H.M.S. Traveller (1885)
| H.M.S. Traveller (1885) | |
|---|---|
| Purchased: | 1885[Fact Check] |
| Launched: | 1885[1] |
| : | |
H.M.S. Traveller was a civilian twin-screw tug of uncertain heritage which the Royal Navy acquired through a Vote of Credit around 1885 for conversion into an armed tug/special service vessel for use in the Mediterranean.[2] Her date of launch and her fate are not known.
Service
Mention I can find of Traveller's employment seem to be centred on accompanying torpedo gunboats, which were notoriously unreliable in their machinery, on Annual Manoeuvres, to be on hand in the event of a breakdown.
Her conversion seems to have taken years, as it was not before January 1889 that she underwent her trials, where great friction in piston caused a near-fatal accident when a fitter had his neck caught as in a vice when he attempted to inspect the engine and wave action caused the engine to cycle. He was nearly decapitated as a result, and the vessel returned so that he could be sent to Haslar Hospital.[3]
She was mobilised on 18 June 1889 to participate in the Annual Manoeuvres of 1889. She also participated in those of 1890, 1892 and 1893.
Armament
The initial concept would be that she would carry about six guns, the cost for strengthening her hull to accommodate the weaponry was thought to run to £8,000. It is not clear whether her outfit matched this plan in the end.[4]
Captains
Dates of appointment are provided when known.
- Lieutenant & Commander George Drury, 23 July, 1889[5]
- Lieutenant & Commander Gustavus H. Yonge, c. mid July, 1890[6]
- Lieutenant & Commander Richard A. Cathie, 1 October, 1891[7] – 1893[Fact Check]
- Gunner in Command William T. Ahearn, 27 November, 1905[8]
See Also
Footnotes
- ↑ This year may be incorrect.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Aug 26, 1885; pg. 10; Issue 31535.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Tuesday, Jan 15, 1889; pg. 7; Issue 32596.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Aug 26, 1885; pg. 10; Issue 31535.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Jul 24, 1889; pg. 12; Issue 32759.
- ↑ "Naval Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Saturday, Jul 19, 1890; pg. 12; Issue 33068.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Sep 30, 1891; pg. 4; Issue 33443.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Monday, Nov 27, 1905; pg. 10; Issue 37875.
Bibliography
