprises ten 13·5-in. breech-loading
guns, firing a 1,250 lb. projectile at the rate of two per minute.
These guns are mounted in five twin turrets on the centre line of the
vessel, and all of them can be trained on either broadside. Sixteen
4-in. quick-firers are mounted for use against torpedo craft, and there
are three 21-in. submerged torpedo tubes. The armour belt is 12-in.
thick amidships, the turrets 11-in. Some of the smaller guns are
protected by 4-in. armour. Coal and oil to the amount of 2,700 tons can
be carried. The complement of these ships is 900 officers and men. They
cost complete nearly £2,000,000.
NEPTUNE CLASS.
(Completed 1911.)
NEPTUNE. HERCULES. COLOSSUS.
These are Dreadnought battleships of 20,000 tons displacement. They are
510 ft. in length, and have Parsons’ turbines of 25,000 h.p., which give
them a speed of 21 knots. The main battery consists of ten 12-in. guns,
50 calibres (_i.e._, 50 ft.) long, mounted in five twin turrets. Two of
these turrets are in echelon amidships, the remaining three being on the
centre line, an arrangement that permits all ten guns to come into
action on either broadside through a limited arc.
In the class to which these ships belong the super-posed turret appeared
for the first time in the British Navy. Sixteen 4-in. quick-firers and
three submerged torpedo tubes complete the armament. There is an 11-in.
armour belt on the waterline, similar protection being given to the big
guns. The fuel capacity is 2,700 tons. The complement numbers over 800
officers and men. These vessels cost about £1,700,000 apiece to
complete.
ST. VINCENT CLASS.
(Completed 1910.)
ST. VINCENT. VANGUARD. COLLINGWOOD.
These are Dreadnought battleships with a displacement of 19,250 tons.
They are 500 ft. long, and have Parsons’ turbines of 24,500 h.p., which
give them a top speed of 21 knots. Their main battery comprises ten
12-in. guns of powerful type, mounted in five twin turrets, the
disposition of which allows eight guns to be used on either beam. They
also carry eighteen 4-in. quick-firers, some mounted on top of the
turrets, and others in the superstructure. There are three submerged
torpedo tubes.
The waterline is protected by armour barely 10-in. thick, this being
also the thickness of the turret armour. Coal and oil to the amount of
2,700 tons can be carried. The complement of these battleships numbers
rather more than 800 officers and men. They cost about £1,700,000 to
build and complete.
BELLEROPHON CLASS.
(Completed 1909.)
BELLEROPHON. SUPERB. TEMERAIRE.
These ships are some of our earliest Dreadnoughts. Their displacement is
18,900 tons, length 490 ft. Parsons’ turbines of 23,000 h.p. propel them
at a maximum speed of 21 knots, which they can maintain for several
hours without difficulty. Ten 12-in. guns form the primary armament,
which is mounted in five twin turrets, so disposed as to allow eight
guns to fire on the broadside. They carry, further, sixteen 4-in.
quick-firing guns to repel attack by torpedo craft, and there are three
torpedo tubes below water.
On the waterline and the big-gun positions there is 11-in. armour. The
maximum supply of coal and oil is 2,700 tons. The complement is 800
officers and men. These battleships cost about £1,700,000 to build and
complete.
DREADNOUGHT.
(Completed 1906.)
This famous battleship was laid down at Portsmouth in October, 1905, and
completed by December, 1906, and thus established a record for speedy
construction. She was designed by a committee of experts to meet the
requirements of modern naval tactics, and with various modifications the
main principles she embodied have since been almost universally adopted.
She displaces 17,900 tons, and is 520 ft. long. Parsons’ turbines of
23,000 h.p. give her a speed of 21 knots. She was the first battleship
ever fitted with turbine machinery.
The armament consists of ten 12-in. guns, mounted in five twin turrets,
which are so placed as to give a broadside fire of eight and an axial
fire of six guns. For keeping off torpedo craft a battery of twenty-four
12-pounder quick-firers is provided. There are five submerged torpedo
tubes. Waterline and vitals are protected by 11-in. armour, as also are
the gun turrets. The ship has a great amount of internal protection
against mine or torpedo explosion. She can carry 2,700 tons of coal. The
complement numbers about 800 officers and men. This battleship cost
upwards of £1,800,000 to build and equip.
LORD NELSON CLASS.
(Completed 1908-09.)
LORD NELSON. AGAMEMNON.
These battleships are sometimes called semi-Dreadnoughts, because they
approximate to the Dreadnought type in tonnage and armament. The
displacement is 16,500 tons, length 410 ft., and engines of 16,750 h.p.,
giving a speed of over 18 knots. Each of these vessels is armed with
four 12-in. and ten 9·2-in. breech-loading guns, all mounted in armoured
turrets. The four 12-in. and eight of the 9·2-in. guns are in twin
turrets, the other two 9·2-in. being in single turrets. The disposition
of the armament is such that four 12-in. and five 9·2-in. can fire on
each broadside. An outstanding defect is the smallness of the double
9·2-in. turrets, which hardly give elbow room to the crews and do not
allow full advantage to be taken of the extraordinary rapidity with
which the 9·2-in. piece can be worked when there is plenty of space.
On the whole, however, these ships are extremely powerful units. For
driving off torpedo craft there are twenty-four 12-pounder quick-firers
mounted in the superstructure. Five torpedo tubes are fitted. Armour
protection consists of a 12-in. belt amidships, and there is similar
plating on the 12-in. turrets, the smaller turrets having 8-in. armour.
The fuel capacity is 2,500 tons. Each battleship carries 750 officers
and men and cost £1,650,000 to build and complete.
BATTLE CRUISERS
TIGER.
(Completed 1914.)
This is the largest battle cruiser in the British Navy. She was built at
Clydebank, and was approaching completion at the outbreak of war. The
displacement is 28,000 tons, length 660 ft., and Parsons’ turbines of
100,000 h.p. give a speed of at least 28 knots. Her armament comprises
eight 13·5-in., twelve 6-in., and some smaller guns, with three torpedo
tubes. The big guns are in double turrets on the centre-line, and all
can be fired on either broadside. The 6-in. guns are mounted in an
armoured battery.
For a battle cruiser this ship is heavily armoured. She has a belt at
least 10 in. thick amidships, and the turrets are of equal thickness.
She can store as much as 4,000 tons of coal and oil. The complement is
about 1,100 officers and men. In appearance the “Tiger” is quite unlike
other British battle cruisers. She has three equal-sized funnels and
only one mast. Her total cost is understood to be not less than
£2,200,000.
LION CLASS.
(Completed 1912-13.)
LION. QUEEN MARY. PRINCESS ROYAL.
These battle cruisers displace 27,000 tons, are 660 ft. in length, and
88½ ft. broad. They have turbines of about 70,000 h.p., which enable
them to steam at 28 knots, though this speed has been greatly exceeded
in service. The main armament consists of ten 13·5-in. guns, discharging
a projectile of 1,400 lb. weight, at the rate of two rounds per minute.
[Illustration]
_H.M.S. Bellerophon._
_Photo: Symonds & Co._
=BELLEROPHON CLASS.=
BELLEROPHON, TEMERAIRE, SUPERB.
Displacement: 18,000 tons.
Speed: 22 knots; Guns: 10 12in., 16 4in.; Torpedo tubes: 3.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
6 12in. 8 12in. 6 12in.
These weapons are mounted in four double turrets on the centre-line, and
can thus be fired on either broadside. Sixteen 4-in. quick-firers are
carried for repelling torpedo attack. There are also two submerged
torpedo tubes. The main armour belt is about 9 in. thick, with 10-in.
plating on the turrets. The full fuel capacity is 3,000 tons, and the
complement numbers 980 officers and men. These ships averaged £2,085,000
to build and complete.
INDEFATIGABLE CLASS.
(Completed 1911-13.)
INDEFATIGABLE. NEW ZEALAND. AUSTRALIA.
These vessels displace about 19,000 tons. They are 555 ft. in length, 80
ft. broad, and are designed for a speed of 25 knots, which was much
exceeded during trials. The main armament consists of eight 12-in. guns,
mounted in four double turrets, two being placed fore and aft, and two
diagonally amidships, thus permitting all eight guns to be discharged on
either broadside.
In addition there are sixteen 4-in. quick-firers mounted in the
superstructure, and two submerged torpedo tubes. A 7-in. armour belt
protects the waterline, the same thickness being on the turrets. The
fuel capacity is 2,500 tons, including oil. A complement of 790 officers
and men is carried. These ships cost about £1,500,000 each to build and
complete.
INVINCIBLE CLASS.
(Completed 1908-09.)
INVINCIBLE. INDOMITABLE. INFLEXIBLE.
The Invincible class were the first battle-cruisers to be built. The
type is a cruiser edition of the Dreadnought, combining great offensive
qualities with high speed. The displacement is 17,250 tons, length 530
ft., and the turbines of 41,000 h.p. are designed for a speed of 25
knots. In service, however, these vessels have steamed at more than 28
knots. They are armed with eight 12-in guns, mounted in four double
turrets, one turret being placed at each end and the other two en
echelon amidships.
This system enables all eight weapons to be fired on either broadside
through a very limited arc. Sixteen 4-in. guns are mounted for repelling
torpedo attack. The waterline and vital parts are protected by 7-in.
armour, this being also the thickness of the turret plates. Coal to the
amount of 2,500 tons can be carried. The complement is 780 officers and
men. These vessels each cost over £1,700,000 to build and equip.
PRE-DREADNOUGHTS.
KING EDWARD CLASS.
(Completed 1904-06.)
KING EDWARD VII. ZEALANDIA. BRITANNIA. HIBERNIA. DOMINION. COMMONWEALTH.
HINDUSTAN. AFRICA.
The King Edward class is considered to be the finest homogeneous group
of pre-Dreadnought battleships in the world. The displacement is 16,350
tons, length 425 ft., and engines of 18,000 h.p. give a speed of over 19
knots. The armament consists of four 12-in., four 9·2-in., ten 6-in.,
twelve 12-pounder, and twelve 3-pounder guns, with four torpedo tubes.
All eight big guns are mounted in armoured turrets, the 6-in. weapons
being in a box battery. Broadside fire is from four 12-in., two 9·2-in.,
and five 6-in. guns. A 9-in. armour belt protects vital parts. On the
main turrets there is 12-in. plating, and the smaller guns also have
good protection. The maximum coal supply is 2,200 tons. A complement of
820 officers and men is carried. These ships each cost about £1,450,000
to build and equip.
SWIFTSURE CLASS.
(Completed 1904.)
SWIFTSURE. TRIUMPH.
These battleships were built for the Chilian Government, but both were
purchased by Great Britain before they were completed. The displacement
is 11,980 tons, length 436 ft., and engines of 12,500 h.p. give a speed
of 20 knots. For their size the armament of these vessels is most
formidable. It comprises four 10-in., fourteen 7·5-in., and fourteen
14-pounder guns, with two torpedo tubes. The 10-in. weapons are in two
twin turrets, the 7·5-in. guns being in an armoured battery.
The waterline and vital parts are protected by 7-in. of armour, which is
increased to 10-in. on the turrets and there is 6-in. plating over the
secondary battery. The coal supply is 2,000 tons. A complement of 700
officers and men is carried. The ships each cost £845,000 to build and
complete. In all but very calm weather they lose much of their fighting
value owing to the nearness of the 7·5-in. battery to the water, a
position which makes it impossible to work these guns in a seaway. In
other respects, too, the type is considered inferior to standard British
design.
[Illustration]
_H.M.S. Dreadnought._
_Photo: Sport & General._
=DREADNOUGHT.=
Displacement: 17,900 tons.
Speed: 22 knots; Guns: 10 12in., 24 12pdrs.; Torpedo tubes: 5.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
6 12in. 8 12in. 6 12in.
DUNCAN CLASS.
(Completed 1903-04.)
DUNCAN. EXMOUTH. CORNWALLIS. ALBEMARLE. RUSSELL.
These are vessels of 14,000 tons displacement, 405 ft. in length, with
engines of 18,000 h.p., and a speed of 20 knots. Their armament consists
of four 12-in., twelve 6-in., and ten 12-pounder guns, with four
submerged torpedo tubes. The 12-in. guns are in turrets, the 6-in. in
casemates. Broadside fire is from four 12-in. and six 6-in. guns.
The class to which these ships belong was designed with a view to speed,
to gain which sacrifices were necessary. Hence the armour protection is
very light, the thickness of the belt being only 7-in. on the waterline.
The turrets are of the same moderate thickness. The maximum fuel
capacity is 2,000 tons. A complement of 750 officers and men is carried.
The average cost was £1,000,000 to build and complete.
FORMIDABLE CLASS.
(Completed 1901-04.)
FORMIDABLE. IMPLACABLE. VENERABLE. PRINCE OF WALES. IRRESISTIBLE.
LONDON. BULWARK. QUEEN.
This class displaces 15,000 tons, is 400 ft. long, and has engines of
15,000 h.p., giving a speed of about 18½ knots. It is armed with four
12-in., twelve 6-in., and sixteen 12-pounder guns, with four submerged
torpedo tubes. The waterline is armoured with 9-in., the turrets with
12-in. plates, and there is 6-in. armour on the casemates containing the
secondary guns. The full coal capacity is 2,100 tons. These ships carry
780 officers and men. They cost more than £1,000,000 to build and equip.
CANOPUS CLASS.
(Completed 1900-02.)
CANOPUS. GOLIATH. VENGEANCE. OCEAN. GLORY. ALBION.
These ships belong to a class of old pre-Dreadnoughts which are rapidly
losing their fighting value. They displace 12,950 tons, are 390 ft.
long, and have engines of 13,500 h.p., which give a speed of nearly 19
knots. The armament comprises four 12-in., twelve 6-in., and ten
12-pounder guns, all of obsolescent pattern. There are four torpedo
tubes. A belt only 6-in. thick protects the waterline, but there is
12-in. armour on the gun turrets. Coal to the amount of 1,750 tons can
be carried. The complement numbers 750 officers and men. These ships
cost about £850,000 each. They were designed with very light draught to
enable them to navigate the Suez Canal. They are still comparatively
fast steamers.
MAJESTIC CLASS.
(Completed 1895-98.)
MAGNIFICENT. MAJESTIC. VICTORIOUS. PRINCE GEORGE. ILLUSTRIOUS. JUPITER.
CÆSAR. MARS. HANNIBAL.
The Majestic class is the oldest group of battleships in the Navy. The
displacement is 14,900 tons, length 390 ft. and engines of 12,000 h.p.
give them a maximum speed of 17½ knots. They are armed with four 12-in.,
twelve 6-in., and sixteen 12-pounder guns of old type, with five torpedo
tubes. The armour belt is 9-in. amidships, and there is 14-in. armour on
the big gun turrets. Coal to the amount of 1,900 tons can be stowed. A
complement of 750 officers and men is carried. The ships cost slightly
more than £900,000 each to build and complete.
ARMOURED CRUISERS
MINOTAUR CLASS.
(Completed 1908.)
MINOTAUR. DEFENCE. SHANNON.
These vessels are armoured cruisers of 14,600 tons, 490 ft. in length,
and have engines of 27,000 h.p., giving a speed of 23 knots. They carry
a very powerful armament, consisting of four 9·2-in., ten 7·5-in., and
sixteen 12-pounder guns. The 9·2-in. and 7·5-in. guns are in armoured
turrets, the four first named being mounted in pairs, the 7·5 in.
singly.
Protection is afforded by a 6-in. belt amidships, with 8-in. armour on
the 9·2-in. turrets, and 6-in. armour on the smaller turrets. The
maximum coal supply is 2,250 tons. A complement of about 800 officers
and men is borne. These ships cost more than £1,400,000 each to build
and complete.
WARRIOR CLASS.
(Completed 1906-07.)
WARRIOR. ACHILLES. NATAL. COCHRANE.
These are armoured cruisers of 13,550 tons. They are 480 ft. in length,
and have engines of 23,000 h.p., giving a speed of 23 knots. The
armament consists of six 9·2-in. and four 7·5-in. guns, all mounted in
single turrets, and so disposed that six heavy guns bear on each
broadside. There are, besides, twenty-four 3-pounder quick-firers for
use against torpedo-craft, and three submerged torpedo tubes. The armour
belt and turrets are 6 in. thick. The maximum coal capacity is 2,000
tons, and a complement of over 700 officers and men is carried. Each
vessel cost about £1,200,000 to build and complete.
BLACK PRINCE CLASS.
(Completed 1906.)
BLACK PRINCE. DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
These armoured cruisers have a displacement of 13,550 tons, are 480 ft.
long, and have engines of 23,000 h.p., giving a speed of 23·3 knots.
They are armed with six 9·2-in., ten 6-in., and twenty 3-pounder guns,
with three torpedo tubes. The big guns are mounted in single turrets,
the 6-in. weapons being in an armoured battery.
Owing to the low freeboard of these ships, their 6-in. guns are too near
the water to be worked in rough weather. They are protected on the
waterline by a 6-in. armour belt, with similar plating on the gun
turrets and battery. The full coal capacity is 2,000 tons. These
cruisers carry 700 officers and men. They cost nearly £1,200,000 to
build and complete.
DEVONSHIRE CLASS.
(Completed 1905-06.)
ANTRIM. CARNARVON. HAMPSHIRE. DEVONSHIRE. ROXBURGH. ARGYLL.
Armoured cruisers displacing 10,850 tons, 450 ft. in length, with
engines of 20,500 h.p., giving a speed of 22·3 knots. The armament is
weak for vessels of this size, and consists only of four 7·5-in. and six
6-in. guns, with twenty small quick-firers and two torpedo tubes.
The 7·5-in. guns are mounted in turrets, the 6-in. weapons in casemates.
There is a 6-in. belt amidships, and 6-in. plating on the turrets and
casemates. The maximum coal capacity is 1,800 tons. A complement of 655
officers and men is carried. The average cost, complete, of these ships
was nearly £900,000.
“COUNTY” CLASS.
(Completed 1903-04.)
KENT. ESSEX. MONMOUTH. BERWICK. SUFFOLK. DONEGAL. LANCASTER. CORNWALL.
CUMBERLAND.
The displacement of this class is 9,800 tons. They are 440 ft. in
length, and have engines of 22,000 h.p., which drive them at a speed of
23 knots. The armament consists of fourteen 6-in., eight 12-pounder, and
three smaller quick-firing guns. Four of the 6-in. weapons are mounted
in twin turrets placed at the bow and stern, the remainder being in
casemates. There are two torpedo tubes.
Protection is very light throughout, there being only a 4-in. belt
amidships, with 5-in. armour on the turrets. The full coal supply is
1,600 tons. A complement of 540 officers and men is carried. Each ship
cost complete about £750,000.
DRAKE CLASS.
(Completed 1902-03.)
DRAKE. LEVIATHAN. GOOD HOPE. KING ALFRED.
These vessels are among the best of the older armoured cruisers. Each
displaces 14,100 tons, is 500 ft. long, and has engines of 30,000 h.p.,
giving a speed of 23 knots. On trial and in service this speed has been
much exceeded, and the ships can still steam at 24 knots. They are armed
with two 9·2-in. breech-loaders, sixteen 6-in., and twelve 12-pounder
quick-firing guns.
The big weapons are in single turrets, one placed at each end of the
ship, the 6-in. guns being mounted in casemates. Two torpedo tubes are
fitted. The armour protection on the turrets, casemates, and belt has a
uniform thickness of 6-in. Coal to the amount of 2,500 tons is stored in
the bunkers. The complement consists of 900 officers and men. These
cruisers averaged about one million sterling complete.
CRESSY CLASS.
(Completed 1901-04.)
CRESSY. SUTLEJ. ABOUKIR. HOGUE. BACCHANTE. EURYALUS.
The Cressy group are the oldest class of armoured cruisers on the active
list. They displace 12,000 tons, are 440 ft. in length, and have engines
of 21,000 h.p., producing a speed of 21 knots, which was exceeded on
trial by one knot. The armament comprises two 9·2-in. breech-loaders,
twelve 6-in., and twelve 12-pounder quick-firing guns, with two torpedo
tubes.
[Illustration]
_H.M.S. Agamemnon._
_Photo: Cribb, Southsea._
=AGAMEMNON CLASS.=
AGAMEMNON AND LORD NELSON.
Displacement: 16,500 tons.
Speed: 18½ knots; Guns: 4 12in., 10 9·2in.; Torpedo tubes: 5.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
2 12in. 4 12in. 2 12in.
4 9·2in. 5 9·2in. 4 9·2in.
The big guns are mounted in single turrets fore and aft, the 6-in.
weapons in casemates. There is a 6-in. belt amidships, armour of the
same thickness on the turrets, and 5-in. plating on the casemates. The
coal bunkers can store 1,600 tons. A complement of 750 officers and men
is carried. The cost of this class when complete averaged £750,000.
ARETHUSA CLASS.
(Completed 1914.)
ARETHUSA. AURORA. GALATEA. INCONSTANT. PENELOPE. PHAETON. ROYALIST.
UNDAUNTED.
These are the light armoured cruisers which Mr. Churchill has described
as “destroyers of destroyers.” They displace 3,600 tons, are 410 ft.
long, and have turbines of 37,000 h.p., giving a speed of 30 knots. The
armament consists of two 6-in., six 4-in., and four machine guns, with
four torpedo tubes.
There is a belt of 3-in. armour amidships, with 3½-in. plating above
this. The boilers are fired entirely by oil fuel, of which about 750
tons are carried. The complement numbers about 270 officers and men. The
cost of this class has not yet been made public.
PROTECTED CRUISERS
(With protective decks instead of armoured belts.)
EDGAR CLASS.
(Completed 1893-94.)
EDGAR. HAWKE. THESEUS. ENDYMION. GRAFTON. GIBRALTAR.
These vessels are the oldest cruisers we possess, displacing 7,350 tons,
and having a speed of 19½ knots. They are armed with two 9·2-in., ten
6-in., and seventeen smaller guns, with two torpedo tubes. Coal
capacity, 1,250 tons. Complement, 544 officers and men. Cost over
£400,000.
ROYAL ARTHUR CLASS.
(Completed 1893-94.)
ROYAL ARTHUR. CRESCENT.
This class displaces 7,700 tons, and has a speed of 19½ knots. The
armament is one 9·2-in., twelve 6-in., and seventeen smaller guns, with
two torpedo tubes. There is a steel deck over engines and boilers. Coal
capacity, 1,250 tons. Complement, 560 officers and men. Cost, about
£400,000.
TERRIBLE.
(Completed 1898.)
This is the largest protected cruiser in the British Navy. She displaces
14,200 tons, and can steam at 22 knots. Her armament consists of two
9·2-in., sixteen 6-in., and many smaller guns, with four torpedo tubes.
Over engines and boilers there is a steel deck 6-in. thick. Coal
capacity, 3,000 tons. Complement, 840 officers and men. Cost complete,
£708,000.
DIADEM CLASS.
(Completed 1899-1902.)
DIADEM. NIOBE. AMPHITRITE. ARIADNE. EUROPA. ANDROMEDA. ARGONAUT.
SPARTIATE.
Protected cruisers of 11,000 tons and 20½ knots speed, armed with
sixteen 6-in. and twelve 12-pounder quick-firing guns, with two torpedo
tubes. Engines and boilers are protected by a 4-in. steel deck. Coal
capacity, 2,000 tons. Complement, 677 officers and men. Cost, about
£550,000. The Niobe is now a unit of the Canadian Navy.
MELBOURNE CLASS.
(Completed 1913.)
MELBOURNE. SYDNEY.
These are protected cruisers belonging to the Australian Navy. They
displace 5,600 tons, are 430 ft. long, and have a speed of 25½ knots.
The armament consists of eight 6-in. and some small quick-firers, with
two submerged torpedo tubes.
The coal capacity is 1,000 tons. A complement of 400 officers and men is
carried. They each cost complete about £350,000.
NOTTINGHAM CLASS.
(Completed 1914.)
NOTTINGHAM. BIRMINGHAM. LOWESTOFT.
Three of our latest light cruisers. They are of 5,440 tons, with
turbines of 22,000 h.p., giving a speed of 25½ knots. The armament is
nine 6-in. and four small quick-firers, with two submerged torpedo
tubes. There is a thin armour belt on the waterline. Coal capacity,
1,000 tons. The complement is 400 officers and men.
[Illustration]
=LION CLASS.=
LION, PRINCESS ROYAL.
Displacement: 26,350 tons.
Speed: 28 knots; Guns: 8 13·5in., 16 4in.; Torpedo tubes: 3.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
2 13·5in. 8 13·5in. 4 13·5in.
CHATHAM CLASS.
(Completed 1912-13.)
SOUTHAMPTON. CHATHAM. DUBLIN.
These vessels are light cruisers of 5,400 tons, with turbines of 22,000
h.p., and a speed of 25½ knots. They carry an armament of eight 6-in.
and four small quick-firers, with two torpedo tubes submerged. Coal
capacity, 1,000 tons. Complement, 400 officers and men. Cost complete,
about £350,000.
FALMOUTH CLASS.
(Completed 1911-12.)
FALMOUTH. WEYMOUTH. DARTMOUTH. YARMOUTH.
Light cruisers displacing 5,250 tons, driven by turbines of 22,000 h.p.
at a speed of 24¾ knots. They are armed with eight 6-in. and four small
quick-firers, and two submerged torpedo tubes. The coal capacity is
1,000 tons. Complement, 390 officers and men. Cost complete, about
£335,000.
BRISTOL CLASS.
(Completed 1910.)
GLASGOW. LIVERPOOL. BRISTOL. GLOUCESTER. NEWCASTLE.
These vessels are light cruisers of 4,800 tons, propelled by turbines of
22,000 h.p., at a speed of 25 knots. The armament is two 6-in., ten
4-in., and some small quick-firers, with two submerged torpedo tubes.
Coal capacity, 850 tons. Complement, 375 officers and men. Cost
complete, over £350,000.
ACTIVE CLASS.
(Completed 1911-12.)
ACTIVE. FEARLESS.
These vessels belong to the Scout category, and displace 3,440 tons.
Their turbines of 18,000 h.p. give a speed of 25 knots, but this is
often exceeded. They are armed with ten 4-in. and four smaller
quick-firers, and have two deck torpedo tubes. Coal capacity, 600 tons.
Complement, 320 officers and men. They averaged complete about £270,000.
The ill-fated Amphion was a sister-ship.
BLANCHE CLASS.
(Completed 1910-11.)
BLANCHE. BLONDE.
Light cruisers of the Scout type. They displace 3,350 tons, and have
turbines of 18,000 h.p., giving a speed of 25 knots. The armament is ten
4-in. and four 3-pounder quick-firers, with two torpedo tubes mounted on
deck. Coal capacity, 600 tons. Complement, 285 officers and men. Cost
complete, about £275,000.
BOADICEA CLASS.
(Completed 1909-10.)
BELLONA. BOADICEA.
Light cruisers of the Scout type, displacing 3,300 tons, and having a
speed of 25 knots, which is frequently exceeded by two knots. Armament:
Six 4-in., four 3-pounder quick-firing guns, two deck torpedo tubes.
Coal capacity, 600 tons. Complement, 263 officers and men. Cost
complete, £330,000.
SENTINEL CLASS.
(Completed 1905-06.)
ADVENTURE. ATTENTIVE. FORESIGHT. FORWARD. PATHFINDER. PATROL. SENTINEL.
SKIRMISHER.
These vessels were the first fleet scouts. They are of about 3,000 tons
displacement, and have engines of 16,500 h.p., which give them a speed
of 25 knots. As originally armed, they carried a battery of 12-pounders,
but these were replaced recently by nine 4-in. quick-firers, a change
which much increased the fighting value. The coal supply is 400 tons,
and they have a complement of 268 officers and men. The average cost,
complete, was over £270,000.
“GEM” CLASS.
(Completed 1905.)
AMETHYST. TOPAZE. DIAMOND. SAPPHIRE.
Light cruisers of 3,000 tons, with a speed of 22 knots. Armed with
twelve 4-in. and some smaller quick-firing guns, with two torpedo tubes
on deck. The coal supply is 500 tons, the complement 296 officers and
men, and the average cost, complete, was about £235,000.
CHALLENGER CLASS.
(Completed 1904-06.)
CHALLENGER. ENCOUNTER (Australian Navy).
These vessels are protected cruisers of 5,880 tons, capable of steaming
21 knots. The armament consists of eleven 6-in. and some smaller
quick-firing guns. Over the engines and boilers there is a 3-in. steel
protective deck. The coal capacity is 1,225 tons, the complement 454
officers and men, and they averaged, complete, £360,000.
HIGHFLYER CLASS.
(Completed 1900-01.)
HERMES. HYACINTH. HIGHFLYER.
These protected cruisers displace 5,600 tons. They have a speed of 20
knots, and are armed with eleven 6-in., several smaller quick-firing
guns, and two torpedo tubes. The coal capacity is 1,100 tons. They carry
a complement of 456 officers and men, and each ship cost, complete, over
£280,000.
PELORUS CLASS.
(Completed 1897-1901.)
PROSERPINE. PELORUS. PEGASUS. PYRAMUS. PANDORA. PERSEUS. PROMETHEUS.
PSYCHE. PIONEER.
The displacement of this class is about 2,200 tons, speed 20 knots, and
the armament consists of eight 4-in. and some smaller quick-firing guns,
with two torpedo tubes mounted on deck. The coal capacity is 520 tons.
They have a complement of 234 officers and men, and each vessel cost
complete, about £150,000.
ARROGANT CLASS.
(Completed 1898-99.)
FURIOUS. VINDICTIVE.
Protected cruisers of 5,750 tons and 19 knots speed, armed with ten
6-in. and some smaller quick-firing guns, and two torpedo tubes. Coal
capacity is 1,175 tons. The complement consists of 429 officers and men.
Each cost complete, over £280,000.
TALBOT CLASS.
(Completed 1897-98.)
ECLIPSE. MINERVA. TALBOT. DIANA. DORIS. JUNO. VENUS. ISIS. DIDO.
These vessels are protected cruisers of 5,600 tons, with a speed of 19½
knots. They are armed with eleven 6-in. and some smaller guns, and have
two torpedo tubes. The coal capacity is 1,050 tons, and the complement
416 officers and men. Each cost complete about £275,000.
ASTRÆA CLASS.
(Completed 1894-95.)
ASTRÆA. CAMBRIAN. CHARYBDIS. FLORA. FOX. HERMIONE.
The displacement of these cruisers is 4,360 tons. They have a speed of
19½ knots, and are armed with two 6-in., eight 4·7-in., and some smaller
guns. The coal capacity is 1,000 tons. A complement of 312 officers and
men is carried. They averaged complete about £225,000.
SAPPHO CLASS.
(Completed 1893.)
SAPPHO.
A light cruiser of 1,400 tons displacement, with a speed of 19½ knots.
She is armed with two 6-in., eight 4·7-in., and some smaller guns, and
has four torpedo tubes. The coal supply is 1,000 tons. Her complement is
273 officers and men. She cost complete £176,000.
ÆOLUS CLASS.
(Completed 1892-93.)
ÆOLUS. RAINBOW (Canadian Navy). SIRIUS. MELPOMENE. BRILLIANT.
These light cruisers displace 3,600 tons, and have a speed of 20 knots.
They are armed with two 6-in., six 4·7-in., and some smaller guns,
besides four torpedo tubes. The coal capacity is 535 tons. The
complement is 273 officers and men.
PEARL CLASS.
(Completed 1892.)
PHILOMEL.
A light cruiser of 2,575 tons, with a speed of 19 knots. Armament: Eight
4·7-in., and thirteen smaller guns. Two torpedo tubes. Coal capacity 440
tons. The complement is 217 officers and men, and the ship cost complete
about £164,000. She is the only vessel of the Pearl Class remaining on
the active list.
MEDEA CLASS.
(Completed 1889.)
MEDEA.
This is the oldest light cruiser on the active list. She displaces 2,800
tons, has a speed of 19 knots, and is armed with six 4·7-in., and
fourteen smaller guns, besides four torpedo tubes. The coal capacity is
400 tons. The complement is about 200 officers and men.
DESTROYERS.
“L” CLASS.
(Completed 1914.)
LLEWELLYN. LENNOX. LOYAL. LEGION. LAFOREY. LAWFORD. LOUIS. LYDIARD.
LEONIDAS. LUCIFER. LAERTES. LYSANDER. LANCE. LOOKOUT. LAUREL. LIBERTY.
LARK. LANDRAIL. LAVEROCK. LINNET.
These are among the very latest destroyers. They were launched in 1913,
and have a displacement of 965 tons. The designed speed is 29 knots,
which was exceeded on trial. They consume oil fuel only. The armament
consists of three 4-in. guns and four torpedo tubes, and they carry 100
officers and men.
“K” CLASS.
(Completed 1913.)
ACASTA. ACHATES. AMBUSCADE. ARDENT. FORTUNE. CHRISTOPHER. COCKATRICE.
CONTEST. GARLAND. PARAGON. PORPOISE. UNITY. VICTOR. LYNX. MIDGE. OWL.
SHARK. SPARROWHAWK. SPITFIRE. HARDY.
These destroyers were built under the 1911 programme. The displacement
is 935 tons, and they can steam at more than 30 knots. The armament is
three 4-in. guns and two torpedo tubes. Oil fuel only is consumed. The
complement is 100 officers and men.
“I” CLASS.
(Completed 1911-12.)
LURCHER. FIREDRAKE. OAK. BADGER. BEAVER. ACHERON. ARIEL. ARCHER. ATTACK.
GOSHAWK. HIND. FORESTER. HORNET. HYDRA. DEFENDER. DRUID. JACKAL.
TIGRESS. LAPWING. LIZARD. SANDFLY. PHŒNIX. FERRET.
Ocean-going destroyers of about 700 tons, with a speed of more than 30
knots. The armament consists of two 4-in. and two 12-pounder guns, with
two torpedo tubes. Oil only is consumed. The complement is seventy-two
officers and men. These boats were built under the 1910 programme.
“H” CLASS.
(Completed 1910-11.)
ACORN. ALARM. BRISK. CAMELEON. COMET. FURY. GOLDFINCH. HOPE. LARNE.
LYRA. MARTIN. MINSTREL. NEMESIS. NEREIDE. NYMPHE. REDPOLE. RIFLEMAN.
RUBY. SHELDRAKE. STAUNCH.
These destroyers were built under the 1909 programme. Their displacement
is 760 tons, the designed speed 27 knots. The armament is two 4-in. and
two 12-pounder guns, with two torpedo tubes. Oil only is consumed. The
complement is 76 officers and men.
“G” CLASS.
(Completed 1910.)
BASILISK. BEAGLE. BULLDOG. FOXHOUND. GRASSHOPPER. HARPY. MOSQUITO.
GRAMPUS. PINCHER. RACOON. RATTLESNAKE. RENARD. SAVAGE. SCORPION.
SCOURGE. WOLVERINE.
These destroyers, which were built under the 1908 programme, have a
displacement of 976 tons and a speed of 27 knots. They are armed with
one 4-in. and three 12-pounder guns, and two torpedo tubes. The
complement is 96 officers and men.
“F” CLASS.
(Completed 1908-9.)
AFRIDI. COSSACK. GHURKA. MOHAWK. TARTAR.
These are ocean-going destroyers, displacing about 880 tons, with a
speed of more than 33 knots. They are armed with five 12-pounder guns
and two torpedo tubes. Oil only is consumed in the furnaces. Complement,
60 officers and men.
“F” CLASS.
(Continued.)
SARACEN. AMAZON. NUBIAN.
These destroyers are of 975 tons displacement, and have a speed of more
than 33 knots. The armament is two 4-in. guns and two torpedo tubes. Oil
only is consumed. The complement is 67 officers and men.
“F” CLASS.
(Continued.)
CRUSADER. MAORI. ZULU.
Ocean-going destroyers of more than 1,000 tons displacement, with a
speed of nearly 34 knots. They burn oil fuel only. Armed with two 4-in.
guns and two torpedo tubes. Complement, 71 officers and men.
“F” CLASS.
(Continued.)
VIKING.
An ocean-going destroyer of 1,090 tons and a speed of 34 knots. She is
armed with two 4-in. guns and two torpedo tubes. Oil only is burned. The
complement is 71 officers and men.
SWIFT.
(Completed 1908.)
This is the largest destroyer in the British Navy, and also the fastest.
She displaces 2,170 tons, and is designed for a speed of 36 knots, but
is said to have done as much as 39 knots in service. The armament is
four 4-in. guns and two torpedo tubes. She is officially classed as a
flotilla leader.
“E” CLASS.
(Completed 1902-5.)
ARUN. BOYNE. CHELMER. CHERWELL. COLNE. DEE. DERWENT. DOON. EDEN. ERNE.
ETTRICK. EXE. FOYLE. GARRY. ITCHEN. JED. KALE. KENNET. LIFFEY. MOY.
NESS. NITH. OUSE. RIBBLE. ROTHER. STOUR. SWALE. TEST. TEVIOT. URE. USK.
WAVENEY. WEAR. WELLAND.
These destroyers comprise the “River” class. They displace about 550
tons, have a speed of 25½ knots, and are armed with four 12-pounder guns
and two torpedo tubes. The complement is 72 officers and men.
[Illustration]
_H.M.S. Indefatigable._
_Photo: Cribb, Southsea._
=INDEFATIGABLE CLASS.=
INDEFATIGABLE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND.
Displacement: 18,750 tons.
Speed: 28 knots; Guns: 8 12in., 16 4in.; Torpedo tubes: 3.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
6 12in. 8 12in. 6 12in.
“D” CLASS.
(Completed 1897-1900.)
ANGLER. COQUETTE. CYGNET. CYNTHIA. DESPERATE. FAME. MALLARD. STAG.
These boats represent the older type of destroyers. They displace more
than 300 tons, have a speed of 30 knots, and are armed with one
12-pounder, five smaller guns, and two torpedo tubes. The complement is
60 officers and men.
“C” CLASS.
(Completed 1897-98.)
ALBATROSS. AVON. BAT. BITTERN. BRAZEN. BULLFINCH. CHEERFUL. CRANE. DOVE.
ELECTRA. FAIRY. FALCON. FAWN. FLIRT. FLYING FISH. GIPSY. GREYHOUND.
KESTREL. LEOPARD. LEVEN. MERMAID. OSPREY. OSTRICH. RACEHORSE. RECRUIT.
ROEBUCK. STAR. SYLVIA. THORN. VELOX. VIGILANT. VIOLET. VIXEN. VULTURE.
A comparatively old group of destroyers of 30 knots speed. Armed with
one 12-pounder, five smaller guns, and two torpedo tubes. The
complement is about 60 officers and men.
“B” CLASS.
(Completed 1895-1900.)
ALBACORE. ARAB. BONETTA. EARNEST. EXPRESS. GRIFFON. KANGAROO. LIVELY.
LOCUST. MYRMIDON. ORWELL. PANTHER. PETEREL. QUAIL. SEAL. SPITEFUL.
SPRIGHTLY. SUCCESS. SYREN. THRASHER. WOLF.
An early class of destroyer, with a speed of 30 knots. Armament: one 12
pounder, five 6 pounder guns, two torpedo tubes. Complement: about 60
officers and men.
“A” CLASS.
(1894-5.)
CONFLICT. FERVENT. LIGHTNING. OPOSSUM. PORCUPINE. RANGER. SUNFISH.
SURLY. ZEPHYR.
These are our oldest destroyers, having been launched nearly twenty
years ago. The speed is 27 knots. Armament: one 12-pounder, five smaller
guns, two torpedo tubes. Complement, 50 officers and men.
[Illustration]
_H.M.S. Indomitable._
_Photo: Symonds & Co._
=INDOMITABLE CLASS.=
INDOMITABLE, INFLEXIBLE, INVINCIBLE.
Displacement: 17,250 tons.
Speed: 28 knots; Guns: 8 12in., 16 4in.; Torpedo tubes: 3.
[Illustration]
Astern fire: Broadside: Ahead fire:
6 12in. 8 12in. 6 12in.
FLOTILLA LEADERS.
(Completed 1914.)
KEMPENFELT. NIMROD.
These two large destroyers were ordered by the Chilian Government from
Messrs. White & Co., and purchased by the British Admiralty on the
outbreak of war. The displacement is 1,850 tons, speed more than 31
knots, and the armament consists of six 4-in. quick-firers, two Maxims,
and three torpedo tubes. The complement is about 110 officers and men.
SUBMARINES.
“A” CLASS.--These submarines are the oldest in commission. The
displacement is 204 tons, and on the surface they can travel at 12
knots, below water at 9 knots. They are armed with two torpedo tubes.
Complement: 11 officers and men.
“B” CLASS.--These boats displace 314 tons, and have a surface and
submerged speed of 13 and 9 knots respectively. They are armed with two
torpedo tubes. Sixteen officers and men are carried.
“C” CLASS.--This class has a displacement of about 320 tons. Above water
their speed is 14 knots, below it is 10 knots. They are fitted with two
torpedo tubes, and have a crew of 16 officers and men.
“D” CLASS.--These are fairly new boats of about 550 tons displacement.
On the surface the speed is 16 knots, below water it is 10 knots. They
are armed with three torpedo tubes, and are also believed to have a
quick-firing gun. The complement is about 20 officers and men.
“E” CLASS.
The “E” class comprises our latest boats, and no official details of the
class have been published. The displacement, however, is about 800 tons,
and the surface speed 16 knots. There are four torpedo tubes and two
quick-firing guns, the latter being on disappearing mountings. About 25
officers and men are carried.
A.E. 1 and A.E. 2.
(Australian boats.)
These boats are identical with the “E” class.
NAUTILUS. “F” CLASS. SWORDFISH.
These boats, although not officially described, are known to be of
extremely powerful type. They displace nearly 1,000 tons, can travel at
18 or 19 knots on the surface and 12 below, and are armed with six
torpedo tubes and two guns. The complement is about 27 officers and
men.