In conclusion, it should be stated that a dark night and tempestuous
weather are in favour of the attacking torpedo vessels; and these
conditions are especially advantageous when attacking large, long,
unwieldy vessels, and the greater the number of them together, the
more easily can they be disabled or destroyed, by reason of consequent
confusion. Though the sea torpedo can be used in the light of day, or
darkness of night, by vessels of the present navies, armed with cannon,
it is nevertheless earnestly advised that fast vessels be built of
comparatively small size and cost, adapted to the service of and armed
with torpedoes, by reason that such vessels can keep at sea for long
periods without replenishing supplies of coals and provisions; and
in conflict upon the ocean, can easily destroy or render unseaworthy
vessels, how large soever they may be, and armed with any cannon and
projectiles at present known. Hence the necessity of being prepared
with vessels suited to the change in naval warfare, and with officers
well practised in an arm which, sooner or later, will be adopted by
all Maritime States, by reason of its economy and efficiency. In the
tactics, here attempted to be rendered intelligible, it is presumed that
the various modes of attack are by small handy vessels adapted to the
service, and armed with torpedoes, against large unwieldy vessels, armed
with cannon. When it shall have been clearly demonstrated, in actual war,
that large vessels can be disabled or destroyed by small vessels, with
something like impunity, torpedo warfare will then take another form,
that of torpedo vessels against torpedo vessels, whose tactics will, in
due time, be a subject for another study.
FREDERICK HARVEY,
_Commander R.N._
THE SUBJOINED IS A REMARK UPON THE DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL ADAPTED TO THE
SERVICE OF THE SEA TORPEDO.
Vessels adapted to the service of the sea torpedo should be about 400
tons burthen; her extreme length, over all, from taffrail to figure-head,
about 150 feet. The form of body to be such as to attain the greatest
practicable speed.
Speed being the essential condition of a torpedo vessel, a perfectly
flush upper or weather deck, without any bulwarks, is advisable; instead
of bulwarks, life-lines, supported by stanchions, supply their place
to prevent accidents of falling overboard. Thus fitted, there would be
nothing to hold wind that could retard speed, as there is in vessels of
ordinary build. So covered in, the vessel would not, under any condition
of weather, ship water; she would not, from such cause, be in any danger
of foundering.
The height of the weather-deck above the water-line at midships, 9 feet;
the height of the main deck above the water-line, 18 inches; leaving
a clear height between decks of 6 feet 6 inches. There should be two
water-tight bulkheads, one about 50 feet from the stem, and the other
about 20 feet from the stern-post; the two water-tight bulkheads come
up to the under side of the main deck, with which the bulkhead form
perfectly water-tight compartments. In the fore compartment, empty
water-tight cases would occupy the lower part, over which would be stowed
the cork buoys and some light resisting material, rendered uninflammable,
so that in the event of the fore body being ripped open below the
water-line, there would be no space for the admission of water; the
trim of the vessel would therefore be preserved. The after compartment
would be similarly stowed. There would be a capacious engine-room to
allow of powerful engines to work twin screws; there would also be
capacious coal-bunkers and a coal-hold before the engine-room; and
before the coal-hold a small hold for the stowage of cables and various
articles. There would also be a pilot-house, in which would be protected
the officer in command, who would be so placed as to have his orders
immediately obeyed. The torpedo-room, to contain about one hundred
torpedoes of various destructive powers, the weight of which may be
about 10 tons, would be in the after body, and as low down as may be
convenient. Upon the orlop deck, which covers the magazine, would be the
towing gear, and machinery for working such gear. On the orlop deck would
also be a steering wheel, by which the vessel would be steered when in
action. The space between the decks of the entire length of the vessel
would afford ample accommodation for officers and crew, embracing, also,
stowage for provisions and means of cooking. Ventilation and light would
be obtained by hatchways, fitted with skylights; and there would also be
side scuttles, which, from their height above water, would admit of their
being generally open. The rig would be that of a three-masted schooner,
having fore, main, and mizen gaffsails, with a fore staysail and two
jibs, inner and outer. When going into action, the sails would be lowered
and stowed; the vessel would then be entirely under steam. To each mast
there would be a yard of suitable dimensions, for the double purpose of
towing the torpedoes and setting flying square sails. The rigging would
not be rattled; the ascent to the masthead would be by a Jacob’s ladder
before the mast; there would be a small top to each masthead, principally
for the use of the look-out men. The crew would be stationed upon the
orlop deck, each man being provided with a life-belt. With regard to
boats, there may be a small stern boat, and two larger boats, stowed on
deck; and upon going into action, gripes or lashings should be cast off
so that the boats would instantly be disengaged from the vessel.
Torpedo vessels for foreign service should, under the present
difficulties of keeping iron from oxidizing and fouling, be built
of timber. For home service, vessels constructed of iron would be
preferable, and with very reduced masts, to enable them to pass under the
yards of a vessel. One or two light guns, to bring-to an unarmed vessel,
and for signal purposes, on the weather-deck, and fired over all.
[Illustration: Plate 3.
Kell Bros. Lith. London.
AN IRON CLAD FLEET SURPRISED AT SEA BY A SQUADRON OF TORPEDO CRAFT ARMED
WITH HARVEY’S SEA TORPEDOES.]
LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING
CROSS.