The Project Gutenberg eBook of Navies of the world
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Title: Navies of the world
Author: Edward W. Very
Release date: September 12, 2024 [eBook #74406]
Language: English
Original publication: New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1880
Credits: deaurider and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAVIES OF THE WORLD ***
Transcriber’s Notes:
Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_
in the original text.
Equal signs “=” before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold=
in the original text.
Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals.
Illustrations have been moved so they do not break up paragraphs.
Old or antiquated spellings have been preserved.
Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.
NAVIES of THE WORLD;
GIVING CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE
PLANS, ARMAMENT AND ARMOR
OF THE
NAVAL VESSELS
OF
TWENTY OF THE PRINCIPAL NATIONS.
TOGETHER WITH THE
_LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN ORDNANCE,
TORPEDOES, AND NAVAL ARCHITECTURE_,
AND A CONCISE SUMMARY OF THE
PRINCIPAL NAVAL BATTLES OF THE LAST TWENTY YEARS,
1860-1880.
BY
LIEUT. EDWARD W. VERY, U.S.N.
NEW YORK:
JOHN WILEY & SONS,
15 ASTOR PLACE.
1880.
COPYRIGHTED, 1880, BY
JOHN WILEY & SON.
PREFACE
During the past twenty years the changes in the “matériel” of which
fleets are composed have been so rapid and universal that it has been
impossible at any time to form a true estimate of the strength of the
navy of any maritime power that would be of any value beyond a very
limited time. With displacements advancing from 5000 to 13,000 tons;
weight and power of ordnance developing beyond the most exaggerated
conceptions of twenty years ago; torpedo warfare springing into
existence and developing as a new and special arm; modifications in
engines and boilers by which speed has been developed from 12 to 18
knots, and steaming capacity from 2500 to 6000 miles; the revolution
of naval tactics, and the entire change in the conditions of naval
warfare brought about by the development of armor defence and the ram
attack,—it is only through paying the closest attention and under
exceptionally favorable circumstances that naval officers have been
able to comprehend the magnitude of the general result.
It is only within the past two years that the craze for naval
development has subsided to a slow and steady advance, and the present
time has been seized upon as one favorable for measuring the actual
strength and resources of the navies of the world.
In preparing this work the author has simply aimed at representing in
as detailed a manner as possible all the elements which go to make up
the active naval strength, leaving to those who in their search for
information may have recourse to the data herein presented to estimate
the values of these elements as they are developed and combined in
different navies, and to judge for themselves of the true value of the
results obtained.
In collecting this data the greatest care has been taken to only
give such as is entirely authentic. For the most part it has come
from official sources, and, wherever it has been necessary to make
comparisons or to give opinions, the writer has in no case given his
own independent ideas on the subject. The principal authorities,
aside from official records, whose works have been consulted are:
Reed, White, Dislere, Marchal, and De St. Bon, on Naval Architecture;
Owens, Mayevski, Sebert, Müller, and Cooke, on Ordnance; Schleeman and
Stotherd, on Torpedoes; and Von Billerbeck, on the iron-clads of the
first decade.
EDWARD W. VERY,
_Lieutenant U. S. Navy_.
WASHINGTON, June, 1880.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PART I.—FLEETS 1
Argentine Confederation, Austria, Brazil, Chili, China,
Denmark, England (Armored Fleet, Unarmored Fast
Cruisers), France (Armored Fleet, Unarmored Fast
Cruisers), Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Japan,
Norway and Sweden, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain,
Turkey, United States.
THE PRINCIPAL BATTLES OF TWENTY YEARS—1860-1880.
_Bombardments of Earthworks._—Hatteras Inlet, Hilton
Head, Fort Henry, Roanoke Island, Fort Donelson,
Fort Darling, Fort Hindman, Grand Gulf, Simonoseki,
Kagosima, Fort Wagner, Fort McAllister, Fort Fisher,
Danube Forts, Callao.
_Bombardments of Masonry Forts._—Fort Sumter, Forts
Jackson and St. Philip.
_Passages of Forts._—Forts Jackson and St. Philip,
Vicksburg Earthworks, Port Hudson Earthworks, Fort
Morgan, Vicksburg Earthworks (second time).
_Assaults._—Fort Sumter, Fort Fisher, Korean Forts.
_Deliberate General Actions._—Memphis, Helgoland, Lissa.
_Dashes._—Passages of the Mississippi, Vicksburg,
Charleston.
_Iron-Clads against Wooden Vessels._—Hampton Roads,
Roanoke River, Albemarle Sound, Black Sea, Ylo Bay,
Iquique Harbor.
_Duels._—Monitor and Merrimac; Alabama and Hatteras;
Weehawken and Atlanta; Kearsarge and Alabama; Meteor
and Bouvet; Almirante Cochrane, Blanco Encalada, and
Huascar.
PART II.—NAVAL ORDNANCE 175
_Austria._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Uchatius
Construction.
_Argentine Confederation, Brazil, Chili, China, Denmark_
_England._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Woolwich
Guns, Armstrong Guns. Gun-Carriages. Gunpowder.
Cartridges. Projectiles. Fuses. Primers. Sights.
_Palliser Construction_, _Whitworth Construction_,
_Vavasseur Construction_.
_France._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Guns.
Carriages. Gunpowder Cartridges. Projectiles. Fuses.
Primers. Sights. Accessories.
_Germany._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Guns.
Carriages, Gunpowder Projectiles. Fuses.
_Italy._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Guns.
_Greece, Holland, Japan._
_Sweden and Norway._—Tables of Weight and Measurement.
Guns. _Nordenfelt Machine-Gun_, _Palmcrantz
Machine-Gun_.
_Russia._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Guns.
_Peru, Portugal, Spain, Turkey._
_United States._—Tables of Weight and Measurement. Guns.
Carriages. Gunpowder. Projectiles. Fuses. Sights.
Accessories. _Hotchkiss Machine-Gun_, _Gatling
Machine-Gun_.
_Small-Arms._—Snider, Tabatière, Krnka, Springfield,
Peabody-Martini, Werndl, Mauser, Le Gras (Chassepot),
Berdan, Remington, Hotchkiss Magazine.
Recapitulatory Table of Naval Ordnance. Penetration Tables.
PART III.—TORPEDOES 323
Whitehead, Lay, Harvey, Menzing, French Towing, American
Spar-Torpedo. _Torpedo Vessels_—Pietro Micca,
Ran, Ziethen, Vesuvius, Uzreef, Alarm, Intrepid,
Destroyer, Uhlan. _Torpedo Boats_—Thornycroft,
Yarrow, Herreshoff; Ship’s Boats; Submarine Boats.
Drifting Torpedoes. Defences against Torpedoes.
_Defensive Torpedoes_—Frame Torpedo, Brooks’s
Torpedo, Singer’s Torpedo, Barrel Torpedo. Torpedo
Fuses. Clearing Channels of Torpedoes. Actions with
Torpedoes during twenty years.
PART IV.—ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION 355
Architectural Development of the Unarmored Fleet; Chart
of the Architectural Development. Constructional
Development of the Unarmored Fleet—Wooden
Construction, Diagonal Construction, Composite
Construction, Iron Construction, Iron Sheathed with
Wood. Architectural Development of Armored Vessels.
Ratios of the Principal Elements of Iron-clad Vessels
to their Displacement.
PART V.—PERSONNEL; BUDGETS 397
Argentine Republic, Austria, Brazil, Chili, England,
France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Norway
and Sweden, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United States,
Denmark, Greece, Peru, Portugal. Table of Budgets of
Sixteen Navies, from 1875 to 1880.
PART I.
FLEETS.
ARGENTINE.
ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION IRON-CLADS.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
G = Armor.
H = Backing.
============+===+===+====+=====+===+=====+===+===+===================
| | | | | | | | |
TYPE AND | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | BATTERY.
NAME. | | | | | | | | |
------------+---+---+----+-----+---+-----+---+---+-------------------
Single- |Ft.|Ft.| Ft.|Tons.| |Knots|In.|Ft.|
turreted | | | | | | | | |
Monitors.| | | | | | | | |
El Plata |165| 44|10½ |1,800|750| 12 |5½ |12 |II 9-inch Armstrong
El Andes |165| 44|10½ |1,800|750| 12 |5½ |12 |II 9-inch ”
------------+---+---+----+-----+---+-----+---+---+-------------------
GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
==================+===============+=======
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Guns.
------------------+---------------+-------
| Tons. |
Iron Corvettes. | |
Parana | 800 | 4
Uruguay | 800 | 2
------------------+---------------+-------
Iron Screw | |
Gun-boats. | |
Constitucion | 750 | 1
Republica | 750 | 1
Bermejo | 750 | 1
Pilcomayo | 750 | 1
------------------+---------------+-------
Gun-boats. | |
Almirante Brown | 1,000 | 6
Vigilante | 400 | 1
Resguando | 400 | 1
Coronel Paz | 700 | 3
Pavon | 600 | 2
Gualeguaz | 300 | 1
------------------+---------------+-------
Paddle Gun-boats. | |
Luisita | 120 | 1
Choelechoel | 120 | 1
Gonzalo | 150 | 1
Rio Negro | 220 | 1
------------------+---------------+-------
Torpedo vessels. Thorneycroft.
-----------------------------------------
EL PLATA. EL ANDES.
High-sided ram monitors. Armored belt, casemate, and single turrets.
Ram bow and round stern. Twin screws and half sail-power. (See Buffel,
Dutch.)
PARANA. URUGUAY.
Iron, second-class corvettes, sheathed with wood, carrying two 6½-inch
pivots amidships, two 20-pdrs. in broadside, and a light forecastle
gun. Covered poop and forecastle. Bridge just forward of the main mast.
Single screw, full sail-power.
[Illustration]
CONSTITUCION. REPUBLICA. BERMEJO. PILCOMAYO.
Iron, double-screw, second-class gun-boats, carrying one 12-inch gun
firing through a bow-port. (See Alpha, Chinese.)
AUSTRIA.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Greatest thickness of Armor.
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
TYPE AND | A | B | C | D | E | F
NAME. | | | | | |
| | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
| Ft. | Ft. |Ft. in.| Tons. | | In.
| | | | | |
Redoubt | | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | | |
Tegetthoff | 287 | 71 | 26 7 | 7,300 | Iron | 14½
Custoza | 302 | 58 | 25 10 | 7,060 | ” | 9
Erzherzog | 276 | 54 | 23 3 | 5,940 | ” | 8
Albrecht | | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Casemate | | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | | |
Lissa | 275 | 55 | 28 2 | 6,080 | Wood | 6¼
Kaiser | 264 | 59 | 25 8 | 5,810 | ” | 6¼
Don Juan | 222 | 44 | 22 6 | 3,550 | Iron | 8
Kaiser Max | 222 | 44 | 22 6 | 3,550 | ” | 8
Prinz Eugen | 222 | 44 | 22 6 | 3,550 | ” | 8
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Broadside | | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | | |
Ferdinand Max| 253 | 51 | 24 10 | 5,140 | Wood | 5
Hapsburg | 253 | 51 | 24 10 | 5,140 | ” | 5
Salamander | 197 | 44 | 21 3 | 3,110 | ” | 4¾
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Monitors. | | | | | |
Maros | 160 | 27 | 3 6 | 310 | Iron | 2
Leitha | 160 | 27 | 3 6 | 310 | ” | 2
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Spalato |Experimental single-turreted citadel ship
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
G = Backing.
H = Indicated Horse-power.
I = Maximum Speed.
J = Date of Launch.
---------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+--------------------------
| | | | |
| | | | |
TYPE AND | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
NAME. | | | | |
| | | | |
---------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+--------------------------
| In. | |Knots| Year |
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Redoubt | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | |
Tegetthoff | 10 | 7,200 | 14 | 1878 | VI 11-inch Krupp.
Custoza | 7 | 4,650 | 14 | 1872 | VIII 10-inch ”
Erzherzog | 8 | 4,000 | 13½ | 1872 | VIII 9-inch ”
Albrecht | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Casemate | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | |
Lissa | 28 | 3,700 | 13½ | 1869 | XII 9-inch ”
Kaiser | 29 | 3,130 | 12½ | 1871 | X 9-inch Armstrong.
Don Juan | 8 | 2,900 | 13 | 1875 | VIII 8¼-inch Krupp.
Kaiser Max | 8 | 2,866 | 13¼ | 1875 | VIII 8¼-inch ”
Prinz Eugen | 8 | 2,900 | 13 | 1876 | VIII 8¼-inch ”
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Broadside | | | | |
Frigates. | | | | |
Ferdinand Max| 26 | 2,912 | 12½ | 1865 | XIV 7-inch Armstrong.
Hapsburg | 26 | 3,090 | 12½ | 1865 | XIV 7-inch ”
Salamander | 23½ | 2,060 | 11½ | 1861 | X 7-inch ”
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Monitors. | | | | |
Maros | 8 | 320 | 8½ | 1871 | II 5¾-inch Wahrendorf.
Leitha | 8 | 320 | 8½ | 1871 | II 5¾-inch ”
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Spalato | | II 17-inch Armstrong.
---------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
TEGETTHOFF.
Partial armored belt and long redoubt. Ram bow, straight overhanging
stern. The armored belt encircles the water-line aft and as far forward
as the commencement of the bow-frames, where it ends in an armored
bulkhead, the lower edge being carried forward in a heavy steel deck,
the thickness of the belt being carried out to the bow with cork
filling. The belt rises to the height of the main-deck beams. The
redoubt has an overhang of five feet, being cut back in the wake of the
centre-ports as a protection to the muzzles of the guns. The corners
are cut and hollowed for angular ports, giving bow and beam fire. The
sides are given a rank tumble home forward and abaft the redoubt, to
open the fore-and-aft fire. An armored pilot-house rises well above the
spar-deck rail at the forward end of the redoubt. A heavily armored
athwartship bulkhead crosses the redoubt just abaft the forward guns
as a protection from raking fire. Three-quarter sail-power, barkentine
rig, single screw.
[Illustration: TEGETTHOFF.]
CUSTOZA. ERZHERZOG ALBRECHT.
Armored belt and _double-decked_ casemate; ram bow, round overhanging
stern, single screw, full sail-power. The armored belt encircles the
water-line to the height of the main-deck beams, the casemate rising
sheer to the top of the spar-deck rail. Forward, the side is carried
back from the main-deck up, parallel to the keel, to open bow-fire from
the forward guns. Aft, the side is recessed for the upper deck alone.
Stern-fire is secured from a single unprotected heavy spar-deck rifle
working in three ports for stern and beam fire. The Albrecht has 1200
tons less displacement than the Custoza, with a lighter battery and a
speed one half knot less. The casemate guns each work in two ports for
fore-and-aft and beam fire.
[Illustration: CUSTOZA.]
LISSA. KAISER.
Armored belt, casemate, and spar-deck redoubt. Ram bow, round
overhanging stern, single screw, full sail-power. The belt encircles
the ship to the height of the main-deck beams. There is no fore-and-aft
fire from the casemate, that being secured by an upper-deck redoubt
mounted on the forward end of the casemate and having an overhang of
about five feet. (See Sultan’s spar-deck redoubt.) Mixed construction,
the armored part of the hull being of wood and the unarmored upper
works of iron.
DON JUAN. KAISER MAX. PRINZ EUGEN.
Armored belt and casemate, ram bow, round overhanging stern, single
screw, full sail-power. The belt encircles the water-line to the
height of the main-deck beams, coming down forward in a curve over
the point of the ram. The casemate rises to the spar-deck beams. The
side forward on the main-deck is recessed to open forward fire from
the casemate. No after-fire from the casemate, that being secured by
unprotected light stern-guns. These ships are rebuilt from broadside
iron-clads.
[Illustration: DON JUAN.]
FERDINAND MAX. HAPSBURG. SALAMANDER.
Broadside frigates; ram bow, round stern, single screw, full
sail-power. The armor is complete from below the water-line to the
spar-deck beams, coming down forward in steps, below the point of the
ram, to give a heavy support and a strong junction between the wooden
hull and the armor. Armored pilot-house just abaft the main-mast. There
is a light armored traverse forward, forming the forward part of the
spar-deck rail and protecting a bow-gun working in two large bow-ports
for fore-and-aft and beam fire. The Ferdinand Max is the frigate that
sank the Re d’Italia by ramming at the battle of Lissa.
[Illustration: FERDINAND MAX.]
MAROS. LEITHA.
Single-turreted, light-draft river monitors. The freeboard is 38 inches
amidships and 20 inches forward and abaft, the deck being curved fore
and aft. The turret is revolved by hand, having on top of it an armored
pilot-house. The weakness in the hull armor is made up by sinking the
ship when going into action until only the amidship part is out of
water. The bow and stern ends are completely unarmored.
SPALATO (LATE DRACHE).
Originally a sister-ship to the Salamander; now being rebuilt as a
citadel ship on the general plan of the Inflexible, but to carry one
turret armed with two 17-inch rifles.
AUSTRIAN GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
-----------------------+---------------+------
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Guns.
| Tons. |
-----------------------+---------------+------
Frigates. | |
Radetzky | 3,380 | 15
Laudon | 3,380 | 15
-----------------------+---------------+------
Corvettes. | |
Donau | 2,400 | 11
Saida | 2,400 | 11
Dandolo | 1,690 | 14
Erzherzog Friedrich | 1,540 | 14
Fasana | 1,940 | 4
Helgoland | 1,790 | 5
Zrinyi | 1,320 | 4
Frundsberg | 1,320 | 4
Aurora | 1,320 | 4
-----------------------+---------------+------
Gun-boat. | |
Dalmat | 886 | 4
-----------------------+---------------+------
Screw Gun-boats. | |
Hun | 886 | 4
Zara | 815 | 2
Exp. Gun-boat | 640 | 2
Nautilus | 560 | 2
Albatros | 560 | 2
Kerka | 530 | 2
Narenta | 530 | 2
Sansego | 344 | 2
Möve | 364 | 2
-----------------------+---------------+------
Paddle Gun-boats. | |
Miramar | 1,800 | 2
Elisabeth | 1,540 | 5
Garguano | 1,855 | 2
Triest | 885 | 2
Andreas Hofer | 816 | 3
Taurus | 560 | 3
Triton | 177 | 2
-----------------------+---------------+------
Yachts. | |
Greif | 1,330 | 2
Fantasie | 325 |
-----------------------+---------------+------
Transports. | |
Pola | 895 | 2
Cyclop | 2,115 | 2
-----------------------+---------------+------
Tenders. | |
Grille | 354 | 2
Gemse | 354 | 2
Alnoch | 177 |
Thurn Taxis | 118 |
Gorzkowski | 40 |
-----------------------+---------------+------
School-ships. Guard-ships. Hulks. Store-ships. Thorneycroft
torpedo-boats rigged for Whitehead torpedoes.
BRAZIL.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Backing.
B = Displacement.
C = Construction Material.
------------------+-----------------+-----+-------+-------+------
| Thickness of | | | |
| Armor. | | | |
TYPE AND NAME. +-----------------+ A | B | Mean | C
| Light. | Heavy. | | | Draft.|
------------------+--------+--------+-----+-------+-------+------
| Inches | Inches | Ft. | Tons. | Ft.In.|
Turret Ships.
Sete de Setembro | | | | | 15 4 | Iron
Solimoës | 6 | 12 | 10 | 3,660 | 11 6 | ”
Javari | 6 | 12 | 10 | 3,660 | 11 6 | ”
Lima Barros | 3 | 4.5 | 8 | 1,330 | 13 5 | ”
Silvado | 3 | 4.5 | 9 | 1,130 | 10 6 | ”
Bahia | 2.75 | 4.5 | 11 | 964 | 8 6 | ”
------------------+--------+--------+-----+-------+-------+------
Casemate Ships.
Tamandaré | 2.5 | 4 | 25 | 964 | 7 9 | Wood
Barrozo | 2.5 | 4.5 | 25 | 964 | 8 5 | ”
Cabral | 2.75 | 4.5 | 8 | 1,016 | 11 5 | Iron
Colombo | 2.75 | 4.5 | 8 | 1,016 | 12 1 | ”
Herval | 2.75 | 4.5 | 8.5| 787 | 9 6 | ”
Mariz é Barros | 2.75 | 4.5 | 8.5| 787 | 9 6 | ”
Brazil | 2.75 | 4.5 | 8.5| 1,493 | 12 5 | ”
------------------+--------+--------+-----+-------+-------+------
River Monitors.
Alagoas | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | Wood
Pará | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | ”
Rio Grande | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | ”
Santa Catarina | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | ”
Ceara | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | ”
Pianhy | 2 | 4.5 | 14.5| 334 | 4 11 | ”
------------------+--------+--------+-----+-------+-------+------
D = Maximum Speed.
E = Date of Launch.
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
| | | |
| | | |
Type and Name. | Horse- | D | E | BATTERY.
| power. | | |
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
| | Knots.|Year.|
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Turret Ships.
|Nominal | | |
Sete de Setembro| 300 | |1876 | IV 9¼-inch Whitworth.
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
|Indicated| | |
Solimoës |2,200 | 11 |1875 | IV 10¼-inch ”
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
|Indicated| | |
Javari |1,685 | 11 |1875 | IV 10-¼-inch ”
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
|Nominal | | |
Lima Barros | 300 | 12 |1866 | IV 7-inch ”
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Silvado | 200 | 11 |1866 | IV 5.8-inch ”
Bahia | 140 | 10.5 |1865 | II 7-inch ”
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Casemate Ships.
Tamandaré | 80 | 8.5 |1865 | III 68-pdr. smooth-bore.
| | | | I 5.8-inch ”
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
| | | | III 4.7-inch ”
Barrozo | 130 | 9 |1864 | II 7-inch ”
| | | | II 68-pdr.
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Cabral | 240 | 10.5 |1864 | II 5.8-inch Whitworth.
| | | | IV 68-pdr. smooth-bore.
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Colombo | 240 | 10.5 |1864 |VIII 68-pdr. ”
Herval | 200 | 9 |1865 | IV 7-inch Whitworth.
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Mariz é Barros | 200 | 9 |1865 | II 7-inch ”
| | | | II 68-pdr. smooth-bore.
+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
Brazil | 250 | 11.5 |1865 | IV 7-inch Whitworth.
| | | | IV 68-pdr. smooth-bore.
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
River Monitors. | | | |
Alagoas | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 5.8-inch Whitworth.
Pará | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 5.8-inch ”
Rio Grande | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 5.8-inch ”
Santa Catarina | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 7-inch ”
Ceara | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 7-inch ”
Pianhy | 30 | 7.5 |1864 | I 7-inch ”
------------------+---------+-------+-----+-------------------------
SOLIMÖES. JAVARI.
[Illustration: SOLIMÖES.]
Double-turreted, low-freeboard monitors of the American type. No
overhang. Twin screws. Guns loaded by hydraulic apparatus outside the
turrets. No port stoppers or shutters. Magazines and shell-rooms under
the turrets. Pilot-house just abaft the forward turret. Flying deck
communicating with the lower deck by a musket-proof passage, and armed
with two 9-pdr. Whitworth rifles and two Gatling guns for defence
against torpedo-boats. Armor of decreasing thickness at bow and stern.
Boats stow on the flying deck without davits, being hoisted in and out
by a derrick and the signal-mast. Water-closets and bath-rooms on the
flying deck.
LIMA BARROS. SILVADO. BAHIA.
Double-turreted, high freeboard vessels with a drop rail; three-quarter
sail-power. (See Prinz Hendrik, Dutch.) The Silvado is unseaworthy.
BRAZIL.
[Illustration: BRAZIL.]
Armored belt and casemate; ram bow, round stern. The belt encircles
the water-line to the height of the upper deck. The casemate springs
up sheer from the upper deck with ports in all four faces for
all-around fire. There is no direct communication between the forward
and after parts of the vessel except through the casemate ports. Single
screw, full sail-power.
CABRAL. COLOMBO.
Similar to the Brazil, but smaller. In these vessels the casemate is
divided into two sections by the engine, which projects into it.
TAMANDARE. BARROSO.
Similar to the Brazil, but smaller and having no fore-and-aft fire at
all.
THE SIX RIVER MONITORS.
Single-turreted, light-draft river monitors, the turrets being square
and mounted on turn-tables.
BRAZILIAN WOODEN FLEET.
(Steam.)
-------------------------+--------
|
TYPE AND NAME. | Guns.
|
-------------------------+--------
Screw Frigate. |
Amazonas | 14
-------------------------+--------
Corvettes. |
Nictheroy | 14
Trajano | 3
Vital do Oliveira | 6
Magé | 8
Belmonte | 3
-------------------------+--------
Paddle Corvette |
Paraense | 4
-------------------------+--------
Screw Gun-boats. |
Araguary | 3
Pedro Affonso | 1
Forte de Coimbra | 1
Ypiranga | 2
-------------------------+--------
Paddle-wheel Gun-boats. |
Henrique Diaz | 1
Vidal de Negreiros | 1
Greenhalgh | 2
Taquary | 4
Henrique Martins | 2
Felippe Camarão | 1
-------------------------+--------
Tenders. |
Bonifacio | 2
Braconnot | 1
Apa | 1
Moema | 2
Lamego | 1
Antonio João | 2
Corumba | 2
-------------------------+--------
Paddle-wheel Transports. |
Madeira |
Punes |
Leopoldina |
Werneck |
-------------------------+-------+
CHILI.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Armor.
----------------------+---+---+---+-----+----+-------
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
| | | | | |
----------------------+---+---+---+-----+----+-------
|Ft.|Ft.|Ft.| Tons| |Inches.
Armored Frigates. | | | | | |
Almirante Cochrane |179|46 |20 |3,430|Iron| 9
Blanco Encalada |179|46 |20 |3,430| ” | 9
----------------------+---+---+---+-----+----+-------
Turret Ship. | | | | | |
Huascar |196|35 |15½|1,800| ” | 5½
----------------------+---+---+---+-----+----+-------
G = Backing.
H = Indicated Horse-power.
I = Maximum Speed.
J = Date of Launch.
----------------------+----+-----+-----+----+-----------------------
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
| | | | |
----------------------+----+-----+-----+----+-----------------------
| Ft.| |Knots|Year|
Armored Frigates. | | | | |
Almirante Cochrane | 9¼ |3,000| 13 |1874| VI 9-inch,.
| | | | | II 20-pdr. Armstrong
+----+-----+-----+----+-----------------------
Blanco Encalada | 9¼ |3,000| 13 |1875| VI 9-inch,
| | | | | II 20-pdr. ”
----------------------+----+-----+-----+----+-----------------------
Turret Ship. | | | | |
Huascar | 4½ |1,500| 11 |1864| II 9-inch,
| | | | | III 4½-inch ”
----------------------+----+-----+-----+----+-----------------------
CHILIAN GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
--------------------+---------------+------
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Guns.
--------------------+---------------+------
| Tons. |
| |
Corvettes. | |
O’Higgins | 1,083 | 7
Chacabuco | 1,083 | 7
Magellanes | 760 | 4
--------------------+---------------+------
Paddle Gun-boats. | |
Abtao | 1,034 | 5
Valdivia | 726 | 3
Ancud | 490 | 1
Independencia | 348 | 2
Tolten | 286 | 2
--------------------+---------------+------
Tender. | |
Covadonga | 395 | 2
--------------------+---------------+------
ALMIRANTE COCHRANE. BLANCO ENCALADA.
Armored belt and redoubt, ram bow, round stern, twin screws,
three-quarter sail-power. The armored belt encloses the water-line
to the height of the main-deck beams. The redoubt is crenelated, the
after-part having an overhang of about five feet, thus giving clear
forward fire to the first two pairs of guns. The ship’s side forward
and abaft the redoubt is given a rank tumble home to open the fire.
Clear, flush upper deck.
[Illustration: ALMIRANTE COCHRANE.]
HUASCAR.
[Illustration: HUASCAR.]
Sea-going turret vessel. Swan-breasted ram bow, pointed stern,
single screw, three-quarter sail-power. Armored belt encircling the
water-line to the height of the upper-deck beams. Tripod fore-mast
with the single turret just abaft it. No direct bow-fire on account
of a topgallant forecastle, and no direct stern-fire from the turret
owing to a poop-cabin. Light, unprotected poop-guns secure fire in this
direction. Drop-rail in wake of the turret. Armored pilot-house just
abaft turret. (Captured in 1879 from the Peruvians.)
CHINA.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
----------------+---+---+----+----+---+-----+---------------------
| | | | | | |
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | BATTERY.
| | | | | | |
----------------+---+---+----+----+---+-----+---------------------
2 Frigates. | | | | | | |
13 Light River | | | | | | |
Gun-boats. | | | | | | |
|Ft.|Ft.| Ft.|Tons| |Knots|
River Gun-boats.| | | | | | |
Alpha |118| 27| 9 | 325|300| 9 | I 11-inch Armstrong.
Beta |118| 27| 9 | 325|300| 9 | I 11-inch ”
Gamma |120| 30| 9 | 400|340| 9 | I 12½-inch ”
Delta |120| 30| 9 | 400|340| 9 | I 12½-inch ”
Chin Pei |125| 29|10½ | 440|389| 10 | I 12-inch ”
Chin Shan |125| 29|10½ | 440|389| 10 | I 12-inch Vavasseur.
Fu Shing |125| 29|10½ | 440|389| 10 | I 12-inch ”
Lung Lang |125| 29|10½ | 440|389| 10 | I 12-inch ”
----------------+---+---+----+----+---+-----+---------------------
Torpedo-boats. Transports. Junks. Hulks. Guard- and School-Ships.
RIVER GUN-BOATS.
Iron, twin-screw gun-boats, carrying one heavy gun firing through
a musket-proof bow-port. Hydraulic loading apparatus underneath
the covered forecastle. Magazine and shell-rooms under the gun,
with side-hatches and railways for transporting the ammunition to
the muzzle. Bridge across the after-part of the high musket-proof
rail, with steering-wheel just abaft it and so low as only to permit
the helmsman’s head to come above the rail. After-rail low, with a
musket-proof booby-hatch over the engine-room.
[Illustration: ALPHA.]
DENMARK.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Greatest thickness of Armor.
G = Backing.
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
| | | | | | |
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
| | | | | | |
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
| Ft. | Ft.| Ft. | Tons | | In. | In.
Frigates. | | | | | | |
Danmark | 269 | 49 | 19½ | 4,665 |Iron| 5 | 18
Peder Skram | 225 | 49 | 22 | 3,325 |Wood| 5 | 26
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
Monitors. | | | | | | |
Rolf Krake | 185 | 38 | 10½ | 1,325 |Iron| 4½ | 9
Lindormen | 216 | 39 | 14¾ | 2,050 | ” | 5½ | 9¾
Gorm | 232 | 40 | 15 | 2,310 | ” | 8 | 9¾
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
Casemate Ships.| | | | | | |
Helgoland | 257 | 59 | 19 | 5,350 | ” | 12½ | 10
Odin | 237 | 48 | 16½ | 3,040 | ” | 8 | 10
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
Iron-clad | | | | | | |
Gun-boats. | | | | | | |
Ingolf | 150 | 26 | 13 | 850 | ” | 2½ |
Absalon | 135 | 25 | 12 | 520 | ” | 2½ |
Esbern Snare| 135 | 25 | 12 | 520 | ” | 2½ |
Fylla | 140 | 25½| 12 | 550 | ” | 2½ |
Diana | 140 | 25½| 12 | 550 | ” | 2½ |
---------------+-----+----+-----+-------+----+-----+----
H = Indicated Horse-power.
I = Maximum Speed.
J = Date of Launch.
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
| | | |
Type and Name. | H | I | J | BATTERY.
| | | |
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
| |Knots | Year |
Frigates. | | | |
Danmark | 1,007 | 8.1 | 1864 | XII 8-inch Armstrong.
| | | | XII 36-pdr. smooth-bore.
+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
Peder Skram | 1,680 | 11.7 | 1864 | VIII 8-inch Armstrong.
| | | | VIII 36-pdr. smooth-bore.
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
Monitors. | | | |
Rolf Krake | 750 | 7.8 | 1863 | II 8-inch Armstrong.
Lindormen | 1,560 | 12 | 1868 | II 9-inch ”
Gorm | 1,670 | 12.2 | 1870 | II 10¼-inch ”
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
Casemate Ships.| | | |
| | | | I 12-inch Krupp.
Helgoland | 3,700 | 13 | 1878 | IV 10¼-inch ”
| | | | V 5¾-inch ”
+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
Odin | 2,260 | 12.4 | 1872 | IV 10¼-inch ”
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
Iron-clad | | | |
Gun-boats. | | | |
Ingolf | 700 | 13 | 1867 | III 8-inch Armstrong.
Absalon | 700 | 13 | 1869 | III ” ”
Esbern Snare| 700 | 13 | 1869 | III ” ”
Fylla | 700 | 13 | 1869 | III ” ”
Diana | 700 | 13 | 1869 | III ” ”
---------------+-------+------+-------+--------------------------
DANISH UNARMORED FLEET.
===============+===============+======
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Guns.
---------------+---------------+------
| Tons. |
Frigates. | |
Niels Juel | 2,350 | 26
Själland | 2,350 | 26
Jylland | 2,420 | 26
---------------+---------------+------
Corvettes. | |
Heimdal | 1,175 | 14
Dagmar | 1,176 | 14
St. Thomas | 1,546 | 5
---------------+---------------+------
Gun-boats. | |
Falster | 350 | 1
Möen | 350 | 1
Öresund | 240 | 1
Storebelt | 240 | 1
Lillebelt | 240 | 1
Thure | 145 | 2
Schröedersee | 145 | 2
Willemöes | 145 | 2
Krieger | 145 | 2
Marstrand | 145 | 2
Hauch | 95 | 1
Drogden | 50 | 1
---------------+---------------+------
DANMARK. PEDER SKRAM.
Broadside iron-clad frigates (See Ferdinand Max, Austrian), still
capable of forming part of cruising fleet, but of little use beyond
harbor defence.
ROLF KRAKE.
Monitor gun-boat, having a superstructure forming a covered forecastle
forward and officers quarters aft, the upper line of the superstructure
being carried along by a rail in wake of the turrets, which may be
dropped in action. Her turrets are small, containing one gun each and
capable of being turned by hand or by steam (Coles system). The armored
belt comes to the height of the deck-beams, and the deck is convex,
plated with ¾-inch steel. An armored pilot-house is placed well aft.
She has full sail-power.
[Illustration: ROLF KRAKE.]
LINDORMEN. GORM.
Single-turreted, breastwork, light-draft monitors. (See Buffel, Dutch.)
HELGOLAND.
Casemated iron-clad frigate with complete armored belt. No bow or stern
fire from the casemate, which carries four 10¼-inch Krupp rifles.
Forward on the upper deck is placed a 12-inch Krupp pivot for bow and
beam fire. Her armor at the water-line is 12 inches, diminishing to 6
at the bow and stern. She is provided with apparatus for discharging
Whitehead torpedoes from each beam above water.
ODIN.
Armored belt with elevated casemate. (See Brazil, Brazilian.) The
casemate contains four 10¼-inch Armstrong muzzle-loaders, each of which
fires from two ports. She has no spars except signal-masts.
INGOLF. ABSALON. ESBERN SNARE. FYLLA. DIANA.
Armored gun-boats, having fine lines and an armored belt from two feet
below the water-line to the deck-beams. Three unprotected pivot-guns
working amidships on centre-pivot carriages and firing over the rail.
Full sail-power and hoisting screw.
[Illustration: INGOLF.]
The wooden fleet is of the ordinary type of old-style steam corvettes
and gun-boats.
ENGLAND.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Greatest thickness of Armor.
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
| A | B | C | D | E | F
TYPE AND NAME. | | | | | |
|Ft.in.|Ft.in.|Ft.in.| Tons.| | In.
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Armored Frigates. | | | | | |
Warrior |380 |58 |26 5 | 9,681| Iron | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Black Prince |380 |58 |27 | 9,681| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Achilles |383 |58 |27 4 | 9,681| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Northumberland |400 |59 5 |27 |10,395| ” | 5½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Defence |280 |54 |25 6 | 6,074| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Resistance |280 |54 |26 | 6,074| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Hector |280 |56 5 |25 7 | 6,960| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Valiant |280 |56 5 |26 10 | 6,420| ” | 4½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Lord Warden |280 |58 9 |26 | 7,675| Wood | 7
Repulse |252 |59 |26 2 | 6,190| ” | 5
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Casemate Ships. | | | | | |
Agincourt |400 |59 5 |27 |10,395| Iron | 5½
Minotaur |400 |59 5 |27 |10,395| ” | 5½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Bellerophon |300 |56 |26 | 7,540| ” | 7½
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Swiftsure |280 |55 |26 2 | 6,660| Iron | 9¼
| | | | |sheathed|
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Triumph |280 |55 |26 2 | 6,660| ” | 9¼
+------+------+------+------+--------+-----
Audacious |280 |54 |28 | 6,084| ” | 9¼
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Invincible |280 |54 |23 | 6,034| ” | 9¼
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Iron Duke |280 |54 |23 | 6,034| ” | 9¼
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Hercules |325 |59 |26 5 | 8,700| Iron |11
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Sultan |325 |59 |27 6 | 9,286| ” |10½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Alexandra |325 |63 8 |26 6 | 9,492| ” |13½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Temeraire |285 |62 2 |27 1 | 8,412| ” |12½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Superb |333 |59 |25 | 8,994| ” |13½
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Armored | | | | | |
Water-line. | | | | | |
Shannon |260 |54 |22 6 | 5,108| ” |10½
Nelson |280 |60 |24 2 | 7,323| ” |10½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Northampton |280 |60 |24 2 | 7,323| ” |10½
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Turret Ships for | | | | | |
Coast Defence. | | | | | |
Prince Albert |240 |48 1 |19 8 | 3,900| ” | 5
Scorpion |224 6|42 4 |16 3 | 2,777| ” | 5
Wyvern |224 6|42 4 |15 8 | 2,725| ” | 5
Cyclops |225 |45 |16 5 | 3,430| ” | 9¼
Gorgon |225 |45 |16 5 | 3,430| ” | 9¼
Hecate |225 |45 |16 5 | 3,430| ” | 9¼
Hydra |225 |45 |16 5 | 3,430| ” | 9¼
Glatton |245 |54 |19 | 4,912| ” |13½
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Sea-going | | | | | |
Turret Ships. | | | | | |
Monarch |320 |57 6 |26 | 8,322| ” | 8½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Devastation |285 |62 3 |26 3 | 9,157| ” |13½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Thunderer |285 |62 3 |26 3 | 9,157| ” |13½
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Neptune |300 |63 |25 2 | 8,900| Iron |13½
| | | | |sheathed|
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Dreadnought |320 |63 10 |27 |10,886| Iron |15⅜
Ajax |260 |66 |24 | 8,492| ” |19½
Agamemnon |260 |66 |24 | 8,492| ” |19½
Inflexible |320 |75 |25 4 |11,500| ” |24
Conqueror | | | | | |
Orion |245 |52 |19 6 | 4,700| ” |13½
Bellisle |245 |52 |19 6 | 4,700| ” |13½
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Armored | | | | | |
Corvettes. | | | | | |
Pallas |225 |50 |24 3 | 3,797| Wood | 5
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Penelope |260 |50 |17 4 | 4,394| Iron | 6
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Research |195 |38 6 |15 5 | 1,780| Wood | 5
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Rams. | | | | | |
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Hotspur |235 |50 |20 8 | 4,012| Iron | 12
+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Rupert |250 |53 |23 6 | 5,358| ” | 9⅞
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Gun-boats. | | | | | |
Viper |160 |32 |11 7½| 1,220| ” | 5
Vixen |160 |32 |11 7½| 1,220| ” | 5
Waterwitch |162 |32 1 |11 9 | 1,279| ” | 5
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Colonial | | | | | |
Turret Ships. | | | | | |
Abyssinia |225 |42 |14 | 2,901| ” | 7
Magdala |225 |45 |14 8 | 3,344| ” | 8
Cerberus |225 |45 |14 8 | 3,344| ” | 8
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
Floating | | | | | |
Battery. | | | | | |
Erebus | | | | 1,814| ” | 4½
Ram. | | | | | |
Polyphemus |240 |40 | | 2,660| ” |
------------------+------+------+------+------+--------+----
G = Least thickness of Armor
H = Backing.
I = Indicated Horse-power.
J = Maximum Speed.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----------------------
| G | H | I | J |
TYPE AND NAME. | | | | |BATTERY.
| In. | In. | |Knots|
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----------------------
Armored Frigates. | | | | |
Warrior | 4½ | 18 |5,469| 14.3| VIII 8-inch Woolwich.
| | | | | XXIV 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----------------------
Black Prince | 4½ | 18 |5,772| 13.6| VIII 8-inch ”
| | | | | XX 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Achilles | 3 | 18 |5,722| 14.3| XIV 9-inch ”
| | | | | II 8-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Northumberland | 3 | 9 |6,558| 14.1| VII 9-inch ”
| | | | | XX 8-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Defence | 4½ | 18 |2,437| 11.6| II 8-inch ”
| | | | | XIV 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Resistance | 4½ | 18 |2,428| 11.6| II 8-inch ”
| | | | | XIV 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Hector | 3 | 18 |3,256| 12.5| IV 8-inch ”
| | | | | XIV 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Valiant | 3 | 18 |3,560| 12.5| IV 8-inch ”
| | | | | XIV 7-inch ”
+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Lord Warden | 4 | 31 |6,706| 13.5|XVIII 7-inch ”
Repulse | 4 | 30½|3,347| 12.2| XII 8-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Casemate Ships. | | | | |
Agincourt | 3 | 9 |6,867| 15.4| XVII 9-inch ”
Minotaur | 3 | 9 |6,702| 14.4| XVII 9-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Bellerophon | 5 | 9¾|6,521| 14.1| X 9-inch ”
| | | | | V 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Swiftsure | 4 | 9¾|4,913| 13.5| X 9-inch ”
| | | | | IV 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Triumph | 4 | 9¾|4,892| 13.5| X 9-inch ”
| | | | | IV 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Audacious | 4 | 9¾|4,021| 12.8| X 9-inch ”
| | | | | IV 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Invincible | 4 | 9¾ |4,832| 14 | X 9-inch. ”
| | | | | IV 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Iron Duke | 4 | 9¾ |4,268| 13.6| X 9-inch ”
| | | | | IV 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Hercules | 6 | 9¾ |7,200| 13.2| VIII 10-inch ”
| | | | | II 9-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Sultan | 6 | 9¾ |8,629| 14.1| IV 7-inch ”
| | | | | VIII 10-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Alexandra | 6 | 9¾ |8,615| 15 | II 12-inch ”
| | | | | X 10-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Temeraire | 7 | 9¾ |7,700| 14.6| IV 12-inch ”
| | | | | IV 10-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Superb | 7 | 11.8|7,430| 13.8| XII 10-inch ”
| | | | | IV 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Armored | | | | |
Water-line. | | | | |
Shannon | 6 | 9¾ |3,370| 12.6| II 10-inch ”
| | | | | VII 9-inch ”
Nelson | 6 | 9¾ |6,000| 14 | IV 10-inch ”
| | | | | VIII 9-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Northampton | 6 | 9¾ |6,000| 14 | IV 10-inch ”
| | | | | VIII 9-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Turret Ships for | | | | |
Coast Defence. | | | | |
Prince Albert | 4½ | 18 |2,128| 11.6| IV 9-inch ”
Scorpion | 4½ | 9 |1,450| 10.2| IV 9-inch ”
Wyvern | 4½ | 9 |1,450| 10.2| IV 9-inch ”
Cyclops | 5 | 9¾ |1,660| 11 | IV 10-inch ”
Gorgon | 5 | 9¾ |1,669| 11 | IV 10-inch ”
Hecate | 5 | 9¾ |1,755| 11 | IV 10-inch ”
Hydra | 5 | 9¾ |1,472| 11 | IV 10-inch ”
Glatton | 9 | 18 |2,868| 12.1| II 12-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Sea-going | | | | |
Turret Ships. | | | | |
| | | | | IV 12-inch ”
Monarch | 5 | 11¾ |7,842| 14.9| II 9-inch ”
| | | | | I 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Devastation | 8½ | 18 |6,652| 13.8| IV 12-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Thunderer | 8½ | 18 |6,270| 13.4| II 12½ inch ”
| | | | | II 12-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Neptune | 7 | 9¾ |9,100| 14.6| IV 12½-inch ”
| | | | | II 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Dreadnought | 7 | 18 |8,000| 14 | IV 12½-inch ”
Ajax | 11 | 18 |6,000| 13 | IV 12½-inch ”
Agamemnon | 11 | 18 |6,000| 13 | IV 12½-inch ”
Inflexible | 18 | 18 |8,000| 14 | IV 16-inch ”
Conqueror | | | | | IV 17 inch Armstrong.
Orion | 6 | 9¾ |3,900| 13 | IV 12-inch ”
Bellisle | 6 | 9¾ |3,955| 13 | IV 12-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Armored | | | | |
Corvettes. | | | | |
| | | | | IV 8-inch ”
Pallas | 3 | 22 |3,581| 13.4| II 64-pdr. ”
| | | | | II 40-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Penelope | 3 | 9¾ |4,703| 12.8| III 40-pdr. ”
| | | | | VIII 8-inch Woolwich.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Research | 3 | 19¾ |1,042| 10.3| IV 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Rams. | | | | |
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Hotspur | 6 | 11⅞ |3,497| 12.6| I 12-inch ”
| | | | | II 64-pdr. ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Rupert | 6 | 11⅞ |4,635| 12.4| II 64-pdr. ”
| | | | | II 10-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Gun-boats. | | | | |
Viper | 3 | 6 | 696| 9 | IV 7-inch ”
Vixen | 3 | 6 | 740| 9 | IV 7-inch ”
Waterwitch | 3 | 6 | 777| 9.2| IV 7-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Colonial | | | | |
Turret Ships. | | | | |
Abyssinia | 4½ | |1,200| 9.6| IV 10-inch ”
Magdala | 5 | 9 |1,400| 9.7| IV 10-inch ”
Cerberus | 5 | 9 |1,400| 9.7| IV 10-inch ”
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
Floating | | | | |
Battery. | | | | |
Erebus | 4⅜ | 24 | 493| 6.0| XVI 64-pdr. ”
Ram. | | | | |
Polyphemus | | |5,500| |
------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------------
WARRIOR. BLACK PRINCE. DEFENCE. RESISTANCE.
Armored broadside frigates. The armor of these ships consists of a
long casemate covering the battery only, and extending from about two
feet below the water-line to the spar-deck beams. The bow and stern
sections are left completely unprotected, the armor forward and aft
ending in athwartship bulkheads. The hull is divided into a number of
very large water-tight compartments. The extreme forward part of the
upper-deck rail is recessed to permit straight-ahead fire from the
forecastle guns. The bows of these ships, although not built especially
for ramming, are made very heavy to permit of this mode of attack with
safety. Full sail-power.
[Illustration: WARRIOR.]
HECTOR. VALIANT.
Armored broadside frigates with swan-breasted ram bows. The armor of
these ships consists of a belt around the main-deck, whilst the boilers
and engines are in a casemate. The water-line forward and abaft is
unprotected. Full sail-power.
[Illustration: VALIANT.]
ACHILLES.
Armored broadside frigate with straight bow strengthened for ramming.
The armor of this ship consists of a water-line belt the height of the
gun-deck beams and a casemate for the battery. Full sail-power. No
bow-fire except from an unprotected forecastle gun. (See Warrior.)
[Illustration: ACHILLES.]
NORTHUMBERLAND. MINOTAUR. AGINCOURT.
Armored broadside frigates, swan-breasted bow for ramming. The armor in
these ships may be called complete, forming a belt rising to the height
of the spar-deck beams fore and aft. Full sail-power (5 masts).
[Illustration: MINOTAUR.]
BELLEROPHON. REPULSE. LORD WARDEN.
[Illustration: LORD WARDEN.]
Armored broadside frigates with ram bows. The armor in these ships is
complete, rising to the height of the spar-deck beams, and in addition
having a casemated forecastle. The Lord Warden and Repulse have wooden
hulls, having been originally laid down for wooden line-of-battle
ships. The Bellerophon carries heavier armor and more effective
backing atthe water-line than any of the foregoing ships. These ships
have full sail-power. The Bellerophon is a good sailer.
PALLAS. RESEARCH.
Armored belt and redoubt, the side being cut back just forward and
abaft the redoubt to permit the broadside guns to fire well forward and
aft through adjacent ports. These ships have wooden hulls, having been
originally laid down for wooden frigates. The Pallas is a remarkably
fine sailing ship.[1]
[Illustration: PALLAS.]
[1] The Pallas and Research were sold out of service in 1880.
HERCULES. SUPERB. PENELOPE.
Armored belt and long armored redoubt, the sides being cut back for
bow-fire. The Hercules has armored breastworks at the bow and stern on
the battery-deck for heavy bow and stern-guns. The Superb is the late
Memdouhieh (Turkish).
[Illustration: HERCULES.]
SULTAN.
Armored belt and long armored redoubt. The side forward of the redoubt
is cut back for forward fire, but instead of the forward and after
breastworks of the Hercules, an upper redoubt is built at the after-end
of the main one, projecting clear of the side, and from which clear bow
and stern fire is available.
[Illustration: SULTAN.]
SWIFTSURE. TRIUMPH. AUDACIOUS. INVINCIBLE. IRON DUKE.
[Illustration: IRON DUKE.
A—Wound made in the Vanguard by the Iron Duke.]
Armored belt and short casemate, on which is mounted an upper-deck
redoubt. The gun-deck casemate does not permit of bow-fire, as the
lines of the ship are not broken forward or abaft it. The upper redoubt
projects clear of the side over the lower casemate, and has its corners
cut off to permit of angular ports being cut that give fore-and-aft and
beam fire. This redoubt has no athwartship bulkhead. The magazines are
directly under the casemates. The boat-davits are near the amidship
line, so that the boats are kept well inboard. (The Vanguard, sunk by
collision with the Iron Duke, belonged to this type.)
ALEXANDRA.
Armored belt and double-decked casemate, ram bow, and overhanging
stern. The forward part of the belt is carried down in a curve over the
ram. The side forward from the gun-deck beams up is carried well back
parallel to the keel to give fore-and-aft fire. There is no stern-fire
from the main-deck casemate. The after bulkhead rises straight from
the belt to the top of the upper casemate. This casemate is, however,
shorter than the lower one, and its forward bulkhead being carried down
separates the main-deck casemate into two chambers, forming a double
protection for the after-guns. The corners of both casemates are cut
off for angular ports to give fore-and-aft and beam fire. The hull is
divided longitudinally by an armored bulkhead rising to the height
of the main-deck beams, one set of engines and boilers being in each
compartment. Twin screws and full sail-power.
[Illustration: ALEXANDRA.]
TEMERAIRE.
Armored belt, redoubt, and two barbette turrets. Ram bow. The armored
belt is carried down in a curve over the ram. No stern-fire from the
casemate, the forward corners being cut for angular ports, and the
side forward being carried back for bow-fire. The casemate is cut in
two chambers similar to the main-deck casemate of the Alexandra. The
barbette turrets forward and abaft the casemate are oval in shape,
and the guns are mounted on Moncrieff carriages. The armor of the
body of the turrets does not come below the spar-deck beams, but an
armored shaft is carried down to the level of the belt, through which
ammunition is passed and communication given. The hull is divided
longitudinally by an armored bulkhead similar to the Alexandra. Twin
screws and auxiliary sail-power. (Brig rigged.)
[Illustration: TEMERAIRE.]
SHANNON.
[Illustration: SHANNON.]
Partial armored belt and partial spar-deck breastwork. The belt is
carried around the stern as a protection to the steering-gear, but ends
just abaft the fore-mast in an armored bulkhead, which rises sheer to
the height of the spar-deck rail. From the foot of this bulkhead an
iron deck is carried forward to the stem, ending as a support to the
ram. A breastwork on the spar-deck forward forms a protection for the
bow-guns, the topgallant forecastle being carried to its after-edge.
The corners of the breastwork are cut for angular ports, and the rail
forward is carried back parallel to the keel. The rail aft is recessed
and cut back for after angular ports, but the guns are not protected
by armor. An armored conning tower is placed at the forward part of
the breastwork. A single gun is used aft, working on a turn-table for
shifting from one port to the other.
NELSON. NORTHAMPTON.
Partial armored belt and partial forward and after spar-deck
breastworks. The armored belt extends for three fifths of the length
of the ship amidships, ending in armored athwartship bulkheads,
which rise to the height of the spar-deck beams. A heavy iron deck
prolongs the lower edge of the belt to the bow and stern, protecting
the steering-gear aft and forming a support for the ram forward. The
guns are all carried on a covered deck, giving a flush spar-deck. The
breastworks on the main-deck at the bulkheads form a side protection
for the forward and after guns, the corners being cut for angular ports
and the side recessed for fore-and-aft fire. These ships have twin
screws and an armored longitudinal bulkhead similar to the Alexandra.
[Illustration: NELSON.]
MONARCH. NEPTUNE.
Armored belt and revolving Coles turrets on the spar-deck. The belt
rises to the height of the main-deck beams, and amidships is carried
up to the spar-deck beams to cover the lower part of the turrets and
machinery. An armored bulkhead rises well forward, forming on the
spar-deck a forecastle breastwork for the bow-guns. The spar-deck rail
in wake of the turrets may be dropped to open their fire. The Neptune
has no protected stern-fire. The belt of the Monarch is carried up aft
to the height of the spar-deck beams, forming a breastwork for the
stern-guns. (See Hercules.) The Neptune is the late Independenzia.
[Illustration: MONARCH.]
INFLEXIBLE. AJAX. AGAMEMNON. CONQUEROR.
[Illustration: INFLEXIBLE.]
Casemated, double-turreted, mastless, sea-going iron-clads. Ram bows.
The armored casemate is rectangular and encloses the middle third of
the vessel. The lower edge of the casemate is prolonged fore and aft
in a heavy iron deck, which forward curves down below the point of the
ram. Short unarmored forecastle and poop structures, carried along
in line with the keel to the smoke-stacks. The turrets are placed
diagonally to open the full fore-and-aft fire. Forward and abaft the
casemate is a cork belt of the thickness of the armor, to give the
ship floating power in case the unprotected sections are pierced. The
ship is divided in two by a longitudinal bulkhead. Twin screws.
DREADNOUGHT. ORION. BELLEISLE.
Armored belt and breastwork, sea-going monitors. The armor is complete
fore and aft, and is carried down in a curve forward below the point
of the ram. Throughout the middle third a casemate rises to protect
the bottom of the turrets and give them a good elevation above the
water-line. Forward and abaft this casemate, and in line with it,
an unarmored superstructure is carried, stopping short of the bow
and stern. This forms roomy quarters and gives the ship an increased
freeboard and stability. The turrets are amidships and in line with
the keel. Between them is a musket-proof superstructure, expanding
into a flying deck having at its forward end an armored pilot-house.
Longitudinal armored bulkhead, similar to the Alexandra.
[Illustration: DREADNOUGHT.]
DEVASTATION. THUNDERER.
[Illustration: DEVASTATION.]
Armored belt and breastwork, double-turreted, sea-going monitors.
The armored belt from forward to the forward turret comes only to
the height of the water-line. The breastwork differs from that of
the Dreadnought in not coming out to the side, but the freeboard
necessary is obtained by carrying around it and well forward and aft a
musket-proof superstructure. A musket-proof superstructure also rises
between the turrets, expanding into a flying deck with an armored
pilot-house at its forward end.
GLATTON.
Armored belt and breastwork, single-turreted, coast-defence monitor.
The armored belt rises to the upper-deck level, and is of the same
thickness from stem to counter. It has an overhang beyond the hull of
2½ feet amidships. The breastwork surrounds the turret and smoke-stack
and does not come out to the side. Forward and abaft a narrow
superstructure carries along the line of the breastwork. Abaft the
turret, which is situated well forward, a musket-proof superstructure
rises, expanding into a flying deck, with an armored pilot-house at its
forward extremity.
[Illustration: GLATTON.]
CYCLOPS. GORGON. HECATE. HYDRA. ABYSSINIA. MAGDALA. CERBERUS.
[Illustration: CERBERUS.]
Armored belt and breastwork, double-turreted, coast-defence monitors.
The breastwork occupying somewhat more than the middle third of these
vessels surrounds the turrets and smoke-stack, but does not come out to
the side. Musket-proof passages or tubes and ventilators, together with
an armored pilot-house, extend above a light flying deck. The Cerberus
is stationed permanently at Melbourne, having had a temporary rail and
upper deck built on her for her passage out. The Abyssinia and Magdala
are permanently stationed at Bombay.
HOTSPUR. RUPERT.
Armored rams. The armor-belt completely encircles the hull and is
carried down in a curve forward below the point of the ram. Each vessel
is provided with a breastwork and single turret. That of the Hotspur is
fixed and has four ports, the gun being worked on a turn-table. That
of the Rupert is of the Coles type of revolving turret. The breastwork
surrounds the foot of the turret and the smoke-stack. Both vessels have
a high superstructure from abaft the turret to the stern, rising two
thirds the height of the turret, and each carries a stern-gun, the side
being recessed at each counter for stern-fire. The Hotspur carries an
armored pilot-house on top of her turret; the Rupert has two, one on
each side, abaft the turret in the dead-angle. At present the turret of
the Hotspur is being changed to a revolving one like the Rupert’s.
[Illustration: HOTSPUR.]
PRINCE ALBERT.
Four-turreted monitor. This ship has a wooden hull, having been cut
down from a line-of-battle ship. Her armor-belt encircles her hull and
she has no breastwork; her Coles turrets being protected about their
lower parts by the armored deck. This vessel is only fit for harbor
defence.
SCORPION. WYVERN.
Armored belt, double-turreted iron-clads with full sail-power. These
vessels are high sided, the high rail between the fore and mizzen masts
dropping to unmask the turrets. The armor-belt encircles them. They
have strengthened ram bows, a long, high forecastle extending to the
fore-mast and making a dead-angle for the forward turret, and a high
poop to the mizzen-mast, making a dead-angle for the after turret. The
fore and main masts are tripod masts. These vessels are bark rigged,
with full sail-power, and when their side rails are up they have the
appearance of ordinary corvettes. They were built for the Confederates
during the war of the American Rebellion.
VIPER. VIXEN. WATERWITCH.
Casemated gun-boats. These vessels have rectangular casemates about the
boilers and engines (see Inflexible), the forward bulkhead rising above
the spar-deck level, and being provided with two ports for bow-fire.
They are only intended for bow-fire and end-on attack. The Waterwitch
is a double-ender, having steering-gear at each end, and at present,
instead of steam boilers and engines, she has a hydraulic motor.
POLYPHEMUS.
Armored ram The transverse section of this ship is top-shaped, showing
above water a convex upper deck surmounted by a light musket-proof
superstructure. In addition to her heavy ram, she is provided with
apparatus for firing the Whitehead torpedo, ahead and from each beam.
EREBUS.
Old-type casemated floating battery, completely armored.
[Illustration: WYVERN.]
ENGLISH UNARMORED FLEET.
(NEW CRUISERS.)
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Mean Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
TYPE AND NAME.| A | B | C | D | E
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
| Ft. in.| Ft.in.| Ft.in.|Tons.|
Frigates. | | | | |
Inconstant |333 | 50 1 | 23 7 |5,782| Iron
| | | | |sheathed
+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Shah |334 8 | 52 | 23 |6,040| ”
Raleigh |298 | 49 | 22 |5,200| ”
--------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Corvettes. | | | | |
Boadicea | | 45 | 22 |4,027| ”
Bacchante |280 | 45 | 21 7 |3,932| ”
Euryalus | | 45 | 21 7 |3,982| ”
+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Rover |280 | 43 6 | 20 2 |3,494| ”
Active |270 | 42 | 20 |3,078| ”
Volage |270 | 42 | 20 |3,078| ”
+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
| | | | | Steel
Cleopatra |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| & iron
| | | | |sheathed
+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Constance |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Champion |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Carysfort |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Canada. | | | | |
Comus |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Cordelia.| | | | |
Conquest |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Curaçao |225 | 44 6 | 20 |2,383| ”
Emerald |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,801|Composite
Garnet |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,864| ”
Opal |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,864| ”
Ruby |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,864| ”
Tourmalin |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,864| ”
Turquoise |220 | 40 | 16 3 |1,864| ”
Amethyst |220 | 36 | 16 |1,830| Wood
Diamond |220 | 36 | 16 |1,830| ”
Sapphire |220 | 36 | 16 |1,830| ”
Encounter |220 | 36 | 16 |1,830| ”
Modeste |220 | 36 | 16 |1,830| ”
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+-------------
Sloops. | | | | |
Cormorant |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124|Composite
Doterel |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Dragon |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Gannet |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Kingfisher |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Miranda |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Osprey |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Pelican |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Pegasus |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Penguin |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Phœnix |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Wild Swan |170 | 36 | 14 6 |1,124| ”
Albatross |160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
Daring |160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
Egeria |160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
Fantome |160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
Flying Fish|160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
Sappho |160 | 31 4 | 13 | 894| ”
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+--------
Dispatch | | | | |
Steamers. | | | | |
Iris |300 | 46 | 19 9 |3,735| Steel
Mercury |300 | 46 | 19 9 |3,735| ”
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Torpedo-ship. | | | | |
Vesuvius | 90 | 22 | 8 6 | 260| Iron
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
Torpedo-ram. | | | | |
Polyphemus | | | | | ”
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
1st Class | | | | |
Gun-boats. | | | | |
Myrmidon | | | | 870| Wood
Arab | | | | |Composite
Condor | | | | | ”
Falcon | | | | 700| ”
Flamingo | | | | to | ”
Griffon | | | | 774| ”
Lily | | | | | ”
Bittern | | | | 774| ”
Bullfinch | | | | 774| ”
---------------+--------+-------+-------+-----+---------
F = Indicated Horse-power.
G = Maximum Speed.
H = Date of Launch.
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
TYPE AND NAME.| F | G | H | BATTERY.
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
| |Knots.| Year. |
Frigates. | | | |
Inconstant |7,361| 16.5 | 1868 | X 9-inch Woolwich.
| | | | VI 7-inch ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
| | | | X 8-inch ”
Shah |7,477| 16.4 | 1875 | II 10-inch ”
| | | | VI 64-pdrs. ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
| | | | XIV 7-inch ”
Raleigh |6,158| 15.2 | 1873 | II 8-inch ”
| | | | VI 64-pdrs. ”
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Corvettes. | | | |
Boadicea |5,130| 15.5 | 1875 | XVI 7-inch ”
Bacchante |5,250| 15.3 | 1876 | XVI 7-inch ”
Euryalus |5,250| 15.3 | 1875 | XVI 7-inch ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Rover |4,964| 14.7 | 1875 | II 7-inch ”
| | | | XVI 64-pdrs. ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Active |4,015| 14.8 | 1869 | VI 7-inch ”
| | | | IV 64-pdrs. ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Volage |4,532| 15.1 | 1869 | XVIII 64-pdrs. ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Cleopatra |2,300| 13 |Building|
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Constance |2,300| 13 | ” |
Champion |2,300| 13 | ” |
Carysfort |2,300| 13 | ” | II 7-inch ”
Canada. | | | |
Comus |2,300| 13 | ” |
Cordelia.| | | | XII 64-pdrs. ”
Conquest |2,300| 13 | ” |
Curaçao |2,300| 13 | ” |
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Emerald |2,100| 13 | 1877 |
Garnet |2,100| 13 | 1877 |
Opal |2,100| 13 | 1875 |
Ruby |1,830| 13 | 1876 | XII 64-pdrs. ”
Tourmalin |1,900| 13 | 1876 |
Turquoise |1,990| 13 | 1876 |
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Amethyst |2,127| 13 | 1873 |
Diamond |2,127| 13 | to | XIV 64-pdrs. ”
Sapphire |2,364| 13 | 1874 |
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Encounter |2,177| 13 | 1874 |
Modeste |2,177| 13 | 1874 |
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Sloops. | | | |
Cormorant | 900| 10.5 | 1877 | II 7-inch ”
Doterel | 900| 10.5 | 1877 | IV 64-pdrs. ”
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Dragon |1,000| 10.5 | 1877 |
Gannet |1,000| 10.5 |Building|
+-----+------+--------+
Kingfisher |1,000| 10.5 | |
Miranda |1,000| 10.5 | |
Osprey |1,000| 10.5 | |
Pelican |1,000| 10.5 | 1877 | II 7-inch, IV 64-pdrs.
| | | and |
Pegasus |1,000| 10.5 | 1878 |
Penguin |1,000| 10.5 | |
Phœnix | 760| 10.5 | |
Wild Swan | 800| 10.5 | |
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Albatross | | 11 | |
| 840 | | 1875 |
Daring | to | 11 | and +------------------------
|1,000| | 1876 | II 7-inch, II 64-pdrs.
Egeria | | 11 | |
+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Fantome | | 11 | |
| 840 | | 1875 |
Flying Fish| to | 11 | and | II 7-inch, II 64-pdrs.
|1,000| | 1876 |
Sappho | | 11 | |
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Dispatch | | | |
Steamers. | | | |
Iris |7,750| 18.5 | 1877 |
| | | | X 64-pdrs.
Mercury |7,000| 18 | 1878 |
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Torpedo-ship. | | | |
Vesuvius | 879| 8.9 | 1874 | None.
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
Torpedo-ram. | | | |
Polyphemus |5,500| 18 |Building|
---------------+-----+------+--------+------------------------
1st Class | | | |
Gun-boats. | | | |
| | | | I 7-inch pivot amidships.
Myrmidon | 730| 10 | 1867 | I 64-pdr. ” ”
| | | | II 20-pdrs.
+-----+------+--------+-----------------------
Arab | 656| 11 | |
Condor | 770| 11 | |
Falcon | 720| 11 | 1873 |
Flamingo | 750| 11 | to | I 7-inch midship pivot,
Griffon | 790| 11 | 1877 | II 64-pdrs.
Lily | 829| 11 | |
+-----+------+--------+----------------
Bittern | 851| 10 | 1865 |
| | | to | I 7-inch pivot,
Bullfinch | 985| 10 | 1872 | II 40-pdrs.
---------------+-----+------+--------+----------------------------------------
A = Displacement.
B = Construction Material.
C = Indicated Horse-power.
D = Maximum Speed.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+-----+------------------
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | BATTERY.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+-----+------------------
1ST CLASS GUN-BOATS.
Low-pressure Engines. Twin Screws.
|Tons.| | |Knots.|
Curlew | | | 811 | |
Lapwing | | | 882 | |
Magpie | | | 857 | |
Philomel | | | 961 | |
Plover | 774 | Composite | 977 | 10 | I 7-inch pivot.
Ringdove | | | 957 | | II 40-pdrs.
Seagull | | | 702 | |
Swallow | | | 892 | |
Vulture | | | 847 | |
Woodlark | | | 881 | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
1ST CLASS GUN-BOATS.
High-pressure Engines. Twin Screws.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Avon | | | 528 | |
Beacon | | | 506 | |
Boxer | | | 587 | |
Cracker | | | 528 | |
Dwarf | | | 495 | |
Elk | | | 472 | |
Flirt | | | 582 | |
Fly | | | 489 | |
Growler | 584 | Composite | 696 | 10 | II 64-pdrs.
Hart | | | 608 | | II 20-pdrs.
Hornet | | | 506 | |
Lynx | | | 526 | |
Midge | | | 472 | |
Pert | | | 502 | |
Rocket | | | 632 | |
Teazer | | | 489 | |
Thistle | | | 641 | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Frolic | | | 896 | |
Kestrel | 592 | Composite | 835 | 10 | II 64-pdrs.
Ready | | | 891 | | II 20-pdrs.
Rifleman | | | 715 | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Dart | | | 336 | |
Newport | 570 | Composite | 335 | 10 | II 64-pdrs.
Torch | | | 281 | | II 20-pdrs.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
2D CLASS GUN-BOATS.
Compound Engines. Single Screw.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Firebrand | | | | |
Firefly | | | | |
Firm | 45 | Composite | 360 | 9 | II 64-pdrs.
Forester | | | | | II 20-pdrs.
Forward | | | | |
Foxhound | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Ariel | | | 540 | |
Contest | | | 515 | |
Coquette | | | 406 | |
Cygnet | | | 532 | |
Decoy | | | 459 | |
Express | | | 438 | |
Foam | 430 | | 406 | 10.1 | II 64-pdrs.
Goshawk | to | Composite | 484 | to | II 20-pdrs.
Mallard | 455 | | 398 | 10.8 |
Merlin | | | 428 | |
Moorhen | | | 387 | |
Mosquito | | | 501 | |
Sheldrake | | | 867 | |
Swinger | | | 461 | |
Zephyr | | | 534 | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
2D CLASS RIVER GUN-BOATS.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Dee | | | | |
Don | | | | |
Esk | | | | |
Medina | | | | |
Medway | | | | |
Sabrina | 868 | Iron | 810 | 9.5 | III 64-pdrs.
Slaney | | | | |
Spey | | | | |
Tay | | | | |
Tees | | | | |
Trent | | | | |
Tweed | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
2D CLASS GUN-BOATS.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Britomart | | | | |
Bruiser | | | | |
Cherub | | | | |
Cockatrice | | | 160 | |
Cromer | 330 | Wood | to | 8 | II 64-pdrs.
Heron | | | 277 | |
Netley | | | | |
Orwell | | | | |
Speedy | | | | |
Tyrian | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Dapper | | | | |
Earnest | | | | |
Fervent | | | 140 | |
Skylark | 284 | Wood | to | 8 | II 64-pdrs.
Thrasher | | | 272 | |
Whiting | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Ant | | | | |
Arrow | | | | |
Badger | | | | |
Blazer | | | | |
Bloodhound | | | | |
Bonita | | | | |
Bulldog | | | | |
Bustard | | | | |
Cornet | | | 168 | |
Cuckoo | 254 | Iron | to | 9 | I 10-inch.
Fidget | | | 268 | |
Gadfly | | | | |
Griper | | | | |
Hyena | | | | |
Kite | | | | |
Mastiff | | | | |
Pickle | | | | |
Pike | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Pincher | | | | |
Scourge | | | | |
Snake | | | 168 | |
Snap | 254 | Iron | to | 8 | I 10-inch.
Tickler | | | 268 | |
Weazel | | | | |
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
Hunter | 249 | Wood | 131 | 8 | II 64-pdrs.
Plucky | 196 | Iron | 224 | | I 9-inch.
Staunch | 180 | ” | 134 | | I 9-inch.
---------------+-----+-----------+-----+------+------------------
INCONSTANT.
Iron frigate sheathed with wood and coppered. Straight bow, round
stern. Rail cut back on each side of the bow-sprit to permit bow-fire.
Gun-deck battery composed of ten 9-inch rifles in broadside, the ports
being very widely spaced. Long topgallant forecastle and flush aft.
Spar-deck battery composed of six 7-inch rifles. One bow-gun under the
forecastle working in four ports (one each side ahead and one each side
abeam), the gun being transported from one to another by turn-tables.
One stern-gun working on turn-tables in three ports (one astern and
one on each quarter). The remaining four guns are arranged as pivots,
so that all may be used on one side if desirable. They secure in pairs
amidships. The ports for these guns are cut in pairs forward and abaft
the gun-deck ports. The strength of fire of this ship is: ahead,
one 7-inch; abeam, six 7-inch, five 9-inch; astern, one 7-inch. The
stability of this ship being originally deficient, part of her double
bottom was filled with 180 tons of cement, thus reducing her estimated
speed nearly one knot. Her coal supply permits steaming 2160 miles at
a speed of ten knots. Greatest speed attained at sea for twenty-four
consecutive hours, 15½ knots.
SHAH. RALEIGH.
Iron frigates sheathed with wood and coppered. General type similar to
the Inconstant. The gun-deck battery of the Shah is a broadside one of
sixteen 7-inch rifles and two 64-pdrs., the latter being just forward
of the cabin bulkhead (separated from the main battery). The spar-deck
battery consists of one 10-inch rifle under the topgallant forecastle,
working in the same manner as the Inconstant’s; one 10-inch rifle
stern-gun working in two ports, the quarter-rail being recessed for the
purpose, so as to get stern and beam fire; six 64-pdrs. in broadside
(two forward and two abaft the gun-deck battery, and two abreast the
after smoke-stack). The Raleigh’s battery is similar to the Shah’s in
arrangement, but is smaller in number. (Fourteen guns on gun-deck; six
on spar-deck.)
[Illustration: SHAH.]
BOADICEA. BACCHANTE. EURYALUS.
Iron-sheathed frigates of the same general type as the above. The
battery is all under cover; the broadside battery being entirely on
the gun-deck, the bow-gun under the topgallant forecastle, and the
stern-gun in the spar-deck cabin. The Boadicea has a straight stem, the
other two ram bows. In order to permit the latter arrangement the wood
sheathing was covered with zinc in place of copper, to allow of direct
connection with the iron ram without danger of galvanic action.
ROVER. ACTIVE. VOLAGE.
First-class corvettes, iron sheathed with wood. Of the same general
type as the Inconstant, except that the battery is all carried on
the spar-deck. Strength of fire: Ahead—Rover and Active, one 7-inch;
Volage, one 64-pdr. Abeam—Rover, two 7-inch, eight 64-pdrs.; Active,
three 7-inch, two 64-pdrs.; Volage, ten 64-pdrs. Astern—Rover and
Active, one 7-inch; Volage, one 64-pdr.
All other corvettes of the new type carry their batteries on the
spar-deck and are of the same general type, differing only in engines
and boilers and the material of the hull.
CLEOPATRA CLASS (nine in number).
First-class steel corvettes, sheathed with wood. Bow and stern-guns,
7-inch rifles; broadside, twelve 64-pdrs.; beam-fire, two 7-inch, six
64-pdrs.
AMETHYST CLASS (eleven in number).
First-class composite corvettes. Six of the number form a subdivision
of the class, being of later build, having about 30 tons more
displacement and carrying but twelve instead of fourteen 64-pdrs. The
noticeable feature with regard to this class is the recession of the
spar-deck rail forward and aft to give clear bow and stern fire. Only
one gun is used at either end, pivoting each side. In the case of the
Amethyst class these guns are 64-pdrs., mounted on ordinary carriages.
In the Cleopatra class and larger ships they are 7-inch guns, mounted
on pivot carriages, which renders the working much heavier. The bow and
stern-guns are both under cover; the broadside guns are on the open
spar-deck.
[Illustration: AMETHYST.]
CORMORANT CLASS (twelve in number).
Second-class composite corvettes, carrying 7-inch bow and stern-guns
and 64-pdrs. in broadside.
ALBATROSS CLASS (six in number).
Third-class composite corvettes, carrying 64-pdr. bow and stern-guns
and 7-inch broadside. These vessels are bark rigged, and carry crews of
one hundred and twenty men.
IRIS. MERCURY.
Fast steel despatch and torpedo vessels. Their batteries consist of ten
64-pdrs. The boilers and engines take up the greater part of the space
below. In addition to the battery each vessel carries four 80-feet
Thorneycroft torpedo-boats fitted for launching Whitehead torpedoes.
These launches are carried on a species of gallows-frame amidships, the
frame being carried to the outer edge of the rail, so that the launch
may be slid out over the side and lowered without trouble. In exterior
appearance these vessels are not unlike fast mail packets.
[Illustration: IRIS.]
MYRMIDON CLASS (nineteen in number).
[Illustration: MYRMIDON.]
First-class composite gun-boats, carrying for bow and stern-guns
64-pdrs., and a single 7-inch centre-pivoting rifle amidships. Twelve
of these gun-boats form a subdivision of the class, having about 70
tons less displacement and carrying 40-pdr. bow and stern-guns. They
are bark rigged, carrying crews of about 90 men, and have a mean draft
of water of about 11 feet.
AVON CLASS (twenty-four in number).
First-class twin-screw gun-boats, carrying 20-pdrs. for bow and stern
guns, and two 64-pdrs. amidships on pivot-carriages.
FIREBRAND CLASS (twenty-one in number).
Second-class single-screw composite gun-boats, carrying the same
battery as the Avon class. Three-masted, square-rigged forward, lifting
screws, crew of 60 men, and mean draft of water 9 feet. At a speed of
six knots they burn about three tons of coal per twenty-four hours.
BRITOMART CLASS (sixteen in number).
Second-class wooden gun-boats of the old-fashioned type, carrying two
64-pdr. pivot-guns.
BLAZER CLASS (twenty-four in number).
Second-class iron gun-boats, carrying one 10-inch rifle. These vessels
are little more than large launches, having a bow decked over with
light plates. The gun is mounted on a platform, which itself is
supported on heavy screws; these screws, being revolved by steam-power,
permit the gun to be lowered down into the hold when going to sea, or
raised for fighting. The in-and-out tackles and ammunition gear are
manipulated by a small capstan aft. These boats have double screws, and
work up to a speed of 7 knots. The Staunch, which is the model from
which these gun-boats were built, is smaller, and has a musket-proof
shelter at the gun. The others have none.
[Illustration: BLAZER.]
DEE CLASS (twelve in number).
Second-class iron river gun-boats, of a peculiar design. These vessels
have twin screws, and are provided with a rudder at each end, the
bow-rudder, with its yoke and chains, being entirely unprotected.
The hull proper is very low, the side curving sharply inboard above
the water-line, almost in cigar shape, to such a degree that the
dead-lights slope at an angle upward of about 40°. The deck-rail
springs from the upper part of this curve about two feet inside of the
water-line, being waist high amidships and rising fore and aft into
a curved forecastle and poop musket-proof firing-cover for the guns.
Amidships are a musket-proof pilot-house and engine-room. The battery
consists of two 64-pdrs. at each end under cover, and firing from four
ports each, two fore and aft and two abeam.
[Illustration: DEE.]
VESUVIUS.
Torpedo-boat. This craft, built for sudden attacks with torpedoes, is
built very low in the water. The smoke-stack is bent horizontally,
running along the deck. The furnace is intended to burn coke in order
to suppress smoke. The steam-discharge pipes open under water. She is
rigged for projecting Whitehead torpedoes. (See Torpedoes, Part III.)
LIGHTNING CLASS.
Fast torpedo launches, (See Torpedoes.)
ENGLISH GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
A = Displacement.
B = Construction Material.
C = Indicated Horse-power.
D = Maximum Speed.
E = Guns.
======================+=======+======+=======+=======+=====
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
| Tons. | | | Knots.|
Ships of the Line. | | | | |
Victoria | 6,959 | Wood | 4,191 | 12.3 | 12
Howe | 6,557 | ” | 4,524 | 13.2 | 12
Duke of Wellington | 6,071 | ” | 1,999 | 9.9 | 25
Duncan | 5,724 | ” | 2,826 | 13.2 | 31
Royal Albert | 5,637 | ” | 1,805 | 8 |
Donegal | 5,481 | ” | 3,103 | 11.2 |
Anson | 5,260 | ” | 3,583 | 11.8 | 11
Atlas | 5,260 | ” | 3,732 | 12 | 11
Defiance | 5,260 | ” | 3,350 | 12 |
Revenge | 5,260 | ” | 2,896 | 11.7 |
Royal William | 4,579 | ” | 1,763 | 9.8 |
St. George | 4,579 | ” | 1,730 | 10.6 |
Albion | 4,382 | ” | 1,835 | 10.5 |
Rodney | 4,375 | ” | 2,246 | 11.5 | 10
Lion | 3,842 | ” | 1,732 | 9.3 | 12
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Frigates. | | | | |
Galatea | 4,583 | ” | 2,759 | 13.2 | 26
Bristol | 4,020 | ” | 2,088 | 11.8 | 28
Glasgow | 4,020 | ” | 2,020 | 12.4 | 28
Newcastle | 4,020 | ” | 2,354 | 13.3 | 31
Undaunted | 4,020 | ” | 2,261 | 12.7 | 31
Immortalité | 3,984 | ” | 2,391 | 11.8 | 28
Topaze | 3,915 | ” | 2,538 | 11.7 | 28
Doris | 3,803 | ” | 3,005 | 12 | 24
Aurora | 3,582 | ” | 1,576 | 10.1 | 28
Narcissus | 3,548 | ” | 1,731 | 10.6 | 18
Forte | 3,456 | ” | 1,539 | 9.2 |
Endymion | 3,197 | ” | 1,620 | 9.4 | 22
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Corvettes. | | | | |
Ariadne | 4,588 | ” | 8,350 | 13 | 26
Rattlesnake | 2,431 | ” | 1,628 | 11 | 17
Woolverine | 2,431 | ” | 1,549 | 11.2 | 17
Challenger | 2,306 | ” | 1,261 | 8.6 | 8
Thalia | 2,216 | ” | 1,597 | 10.1 | 8
Juno | 2,216 | ” | 1,381 | 9.2 | 8
Charybdis | 2,187 | ” | 1,472 | 11 | 17
Pearl | 2,187 | ” | 1,390 | 11.3 | 17
Scylla | 2,187 | ” | 1,376 | 10.7 | 17
Druid | 1,870 | ” | 2,272 | 12.9 | 14
Briton | 1,870 | ” | 2,149 | 13.2 | 14
Thetis | 1,870 | ” | 2,275 | 13.4 | 14
Blanche | 1,755 | ” | 2,158 | 13.6 | 12
Danaë | 1,755 | ” | 2,089 | 13.4 | 12
Dido | 1,755 | ” | 2,518 | 13.7 | 12
Eclipse | 1,755 | ” | 1,946 | 12.1 | 12
Sirius | 1,755 | ” | 2,334 | 12.8 | 12
Spartan | 1,755 | ” | 1,988 | 12.2 | 12
Tenedos | 1,755 | ” | 2,032 | 12.7 | 12
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Sloops. | | | | |
Daphne | 1,574 | ” | 1,927 | | 5
Dryad | 1,574 | ” | 1,464 | | 9
Nymphe | 1,574 | ” | 2,172 | | 9
Vestal | 1,574 | ” | 2,154 | | 9
Cameleon | 1,365 | ” | 702 | | 7
Rinaldo | 1,365 | ” | 752 | | 7
Alert | 1,331 | ” | 312 | | 4
Fawn | 1,045 | ” | 434 | | 4
Rapid | 913 | ” | 460 | | 3
Rosario | 913 | ” | 436 | | 3
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Troop-ships. | | | | |
Assistance | 2,515 | Iron | 1,442 | | 2
Dromedary | 1,800 | ” | 1,640 | | 2
Humber | 2,000 | ” | 1,700 | | 2
Himalaya | 4,490 | ” | 2,609 | | 3
Orontes | 5,600 | ” | 2,569 | | 2
Simoon | 3,302 | ” | 1,576 | | 2
Tamar | 4,857 | ” | 2,171 | | 2
Crocodile | 6,211 | ” | 4,044 | | 3
Euphrates | 6,211 | ” | 3,900 | | 3
Jumna | 6,211 | ” | 3,040 | | 3
Malabar | 6,211 | ” | 4,893 | | 3
Serapis | 6,211 | ” | 4,030 | | 3
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Supply-ships. | | | | |
Fox | 1,670 | Wood | 764 | | 2
Discovery | 1,247 | ” | 365 | | 2
Industry | 1,126 | Iron | 279 | | 2
Supply | 1,126 | ” | 265 | | 2
Wye | 1,161 | ” | 629 | | 2
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Paddle-wheel Despatch | | | | |
Steamers. | | | | |
Helicon | 985 | Wood | 1,610 | 15 | 2
Lively | 985 | ” | 1,757 | | 2
Salamis | 985 | ” | 1,440 | 14 | 2
Vigilant | 985 | ” | 1,815 | | 2
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Yachts. | | | | |
Osborne | 1,800 | ” | 3,363 | | 2
Victoria and Albert| 2,470 | ” | 2,980 | | 2
Alberta | 370 | ” | 1,208 | |
Elfin | 93 | ” | 181 | |
Enchantress | 985 | ” | 1,318 | | 1
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Surveying Vessels. | | | | |
Nassau | 877 | ” | 755 | | 4
Porcupine | 556 | ” | 285 | | 1
Sylvia | 877 | ” | 689 | | 4
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Torpedo Depot-ship. | | | | |
Hecla | | Iron | | | 6
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----
Paddle-wheel Frigate Valorous. Corvettes Argus, Barracouta, Basilisk,
Buzzard, Salamander, Sphynx, Spiteful.
9 Paddle-steamers. 88 Harbor-tugs. 177 Hulks used as school, depot,
guard, hospital, coal, and store ships.
Iron-clad Hulks Caledonia, Enterprise, Favorite, Lord Clyde, Ocean,
Prince Consort, Royal Alfred, Royal Oak, Royal Sovereign.
The General Service fleet, with the exception of the Transports and
Yachts, belong to the old-fashioned types of steam cruisers. They are,
however, constantly in commission as cruising vessels on home and
foreign stations.
FRANCE.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
==================+=======+=======+=======+=======+======+======
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
|Ft.in. |Ft.in. |Ft.in. | Tons. | | In.
Masted Turret | | | | | |
Ships. | | | | | |
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Amiral Duperré |319 5 | 66 11 | 26 |10,315 | Iron | 23
Duguesclin |265 7 | 57 3 | 24 | 5,785 | ” | 11
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Casemate Ships. | | | | | |
Foudroyant |371 7 | 66 5 | 24 8 | 9,630 | ” | 16.5
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Devastation |371 7 | 66 5 | 24 8 | 9,630 | ” | 16.5
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Redoubtable |330 | 66 5 | 24 11 | 8,658 | ” | 15.3
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Colbert |314 1 | 57 3 | 27 11 | 8,167 | Wood | 8.7
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Trident |314 1 | 57 3 | 27 11 | 8,164 | ” | 8.7
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Friedland |314 1 | 57 3 | 27 11 | 8,164 | ” | 9.8
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Richelieu |314 | 57 3 | 27 11 | 8,269 | ” | 8.7
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Ocean |282 10 | 57 7 | 29 2 | 7,360 | ” | 7.8
Marengo |282 10 | 57 7 | 29 2 | 7,360 | ” | 7.8
Suffren |282 10 | 57 7 | 29 2 | 7,360 | ” | 7.8
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Armored Frigates. | | | | | |
Gloire |252 3 | 55 9 | 27 10 | 5,530 | ” | 4.7
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Couronne |260 | 54 3 | 25 | 5,813 | Iron | 4.7
Flandre |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,725 | Wood | 6
Provence |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,700 | ” | 6
Heroine |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,700 | Iron | 6
Gauloise |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | Wood | 6
Guyenne |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
Magnanime |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
Savoie |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
Revanche |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
Surveillante |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
Valeureuse |258 10 | 55 9 | 26 10 | 5,610 | ” | 6
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Corvettes. | | | | | |
Bayard |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 5,785 | Iron | 9.85
Turenne |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 5,785 | ” | 9.85
Vauban |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 5,785 | ” | 9.85
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
La |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 4,480 | Wood | 6
Gallissonniere | | | | | |
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Casemated Corvettes. | | | | |
Victorieuse |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 4,147 | ” | 6
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Triomphante |230 | 45 9 | 21 | 4,147 | ” | 6
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Alma |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,665 | ” | 6
Belliqueuese |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,410 | ” | 6
Jeanne d’Arc |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
Thetis |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
Armide |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
Atalante |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
Montcalm |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
Reine Blanche |230 | 46 3 | 23 9 | 3,371 | ” | 6
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Coast-defence Ships.
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
1st Class Rams. | | | | | |
Tonnerre |241 6 | 57 9 | 21 4 | 5,495 | Iron | 14
Fulminant |241 6 | 57 9 | 21 4 | 5,495 | ” | 14
Furieux |241 6 | 57 9 | 21 4 | 5,495 | ” | 14
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Caïman | | | | | ” |
Indomptable | | | | | ” |
Terrible | | | | | ” |
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
2d Class Rams. | | | | | |
Tempete |241 6 | 57 9 | 16 9 | 4,452 | ” | 13.8
Tonnant |241 6 | 57 9 | 16 9 | 4,452 | ” | 13.8
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Vengeur |241 6 | 57 9 | 16 9 | 4,452 | ” | 13.8
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
1st Class Rams. | | | | | |
Tigre |216 6 | 53 1 | 19 7½ | 3,313 | Wood | 8.6
Belier |216 6 | 53 1 | 19 7½ | 3,313 | ” | 8.6
Bouledogue |216 6 | 53 1 | 19 7½ | 3,313 | ” | 8.6
Cerbere |216 6 | 53 1 | 19 7½ | 3,313 | ” | 8.6
+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Taureau |216 6 | 53 1 | 19 7½ | 3,313 | ” | 6
----------------------------------------------------------------
Monitor. | | | | | |
Onondaga |228 7 | 51 2 | 12 7½ | 2,551 | Iron | 6.7
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Armored Batteries. | | | | | |
Embuscade |129 7 | 51 10 | 10 10 | 1,422 | ” | 5.5
Protectrice |129 7 | 51 10 | 10 10 | 1,422 | ” | 5.5
Imprenable |129 7 | 51 10 | 10 10 | 1,422 | ” | 5.5
Refuge |129 7 | 51 10 | 10 10 | 1,422 | ” | 5.5
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Implacable |144 4 | 48 5 | 8 8 | 1,338 | ” | 4.7
Opiniatre |144 4 | 48 5 | 8 8 | 1,338 | ” | 4.7
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 | 88 7 | 29 6 | 5 7 | 280 | ” | 3.1
------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+------
G = Least Thickness of Armor.
H = Backing.
I = Horse-power.
J = Maximum Speed.
==================+===========+======+=======+=====+==============
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J |BATTERY.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
| In. | In. | |Knots|
Masted Turret | | | | |
Ships. | | | | |
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Amiral Duperré | Armored | 14 | 6,000 | | IV 13¼-inch,
| only at | | | | XIV 5½-inch.
|water-line +------+-------+-----+--------------
Duguesclin |and turrets| 14 | 4,100 | 14 | IV 9¼-inch,
| | | | | I 7½-inch,
| | | | | VI 5½-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Casemate Ships. | | | | |
Foudroyant | 13.7 | 12.6 | 6,000 | 14 | VI 12¼-inch
| | | | | VIII 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Devastation | 13.7 | 12.6 | 6,000 | 14 | VI 12¼-inch,
| | | | | VIII 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Redoubtable | 8.7 | 15 | 6,000 | 14.5| VIII 10¾-inch,
| | | | | VIII 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Colbert | 6 | 34.5 | 4,800 | 14 | VIII 10¾-inch,
| | | | | I 9¼-inch,
| | | | | VI 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Trident | 6 | 34 | 4,800 | 14 | VIII 10¾-inch,
| | | | | I 9¼-inch,
| | | | | VI 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Friedland | 6 | 15 | 3,800 | 13.3| VIII 10¾-inch,
| | | | | VIII 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Richelieu | 6 | 34.5 | 3,800 | 13.8| VI 10¾-inch,
| | | | | V 9¼-inch.
| | | | | II 5¼-inch,
| | | | | X 4¾-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Ocean | 6 | 32.3 | 3,878 | 13.8| IV 10¾-inch,
Marengo | 6 | 32.3 | 3,673 | 13.5| IV 9¼-inch,
Suffren | 6 | 32.3 | 4,181 | 14.1| VI 4¾-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Armored Frigates. | | | | |
Gloire | 3 | 26 | 2,537 | 12.8| VI 9¼-inch,
| | | | | IV 7½-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+----------------
Couronne | 3 | 15 | 2,820 | 12.2|
Flandre | 4 | 26 | 3,540 | 14.3|
Provence | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.9|
Heroine | 4 | 26 | 3,143 | 12.1|
Gauloise | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.9|
Guyenne | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.9| VIII 9¼-inch,
Magnanime | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.9| IV 7½-inch.
Savoie | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.9|
Revanche | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.8|
Surveillante | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.8|
Valeureuse | 4 | 26 | 3,500 | 13.8|
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+----------------
Corvettes. | | | | |
Bayard | 7 | 15 | 3,200 | 14 | VI 9¼-inch,
Turenne | 7 | 15 | 3,200 | 14 | I 7½-inch,
Vauban | 7 | 15 | 3,200 | 14 | VI 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
La | 4.7 | 26 | 2,376 | 13 | VI 9¼-inch,
Gallissonniere | | | | | I 7¼-inch,
| | | | | II 4¾-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Casemated Corvettes.| | | | |
Victorieuse | 4.7 | 26 | 2,400 | 13.2| VI 9¼-inch,
| | | | | I 7½-inch,
| | | | | VI 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Triomphante | 4.7 | 26 | 2,400 | 13.2| VI 9¼-inch,
| | | | | I 7½-inch,
| | | | | VI 5½-inch.
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Alma | 4.7 | 26 | 1,897 | 11.8|
Belliqueuese | 4.7 | 26 | 1,233 | 11.8|
Jeanne d’Arc | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12.3|
Thetis | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12.3| VI 7½-inch,
Armide | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12 | IV 4¾-inch.
Atalante | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12 |
Montcalm | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12 |
Reine Blanche | 4.7 | 26 | 1,900 | 12 |
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Coast-defence Ships.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
1st Class Rams. | | | | |
Tonnerre | 8.6 | 15.7 | 3,500 | 13.5|
Fulminant | 8.6 | 15.7 | 3,500 | 13.5| II 12½-inch.
Furieux | 8.6 | 15.7 | 3,500 | 13.5|
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Caïman | | | | 13.5|
Indomptable | | | | 13.5| VI 12½-inch.
Terrible | | | | 13.5|
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
2d Class Rams. | | | | |
Tempete | 9.85 | 15.7 | 1,500 | 10 | II 12½-inch.
Tonnant | 9.85 | 15.7 | 1,500 | 10 |
+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
Vengeur | 9.85 | 15.7 | 1,500 | 10 | II 9¼-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+--------------
1st Class Rams. | | | | |
Tigre | 6.3 | 31.5 | 1,800 | 12 |
Belier | 6.3 | 31.5 | 1,800 | 12 | II 9¼-inch.
Bouledogue | 6.3 | 31.5 | 1,800 | 12 |
Cerbere | 6.3 | 31.5 | 1,800 | 12 |
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Taureau | 4.3 | 26 | 1,805 | 11.9| I 12½-inch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Monitor. | | | | |
Onondaga | 4 | 11.8 | 613 | 7 | II 9¼-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Armored Batteries. | | | | |
Embuscade | 4.3 | 15.7 | 440 | 8.5 |
Protectrice | 4.3 | 15.7 | 440 | 8.5 | IV 7½-inch.
Imprenable | 4.3 | 15.7 | 440 | 8.5 |
Refuge | 4.3 | 15.7 | 440 | 8.5 |
+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Implacable | 4.3 | 15.7 | 490 | 6.7 | III 9¼-inch.
Opiniatre | 4.3 | 15.7 | 490 | 6.7 |
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 | 3.1 | 13.8 | 100 | 5.3 | II 5½-inch.
------------------+-----------+------+-------+-----+---------------
AMIRAL DUPERRÉ. DUGUESCLIN.
Armored belt and four barbette turrets. Ram bow and overhanging dome
stern. The armor-belt covers the water-line to the height of the
main-deck beams, coming below the point of the ram and covering the
steering-gear. The barbette turrets are arranged one on each side,
abreast the forward smoke-stack, having an overhang of nearly half
its diameter, so as to give clear fore-and-aft fire. The other two
turrets are amidships, before and abaft the mizzen-mast. There are two
armored pilot-houses on the Duperré, one abreast the forward turrets
and one between the after ones; the Duguesclin has but one, forward.
The gun-deck battery is composed of light rifled guns, unprotected.
The deck plating of these ships is three inches in thickness (one inch
steel over two inches of iron). A bow-gun works in a single port under
the topgallant forecastle.
[Illustration: AMIRAL DUPERRÉ.]
DEVASTATION. FOUDROYANT. REDOUBTABLE.
Armored belt and redoubt. Ram bow and dome stern. The belt of the
Redoubtable encircles the water-line to the height of the main-deck
beams, curving down forward over the point of the ram; that of the
other two ships stops short of the curve of the counter in an armored
bulkhead, the lower edge being carried on by an armored deck to protect
the steering-gear. The sides forward and abaft the redoubt are given a
rank tumble home, the redoubt rising straight to the spar-deck, thus
giving clear fore-and-aft and beam fire from the main-deck battery.
A heavy gun is mounted in barbette on top of the redoubt, each side,
having a clear firing angle of 180°; the gun-slide alone is protected
by armor, while a musket-proof shield is mounted on the forward part
of the slide, as protection to the crew. On the spar-deck is carried a
battery of light rifles in broadside.
[Illustration: DEVASTATION.]
TRIDENT. FRIEDLAND.
[Illustration: TRIDENT.]
Armored belt and casemate. Ram bow and dome stern. The belt encircles
the water-line to the height of the main-deck beams. The casemate
rises to the height of the spar-deck beams. At the forward end of
the casemate, on each side, a barbette unarmored half-turret is
built, being simply a projecting shelf for mounting a heavy gun.
The sides from the main-deck up forward are given a sharp tumble
home to permit clear forward fire; while aft the spar-deck rail is
placed inboard about three feet, leaving a clear fire aft, giving
the part of the spar-deck outside the rail the appearance of a
continuous channel-piece. The turret guns are only protected by a light
musket-proof shelter, rising above the slide. There is a light battery
of broadside rifles on the spar-deck, a bow-gun working in one port
under the forecastle, and a similar stern-gun. There is no forward or
after fire from the main-deck battery.
COLBERT.
Of the same type as the Friedland, except that in place of the barbette
half-turrets there are armored breastworks for the protection of a
heavy bow and a heavy stern-gun on the spar-deck.
[Illustration: COLBERT.]
RICHELIEU. MARENGO. OCEAN. SUFFREN.
[Illustration: SUFFREN.]
Armored belt and casemate, with four armored barbette turrets. Ram
bow, straight stern. The belt encircles the water-line, coming to but
not covering the ram, which is a solid bronze casting. The barbette
turrets are just over the corners of the casemate, projecting nearly
half their diameter clear of the side for fore-and-aft fire. The side
is not broken in or given a tumble home, as the muzzles of the turret
guns are above the spar-deck rail. The Richelieu has twin screws, the
others single ones. There is no fore-and-aft fire from the casemate.
Light spar-deck broadside battery. Armored commander’s lookout.
BAYARD. TURENNE. LA GALLISSONNIERE. TRIOMPHANTE. VICTORIEUSE. VAUBAN.
Second-rate sea-going iron-clads. Armored belt and casemate and two
barbette turrets. The belt encircles the water-line to the height of
the main-deck beams, the casemate carrying the armor to the spar-deck.
The barbette turrets are over the forward corners of the casemate. Ram
bow and dome stern. Light spar-deck broadside battery. Bow-gun working
in a single port under the forecastle.
[Illustration: VICTORIEUSE.]
GLOIRE. COURONNE. FLANDRE. PROVENCE. HEROINE GAULOISE. GUYENNE.
MAGNANIME. SAVOIE. REVANCHE. SURVEILLANTE. VALEUREUSE.
[Illustration: LA GLOIRE.]
Broadside iron-clad frigates, completely armored. These vessels belong
to the earliest type, and, with the exception of the Couronne and
Heroine, they have wooden hulls. The armor extends from about three
feet below the water-line to the spar-deck beams. Armored conning
towers are placed abaft the main-mast. Originally built for a large
battery of light smooth-bores, the height of the main-deck presents the
full outfit of a heavy battery.
BELLIQUEUSE. ALMA. JEANNE D’ARC. THETIS. ARMIDE. ATALANTE. MONTCALM.
REINE BLANCHE.
Second-class cruising iron-clads. Armor belt and casemate, and four
barbette turrets. The belt comes to the main-deck beams all around,
the casemate carrying it up to the spar-deck. The turrets are at the
corners of the casemates. In some of these vessels the after turrets
were left off, it being found that the hull was overweighted when it
was attempted to put heavier guns aboard than the ships were originally
intended to carry.
[Illustration: JEANNE D’ARC.]
TONNERRE. FULMINANT. FURIEUX. TEMPETE. TONNANT. VENGEUR.
[Illustration: TONNERRE.]
Single-turreted, casemated monitors for coast defence. These vessels
are heavily armored at the water-line; the single turret is very
large, in order to bring the two guns in it well apart, to gain clear
fire aft on each side of the superstructure. This turret is on the
forward third of the hull, and it, as well as the superstructure aft,
is surrounded by a breastwork that does not come out to the side.
On top of the turret is a barbette commander’s lookout. Forward the
deck rises into a short forecastle, just abaft of which is an armored
casemate giving ingress into the crew’s quarters. The superstructure
abaft the turret is musket-proof, of a width just sufficient to permit
the guns to get stern-fire. The upper part expands into a flying
deck, with a low musket-proof shield, and corner stands for Hotchkiss
machine-guns.
TIGRE. BELIER. CERBERE. BOULEDOGUE.
Monitor rams. These vessels have a low freeboard, the single turret
being on the forward third of the hull, surrounded by a casemate, which
also covers the lower part of the smoke-stack. A superstructure rises
forward and aft of the turret and is semi-cylindrical, curving at the
ends in such a manner as to give no foothold on any part. The turret
is surmounted by a barbette lookout. The hulls are of wood and heavily
strengthened at the ram. Double screws.
TAUREAU.
Similar to the above, with the exception that the turret is fixed and
has four ports for bow and beam fire.
[Illustration: TAUREAU.]
ONONDAGA.
Double-turreted American monitor; laminated plating, low freeboard, no
casemate.
ROCHAMBEAU.
Casemated iron-clad (late Dunderberg). Ram bow, low freeboard, and
rectangular casemate, with sloping sides giving fore-and-aft and beam
fire.
[Illustration: ROCHAMBEAU.]
EMBUSCADE. PROTECTRICE. IMPRENABLE. REFUGE. IMPLACABLE. OPINIATRE.
Armored floating batteries. Low freeboard forward and abaft, with
rectangular casemates having perpendicular sides, and giving
fore-and-aft and beam fire. Light draft.
[Illustration: EMBUSCADE.]
CAIMAN. INDOMPTABLE. TERRIBLE.
Coast-defence vessels; type not known, but presumably citadel ships of
a displacement not less than 12,000 tons. The battery of this type is
six 13¼-inch guns. They are evidently intended as more powerful vessels
than either the Inflexible or Duilio.
FRENCH UNARMORED FLEET.
(RAPID CRUISERS.)
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
====================+========+========+========+=======+=========
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E
--------------------+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
| Ft. in.| Ft. in.| Ft. in.| Tons. |
1st Class Cruisers. | | | | |
Duquesne | 326 6 | 50 | 22 7 | 5,345 | Iron
| | | | |sheathed
+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
Tourville | 326 6 | 50 | 22 7 | 5,345 | ”
| | | | |
--------------------+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
2d Class Cruisers. | | | | |
Duguay Trouin | 289 8 | 42 9 | 16 1 | 3,070 | ”
+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
Villars | 249 3 | 37 11 | 15 1 | 2,231 | Wood
Forfait | 249 3 | 37 11 | 15 1 | 2,231 | ”
Magon | 249 3 | 37 11 | 15 1 | 2,231 | ”
Roland | 249 3 | 37 11 | 15 1 | 2,231 | ”
La Perouse | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
D’Estaing | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
Monge | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
Nielly | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
* * * * | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
* * * * | 262 5 | 37 5 | 17 | 2,200 | ”
+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
Infernet | 245 8 | 35 9 | 12 5 | 1,865 | ”
Champlain | 245 8 | 35 9 | 12 5 | 1,865 | ”
Laclocheterie | 245 8 | 35 9 | 12 5 | 1,865 | ”
Du Petit Thouars | 245 8 | 35 9 | 12 5 | 1,865 | ”
Sané | | | | 1,900 | ”
Seignelay | | | | 1,900 | ”
Fabert | | | | 1,900 | ”
--------------------+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
3d Class Cruisers. | | | | |
Eclaireur | 236 2 | 35 5 | 14 8 | 1,610 |Composite
Rigaut de | 236 2 | 35 5 | 14 8 | 1,610 | ”
Genouilly | | | | |
--------------------+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
3d Class Dispatch Vessels. | | | |
Bisson | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
Labourdonnais | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
Hussard | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
Lancier | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
Chasseur | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
Voltigeur | 200 | 28 5 | 11 | 833 | ”
+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
Bouvet | | | | | ”
Parseval | | | | 850 | ”
--------------------+--------+--------+--------+-------+---------
F = Indicated Horse-power.
G = Maximum Speed.
H = Date of Launch.
====================+=======+=====+========+===============
TYPE AND NAME. | F | G | H |BATTERY.
--------------------+-------+-----+--------+---------------
| |Knots| Year. |
1st Class Cruisers. | | | |
Duquesne | 6,589 | 17 | 1876 | VII 7½-inch,
| | | | XIV 5½-inch.
+-------+-----+--------+---------------
Tourville | 6,589 | 17 | 1877 | VII 7½-inch,
| | | | XIV 5½-inch.
--------------------+-------+-----+--------+---------------
2d Class Cruisers. | | | |
Duguay Trouin | 3,740 | 16 | 1877 | V 7½-inch,
| | | | V 5½-inch.
+-------+-----+--------+---------------
Villars | 2,790 | 15 |Building|
Forfait | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
Magon | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
Roland | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
La Perouse | 2,790 | 15 | ” | VI 6½-inch,
D’Estaing | 2,790 | 15 | ” | IX 5½-inch.
Monge | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
Nielly | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
* * * * | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
* * * * | 2,790 | 15 | ” |
+-------+-----+--------+---------------
Infernet | 1,784 | 14.4| 1869 |
Champlain | 1,784 | 14.4| 1872 |
Laclocheterie | 1,784 | 14.4| 1872 |
Du Petit Thouars | 1,784 | 14.4| 1875 | I 6½-inch,
Sané | 1,967 | 15 | 1867 | VIII 5½-inch.
Seignelay | 1,900 | 14.7| 1875 |
Fabert | 1,900 | 14.7| 1875 |
--------------------+-------+-----+--------+---------------
3d Class Cruisers. | | | |
Eclaireur | 1,900 | 15 | 1876 |
Rigaut de | 1,900 | 15 | 1877 | VIII 5½-inch.
Genouilly | | | |
--------------------+-------+-----+--------+--------------
3d Class Dispatch Vessels. | | |
Bisson | 850 | 12.2| 1877 |
Labourdonnais | 850 | 12.2| 1876 |
Hussard | 850 | 12.2| 1876 | IV 5½-inch.
Lancier | 850 | 12.2| 1877 |
Chasseur | 850 | 12.2|Building|
Voltigeur | 850 | 12.2| ” |
+-------+-----+--------+---------------
Bouvet | | | 1876 | I 6½-inch,
Parseval | 850 | 12 | 1877 | II 5½-inch,
| | | | I 4¾-inch.
--------------------+-------+-----+--------+---------------
FRENCH UNARMORED FLEET—(CONTINUED.)
====================+===============+==========+=============
| | |
| | Date |
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | of | BATTERY.
| | Launch. |
| | |
--------------------+---------------+----------+-------------
| Tons. | Year. |
1st Class Gun-boats.| | |
Crocodile | | |
Lionne | | |
Lutin | 452 | | I 7½-inch,
Lynx | | | II 4-inch.
Milan | | |
Vautour | | |
+---------------+----------+-------------
Diligente | 393 | | II 5½-inch.
--------------------+---------------+----------+-------------
2d Class Gun-boats. | | |
Chacal | | |
Etendard | | |
Fanfare | | |
Gladiateur | 295 | | II 5½-inch.
Hyene | | |
Jaguar | | |
Leopard | | |
Oriflamme | | |
+---------------+----------+-------------
Couleuvre | | |
Décidée | | |
Frelon | 295 | | II 5½-inch.
Pique | | |
Surprise | | |
Tactique | | |
+---------------+----------+-------------
Epée | 177 | | I 9¼-inch,
28 Gun-boats | 177 | | I 4¾-inch.
--------------------+---------------+----------+-------------
Transports. | |
Bievre | 1,475 | |
Oise | 1,770 | |
Caravans | 2,868 | 1875 |
Ampère | | Building | II 5½-inch.
Annamite | 5,840 | 1876 |
Mytho | 5,840 | Building |
Shamrock | 5,840 | ” |
Tonquin | 5,840 | ” |
+---------------+----------+-------------
Allier | 1,655 | ” |
Nievre | 1,655 | ” | IV 5½-inch.
Drac | 1,655 | ” |
Saone | 1,655 | ” |
--------------------+---------------+----------+------------------------------------------------
DUQUESNE. TOURVILLE.
Iron frigates, sheathed with wood and coppered. Strengthened bows
for ramming, with heavy bronze rams. Three half-turrets or platforms
on each side of the spar-deck, projecting clear of the side to give
clear fore-and-aft fire. Bow-gun working in a single port under
the forecastle. Pilot-house and chart-room on a bridge forward of
the smoke-stacks. Boats carried on a gallows-frame between the
smoke-stacks. Fine lines, heavy shoulder; the bow-frames are given a
flare out from the main-deck up, to give a full forecastle for working
the bow-gun. Single screw, full sail-power. Gun-deck, broadside
battery, fourteen 5½-inch rifles. Spar-deck battery, seven 7½-inch
rifles. Bow-fire, three 7½-inch; beam-fire, nine 5½-inch (two guns can
be shifted on the gun-deck, so as to give nine for a broadside), three
7½-inch; stern-fire, two 7½-inch. Two sets of engines and boilers,
placed one abaft the other for protection. Between the forward turrets
on the spar-deck are the wash-rooms and water-closets, giving the
appearance of a fourth half-turret. Maximum speed at sea for 24 hours,
16½ knots.
[Illustration: TOURVILLE.]
DUGUAY TROUIN.
Iron corvette, sheathed with wood and coppered. Strengthened bow for
ramming, with heavy bronze ram. Four half-turrets, similar to those
of the Tourville. Bow-gun working under the forecastle in a single
port. Single screw, full sail-power. All the battery carried on
the spar-deck, leaving a clear, roomy main-deck. Stern-gun mounted
in barbette on a centre-pivot carriage. Bow-fire, two 7¼-inch, one
5½-inch; beam-fire, two 7¼-inch, three 5½-inch; stern fire, two
7¼-inch, one 5½-inch.
[Illustration: DUGUAY TROUIN.]
VILLARS CLASS (seventeen in number).
Second-class wooden corvettes, with strengthened ram bow. Two light
bow-guns firing through recessed ports, giving bow and beam fire. (In
some cases the guns are on the forecastle, in others underneath.)
Stern-gun mounted on a centre-pivot carriage in barbette. Midship guns
of heavy calibre, the deck being carried out slightly, to give them an
extreme firing angle.
[Illustration: VILLARS.]
ECLAIREUR CLASS (two in number).
Third-class composite corvettes, with strengthened ram bow. Bow
pivot-gun mounted on the forecastle: stern-pivot in barbette; six guns
in broadside.
[Illustration: ECLAIREUR.]
LANCIER CLASS (eight in number).
Avisos, or fourth-class corvettes, composite, with strengthened ram
bows. Four rifled-guns mounted on centre-pivot carriages in the midship
line of the vessel. Drop-rail abreast the main-deck guns.
[Illustration: LANCIER.]
LYNX CLASS (seven in number).
First-class composite gun-boats, with strengthened ram bows. Light,
centre-pivoting rifled bow and stern-guns, and one heavy rifled,
centre-pivot gun amidships firing in barbette.
[Illustration: LYNX.]
FARCY CLASS (twenty-seven in number).
Second-class iron gun-boats. These vessels are more nearly large
launches, built with ram bows to give them good displacement. One heavy
gun is mounted in the bow, the slope of the bow from the ram up being
carried up to form a musket-proof shield, permitting the gun to fire
through an embrasure.[2]
[Illustration: TROMBLON]
[2] By increasing the displacement of this type thirty tons, an
increase of speed of two knots has been obtained, a 4-inch stern-gun
mounted, and the boats made perfectly seaworthy.
MYTHO CLASS (four in number).
First-class iron troop-ships, similar in general to the English
troopers of the Serapis class. Capacity for berthing 1700 men with all
the camp equipage.
[Illustration: MYTHO.]
DRAC CLASS (four in number).
Light cavalry transports. These vessels are composite built and may
serve either as transports or gun-boats, as they carry a battery of
two light and two heavy centre-pivoting rifles. They are used for the
transportation of cavalry horses, artillery, and stores.
[Illustration: DRAC.]
BIEVRE CLASS (four in number).
Light, fast iron transports, similar in general to the Drac class.
FRENCH GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
A = Displacement.
B = Indicated Horse-power.
C = Guns.
D = Construction Material.
E = Date of Launch.
=====================+=======+=======+======+======+======
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
| Tons. | | | | Year.
Ships of the Line. | | | | |
Souverain | 5,115 | | 25 | Wood | 1856
Louis XIV | 4,820 | | 12 | ” | 1854
Ville de Bourdeaux| 5,210 | | 12 | ” | 1860
Ville de Lyon | 5,210 | | 12 | ” | 1861
Castiglione | 5,500 | | 12 | ” | 1857
Masséna | 5,015 | | 12 | ” | 1860
Fontenoy | 3,934 | | 12 | ” | 1858
Jean Bart | 3,934 | | 22 | ” |
Saint Louis | 3,934 | | 12 | ” | 1854
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Frigates. | | | | |
Pallas | 3,560 | 1,330 | 34 | ” | 1860
Magicienne | 3,375 | 1,310 | 32 | ” | 1861
Themis | 3,375 | 1,310 | 18 | ” | 1862
Victoire | 3,325 | 1,310 | 16 | ” | 1861
Flore | 3,100 | 1,520 | 18 | ” | 1867
Clorinde | 1,740 | 1,430 | 12 | ” | 1865
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Corvettes. | | | | |
Amorique | 2,800 | 1,040 | 22 | ” | 1862
Minerve | 2,700 | 1,530 | 22 | ” | 1865
Venus | 2,700 | 1,530 | 22 | ” | 1864
Chateau Renaud | 1,830 | 1,700 | 5 | ” | 1866
Dupleix | 1,780 | 1,050 | 10 | ” | 1861
Decrès | 1,770 | 1,480 | 6 | ” | 1866
Desaix | 1,640 | 1,780 | 6 | ” | 1866
Laplace | 1,590 | 700 | 10 | ” | 1852
Cosmos | 1,840 | 1,100 | 13 | ” | 1861
D’Assas | 1,920 | 740 | 16 | ” | 1864
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Sloops. (Avisos, 1st Class.) | | | |
Beautemps | 1,270 | 1,050 | 6 | ” | 1872
Beaupré | 1,270 | 1,050 | 6 | ” | 1872
Duchaffaut | 1,289 | 1,050 | 8 | ” | 1872
Hugon | 1,290 | 1,050 | 6 | ” | 1872
Kerguelen | 1,280 | 1,050 | 6 | ” | 1872
Bourayne | 1,260 | 960 | 6 | ” | 1869
Dayot | 1,260 | 960 | 6 | ” | 1869
Ducouëdic | 1,260 | 960 | 6 | ” | 1869
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Sloops (Avisos, 2d Class.) | | |
Kersaint | 1,270 | 960 | 6 | ” | 1869
Segond | 1,260 | 960 | 6 | ” | 1869
Vaudreuil | 1,280 | 1,050 | 6 | ” | 1870
D’Estrées | 1,280 | 1,000 | 6 | ” | 1867
Volta | 1,300 | 1,000 | 6 | ” | 1867
Hamelin | 1,220 | 1,000 | 6 | ” | 1866
Limier | 1,220 | 1,000 | 6 | ” | 1866
Talisman | 1,310 | 800 | 6 | ” | 1863
Kleber | 1,260 | 740 | 2 | ” | 1856
Forbin | 1,250 | 870 | 4 | ” | 1859
Linois | 830 | 720 | 6 | ” | 1867
Cassard | 850 | 660 | 3 | ” | 1859
Hirondelle | 1,080 | 1,780 | 2 | ” | 1870
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Despatch Vessels (Avisos, 2d Class). | | |
Renaud | 840 | 490 | 4 | ” | 1866
Lamotte Piquet | 720 | 420 | 4 | ” | 1859
Latouche Treville | 720 | 390 | 4 | ” | 1860
Curieux | 760 | 560 | 4 | ” | 1859
Surcouff | 700 | 430 | 4 | ” | 1858
Bougainville | 740 | 310 | 6 | ” | 1859
Bruat | 700 | 490 | 4 | ” | 1866
Adonis | 730 | 490 | 4 | ” | 1868
Guichen | 700 | 460 | 2 | ” | 1863
Boursaint | 750 | 610 | 3 | ” | 1872
Corse | 510 | 220 | | ” | 1842
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Transports. | | | | |
Algesiras | 5,600 | 2,100 | 4 | ” | 1842
Charlemagne | 5,600 | 1,150 | 12 | ” | 1851
Intrépide | 5,600 | 2,960 | 4 | ” | 1864
Ville de Paris | 5,600 | 1,350 | 12 | ” | 1850
Guerrière | 3,200 | 1,350 | 4 | ” | 1860
Entreprenante | 3,200 | 780 | 4 | ” | 1858
Dryade | 3,200 | 540 | 4 | ” | 1856
Ceres | 3,200 | 410 | 4 | ” | 1857
Danaë | 3,250 | 540 | 4 | ” | 1888
Renommée | 3,200 | 540 | 4 | ” | 1847
Européen | 2,350 | 1,200 | 2 | Iron |
Japon | 2,300 | 960 | 2 | Wood |
Aveyron | 3,500 | 1,520 | 4 | ” | 1864
Correze | 3,500 | 1,520 | 4 | ” | 1868
Creuze | 3,500 | 1,520 | 2 | ” | 1863
Sarthe | 3,500 | 1,520 | 2 | ” | 1862
Tarne | 3,500 | 1,520 | 2 | ” | 1863
Orme | 3,000 | 750 | 4 | ” | 1862
Var | 3,000 | 750 | 4 | ” | 1863
Calvados | 3,000 | 540 | 4 | ” | 1856
Finisterre | 3,000 | 650 | 4 | ” | 1859
Garonne | 3,000 | 650 | 4 | ” | 1859
Jura | 3,000 | 650 | 4 | ” | 1855
Dordogne | 2,400 | 370 | 4 | ” | 1855
Maine | 2,400 | 370 | 4 | ” | 1855
Meuse | 2,400 | 370 | 4 | ” | 1855
Rhin | 2,400 | 560 | 4 | ” | 1855
Yonne | 2,400 | 370 | 4 | ” | 1856
Seine | 2,400 | 370 | 4 | Iron |
Charente | 2,000 | 280 | 4 | ” | 1856
Adour | 1,800 | 250 | 2 | ” | 1856
Ariege | 1,800 | 450 | 2 | ” | 1865
Isère | 1,800 | 450 | 2 | ” | 1865
Moselle | 1,970 | 390 | 2 | ” |
Vienne | 1,800 | 370 | 2 | Wood | 1858
Cher | 1,400 | 610 | 6 | ” | 1868
Indre | 1,400 | 610 | 6 | ” | 1864
Dives | 1,682 | 670 | 2 | ” | 1870
Rance | 1,682 | 670 | 6 | ” | 1870
Sendre | 1,682 | 670 | 6 | ” | 1872
Vire | 1,682 | 670 | 6 | ” | 1868
Loiret | 1,200 | 210 | 3 | ” | 1856
---------------------+-------+-------+------+------+------
Paddle-wheel frigates Albatros, Magellan.
” corvettes Catinat, Coligny, Eumenide.
Four paddle-wheel gun-boats, 1st class, 700 to 800 tons,
two to four guns.
Four ” ” 2d ” 700 tons,
four guns.
Thirty screw tenders.
GERMANY.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Construction Material.
F = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
========================+=====+=====+=======+=======+======+=====
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
| Ft.| Ft. | Ft.in.| Tons. | | In.
Redoubt Frigates. | | | | | |
Kaiser | 280 | 62 | 24 8 | 7,440 | Iron | 11¾
Deutschland | 280 | 62 | 24 8 | 7,560 | ” | 11¾
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Turret Frigates. | | | | | |
Friederich der Grosse| 298 | 52 | 24 8 | 6,560 | ” | 10½
Preussen | 308 | 54 | 24 8 | 6,748 | ” | 10½
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Casemate Frigates. | | | | | |
König Wilhelm | 353 | 60 | 26 6 | 9,451 | ” | 9¼
| | | | | |
+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Friederich Karl | 290 | 55 | 24 | 5,819 | ” | 4¾
Kron Prinz | 286 | | 24 6 | 5,393 | ” | 4¾
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Barbette Corvettes. | | | | | |
Sachsen | 213 | 51 | 19 8 | 7,135 | ” | 9
Baiërn | 213 | 51 | 19 8 | 7,135 | ” | 9
Würtemberg | 213 | 51 | 19 8 | 7,135 | ” | 9
Two others | 213 | 51 | 19 8 | 7,135 | ” | 9
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Redoubt Corvette. | | | | | |
Hansa | 285 | 51 | 21 7 | 3,497 | Wood | 6¼
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Monitor. | | | | | |
Arminius | 197 | 36 | 13 7 | 1,558 | ” | 4½
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Redoubt Ram. | | | | | |
Prinz Adalbert | 158 | 27 | 21 7 | 3,863 | ” | 4½
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
Armored Gun-boats. | | | | | |
Wespe | | | 10 2 | 985 | Iron | 8
Viper | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
Biene | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
Mücke | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
Scorpion | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
Basilisk | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
Four others | | | 10 2 | 985 | ” | 8
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
River Monitors. | | | | | |
Rhein | 164 | 25 | 3 6 | | | 1½
Mosel | 164 | 25 | 3 6 | | | 1½
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-------+------+-----
G = Least Thickness of Armor.
H = Backing.
I = Indicated Horse-power.
J = Maximum Speed.
========================+=====+=====+=======+=====+===============
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J |BATTERY.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
| In. | In. | |Knots|
Redoubt Frigates. | | | | |
Kaiser | | | | | VIII 10¼-inch,
Deutschland | 6¼ | 10¼ | 8,000 | 14½ | I 8¼-inch.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Turret Frigates. | | | | |
Friederich der Grosse| | | | | IV 10¼-inch,
Preussen | 5½ | 8¼ | 5,400 | 14 | II 6¾-inch.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Casemate Frigates. | | | | |
König Wilhelm | 5½ | 9¾ | 8,000 | 14¾ | XVIII 9¼-inch,
| | | | | V 8¼-inch.
+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Friederich Karl | 3 | 15 | 3,500 | 13½ | XVI 8¼-inch.
Kron Prinz | 3 | 16 | 4,800 | 14¼ |
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Barbette Corvettes. | | | | |
Sachsen | 9 | 7¾ | 5,600 | 14 |
Baiërn | 9 | 7¾ | 5,600 | 14 | I 12-inch,
Würtemberg | 9 | 7¾ | 5,600 | 14 | IV 10¼-inch
Two others | 9 | 7¾ | 5,600 | 14 |
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Redoubt Corvette. | | | | |
Hansa | 4 | 12½ | 3,000 | 12 | VIII 8¼-inch.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Monitor. | | | | |
Arminius | 3 | 9 | 1,200 | 10½ | IV 8¼-inch.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Redoubt Ram. | | | | |
Prinz Adalbert | 3 | 12 | 1,000 | 9 | I 8¼-inch.
| | | | | II 6¾-inch.
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
Armored Gun-boats. | | | | |
Wespe | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
Viper | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
Biene | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
Mücke | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 | I 12-inch.
Scorpion | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
Basilisk | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
Four others | 4 | 8 | 700 | 9 |
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
River Monitors. | | | | |
Rhein | 1¼ | 8 | 80 | 6 | II 4½-inch.
Mosel | 1¼ | 8 | 80 | 6 |
------------------------+-----+-----+-------+-----+---------------
KAISER. DEUTSCHLAND.
Armored belt, redoubt, and stern casemate. Ram bow and straight stern.
The belt encircles the water-line, coming up to the height of the
main-deck beams abaft the redoubt, but forward of it reduced in height
to not over three feet above the water-line, and having a heavy steel
deck at the height of its upper edge. The belt does not cover the
ram. The sides forward and abaft the redoubt are given a rank tumble
home, while the redoubt is carried straight up to the spar-deck beams,
opening fore-and-aft and beam fire from the angular ports, (vide
Devastation, French). The stern casemate prevents raking from aft, and
also protects a stern-gun working in a single port. The engines and
boilers form two distinct sets, one abaft the other, the magazines and
shell-lockers coming between them. The redoubt has an overhang clear of
the side of 3½ feet forward and 1½ feet aft. There is no bow-gun, the
bow-fire coming from the redoubt. The after-redoubt guns only fire to
within 15° of right astern, the stern-gun filling out the dead-angle.
Single screw, full sail-power.
[Illustration: KAISER.]
FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE. PREUSSEN.
Armored belt, breastwork, and two revolving turrets. These ships are
built on the lines of the Monarch, although improved in detail. The
belt encircles the water-line, but does not come as low down as the
point of the ram. The breastwork surrounds the boilers and the bottoms
of the turrets, but the engines are outside of and abaft it. The
turrets are closer together than in the Monarch, and have no upper
works to interfere with their fire. The dead-angles of the turret-guns
are filled by a bow and stern-gun working in single unprotected ports.
These ships have single screws and about three-quarter sail-power.
[Illustration: PREUSSEN.]
KÖNIG WILHELM.
[Illustration: KÖNIG WILHELM.]
Armored belt and long, main-deck casemate, stern casemate, and two
spar-deck redoubts. Ram bow and straight stern. The belt encircles
the water-line, coming to the height of the main-deck beams aft, but
somewhat lower forward of the casemate, that portion being covered by
a steel deck. There is no forward or after fire from the casemate, the
sides rising straight up fore and aft. The ends of the casemate are
protected from raking by armored bulkheads, rising to the spar-deck
beams forward and abaft. The stern casemate protects a single gun
working in one port. At the forward end of the main casemate, and
rising clear of the upper deck, is a redoubt—or rather traverse, for it
is unprotected at the rear—giving protection to two guns working each
in two ports for fore-and-aft and beam fire. At the after-end of the
main casemate is a similar traverse, which has an overhang of several
feet, its two guns working also each in two ports for stern and beam
fire (vide Sultan, English). These traverses encumber the spar-deck for
working the gear of the sails. Single screw and full sail-power.
FRIEDRICH KARL. KRON PRINZ.
Armored belt and long casemate with bow redoubt. Ram bow and straight
stern. The belt encircles the water-line to the height of the main-deck
beams, coming down in a curve forward well over the ram. There is no
fore-and-aft fire from the casemate, the ship being wall-sided. The bow
redoubt cuts off the point of the bow above the spar-deck beams and
protects a bow-gun working in a single port. There is a high, oval,
armored pilot-house just abaft the main-mast. No stern-fire. Single
screw and full sail-power.
[Illustration: FRIEDRICH KARL.]
SACHSEN. BAIERN. WÜRTEMBERG.
(Two others not yet named.)
Partial armored belt and two barbette casemates. Ram bow, round stern.
Half sail-power (brig rigged). Four smoke-stacks. The belt forms a
casemate for the boilers and engines, covering the middle third of the
ship, the lower edge being prolonged in a heavy steel deck, which, aft,
protects the steering-gear. This casemate rises to the spar-deck beams.
At its after-end a high, rectangular barbette casemate rises well up
above the spar-deck rail, giving clear fore-and-aft and beam fir to
its four guns. At the forward end of the casemate is an oval barbette
turret (vide Temeraire, English) amidships, giving clear bow and beam
fire to its single gun. These ships gain a nearly perfect all-around
fire from the heaviest calibre guns, with a maximum thickness of armor.
They combine great armor and battery strength with light draft and
displacement.
[Illustration: SACHSEN.]
HANSA.
[Illustration: HANSA.]
Armored belt and double-decked redoubt. Swan-breasted bow strengthened
for ramming, pointed stern, single screw, full sail-power. The belt
encircles the water-line to the height of the main-deck. The main-deck
redoubt is short and does not give fore-and-aft fire, the ship being
wall-sided. The upper-deck redoubt, rising a little above the spar-deck
rail, is octagonal, to permit angular ports for fore-and-aft and beam
fire. The spar-deck rail is carried inboard parallel to the keel to
open the angular ports.
ARMINIUS.
[Illustration: ARMINIUS.]
Double-turreted monitor, with ram bow and no overhang. Light flying
deck, single screw. (American type modified.)
PRINZ ADALBERT.
Armored belt, double redoubt. Long ram bow, round stern, single screw,
half sail-power. The belt encircles the water-line to the height of the
upper deck. The curve of the ram bow is carried up, forming a spar-deck
redoubt, giving protection to a single heavy bow-gun working in one
port. A second redoubt, well aft, gives protection to two guns, each
working in two ports for fore-and-aft and beam fire. A superstructure
aft cuts off the stern-fire from these guns, and the forward redoubt
cuts off the bow-fire. The shape of both of the redoubts is nearly
circular. The Stonewall (Confederate) belonged to this type. (Sister
ships.)
[Illustration: PRINZ ADALBERT.]
WESPE. VIPER. BIENE. MÜCKE. SCORPION. BASILISK. RHEIN. MOSEL.
(Four others not yet named.)
Small, light-draft, armored gun-boats. All except the Rhein and Mosel
have an armored belt and a horseshoe-shaped traverse, giving protection
to the crew of a single barbette gun, which gives only bow-fire. They
are provided with rams. The Rhein and Mosel are light-draft monitors,
similar to the Austrian Danube gun-boats. (See Austrian Danube
monitors.) The Wespe class belongs to the English Staunch and the
French Farcy type.
GERMAN UNARMORED FLEET.
(FAST CRUISERS.)
====================+===============+=========+==============
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Maximum | BATTERY.
| | Speed. |
--------------------+---------------+---------+-----------------
| Tons. | Knots. |
Iron Gun-deck Corvettes.
Leipsic | 3,863 | 16 | XII 6¾-inches.
Bismarck | 3,863 | 16 |
+---------------+---------+---------------
Blücher | 2,460 | 15 |
Stosch | 2,460 | 15 |
Moltke | 2,460 | 15 | XVI 5¾-inches.
Sedan | 2,460 | 15 |
One other | 2,460 | 15 |
--------------------+---------------+---------+---------------
Wooden Gun-deck Corvettes.
Freya | 1,954 | 14½ |
Louise | 1,665 | 14 | II 6¾-inch,
Ariadne | 1,665 | 13 | VI 5¾-inch.
GERMAN GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
==================+===============+=========+========
| | |
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Maximum | Guns.
| | Speed. |
------------------+---------------+---------+--------
| Tons. | Knots. |
Wooden Gun-deck
Corvettes. | | |
Elizabeth | 2,428 | 12 | 18
Hertha | 2,227 | 10¾ | 19
Vineta | 2,227 | 11 | 19
------------------+---------------+---------+--------
2d Class Corvettes.
Augusta | 1,760 | 13¾ | 10
Arcona | 1,760 | 13½ | 10
Gazelle | 1,760 | 13½ | 10
Nymphe | 1,760 | 13¾ | 10
Medusa | 1,760 | 13¾ | 10
Victoria | 1,760 | 14 | 10
Ariadne | 1,650 | 12½ | 6
------------------+---------------+---------+--------
Gun-boats.
Albatross | 695 | 10½ | 4
Nautilus | 695 | 10½ | 4
Wolf | 482 | 10½ | 4
Hyäne | 482 | 10½ | 4
Cyclop | 395 | 8½ | 4
Blitz | 395 | 8½ | 4
Two others | 395 | 8½ | 4
Komet | 340 | 8½ | 3
Meteor | 340 | 8½ | 8
Delphin | 340 | 8½ | 3
Drache | 340 | 8½ | 3
Otter | 130 | 8½ | 3
Fuchs | 260 | 8 | 1
Habicht | 260 | 8 | 1
Hai | 260 | | 1
Tiger | 260 | | 1
Natter | 260 | | 1
Salamander | 260 | | 1
Scorpion | 260 | | 1
Sperber | 260 | | 1
------------------+---------------+---------+--------
Transport and
Dispatch Vessels.
Hohenzollern | 1,690 | | 2
Three others | 1,690 | | 2
Pommerania | 380 | | 2
Lorelei | 380 | | 2
Grille | 337 | | 2
Falke | 1,004 | | 2
------------------+---------------+---------+--------
Harbor-tugs. Torpedo-launches. Hulks. Guard-ships.
GREECE.
ARMORED VESSELS.
===============+===============+============+=========+===========
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Armor. | Maximum | BATTERY.
| | | Speed. |
---------------+---------------+------------+---------+----------
| Tons. | Inches. | Knots. |
Broadside | | | |
Frigates. | | | | II 9-inch.
Olga | 2,060 | 4½ to 5 | 10 | X 7-inch
| | | | Armstrong.
---------------+---------------+------------+---------+-----------
Casemate | | | |
Gun-boat. | | | |
Georgius | 1,800 | 7 | 13 | II 9-inch.
---------------+---------------+------------+---------+-----------
UNARMORED VESSELS.
1 Screw Corvette, Hellas.
5 Yachts (old blockade runners).
1 Screw Gun-boat.
7 Pinnaces and small Gun-boats.
OLGA.
Completely armored broadside frigate or large corvette; ram bow,
straight stern. Armor-belt enclosing water-line to the height of
spar-deck beams. (See Maria Pia, Italian.)
GEORGIUS.
Armored belt and hexagonal casemate amidships. The rail forward of the
casemate is carried inboard parallel to the keel to open the bow-fire
from the casemate. Abaft, the rail is cut in for some distance from
the casemate, and given a rank tumble home, to open the after-fire. No
stern-fire. Double screws, three-quarter sail-power. The armor has a
backing of ten inches. The guns work on turn-tables, one on each side,
and have a firing-angle of about 110° from each port.
[Illustration: GEORGIUS.]
HOLLAND.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
F = Least Thickness of Armor.
======================+=======+======+=======+=======+=====+=====
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
----------------------+------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
| Ft. |Ft.in.|Ft. in.| Tons. | In. | In.
Ram Turret-ships. | | | | | |
König der | 280 | 51 | 19 8 | 5,197 | 8 | 6
Nederlanden | | | | | |
Prins Hendrik | 230 | 44 | 18 10 | 2,360 | 4.5 | 4
---------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
Rams. | | | | | |
Stier | 193 6 | 36 6 | 15 6 | 2,060 | 6 | 4
Schorpioen | 193 6 | 36 | 15 6 | 2,140 | 6 | 4
Buffel | 205 | 40 | 15 6 | 2,162 | 6 | 4
Guinea | 205 | 40 | 15 6 | 2,338 | 6 | 4
---------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
1st Class Ram Monitor.| | | | | |
Draak | 195 | 46 | 10 10 | 2,121 | 8 | 6
---------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
2d Class Ram Monitors.| | | | | |
Matador | 195 | 46 | 9 10 | 1,623 | 4.5 | 4.5
Luipaard | 187 | 44 | 8 8 | 1,500 | 4.5 | 4.5
Hyaena | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,540 | 3 | 4.5
Panter | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,540 | 3 | 4.5
Haai | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,540 | 3 | 4.5
Wesp | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,540 | 3 | 4.5
Adder | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,540 | 3 | 4.5
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
Monitors. | | | | | |
Krokodil | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,505 | 2.9 | 5.5
Heiligerlee | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,505 | 2.9 | 5.5
Cerberus | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,505 | 2.9 | 5.5
Bloedhound | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,505 | 2.9 | 5.5
Tiyger | 187 | 44 | 8 6 | 1,391 | 2.9 | 5.5
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
Gun-boat. | | | | | |
Nummer 1 | 164 | 38 | 6 11 | 394 | 2.9 | 4.5
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
Light-draft Gun-boats.| | | | | |
Vahalis | 150 11| 8 4 | 4 11 | 256 | 4.5 | 4
Isala | 150 11| 8 4 | 4 3 | 360 | 5 | 4.3
Rhenus | 150 11| 8 4 | 4 3 | 360 | 5 | 4.3
Mosa | 150 11| 8 4 | 4 3 | 360 | 5 | 4.3
Merva | 150 11| 8 4 | 4 3 | 360 | 5 | 4.3
----------------------+-------+------+-------+-------+-----+-----
G = Backing.
H = Indicated Horse-power.
I = Maximum Speed.
J = Date of Launch.
======================+======+=======+=====+====+=================
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
---------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
| In. | |Knots|Year|
Ram Turret-ships. | | | | |
König der | 11.8 | 4,630 | 11.9|1874|IV 11-inch Armstrong
Nederlanden | | | | |IV 4¾-inch Krupp.
+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
Prins Hendrik | 9.8 | 2,400 | 12.1|1866|IV 9-inch Armstrong
| | | | |IV 4¾-inch Krupp.
---------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
Rams. | | | | |
Stier | 11.8 | 2,200 | 12.3|1867|IV 9-inch Armstrong
Schorpioen | 11.8 | 2,269 | 12.8|1867|IV ” ”
+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
Buffel | 9.8 | 2,200 | 12.7|1867|IV 9-inch Armstrong
| | | | |IV 30-pdr. smooth.
+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
Guinea | 9.8 | 2,200 | 12.7|1867|IV 9-inch Armstrong
| | | | |IV 30-pdr. smooth.
---------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
1st Class Ram Monitor.| | | | |
Draak | 11.8 | 800 | 10 |1877|II 11-inch Krupp.
---------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-----------------
2d Class Ram Monitors.| | | | |
Matador | 9.8 | 680 | 8 |1877| II 11-inch Krupp.
Luipaard | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1876| I ” ”
+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
Hyaena | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1870|
Panter | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1871| II 9-inch
Haai | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1868| Armstrong.
Wesp | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1869|
Adder | 9.8 | 680 | 9 |1868|
----------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
Monitors. | | | | |
Krokodil | 11.8 | 630 | 9 |1868|
Heiligerlee | 11.8 | 630 | 9 |1868| II 9-inch
Cerberus | 11.8 | 630 | 9 |1869| Armstrong.
Bloedhound | 11.8 | 630 | 9 |1869|
Tiyger | 11.8 | 630 | 9 |1868|
----------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
Gun-boat. | | | | |
Nummer 1 | 10.6 | 360 | 9 |1863| II 60-pdr. smooth.
----------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
Light-draft Gun-boats.| | | | |
Vahalis | 7 | 200 | 8 |1870| II 60-pdr. smooth.
+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
Isala | 5.1 | 320 | 8 |1876|
Rhenus | 5.1 | 320 | 8 |1877| II 4¾-inch Krupp.
Mosa | 5.1 | 320 | 8 |1878|
Merva | 5.1 | 320 | 8 |1878|
----------------------+------+-------+-----+----+-------------------
KONING DER NEDERLANDEN. PRINZ HENDRIK.
Double-turreted, high-sided, sea-going monitors. Armored belt and
casemate; ram bow, straight stern. The belt encloses the water-line to
the height of the main-deck beams. The casemate encloses the bottoms of
the turrets, engines, and boilers, occupying the middle third of the
vessel. The fore-and-aft fire of the turret guns is completely cut off
by the superstructures forming forecastle and cabin, and which rise to
the height of the top of the turrets.
[Illustration: PRINZ HENDRIK.]
These superstructures are cut in at the ends nearest the turrets to
open the fire as much as possible, increasing slightly the firing-angle
and almost completely destroying the necessary freeboard. Between
the turrets is a third superstructure, musket-proof, protecting the
approaches to the boilers and engines. At the forward end of this
superstructure is a musket-proof pilot-house. Double screws, full
sail-power, with tripod fore and main masts. These ships are a medium
between the Wyvern and the ill-fated Captain. Bow and stern fire are
secured by light unprotected guns.
STIER. SCHORPIOEN. BUFFEL. GUINEA. DRAAK. MATADOR. LUIPARD. HYAENA.
PANTER. HAAI. WESP. ADDER.
[Illustration: BUFFEL.]
High-sided ram monitors. Armored belt, casemate, and single turret. Ram
bow and round stern. The belt encircles the water-line to the height
of the main-deck beams. The casemate surrounds the foot of the turret
only. The turret has perfect all-around fire, being large enough to
give stern-fire past the smoke-stack. A superstructure gives a full
freeboard all around as high as the top of the casemate, furnishing
quarters. The upper deck carries a light barbette battery of bow,
stern, and broadside guns. Twin screw and half sail-power.
KROKODIL. HEILIGERLEE. CERBERUS. BLOEDHOUND. TIYGER.
Single-turreted low monitors, with high superstructures forward and
abaft the turret cutting off the fore-and-aft fire. Twin screws,
half-sail power.
[Illustration: BLOEDHOUND.]
VAHALIS. ISALA. RHENUS. MOSA. MERVA.
Light-draft, single-turreted monitors. The turret is elevated and
surrounded by a casemate having a tumble home of 35°.
DUTCH UNARMORED FLEET.
(FAST CRUISERS.)
A = Displacement.
B = Indicated Horse-power.
C = Maximum Speed.
D = Date of Launch.
===================+=======+=======+======+====+====================
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | BATTERY.
-------------------+-------+-------+------+----+--------------------
| Tons. | |Knots.|Year|
1st-class Cruisers.| | | | |
Atjeh | 3,108 | 2,900 | 14 |1876|
Tromp | 3,108 | 2,900 | 14 |1877| VI 6.8-inch Krupp.
De Ruyter | 3,108 | 2,900 | 14 |1878|
-------------------+-------+-------+------+----+--------------------
3d-class Cruisers. | | | | |
Suriname | 836 | 350 | |1876| I 5.8-inch Krupp.
| | | | | III 4.7-inch ”
+-------+-------+------+----+--------------------
Bonaire | 836 | 350 | |1876| I 5.8-inch ”
| | | | | III 4.7-inch ”
+-------+-------+------+----+--------------------
St. Eustatius | 836 | 350 | |1877|
Samarang | 836 | 350 | |1877| I 5.8-inch ”
Batavia | 836 | 350 | |1878| III 4.7-inch ”
Macassar | 836 | 350 | |1878|
Padang | 836 | 350 | |1878|
-------------------+-------+-------+------+----+--------------------
DUTCH GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
A = Displacement.
B = Indicated Horse-power.
C = Construction Material.
D = Date of Launch.
===================+=======+=======+===========+=========+======
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | Guns.
-------------------+-------+-------+-----------+---------+------
| Tons. | | | Year. |
Frigate. | | | | |
Evertsen | 3,300 | 1,000 | Wood | 1857 | 51
-------------------+-------+-------+-----------+---------+------
Corvettes. | | | | |
Silverin Kruis | 2,160 | 1,480 | ” | 1869 | 12
Van Galen | 2,160 | 700 | ” | 1872 | 12
Leenwarden | 2,030 | 700 | ” | 1861 | 14
Curaçao | 2,030 | 700 | ” | 1863 | 14
Watergeus | 1,490 | 770 | ” | 1864 | 6
Marnix | 1,490 | 770 | ” | 1867 | 6
-------------------+-------+-------+-----------+---------+------
Sloops. | | | | |
Alkmaar | 1,010 | 600 | Composite | 1874 | 3
Prinses Maria | 760 | 250 | Wood | 1862 | 7
Cornelius Dirks | 760 | 250 | ” | 1859 | 6
Aruba | 730 | 250 | Composite | 1873 | 3
-------------------+-------+-------+-----------+---------+------
Paddle Steamer. | | | | |
Valk | 1,220 | 800 | Wood | 1864 | 6
-------------------+-------+-------+-----------+---------+------
DUTCH EAST INDIA GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
A = Displacement.
B = Indicated Horse-power.
C = Construction Material.
D = Date of Launch.
========================+=======+=====+=============+======+======
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | Guns.
| | | | |
------------------------+-------+-----+-------------+------+------
| Tons. | | | Year.|
Paddle Steamers. | | | | |
Soeribaija | 1,450 | 975 | Wood | 1867 | 2
Merapi | 1,150 | 975 |Iron sheathed| 1874 | 6
Bromo | 1,150 | 975 | ” | 1874 | 6
Sumatra | 950 | 550 | Iron | 1867 | 4
Borneo | 950 | 550 | ” | 1867 | 4
Banka | 950 | 550 | ” | 1867 | 4
Timor | 950 | 550 | ” | 1867 | 4
Oenarang | 650 | 360 | ” | 1875 | 3
Soembing | 650 | 360 | ” | 1877 | 4
Sindoro | 650 | 360 | ” | 1877 | 4
Onrust | 190 | 290 | ” | 1863 | 3
Salak | 200 | 290 | ” | 1875 | 3
Admiral v. Kinsbergen| 180 | 200 | ” | 1854 | 1
------------------------+-------+-----+-------------+------+------
Screw Steamers. | | | | |
Aart Van Ness | 650 | 280 | Wood | 1863 | 2
Schouwen | 650 | 280 | ” | 1863 | 6
Bommelerward | 650 | 280 | ” | 1862 | 6
Riouw | 730 | 340 | Composite | 1872 | 3
Banda | 730 | 340 | ” | 1872 | 3
Amböina | 730 | 340 | ” | 1873 | 3
Deli | 730 | 340 | ” | 1873 | 3
Sambas | 750 | 350 | ” | 1874 | 3
Pontianak | 750 | 350 | ” | 1873 | 3
Bandjermassing | 750 | 350 | ” | 1874 | 3
Palembang | 750 | 350 | ” | 1874 | 3
------------------------+-------+-----+-------------+------+------
Surveying Steamer. | | | | |
Hydrograaf | 730 | 340 | ” | 1873 | 3
------------------------+-------+-----+-------------+------+------
ITALY.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
==================+=====+=====+=====+========+=======+=======
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
| Ft. | Ft. | Ft. | Tons. | | Knots.
Citadel Ships. | | | | | |
Dandolo | 340 | 65 | 26 | 10,650 | 7,500 | 14
Duilio | 340 | 65 | 26 | 10,650 | 7,500 | 14
Italia | 400 | 74 | 30 | 13,480 | 9,000 | 15
Lepanto | 400 | 74 | 30 | 13,480 | 9,000 | 15
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Casemate and Redoubt Frigates.
Palestro | 265 | 58 | 25 | 5,780 | 3,200 | 12.2
Principe Amadeo| 265 | 58 | 25 | 5,780 | 3,200 | 12.9
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Venezia | 250 | 57½ | 25 | 5,699 | 4,000 | 13
Roma | 250 | 57½ | 25 | 5,099 | 3,500 | 13
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Broadside Frigates.
Ancona | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,194 | 3,000 | 11½
Castelfidardo | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,149 | 3,000 | 11½
Maria Pia | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,194 | 3,000 | 11½
San Martino | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,194 | 3,000 | 11½
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Conte Verde | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,194 | 3,000 | 11½
Messina | 256 | 50 | 22 | 4,194 | 3,000 | 11½
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Floating Batteries.
Terribile | 198 | 45 | 18 | 2,700 | 1,800 | 12
Formidabile | 198 | 45 | 18 | 2,700 | 1,800 | 12
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Varese | 198 | 42 | 13 | 2,600 | 1,000 | 9
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
Monitor Ram.
Affondatore | 290 | 40 | 20 | 4,070 | 3,200 | 13
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------+-------
G = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
H = Least Thickness of Armor.
I = Backing.
J = Date of Launch.
==================+=====+=====+=====+========+=============
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
| In. | In. | In. | Year. |
Citadel Ships. | | | | |
Dandolo | 21½ | 13¾ | 19¾ | 1876 |
Duilio | 21½ | 13¾ | 19¾ | 1878 | IV 17-inch,
Italia | | | |Building| IV 4¾-inch.
Lepanto | | | | ” |
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Casemate and Redoubt Frigates.| | |
Palestro | 8⅝ | 6 | 24¼ | 1872 | I 11-inch,
Principe Amadeo| 8⅝ | 6 | 24¼ | 1873 | IV 10-inch.
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Venezia | 6 | 4 | 26 | 1871 |VIII 10-inch,
Roma | 6 | 4 | 26 | 1869 | I 9-inch.
| | | | | XI 10-inch.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Broadside Frigates. | | | |
Ancona | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1863 |
Castelfidardo | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1863 | IX 8-inch,
Maria Pia | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1864 | II 9-inch.
San Martino | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1864 |
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Conte Verde | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1861 | VI 9-inch,
Messina | 4⅝ | 3 | 13 | 1861 | I 8-inch.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Floating Batteries. | | | |
Terribile | 4½ | 3 | 9 | 1862 |VIII 8-inch.
Formidabile | 4½ | 3 | 9 | 1862 |
+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Varese | 4½ | 3 | 9 | 1862 | IV 8-inch,
| | | | | I 6½-inch.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
Monitor Ram. | | | | |
Affondatore | 5 | 3 | 9 | 1865 | II 9-inch.
------------------+-----+-----+-----+--------+-------------
DANDOLO. DUILIO. ITALIA. LEPANTO.
Armored-casemate, double-turreted monitor ships. Ram bow, overhanging
stern. The casemate surrounds the boilers, engines, and turrets,
occupying about one third of the ship. The lower edge of the casemate
is carried forward and aft in a steel deck three inches thick, the deck
curving down forward below the point of the ram. The upper deck is also
plated fore and aft with two-inch steel plates. The turrets are placed
diagonally to open full fore-and-aft and beam fire. The two sets of
boilers and engines are grouped one abaft the other, the boilers being
arranged transversely between the sets of engines. Twin screws, no
sail-power, no superstructure. Designed by Admiral Brin.
[Illustration: DUILIO.]
PALESTRO. PRINCIPE AMADEO.
Armored belt and double casemate. Swan breast, ram bow, straight stern.
The belt encloses the water-line to the height of the main-deck beams.
Forward is a double casemate or traverse (the rear being unprotected)
rising to the top of the topgallant forecastle, and giving protection
to two heavy guns on the main-deck, working each in two ports for bow
and beam fire, and one heavy rifle on the upper deck working in two
ports over the forward main-deck ones for bow-fire. The bow-frames are
distorted to open the fire on the main-deck. Aft is a long main-deck
traverse protecting four heavy rifles, giving two guns for stern-fire
and, if desired, three for beam-fire (one gun may be shifted from side
to side). The stern-frames, like those of the bow, are distorted to get
stern-fire. Single screw, full sail-power.
[Illustration: PALESTRO.]
VENEZIA. ROMA.
[Illustration: VENEZIA.]
Armored belt, long main-deck casemate, and upper-deck bow and stern
traverses. Straight bow, round stern. The belt encircles the water-line
to the height of the main-deck beams. The casemate is long and
trapezoidal in shape, with the corners cut to allow angular ports for
fore-and-aft fire. The side forward and abaft the casemate is given a
rank tumble home to open the fore-and-aft fire. The casemate surrounds
the boilers and engines. On the spar-deck are bow and stern traverses,
each protecting a gun working in a single port. The bow and stern upper
rail is cut off by the traverses sufficient to give them square fronts.
Single screw, full sail-power.
ANCONA. CASTELFIDARDO. MARIA PIA. SAN MARTINO. CONTE VERDE. MESSINA.
[Illustration: MARIA PIA.]
Armored-belt and long-casemate, broadside frigates. Ram bows and round
sterns. The armored belt encloses the water-line to the main-deck
beams, and is carried up in the casemate to the spar-deck beams.
No fore-and-aft fire except from light upper-deck guns. An armored
pilot-house just forward of the mizzen-mast. Single screw, full
sail-power.
TERRIBILE. FORMIDABILE. VARESE.
Old-type floating batteries. The Varese has the corners of her casemate
cut to give fore-and-aft and beam fire. Walls of casemate tumble home
at a sharp angle. Ram bows, twin screws, no sail-power.
AFFONDATORE.
[Illustration: AFFONDATORE.]
Double-turreted monitor ram. High-sided, with half sail-power and
superstructures forward and abaft the turrets. Armored belt enclosing
the water-line to the upper-deck beams. Long ram bow, continued up
and forming a topgallant forecastle nearly as high as the top of the
turret. Musket-proof superstructure surrounding the engine-room.
Stern-frames carried up to form a spar-deck cabin. No fore-and-aft
fire. Single screw. This vessel was the Italian flag-ship at the Battle
of Lissa.
ITALIAN UNARMORED FLEET.
(RAPID CRUISERS.)
======================+===============+=========+============
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Maximum | BATTERY.
| | Speed. |
----------------------+---------------+---------+------------
| Tons. | Knots. |
2d Class Corvettes.
Cristoforo Colombo | 2,500 | 16.2 | V 4¾-inch.
Staffetta | 1,485 | 12.5 | V 3-inch.
Rapido | 1,426 | 11.8 |
----------------------+---------------+---------+-------------
Gun-boats.
Agostin | 650 | 17 |
Barbarigo | 650 | 17 | II 4¾-inch.
Marcantonio | 650 | 17 |
Colonna | 650 | 17 |
----------------------+---------------+---------+------------
Torpedo Vessels.
Pietro Micca | 512 | 14.5 |
Seb. Verniero | 512 | | Torpedoes.
And. Provano | 512 | |
----------------------+---------------+---------+------------
ITALIAN GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
(OLD-TYPE STEAM CRUISERS.)
====================+===============+==============+======
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Construction | Guns.
| | Material. |
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
| Tons. | |
Frigates.
Vittorio Emanuele| 3,420 | Wood | 22
Maria Adelaide | 3,460 | ” | 24
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Corvettes.
Vettor Pisani | 1,580 | ” | 14
Carracciolo | 1,580 | ” | 6
Garibaldi | 1,440 | ” | 8
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Dispatch Vessel.
Vedetta | 790 | Iron | 4
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
1st Class Gun-boats.
Scilla | 1,050 | Wood | 4
Cariddi | 1,050 | ” | 4
Guardiano | 265 | Iron | 1
Sentinella | 265 | ” | 1
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
2nd Class Gun-boats.
Veloce | 274 | Wood | 4
Ardita | 274 | ” | 4
Conflenza | 262 | ” | 4
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Paddle-wheel Corvettes.
Governolo | 1,700 | ” | 8
Ettore Fieramosca| 1,400 | ” | 6
Guiscardo | 1,400 | ” | 6
Archimede | 1,300 | ” | 6
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Dispatch Vessels.
Esploratore | 1,080 | ” | 4
Messaggiero | 1,080 | ” | 4
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Transports.
Citta di Genova | 3,730 | ” | 4
Citta di Napoli | 3,730 | ” | 8
Europa | 2,300 | Iron | 2
Conte Cavour | 1,870 | ” | 2
Washington | 1,400 | ” | 2
Doria | 1,100 | ” | 2
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Depot Vessel.
Vulcano | 276 | Wood |
--------------------+---------------+--------------+------
Hulks. Guard-ships. School-ships. Harbor-tugs.
JAPAN.
ARMORED FLEET
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
===============+=====+========+=====+=======+=======+========
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F
---------------+-----+--------+-----+-------+-------+--------
| Ft. | Ft.in. | Ft. | Tons. | | Knots.
Armored Corvettes.
Foo-Soo | 220 | 48 | 18 | 3,718 | 3,500 | 13
+-----+--------+-----+-------+-------+--------
Kong-Go | 231 | 40 9 | 18 | 3,650 | 2,450 | 13¾
Hi-Yei | 220 | 48 | 18½ | 3,718 | 2,490 | 14
---------------+-----+--------+-----+-------+-------+--------
Ram.
Ko-tets-een | 158 | 27 | 13 | 3,863 | 1,000 | 9
---------------+-----+--------+-----+-------+-------+--------
Broadside Corvette.
Rio-jio-kan | 213 | 34 6 | 17½ | | |
---------------+-----+--------+-----+-------+-------+--------
G = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
H = Least Thickness of Armor.
I = Backing.
J = Date of Launch.
===============|=====+=====+=====+======+===================
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
| | | | |
---------------+-----+-----+-----+------+-------------------
| In. | In. | In. | Year.|
Armored Corvettes.
Foo-Soo | 9 | 8 | | 1877 | IV 9½-inch,
| | | | | II 6¾-inch Krupp.
+-----+-----+-----+------+-------------------
Kong-Go | 5 | 5 | | 1877 | III 6¾-inch,
Hi-Yei | 5 | 5 | | 1878 | VI 5¾-inch Krupp.
---------------+-----+-----+-----+------+-------------------
Ram.
Ko-tets-een | 4½ | 3 | 12 | 1864 | III 9-inch
| | | | | Armstrong.
---------------+-----+-----+-----+------+-------------------
Broadside Corvette.
Rio-jio-kan | 4 | 4 | | 1864 | II 6-inch,
| | | | | X 5-inch
| | | | |cast-iron rifles.
---------------+-----+-----+-----+------+-------------------
JAPANESE UNARMORED FLEET.
======================+===============+============+======+======
TYPE AND NAME. |Length between | Breadth of |Draft.| Guns.
|Perpendiculars.| Beam. | |
----------------------+---------------+------------+------+------
| Ft. | Ft. | Ft. |
Corvettes. | | | |
Tsu-ku-ba-kan | 197 | 29½ | 15 | 10
Nishin-kan | 203 | 29 | 14 | 7
Kasuga-kan | 242 | 27 | 10 | 7
----------------------+---------------+------------+------+------
Gun-boats. | | | |
Ho-shio-kan | 150 | 21 | 7 | 2
Moshium-kan | 150 | 21 | 7 | 4
Dai-itchi-Teibo-kan| 131 | 22 | 7 | 4
Dai-ni-Taibo-kan | 131 | 22 | 7 | 2
Un-yo-kan | | | | 4
Tchiotagata-kan | | | | 3
----------------------+---------------+------------+------+------
Transports. | | | |
Osaka-maru | | | |
Two others | | | |
----------------------+---------------+------------+------+------
FOO-SOO.
Armored belt and redoubt. Ram bow, round stern. Belt encircling the
water-line to the height of the main-deck beams, and covering the ram.
Square central redoubt, having an overhang of about three feet, the
corners being cut off to permit angular ports for fore-and-aft and beam
fire. The sides above the main-deck beams are given a rank tumble home
to open the fore-and-aft fire of the redoubt. On top of the redoubt a
heavy rifle is mounted on each side in barbette, giving a firing-angle
of 180°. Designed by Reed. This ship resembles very closely in type the
French Redoubtable.
KONG-GO. HI-YEI.
Armored-belt, broadside corvettes. The belt comes to the height of the
upper-deck beams, but ends short of the bow and stern in an armored
bulkhead. There is no fore-and-aft fire from the main battery. Two
heavy bow-guns are carried under the forecastle in recessed ports,
giving bow and beam fire. One stern-gun working in two recessed ports
gives stern and beam fire. Single screw, full sail-power. Long yacht
bow and round stern.
KO-TETS-EEN (LATE STONEWALL).
Armored belt and redoubt, long ram bow, round stern, single screw, and
half sail-power. This vessel is almost the exact counterpart of the
Prinz Adalbert (German). Both ships were built at Bordeaux.
RIO-JIO-KAN.
Partial armored belt, from about three feet below the water-line to the
height of the spar-deck beams, ending forward and abaft the battery
in armored bulkheads. There is no fore-and-aft fire from the battery,
and only bow-fire from a light rifle. The disposition of the armor is
similar to that of the Warrior. The hull is divided into several large
water-tight compartments, and the long yacht-bow is strengthened for
ramming. Single screw, full sail-power.
NORWAY AND SWEDEN.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Draft.
B = Displacement.
C = Indicated Horse-Power.
D = Maximum Speed.
E = Armor at Water-line.
F = Armor on Turret.
G = Backing.
NORWAY.
================+======+=====+===+=====+====+====+===+=============
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |BATTERY.
| | | | | | | |
----------------+------+-----+---+-----+----+----+---+-------------
|Ft.in.|Tons.| |Knots| In.|In. |In.|
Monitors. | | | | | | | |
Scorpionen |11 6 |1,423|380| 7 | 5 |11.8|26 |
Mjölner |11 6 |1,490|460| 7 | 5 |11.8|26 |
Thrudvang |11 6 |1,490|500| 8 | 5 |11.8|26 | II 11-inch
Thor |13 2 |1,970|600| 9 | 7 |13.7| 9 | Armstrong.
Odin |13 2 |1,970|600| 9 | 7 |13.7| 9 |
----------------+------+-----+---+-----+----+----+---+-------------
SWEDEN.
----------------+------+-----+---+------+---+----+---+-------------
Monitors. | | | | | | | |
John Ericsson|11 6 |1,475|380| 7 | 5 |10½ |31½| II 15-inch
| | | | | | | | Rodman
| | | | | | | | smooth-bore.
+------+-----+---+------+---+----+---+-------------
Thordön |11 6 |1,475|380| 7½ | 5 |10½ |26 | II 9¼-inch
Tyrfing |11 6 |1,475|380| 7½ | 5 |10½ |26 | Finsporg
Loke |12 2 |1,575|430| 8 | 5 |17¾ |24½| Rifle.
----------------+------+-----+---+------+---+----+---+-------------
Monitor Gun-boats. | | | | | | |
Garmer | 6 6 | 256| 90| 5½ | 1½| 6 | 7¾|
Fenris | 8 3 | 256| 43| 6 | 1½|10½ |33¾|
Sköld | 7 6 | 236| 17| 3¾ | 1½| 8½ |33¾|
Gerda | 8 9 | 453|133| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
Hildur | 8 9 | 453|133| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
Björn | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾| I 9¼-inch
Berserk | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾| Armstrong.
Folke | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
Sölwe | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
Ulf | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
One other | 8 9 | 453|155| 8 | 2½|14 |33¾|
----------------+------+-----+---+------+---+----+---+-------------
SCORPIONEN. MJOLNER. THRUDVANG. THOR. JOHN ERICSSON. THORDON. TJIFING.
LOKE.
Low freeboard, single-turreted monitors. (See Passaic, American.)
ODIN.
Armored belt and casemate. Ram bow, straight stern, low freeboard. The
Odin belongs to the floating-battery type; her casemate rising above
the deck-level with tumble-home sides, and ports in all four faces for
all-around fire.
[Illustration: GARMER.]
THE TWELVE SWEDISH MONITOR GUN BOATS.
Armored belt and fixed turret, twin screws, no sail power. The turret
is dome-shaped, with a small dome-shaped armored pilot-house on its
after-end. The sides of the turret curve into a steep glacis, which is
carried out nearly to the side of the ship, the deck in wake of the
turret being merely a narrow platform for passing fore and aft without
difficulty. The single heavy gun is worked on a turn-table in five
ports for all-around fire. The after-part of the turret is carried on
in a superstructure covering the engines, boilers, and hatchways. A
light flying deck or bridge is carried around the upper part of the
turret. The armor of the side and turret is curved in every section,
so as not to present a fair target for striking in any position.
The ellipsoidal bow is very strong, and is heavily strengthened for
ramming.
NORWEGIAN AND SWEDISH UNARMORED FLEET.
NORWAY.
=================+===============+========+========================
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Speed. | BATTERY.
-----------------+---------------+--------+------------------------
| Tons. | Knots. |
Frigates. | | |
Kong Sverre | 3,472 | 11 | XLIV 32-pdrs.
Saint Olaf | 2,182 | 10 | XXXIV ”
-----------------+---------------+--------+------------------------
Corvettes. | | |
Nordsgernen | 1,609 | 9 | XVI ”
Nornen | 958 | 9 | XIV ”
-----------------+---------------+--------+------------------------
Gun-boats. | | |
Steipner | 580 | 8 | I 10¼-inch, I 5¾-inch.
+---------------+--------+------------------------
Vale | 233 | 8 |
Uller | 233 | 8 | I 10¼-inch.
+---------------+--------+------------------------
Glommen | | |
Lugen | | | II 10¼-inch.
Sarpen | | |
Rjuken | | |
+---------------+--------+------------------------
Two others | 233 | 8 | I 10¼-inch.
Fourteen Galleys | | | I 5¾-inch.
-----------------+---------------+--------+------------------------
SWEDEN.
========================+=============+=======+====================
TYPE AND NAME. |Displacement.| Speed.| BATTERY.
------------------------+-------------+-------+--------------------
| Tons. | Knots.|
Ships of the line. | | |
Stockholm | 2,850 | 10 | LXVI 20-pdrs.
Vanadis | 2,130 | 12 | XVI 32-pdrs.
------------------------+-------------+-------+--------------------
Corvettes. | | |
Balder | 1,880 | 9 | VI 5¼-inch Krupp.
Gefle | 1,280 | 9 | VIII ” ”
Thor | 1,070 | 9 | V ” ”
Saga | 1,530 | 8 | VII ” ”
------------------------+-------------+-------+-----------------------
Gun-boats. | | |
Blenda | 500 | 13.2 |
Disa | 500 | 13.2 |
Urd | 500 | 13.2 |
Verdande | 500 | 13.2 | I 10¾-inch,
Skagul | 536 | 13.5 | I 4¾-inch.
Skuld | 536 | 13.5 |
Sköggald | 536 | 13.5 |
Rota | 536 | 13.5 |
+-------------+-------+--------------------
Svensksund | | |
Hogland | | |
Motala | | |
Carlsund | | |
Allög | 180 to 200 | 8 | I 4¾-inch.
Astrid | | |
Ingegud | | |
Sigrid | | |
Alfhild | | |
Gunhild | | |
------------------------+-------------+-------+--------------------
Transport. | | |
Valkyrian | | | I 5¾-inch.
------------------------+-------------+-------+--------------------
Torpedo Vessel. | | |
Ran | 630 | 18 | I 6½-inch.
------------------------+-------------+-------+--------------------
The Navy is supplied with a number of Thorneycroft torpedo-launches
using Whitehead torpedoes.
PERU.
ARMORED FLEET.
========================+=============+=======+=======+=============
TYPE AND NAME. |Displacement.|Maximum|Date of| BATTERY.
| |Speed. |Launch.|
------------------------+-------------+-------+-------+-------------
| Tons. | Knots.| Year. |
Floating Battery. | | | |
Independencia | 1,968 | 12½ | 1865 | II 7-inch,
| | | | XII 5¾-inch.
------------------------+-------------+-------+-------+-------------
Turret ships. | | | |
Atahualpa | 984 | 10½ | 1865 | II 9-inch,
Manco Capac | 1,082 | 12 | 1865 | II 40-pdrs.
------------------------+-------------+-------+-------+-------------
Monitors. | | | |
Victoria | | | |
Loa | | | |
------------------------+-------------+-------+-------+-------------
PERUVIAN UNARMORED FLEET.
=========================+=============+======
TYPE AND NAME. |Displacement.| Guns.
-------------------------+-------------+------
| Tons. |
Frigate. | |
Callao | | 30
-------------------------+-------------+------
Corvettes. | |
America | | 14
Union | | 14
-------------------------+-------------+------
Gun-boats. | |
Chalaco | | 4
Tumbez | | 4
Chanchamaya | | 2
+-------------+------
Colon | | 2
-------------------------+-------------+------
INDEPENDENCIA (wrecked in action with the Covadonga).
Armored casemate, ram bow, straight stern, single screw, half
sail-power. The armor covers the water-line and rises to the height of
the spar-deck beams, ending forward and abaft the battery in armored
bulkheads. There is no fore-and-aft fire from the casemate, this fire
being secured by a single bow and a single stern-gun mounted on the
spar-deck, unprotected.
ATAHUALPA. MANCO CAPAC. VICTORIA. LOA.
Low-freeboard, single-turreted monitors of the American type.
The Atahualpa and Manco Capac are the late American monitors Chickasaw
and Winnebago.
PORTUGAL.
ARMORED CORVETTE.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Armor.
F = Backing.
G = Maximum Speed.
=============+====+===+====+=====+=====+=====+======+===============
NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | BATTERY
-------------+----+---+----+-----+-----+-----+------+---------------
| Ft.|Ft.| Ft.|Tons.| In. | In. |Knots.|
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | 10 | | |
Vasco de Gama| 216|43 | 21 |2,479| to | 10 |13½ | II 10½-in.,
| | | | | | | | I 6-in. Krupp.
| | | | | 9 | | | II 40-pdr.
| | | | | | | | Armstrong.
-------------+----+---+----+-----+-----+-----+------+---------------
Armored belt and casemate. (See Foo Soo, Japanese.) Ram bow, straight
stern. The belt encircles the hull to the height of the upper deck,
coming below the ram. The casemate rises above the deck, the corners
being cut to permit angular ports for fore-and-aft and beam fire. The
rail is carried back slightly and the casemate has an overhang of three
feet, giving the vessel, at a distance, the appearance of a paddle
steamer. Single screw, full sail-power.
PORTUGUESE GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
========================+=============+=====+============+========
TYPE AND NAME. |Displacement.|Guns.| Nominal |Date of
| | |Horse-power.|Launch.
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
| Tons. | | | Year.
Corvettes. | | | |
Estephania | 1,476 | 19 | 400 | 1859
Bartholomeu Diaz | 1,243 | 17 | 400 | 1858
Rainha de Portugal | 1,020 | 8 | 150 | 1876
Mindello | 1,020 | 8 | 150 | 1876
Duque de Terceira | 848 | 5 | 220 | 1864
Sagres | 814 | 4 | 300 | 1858
Infante Don Henrique | 848 | 10 | 200 | 1862
Sa de Bandeira | 848 | 13 | 200 | 1862
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
Gun-boats. | | | |
Rio Lima | 539 | 5 | 80 | 1875
Tamega | 589 | 5 | 80 | 1875
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
Screw Gun-boats. | | | |
Sado | 589 | 5 | 80 | 1875
Tejo | 589 | 2 | 100 | 1869
Douro | 369 | 2 | 100 | 1873
Quanza | 369 | 8 | 100 | 1877
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
Paddle Gun-boats. | | | |
Quelimane | 286 | 1 | 40 | 1868
Tete | 111 | 1 | 85 | 1871
Sena | 111 | 1 | 85 | 1871
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
Transports. | | | |
India | 1,201 | 2 | 160 | 1871
Africa | 1,400 | 2 | | 1875
------------------------+-------------+-----+------------+--------
RUSSIA.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
G = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
===================+======+======+======+=======+=====+=====+=====
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
|Ft.in.|Ft.in.|Ft.in.| Tons. | |Knots| In.
Frigates.
Sevastopol |300 | 50 10| 25 11| 6,200 |3,088| 12 | 4½
+------+------+--=---+-------+-----+-----+-----
Petropaulowski |300 | 56 | 25 3| 6,200 |2,460| 11 | 4½
+------+------+----=-+-------+-----+-----+-----
Knjaz Pozarski |280 | 49 | 21 | 4,500 |2,835| 10.6| 4½
General Admiral |285 | 48 | 23 | 4,500 |6,300| 13 | 6
+------+------+-----=+-------+-----+-----+-----
Herzog von |285 | 48 | 23 | 4,500 |6,300| 13 | 6
Edinburgh | | | | | | |
+------+------+---=--+-------+-----+-----+-----
Minin |289 | 49 | 23 8| 5,800 |6,300| 12 | 9.2
-------------------+------+------+---=--+-------+-----+-----+-----
Battery Ships.
Perwenec |220 | 53 | 17 | 3,300 | 800| 9 | 4½
Netronz-menya |220 | 53 | 17 | 3,300 |1,140| 8 | 4½
Kreml |218 6| 53 | 17 | 3,300 | 913| 8.5| 6
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
Turret Ships.
Peter der Grosse |330 | 64 | 22 9 | 9,510 |8,700| 13.2| 17
Admiral Lazareff |260 | 43 6| 19 | 3,700 |2,020| 10.8| 5½
Admiral Greigh |260 | 43 6| 19 | 3,700 |2,020| 10.2| 5½
Admiral Cicagoff |260 | 43 6| 19 2 | 3,700 |2,080| 10.8| 6
Admiral Spiridoff|260 | 43 6| 19 2 | 3,700 |2,080| 10.8| 6
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
Popoffkas.
Vice-Admiral |121 |121 | 14 | 3,550 | | 8.3| 16
Popoff | | | | | | |
Novgorod |101 |101 | 13 2 | 2,490 | | 6.5| 9
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
Double-turret Monitors.
Carodjezka |210 | 42 | 11 9 | 1,835 | 750| 8.7| 4½
Russalka |210 | 42 | 11 9 | 1,835 | 750| 8.7| 4½
Smertch |172 10| 38 | | 1,380 | 700| 8.3| 4½
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
Single-turret Monitors.
Stryeletch | | | | | | |
Jedinrog | | | | | | |
Latnik | | | | | | |
Bronenosec | | | | | | |
Uragan | | | | | 340 | |
Tifon |200 | 46 | 11 6 | 1,558 | to | 7 | 12
Larva | | | | | 490 | |
Perun | | | | | | |
Wjestchun | | | | | | |
Koldun | | | | | | |
+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
Sistov | | | 5 | 512 | 290| 8 | 3
Nikopolis | | | 5 | 512 | 290| 8 | 3
-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+-----+-----
H = Least Thickness of Armor.
I = Backing.
J = Date of Launch.
===================+=====+======+======+======================
TYPE AND NAME. | H | I | J | BATTERY.
-------------------+-----+------+------+-----------------------
| In. |In. | Year |
Frigates.
Sevastopol | 3 | 2.6 | 1863 |XVIII 8¼-inch Aboukoff.
+-----+------+------+------------------------
Petropaulowski | 3 | 2.4 | 1865 | XXI ”
| | | | I 5.8-inch Aboukoff.
+-----+------+------+------------------------
Knjaz Pozarski | 3 | 1.8 | 1867 | X ” ”
General Admiral | 4 | 1 | 1873 | IV ”
| | | | II ” ”
+-----+------+------+------------------------
Herzog von | 4 | 1 | 1875 | IV ”
Edinburgh | | | | II ” ”
+-----+------+------+------------------------
Minin | 6 | 24 | 1878 | IV ”
| | | | VIII ” ”
-------------------+-----+------+------+------------------------
Battery Ships.
Perwenec | 4 | 10 | 1863 | XIV ” ”
Netronz-menya | 4 | 12 | 1864 | XVI ”
| | | | I 60-pdr. smooth.
Kreml | 4 | 18 | 1864 | XII 5.8-inch.
| | | | V 5.8-inch Aboukoff
-------------------+-----+------+------+-------+----------------
Turret Ships.
Peter der Grosse | 9 | 10 | 1872 | IV 12-inch Aboukoff.
Admiral Lazareff | 3 | 18 | 1867 | VI 9-inch ”
Admiral Greigh | 3 | 18 | 1868 |III 11-inch ”
Admiral Cicagoff | 4 | 18 | 1868 | II ” ”
Admiral Spiridoff| 4 | 18 | 1868 | II ” ”
-------------------+-----+------+------+------------------------
Popoffkas.
Vice-Admiral | 16 | 15¾ | 1875 | II 12-inch ”
Popoff | | | |
Novgorod | 8¼ | 9 | 1873 | II 11-inch ”
-------------------+-----+------+------+------------------------
Double-turret Monitors.
Carodjezka | 3¼ | 18 | 1867 | IV 9-inch ”
Russalka | 3¼ | 18 | 1867 | IV ” ”
Smertch | 4 | 7.8 | 1864 | II ” ”
-------------------+-----+------+------+------------------------
Single-turret Monitors.
Stryeletch | | | |
Jedinrog | | | |
Latnik | | | |
Bronenosec | | | |
Uragan | | | |
Tifon | 12 | 39 | 1864 | II 9-inch Aboukoff.
Larva | | | |
Perun | | | |
Wjestchun | | | |
Koldun | | | |
+-----+------+------+------------------------
Sistov | 2 | 10 | 1864 | II 4¾-inch,
Nikopolis | 2 | 10 | 1864 | I 3¼-inch Aboukoff.
-------------------+-----+------+------+------------------------
SEVASTOPOL. PETROPAULOWSKI.
Armored belt and casemate, swan-breasted ram bow, round stern, single
screw, full sail-power. The belt encircles the water-line to the height
of the main-deck beams. The casemate rises to the spar-deck beams, with
armored bulkheads forward and abaft. No fore-and-aft fire from the
casemate, the ships being wall-sided. (See Achilles, English.)
KNJAZ POZARSKI.
Armored belt and casemate; ram bow, round stern, single screw, full
sail-power. Corners of casemate cut to permit angular fire. (See
Hercules, English.) Double iron hull, very flat-bottomed, and having
two bilge-keels in place of a main-keel. Bow and stern fire from light
spar-deck guns, unprotected.
PERWENEC. NETRONZ-MENYA. KREML.
[Illustration: PERWENEC.]
Completely armored broadside frigates, ram bow, overhang stern, single
screw, full sail-power. (See Numancia, Spanish.) The Kreml has her
bow and stern spar-deck rails recessed for fore-and-aft fire. (See
Amethyst, English.) The sides of these ships tumble home from the
water-line at an angle of 15°.
LAZAREFF. GREIGH. CICAGOFF. SPIRIDOFF.
American type of low-freeboard, revolving-turreted monitors, with
strengthened bows for ramming. The Lazareff and Greigh have three
turrets, the others two.
SISTOV. NIKOPOLIS.
Floating batteries. Armored belt and casemate built on upper deck, with
ports in all four faces for all-around fire. (See Embuscade, French.)
GENERAL ADMIRAL. HERZOG VON EDINBURGH.
Armored belt and armored barbette casemate. Straight bow, long,
peculiarly-shaped dome stern, single screw, full sail-power. The belt
encircles the water-line to the height of the main-deck beams, and
the main-deck is protected by steel plates two inches in thickness.
The barbette casemate is square, low-browed, and has considerable
overhang, rising clear of the spar-deck to a height of about four feet,
and protecting the carriages of six heavy pivot-rifles giving clear
fore-and-aft and beam fire. The symmetry of the hull is preserved
throughout. These ships carry a very great coal supply, sufficient to
carry them a distance of 6000 miles at a speed of ten knots.
[Illustration: GENERAL ADMIRAL.]
MININ.
[Illustration: MININ.]
Originally laid down for a casemated monitor, but subsequently
transformed into an armored-belt corvette. Straight bow and stern,
the bow being heavily strengthened for ramming,single screw, full
sail-power (double topsail-yards). The belt encloses the water-line to
the height of the upper deck. The battery is all on the upper deck and
entirely unprotected. The upper-deck rail is so fashioned as to give
four guns for bow and four for stern fire. Forward it is recessed on
each bow, and similarly astern for the forward and after guns to get
bow and beam fire. (See Amethyst, English.) The platform for the next
pair of guns (forward and aft) has an overhang of about three feet (see
Tourville, French), in order to give them clear fore-and-aft and beam
fire also. The remainder of the battery is broadside. Her spar-deck
rail is very high (about eight feet); she has a topgallant forecastle
and poop-cabin. Amidships there is a bridge for discharging Whitehead
torpedoes.
PETER THE GREAT.
Armored, belt, breastwork, and double-turreted sea-going monitor,
straight bow strengthened for ramming, double screws, no sail-power.
Musket-proof superstructure between the turrets expanding into a flying
deck. The belt has an overhang similar to the American monitors.
General type similar to the Dreadnaught.
[Illustration: PETER THE GREAT.]
ADMIRAL POPOFF. NOVGOROD.
[Illustration]
Armored belt and barbette casemate, circular iron-clads. Six screws,
no sail-power. The belt of these ships encloses the water-line to
the height of the low freeboard. The deck has more than the ordinary
spring, forming a sort of light glacis. In the centre of the vessel
rises a circular barbette casemate, covering the carriages of two heavy
guns mounted on a turn-table within it. Forward and aft the top of the
casemate is continued in a musket-proof superstructure, having aft a
musket-proof pilot-house. The forward section of the vessel is heavily
strengthened for ramming. The two smoke-stacks are placed one either
side of the casemate.
[Illustration: _Stern View_]
[Illustration]
DOUBLE AND SINGLE TURRETED MONITORS.
These vessels are of the general type of the American monitors, with
slight freeboard, great overhang, and double screws. The turret is
raised somewhat higher than in the American monitors, and the foot is
protected by a glacis. The turret is also somewhat larger, giving clear
fire past the smoke-stacks. Pilot-house on top of the turret.
[Illustration: URAGAN.]
RUSSIAN GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement.| Guns.| Date of
| | | Launch.
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Rapid Cruisers. | Tons. | | Year.
Razbojnik | 1,334 | 3 | 1878
Nojeznik | 1,334 | 3 | 1878
Kreuzer | 1,334 | 3 | 1875
Dzigit | 1,334 | 3 | 1876
-----------------------+---------------+-------+-------
BALTIC FLEET.
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Frigates. | | |
Retziwan | 3,823 | 22 | 1855
Svetlana | 3,202 | 18 | 1858
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Corvettes. | | |
Askjold | 2,402 | 14 | 1863
Wityaz | 2,248 | 9 | 1862
Bogatyr | 2,155 | 10 | 1860
Wargat | 2,144 | 18 | 1862
Bayan | 1,997 | 10 | 1857
Voyevoda | 903 | 6 | 1856
Boyarin | 903 | 6 | 1856
Griden | 903 | 11 | 1856
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Clippers. | | |
Almaz | 1,821 | 6 | 1861
Zentchug | 1,807 | 7 | 1861
Jachout | 1,725 | 7 | 1862
Hydamak | 1,204 | 8 | 1860
Izurmed | 1,807 | 7 | 1862
Vsadnik | 1,069 | 8 | 1860
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Paddle-wheel Gun-boats.| | |
Olaf | 1,796 | 6 | 1852
Smieliz | 1,784 | 6 | 1858
Rurik | 1,507 | 3 | 1870
Chrabry | 1,450 | 6 | 1858
Vladimir | 859 | 2 | 1845
Volga | 500 | | 1853
Dnieper | 500 | | 1853
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Yachts. | | |
Derzava | 3,113 | 6 | 1871
Sztandard | 895 | 4 | 1858
Szareona | 895 | 4 | 1874
Alexandra | 895 | | 1851
Stryelna | 159 | | 1857
Slavanka | 182 | | 1874
Golubka | 14 | | 1872
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Transports. | | |
Kraary Gorka | 1,166 | | 1861
Artlestchik | 550 | | 1858
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Gun-boats. | | |
Bakan | 284 | | 1857
Kompas | 284 | | 1859
Seistan | 284 | | 1859
Straz | 234 | 1 | 1874
Casovoy | 234 | 1 | 1874
Zorkaya | 80 | 1 | 1873
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Rapid Cruisers. | | |
Rossya | 4,000 | 7 | 1879
Moskva | 3,500 | 7 | 1879
Petersburg | 3,500 | 7 | 1879
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
BLACK SEA FLEET.
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Corvettes. | | |
Wojin | 1,820 | 4 | 1858
Sokol | 979 | 11 | 1859
Luica | 795 | 9 | 1865
Pamiat Merk | 795 | 9 | 1865
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Paddle Gun-boats. | | |
Turok | 425 | 2 | 1846
Taman | 505 | 2 | 1849
Elborus | 493 | 4 | 1854
Jeriklik | 1,145 | 2 | 1866
Livadia | 1,984 | 4 | 1871
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Screw Gun-boats. | | |
Bombory | 760 | 4 | 1852
Kazbek | 760 | 4 | 1854
Gonek | 745 | | 1879
Ingul | 678 | 2 | 1872
Redut Kale | 468 | 4 | 1854
Pseznape | 445 | 4 | 1857
Don | 360 | 2 | 1856
Salgir | 360 | 2 | 1857
Pitzunda | 332 | 4 | 1857
Kelasvy | 326 | 4 | 1859
Souksu | 326 | 5 | 1859
Taubse | 285 | 3 | 1858
Nerpa | 380 | 3 | 1877
Novorosyski | 247 | 2 | 1856
Abin | 264 | 2 | 1857
Vorobay | 261 | 2 | 1869
Utka | 170 | 1 |
Lebed | 170 | 1 |
Golubzik | 465 | 2 | 1859
Batzuska | 220 | 1 | 1857
Rodimy | 216 | 2 | 1858
Sestrica | 215 | 2 | 1858
Krikuny | 215 | 2 | 1858
Bothumy | 215 | 2 | 1857
Brater | 212 | 2 | 1857
Matuschka | 212 | 2 | 1857
Akerman | 110 | 1 | 1857
Opyt | 230 | 1 | 1870
Meteor | 230 | 1 | 1868
Docka | 212 | 1 | 1858
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Rapid Cruisers. | | |
Constantine | 1,600 | 4 | 1858
Vladimir | 1,652 | 7 | 1859
Argonaut | 715 | 6 | 1859
Vesta | 1,800 | 12 | 1858
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
SIBERIAN FLEET.
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Screw Gun-boats. | | |
Abrek | 1,069 | 7 | 1860
Jermak | 706 | 4 | 1870
Tunguz | 706 | 4 | 1870
Vostok | 210 | 6 | 1852
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
Transports. | | |
Japonec | 1,482 | 2 | 1858
Mandzur | 816 | 2 | 1858
Amerika | 554 | 8 | 1856
-----------------------+---------------+-------+--------
CASPIAN FLEET--12 Gun-boats.
ARAL FLEET--8 Gun-boats.
SPAIN.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Displacement.
B = Maximum Draft.
C = Indicated Horse-power.
D = Maximum Speed.
E = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
F = Least Thickness of Armor.
G = Backing.
---------------+-------+------+-------+------+------+-----+-----
NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
---------------+-------+------+-------+------+------+-----+-----
| Tons. | Ft. | |Knots.| In. | In. | In.
Vittoria | 6,984 | 27 | 3,700 | 12½ | 5½ | 4 | 14
Numancia | 6,992 | 26½ | 3,700 | 12¼ | 5 | 4 | 11
Sagunto | 6,200 | 26 | 3,700 | 12½ | 6 | 4 | 22½
Arapiles | 5,600 | 25 | 2,500 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 26
Zaragosa | 5,320 | 25 | 2,500 | 11 | 4¾ | 3 | 26
Mendez Nuñez | 3,200 | 22 | 2,250 | 7 | 4½ | 3 | 20½
Puigcerda | 512 | 6½ | 260 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 9
---------------+-------+------+-------+------+------+-----+-----
Aragon | | | | | | |
Castilla | | | | | 4 | 3 | 9
Navarra | | | | | | |
---------------+-------+------+-------+------+------+-----+-----
Duque de Tetuan| 590 | 7 | 209 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 9
---------------+-------+------+-------+------+------+-----+-----
H = Construction Material.
I = Date of Launch.
---------------+------+------+-------------------------------------
NAME. | H | I | BATTERY.
---------------+------+------+-------------------------------------
| | Year.|
Vittoria | Iron | 1867 | IV 9-inch, III 8-inch, XII 6½-inch.
Numancia | ” | 1864 | IV 10-inch, III ” XVI ”
Sagunto | Wood | 1876 | II ” V ” X ”
Arapiles | ” | 1868 | II ” II ” X ”
Zaragosa | ” | 1867 | IV 9-inch, III 7-inch, XII 6½-inch.
Mendez Nuñez | ” | 1861 | IV ” II 8-inch.
Puigcerda | ” | 1874 | I 16½-inch, I 4¾-inch.
---------------+------+------+-------------------------------------
Aragon | | |
Castilla | ” | 1878 |
Navarra | | |
---------------+------+------+-------------------------------------
Duque de Tetuan| ” | 1874 | IV 4¾-inch, I 6½-inch.
---------------+------+------+-------------------------------------
VITTORIA. NUMANCIA. ARAPILES. ZARAGOSA. MENDEZ NUÑEZ.
Fully armored broadside frigates, ram bow, round stern, single screw,
full sail-power. Two armored pilot-houses. The Zaragosa was laid down
for a wooden frigate, her design being changed when she was nearly
finished.
[Illustration: NUMANCIA.]
SAGUNTO.
Armored belt and casemate. Ram bow, round stern, single screw, full
sail-power. (See Maria Pia, Italian.)
PUIGCERDA.
Double-turreted, light-draft river monitor. American type.
SPANISH UNARMORED FLEET.
(GENERAL SERVICE.)
--------------------------+---------------+------
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement. | Guns.
--------------------------+---------------+------
| Tons. |
Screw Frigates. | |
Villa de Madrid | | 48
Almansa | | 48
Navas de Tolosa | | 48
Gerona | | 48
Asturias | | 51
Carmen | | 41
Lealtad | | 33
Concepcion | | 32
Blanca | | 38
--------------------------+---------------+------
Screw Corvettes. | |
Maria de Molina | | 18
Jorge Juan | | 3
Sanchez Barcaiztegui | | 3
Tornado | | 6
Consuelo | | 2
Vencedora | | 3
Narvaëz | | 3
Santa Lucia | | 3
Diana | | 5
Africa | | 3
--------------------------+---------------+------
Paddle-wheel Corvettes. | |
Ciudad de Cadiz | | 16
Isabel la Catolica | | 16
Colon | | 6
Blasco de Garay | | 6
Pizarro | | 6
Hernan Cortez | | 6
Churruca | | 2
Leon | | 2
Vulcano | | 6
Lepanto | | 2
Fernando el Catolico | | 3
Marquis del Douro | | 3
Liniers | | 2
Vigilante | | 2
Alerta | | 2
Conte del Venadito | | 2
Don Juan de Austria | | 1
Guadalquiver | | 1
Bazan | | 2
Maria | | 1
--------------------------+---------------+------
Transports. | |
San Quentin | 1,300 |
San Francisco de Borja | 1,300 |
Marquis de la Vitoria | 1,200 |
Patino | 1,200 |
Ferrol | 800 |
San Antonio | 600 |
--------------------------+---------------+------
Screw Gun-boats. | |
Telegrama | | 1
Criollo | | 1
Ardid | | 1
Indis | | 1
Caribe | | 1
Alarma | | 1
Descubridor | | 1
Yumuri | | 1
Pelicano | | 1
Cocodrillo | | 1
Salamandra | | 1
Fradera | | 1
Martin Alvarez | | 1
Somorrostro | | 2
Ebro | | 2
Bidassoa | | 2
Teruel | | 2
Nervion | | 2
Toledo | | 2
Tajo | | 2
Arianza | | 2
Turia | | 2
Segura | | 2
Altrevido | | 2
Mindanao | | 2
Calamianes | | 1
Paragua | | 1
Mindoro | | 1
Prueba | | 1
Guadiana | | 3
Sirena | | 3
Ligera | | 3
Favorita | | 3
Santa Filomena | | 2
Constancia | | 2
Valiente | | 2
Animosa | | 2
Prosperidad | | 2
Buenaventura | | 2
Caridad | | 2
Concordia | | 2
Edetna | | 2
Ceres | | 2
Activo | | 1
Cuba | | 1
Española | | 1
Argos | | 1
Lince | | 1
Centinela | | 1
Guardian | | 1
Vigia | | 1
Astuto | | 1
Almendares | | 1
Eco | | 1
Destello | | 1
Contramaestro | | 1
Marinero | | 1
Ericsson | | 1
Cazador | | 1
Canto | | 1
Gacela | | 1
Panay | | 1
Samar | | 1
Filipino | | 1
Bulusar | | 1
Jolo | | 1
Maribeles | | 1
Arayak | | 1
Pampanza | | 1
Bojeador | | 1
Albay | | 1
Manileno | | 1
Caviteno | | 1
Callao | | 1
--------------------------+---------------+------
JORGE JUAN.
Second-class corvette, single screw, full sail-power. Complete
all-around fire obtained by means of overhang in half-ports. Forecastle
gun sunk in a well so as to cover the slide, carriage, and crew.
[Illustration: JORGE JUAN.]
TURKEY.
ARMORED FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
G = Greatest Thickness of Armor.
H = Least Thickness of Armor.
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
|Ft.|Ft.| Ft. |Tons.| |Knots.| In.| In.
Casemate Frigates.
Mess Oudieh |833|59 | 25 |8,994|7,910| 13 |18½ | 7
Nuss Ratijeh |292|54 | 25½ |6,900|6,800| 13 |18¼ | 6
Assar i Tefvik |275|50 | 21 |3,143|3,100| 13½ | 8 | 5½
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
Broadside Frigates.
Azizie |293|56 | 25 |6,500| | 12 | 4½ | 3
Orchanie |293|56 | 25 |6,500| | 12 | 4½ | 3
Mahmudie |293|56 | 25 |6,500| | 12 | 4½ | 3
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
Casemate Frigates.
Osmanie |293|56 | 25 |6,500| | 12 | 4½ | 3
Feth i Bulend |235|42 | 18 |2,760| | 13½ | 9 | 4½
Mukademmi i Hair |235|42 | 18 |2,760| | 12½ | 9 | 4½
Idschlalie |210|40 | 17 |2,800| | 11 | 5¾ | 4
Assar i Shefket |210|40 | 17 |2,800| | 11½ | 5½ | 3
Nedschin i Shefket|210|40 | 17 |2,800| | 11½ | 5½ | 3
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
Redoubt Corvettes.
Avni Illah |230|36 | 17 |2,320| | 12½ | 6 | 4½
Muin i Zaffir |230|36 | 17 |2,320| | 12½ | 6 | 4½
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
Monitors.
Hufz i Rahman |204|43 | 9 |2,300| | 12 | 6 | 4½
Seifi | | | | 640| 404 | 7 | 2½ | 2½
Hezber | | | | 640| 404 | 7 | 2½ | 2½
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
Casemate Gun-boats.
Feth i Islam |100|25 | 6 | 328| 290 | 8 | 2½ | 2
Beurtlen |100|25 | 6 | 328| 290 | 8 | 2½ | 2
Semendire |100|25 | 6 | 328| 290 | 8 | 2½ | 2
Iskodra |100|25 | 6 | 328| 290 | 8 | 2½ | 2
Podgoritza |100|25 | 6 | 328| 290 | 8 | 2½ | 2
---------------------+---+---+------+-----+-----+------+----+----
I = Backing.
J = Date of Launch.
---------------------+----+----+------------------------
TYPE AND NAME. | I | J | BATTERY.
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
| In.|Year|
Casemate Frigates. | | |
Mess Oudieh | 10 |1875| XII 10-inch, III 7-inch Armstrong.
Nuss Ratijeh | 18 |1878| X 9-inch, II 7-inch ”
Assar i Tefvik | 9 |1868| VI 9-inch, II 8-inch ”
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
Broadside Frigates. | | |
Azizie | 10 |1864|
Orchanie | 10 |1864| XIV 7-inch, X 36-pdr. ”
Mahmudie | 10 |1864|
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
Casemate Frigates. | | |
Osmanie | 10 |1864| XIV 7-inch, X 36-pdr. ”
Feth i Bulend | 10 |1869| IV 9-inch, ”
Mukademmi i Hair | 10 |1872| IV 9-inch, I 7-inch ”
Idschlalie | 13 |1870| IV 9-inch, I 7-inch Armstrong.
Assar i Shefket | 10 |1869| V 9-inch ”
Nedschin i Shefket| 10 |1868| IV 9-inch ”
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
Redoubt Corvettes. | | |
Avni Illah | 10 |1868| IV 9-inch ”
+----+-----------------------------------------
Muin i Zaffir | 10 |1868| II 9-inch, II 7-inch,
| | | I 4¾-inch ”
---------------------+----+-----------------------------------------
Monitors. | | |
Hufz i Rahman | 10 |1868|
Seifi | 5½|1875| II 4¾-inch Krupp.
Hezber | 5½|1875|
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
Casemate Gun-boats. | | |
Feth i Islam | 10 |1864|
Beurtlen | 10 |1864|
Semendire | 10 |1864| II 4¾-inch Krupp.
Iskodra | 10 |1864|
Podgoritza | 10 |1864|
---------------------+----+----+------------------------------------
MESS OUDIEH. NUSS RATIJH.
Armored belt and casemate, ram bow, round stern, single screw, full
sail-power. Sister-ships to the Superb (English). The armored belt
rises to the height of the main-deck beams, but does not cover the
point of the ram. The casemate is of the same type as that of the
Hercules, but longer, the sides being recessed forward and abaft for
angular ports. Fore-and-aft fire is obtained from unprotected bow and
stern-guns on the spar-deck, working in single ports.
[Illustration: MESS OUDIEH.]
AZIZIE. MAHMUDIE. ORCHANIE. OSMANIE.
Completely armored broadside frigates, with a low redoubt or traverse
on the forecastle. Swan-breasted ram bow, round stern, single screw,
full sail-power. The bow traverse protects two forward guns, each
working in two ports, for bow and beam fire. This traverse rounds off
the spar-deck rail some distance abaft the stern, which is carried up
as a support for the bow-sprit. Armored pilot-house at the rear of the
traverse.
[Illustration: AZIZIE.]
ASSAR I TEFVIK.
Armored belt, casemate, and two barbette turrets. (See Victorieuse.)
Ram bow, dome stern, single screw, full sail-power. Built in France.
FETH I BULEND. MUKADEMME I HAIR.
Armored belt and casemate, ram bow. (See Mess oudijeh.)
IDSCHLALIE. ASSAR I SCHEFKET. NEDSCHIN I SCHEFKET.
Armored belt, casemate, and single barbette turret amidships, at
after-end of casemate. Ram bow, round stern, full sail-power.
AVNI ILLAH. MUIN I ZAFFIR.
Armored belt; two octagonal redoubts having an overhang and connected
by an armored curtain in such a manner as to give the plan the
appearance of a violin. Ram bow, no deck armor. Built at Constantinople.
[Illustration: AVNI ILLAH.]
HUFZ I RAHMAN.
Double-turreted monitor, the forward turret being larger than the after
one. Tripod masts. Traverse at the bow. The turrets are revolved by
hand-power.
HEZBER.
Single-turreted, light-draft monitor. American type.
FETH I ISLAM. BEURTLEN. SEMENDIRE.
[Illustration: BEURTLEN.]
Light-draft, armored belt and casemate vessel; casemate rising above
deck with ports on all sides.
TURKISH UNARMORED FLEET.
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
TYPE AND NAME. | Tonnage. | Date of | Guns.
| | Launch. |
| Tons. | Year. |
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Ship of the Line. | | |
Fethie | 3,380 | 1855 | 67
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Frigates. | | |
Ertogrul | 3,344 | 1863 | 41
Hudavendighai | 2,897 | 1860 | 41
Selimie | 4,717 | 1865 | 55
Muhbiri Surur. | 1,477 | 1851 | 22
X (not yet named) | 1,621 | Building| 9
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Corvettes. | | |
Sinope | 800 | 1859 | 12
Brussa | 800 | 1859 | 12
Mensuré | 800 | 1863 | 12
Muzafer | 800 | 1863 | 12
Libnan | 800 | 1864 | 12
Edirné | 800 | 1859 | 12
Ismid | 800 | 1859 | 12
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Transports. | | |
Schaar i Nusret | 3,029 | 1869 | 2
Mevret i Nusreb | 3,029 | 1869 | 2
Sultanie | 2,902 | 1861 | 4
Babel | 1,733 | 1868 |
Taif | 1,609 | 1871 | 4
Assyr | 1,609 | 1875 | 4
Mukademie Nusret | 2,132 | 1875 |
Mukademie Scheref | 2,132 | 1875 |
Peiki Mesret | 2,132 | 1877 |
Rechbir i Zevfik | 2,132 | 1878 |
Feiz i Bahri | 1,490 | 1848 | 4
Essir i Djedid | 1,108 | 1841 | 6
Peiki Schfhet | 465 | 1853 | 4
Essei i Hair | 313 | 1839 | 4
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Sloops. | | |
Izzedin | 1,075 | 1865 | 4
Ismail | 1,075 | 1865 | 4
Zhalia | 1,075 | 1865 | 4
Fuad | 1,075 | 1865 | 4
Candia | 955 | 1863 | 6
Chania | 829 | 1863 | 3
Pertefi Prale | 909 | 1868 |
Rethmo | 777 | 1869 | 3
Arkadi | 767 | 1867 | 6
Mudai i Zafir | 1,385 | 1869 | 4
Essir i Nazret | 1,385 | 1869 | 4
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Schooners. | | |
Iskenderje | 609 | 1862 | 9
Zohaf | 609 | 1862 | 9
Mehrih | 609 | 1863 | 9
Uthraret | 609 | 1863 | 8
Beirut | 609 | 1859 | 12
Seddul Bahr | 609 | 1859 | 12
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Steamers. | | |
Sijar | 220 | 1865 | 4
Mossul | 220 | 1865 | 4
Istankieni | 203 | 1874 |
Jali Kioschk | 195 | 1869 | 1
Ninali Kavak | 195 | 1869 | 2
Intibah | 258 | 1866 | 4
Liver i Deyeh | 258 | 1866 | 4
Muschdi i Ressan | 258 | 1866 | 4
Schaheddin | 258 | 1866 | 4
Syrat | 184 | 1863 | 2
Suda | 184 | 1864 | 2
Bojana | 80 | | 2
Bai | | | 2
Eurgen | | | 2
-----------------------+----------+---------+----
Sultan’s Yacht, | | |
Surreja | 500 | 1865 | 4
-----------------------+----------+---------+----
Dispatch, Transport, | | |
and Service Steamers.| | |
Sulhie | 180 | 1868 |
Esser i Nezhet | 193 | 1847 | 2
Peik i Tjdscheret | 193 | 1845 | 4
Mermere | 153 | 1873 |
Eregli | 137 | 1873 |
Rustschuk | 112 | 1873 |
Jeni Kapu | 112 | 1873 |
Dschebali | 112 | 1873 |
Kabatsch | 112 | 1873 |
Tophané | 112 | 1873 |
Rassim Pasha | 77 | 1873 |
Dschitana | 78 | 1858 |
Funduklu | 77 | 1873 |
Oltenitscha | 78 | 1858 |
Rechber | 40 | 1863 |
-----------------------+----------+---------+---
DANUBE FLOTILLA.
-----------------------+----------+---------+---
Gun-boats. | | |
Schefket Nuna | 200 | 1864 | 4
Varna | 200 | 1869 | 4
Akka | 200 | 1869 | 4
-----------------------+----------+---------+------
Steamers. | | |
Chaireddin | 474 | | 2
Rodos | 203 | 1874 |
Isalahat | 120 | 1873 |
-----------------------+----------+---------+---
UNITED STATES.
IRON-CLAD FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
-------------------------+-----+----+----+-------+-------+------
TYPE AND NAME | A | B | C | D | E | F
-------------------------+-----+----+----+-------+-------+------
| Ft. | Ft.| Ft.| Tons. | |Knots.
Double-turreted Monitors.
Amphitrite | 250 | 55 | 14 | 3,815 | 1,800 | 12
Miantonomoh | 250 | 55 | 14 | 3,815 | 1,800 | 12
Puritan | 280 | 60 | 17 | 5,000 | 3,500 | 13
Monadnock | 250 | 60 | 14 | 3,815 | 1,800 | 12
Terror | 250 | 55 | 14 | 3,815 | 1,800 | 12
-------------------------+-----+----+----+-------+-------+------
Single-turreted Monitors.
Ajax | 225 | 44 | 13½| 2,100 | 350 | 8
Canonicus | 225 | 44 | 13½| 2,100 | 450 | 8
Camanche | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Catskill | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Dictator | 312 | 50 | 20½| 4,500 | 3,500 | 8
Jason | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Lehigh | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Mahopac | 225 | 44 | 13½| 2,100 | 450 | 8
Manhattan | 225 | 44 | 13½| 2,100 | 450 | 8
Montauk | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Nahant | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Nantucket | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Passaic | 200 | 46 | 11½| 1,875 | 350 | 8
Saugus | 225 | 44 | 13½| 2,100 | 450 | 8
-------------------------+-----+----+----+-------+-------+------
G = Armor Side.
H = Armor Turret.
I = Backing.
J = Date of Launch.
-------------------------+----+----+----+--------+------------------
TYPE AND NAME. | G | H | I | J | BATTERY.
-------------------------+----+----+----+--------+------------------
| In.| In.| In.| Year. |
Double-turreted Monitors.
Amphitrite | 7 | 10½| 8 |Building|
Miantonomoh | 7 | 10½| 8 | 1876 |
Puritan | | | |Building| IV 10-inch B.L.R.
Monadnock | 7 | 10½| 8 | ” |
Terror | 7 | 10½| 8 | ” |
-------------------------+----+----+----+--------+------------------
Single-turreted Monitors.
Ajax | 5 | 10 | 4 | 1865 |
Canonicus | 5 | 10 | 4 | 1864 |
Camanche | 5 | 11 | 6 | |
Catskill | 5 | 11 | 6 | 1863 |
Dictator | 6 | 15 | | |
Jason | 5 | 11 | 6 | | II 15-inch S.B.
Lehigh | 5 | 11 | 6 | 1863 |
Mahopac | 5 | 10 | 4 | 1863 |
Manhattan | 5 | 10 | 4 | |
Montauk | 5 | 11 | 6 | |
Nahant | 5 | 11 | 6 | 1863 |
Nantucket | 5 | 11 | 6 | 1863 |
Passaic | 5 | 11 | 6 | 1862 |
Saugus | 5 | 10 | 4 | |
-------------------------+----+----+----+--------+------------------
AMPHITRITE. MIANTONOMOH. PURITAN. MONADNOCK. TERROR.
Double-turreted, low-freeboard monitor vessels. No overhang. Turrets
suspended on a central spindle on the Ericsson system. Resting normally
on their bases, but elevated for revolving by means of hydraulic
presses. Conning tower on top of each turret. Light flying deck
between the turrets, with a ventilating shaft rising just abaft the
smoke-stack. Twin screws.
[Illustration: MIANTONOMOH.]
THE FIFTEEN SINGLE-TURRETED MONITORS.
Old-type, single-turreted, low-freeboard monitors. All except the
Dictator have an overhang. In some the turrets are raised by driving
wedges under the spindle; in others by hydraulic presses. Conning tower
on top of the turret. Laminated plating.
[Illustration: PASSAIC.]
INTREPID.
Armored torpedo vessel. Ram bow, round stern, twin screws, partial
sail-power. The armored belt, made up of five inches of laminated
plating, encircles the water-line to the height of the upper-deck
beams. The lower part of the smoke-stack is protected by a belt of
nine inches of laminated plating. The deck is made up of two ¾-inch
thicknesses of plate covered by a wooden deck. The pilot-house forward
is musket-proof. The hull is of iron, with a wood backing to the
armor of eleven inches. Aft is a light wooden superstructure, forming
quarters for officers. The vessel carries no guns and is provided with
torpedo-spars (one forward and four broadside).
[Illustration: INTREPID.]
ALARM.
Partially armored torpedo gun-boat. Ram bow, pointed stern. Mallory
steering-screw; no sail-power. The bow of the vessel is provided with
an armored traverse of four inches thickness, the remainder of the hull
being unprotected. One 15-inch smooth-bore is carried forward, firing
only straight ahead. It is the intention to replace this by a 10-inch
rifle. The hull is of iron and double, with cellular compartments
and water-tight compartments in addition. Three torpedo-spars are
projected. One from the snout of the ram a distance of 30 feet, and
one from each beam 17 feet. Musket-proof pilot-house aft. Steel ⅜-inch
deck-plate under a wooden deck.
[Illustration: ALARM.]
UNITED STATES GENERAL-SERVICE FLEET.
A = Length between Perpendiculars.
B = Breadth of Beam.
C = Maximum Draft.
D = Displacement.
E = Indicated Horse-power.
F = Maximum Speed.
G = Date of Launch.
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
TYPE AND NAME. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
| Ft. | Ft.| Ft. | Tons. | |Knots| Year
Frigates.
Colorado | 264 | 53 | 23¼ | 4,772 | 997 | 9 | 1855
Franklin | 270 | 54 | 25½ | 5,162 | 2,000 | 10 | 1865
Minnesota | 265 | 51 | 24 | 4,833 | 993 | 9 | 1855
Wabash | 262 | 51 | 23½ | 4,774 | 1,039 | 10 | 1855
Tennessee | 335 | 45 | 22½ | 4,105 | 2,500 | 10 | 1865
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
Corvettes.
Lancaster | 236 | 46 | 19 | 3,291 | 2,000 | 9 | 1858
Brooklyn | 233 | 43 | 19 | 2,686 | 705 | 9 | 1858
Pensacola | 231 | 45 | 20 | 2,852 | 2,000 | 10 | 1858
Hartford | 225 | 44 | 18 | 2,826 | 696 | 8 | 1858
Richmond | 225 | 43 | 17 | 2,604 | 2,000 | 9 | 1858
Trenton | 253 | 48 | 21¾ | 3,900 | 3,500 | 13 | 1876
Powhatan | | | 18¾ | 3,980 | 1,500 | 10 | 1850
Alaska | 251 | 38 | 17½ | 2,394 | 1,150 | 12½ | 1868
Benicia | 251 | 38 | 17½ | 2,394 | 1,150 | 9 | 1868
Omaha | 251 | 38 | 17½ | 2,394 | 1,150 | 12½ | 1868
Plymouth | 251 | 38 | 17½ | 2,394 | 1,150 | 12½ | 1868
Lackawanna | 234 | 38 | 17½ | 2,526 | 1,304 | 9½ | 1862
Ticonderoga | 234 | 38 | 17½ | 2,526 | 1,304 | 12 | 1862
Canandaigua | 225 | 38 | 15 | 2,128 | 1,304 | 8¾ | 1862
Monongahela | 225 | 38 | 17½ | 2,078 | 1,304 | 8½ | 1863
Shenandoah | 225 | 38 | 17½ | 2,070 | 1,304 | 8½ | 1863
Juniata | 205 | 38 | 16 | 1,934 | 1,304 | 8 | 1861
Ossipee | 205 | 38 | 17½ | 1,934 | 1,304 | 8 | 1862
Quinnebaug | 216 | 30 | 11¾ | 1,113 | 1,132 | 11½ | 1875
Swatara | 216 | 30 | 18 | 1,113 | 1,132 | 11½ | 1873
Galena | 216 | 32 | 18 | 1,900 | 1,132 | 12½ | 1877
Vandalia | 220 | 38 | 17½ | 2,080 | 1,132 | 12½ | 1874
Marion | 220 | 38 | 18 | 1,900 | 1,132 | 12½ | 1873
Mohican | 216 | 30 | 18 | 1,900 | 1,132 | 12½ |Building
Iroquois | 199 | 34 | 11¾ | 1,488 | 813 | 11½ | 1858
Wachusetts | 199 | 34 | 12½ | 1,488 | 717 | 10 | 1861
Wyoming | 199 | 33 | 11 | 1,475 | 717 | 9¾ | 1858
Tuscarora | 199 | 33 | 12¾ | 1,457 | 717 | 9 | 1862
Kearsarge | 199 | 34 | 12¼ | 1,461 | 822 | 9¾ | 1862
Adams | 185 | 35 | 16½ | 1,375 | 800 | 11½ | 1874
Alliance | 185 | 35 | 16 | 1,375 | 800 | 11½ | 1875
Essex | 185 | 35 | 16¼ | 1,375 | 800 | 10½ | 1874
Enterprise | 185 | 35 | 16 | 1,375 | 800 | 11½ | 1874
Nipsic | 185 | 35 | 12½ | 1,375 | 800 | 11½ | 1878
Narragansett| | | | 1,235 | 1,000 | 9½ | 1858
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
2d Class Corvettes.
Alert | 175 | 28 | 13¾ | 1,020 | 560 | 9½ | 1874
Ranger | 175 | 28 | 13½ | 1,020 | 560 | 9½ | 1874
Kansas | 180 | 30 | 13½ | 900 | 670 | 9½ | 1864
Saco | 180 | 30 | 13½ | 900 | 670 | 9½ | 1865
Shawmut | 180 | 30 | 13½ | 900 | 670 | 9 | 1865
Yantic | 180 | 30 | 13¾ | 900 | 670 | 9½ | 1878
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
Paddle Steamers.
Ashuelot | | | | 1,370 | 1,468 | 8 | 1864
Monocacy | | | | 1,370 | 1,468 | 8 | 1864
Michigan | | | | 685 | 750 | 9 | 1844
Rio Bravo | | | | | | 6 |Purchased
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
Torpedo Vessels.
Alarm | 173 | 28 | 11 | 720 | 800 | 11 | 1873
Intrepid | 170 | 35 | 12 | 1,123 | 800 | 9 | 1874
----------------+-----+----+-----+-------+-------+-----+--------
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
TYPE AND NAME. | BATTERY.
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
Frigates. |
Colorado | I 11-inch, XLII 9-inch, II 100-pdrs., II 20-pdrs.
Franklin | I 11-inch, XXXVIII 9-inch, IV 100-pdrs.
+---------------------------------------------------
Minnesota |
Wabash | I 11-inch, XLII 9-inch, II 100-pdrs.
+---------------------------------------------------
Tennessee |
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
Corvettes. |
Lancaster | II 11-inch, XX 9-inch.
+---------------------------------------------------
Brooklyn | II 11-inch, XVIII 9-inch, II 60-pdrs.
Pensacola |
+---------------------------------------------------
Hartford | II 11-inch, XVI 9-inch, II 20-pdrs.
Richmond |XII 9-inch, II 100-pdrs., I 20-pdrs.
Trenton | XI 8-inch, II 20-pdrs. Rifles.
Powhatan | I 11-inch, XIV 9-inch, II 100-pdrs.
+---------------------------------------------------
Alaska |
Benicia | I 11-inch, X 9-inch,
Omaha | I 60-pdr., II 20-pdrs.
Plymouth |
+---------------------------------------------------
Lackawanna | II 11-inch, VIII 9-inch, II 20-pdrs.
Ticonderoga | II ” VIII ” I 60-pdr., II 20-pdrs.
Canandaigua | II ” VIII ” II 20-pdrs.
Monongahela | II ” VIII ” I 60-pdr.
Shenandoah | II ” VIII ” I ” II 20-pdrs.
+---------------------------------------------------
Juniata | I 11-inch, VI 9-inch,
Ossipee | I 60-pdr.
+---------------------------------------------------
Quinnebaug | I 8-inch, I 60-pdr. (rifles),
Swatara | VI 9-inch.
+---------------------------------------------------
Galena |
+---------------------------------------------------
Vandalia | I 11-inch, VI 9-inch, I 60-pdr.
Marion |
+---------------------------------------------------
Mohican |
+---------------------------------------------------
Iroquois | II 11-inch, IV 9-inch, III 20-pdrs.
Wachusetts | II 11-inch, IV 9-inch, I 60-pdr.
Wyoming | II ” IV ” I 20-pdr.
+---------------------------------------------------
Tuscarora | II 11-inch, IV 9-inch, II 20-pdr.
Kearsarge |
+---------------------------------------------------
Adams |
Alliance |
Essex | I 11-inch, IV 9-inch, I 60-pdr.
Enterprise |
Nipsic |
+---------------------------------------------------
Narragansett| II 11-inch, IV 9-inch, II 20-pdrs.
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
2d Class Corvettes.
Alert |
Ranger |
Kansas | I 11-inch, II 9-inch, I 60-pdr.
Saco |
Shawmut |
Yantic |
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
Paddle Steamers.|
Ashuelot | IV 8-inch, II 60-pdrs., II 20-pdrs.
Monocacy |
+---------------------------------------------------
Michigan | VIII 20-pdrs.
Rio Bravo | Howitzers.
----------------+---------------------------------------------------
Torpedo Vessels.|
Alarm | I 15-inch.
Intrepid | No guns.
----------------+-------------------------------------
---------------+--------------
TYPE AND NAME. | Displacement.
---------------+--------------
| Tons.
Gun-boats. |
Palos | 306
Dispatch | 730
Fortune | 306
Mayflower | 306
Leyden | 306
Nina | 306
Pinta | 306
Speedwell | 306
Triana | 306
Standish | 306
Catalpa | 191
Pilgrim | 168
---------------+--------------
These Gun-boats are at present unarmed, and, with the exception of the
Palos and Dispatch, are used as Tenders at dock-yards. The Palos is in
service in China; the Dispatch is in service as a cruising gun-boat.
TENNESSEE.
Iron-braced, wooden, rapid steam frigate. Straight bow, strengthened
and provided with a bronze ram; round stern, single screw, full
sail-power. No heavy bow-fire.
TRENTON.
Iron-braced, wooden, first-class corvette (second-rate frigate).
Ram bow, round stern, single screw, full sail-power. Bow-fire fully
developed from four 8-inch rifles. Bower and sheet chains coming in
on the berth-deck, leaving the forward part of the gun-deck clear for
working the forward guns. Gun-deck battery of eight 8-inch rifles in
broadside; spar-deck battery, two 8-inch pivot-guns forward giving bow
and beam fire, and one 8-inch pivot-gun aft giving stern and beam fire.
[Illustration: TRENTON.]
POWHATAN.
Old-fashioned wooden paddle-wheel frigate.
ASHUELOT. MONOCACY.
Iron, paddle-wheel, double-ender corvettes. These vessels were
originally provided with a rudder at each end, but the forward one
is removed. They can carry in addition to their present armament
one 11-inch pivot forward and one 11-inch pivot aft. Musket-proof
pilot-house on the hurricane-deck.
[Illustration: ASHUELOT.]
MICHIGAN.
Old-fashioned iron, paddle-wheel gun-boat carrying a battery of
boat-guns.
RIO BRAVO.
Light-draft river steamer carrying a battery of boat-guns. (Purchased.)
DISPATCH
Rapid dispatch vessel carrying a battery of boat-guns. (Purchased.)
The remainder of the fleet is made up of the ordinary general-service
type of corvettes and gun-boats.
[Illustration: ALASKA.]
[Illustration: ESSEX.]
[Illustration: PINTA.]
THE PRINCIPAL
NAVAL BATTLES OF TWENTY YEARS.
1860-1880.
I. BOMBARDMENTS OF EARTHWORKS.
II. BOMBARDMENTS OF MASONRY FORTS.
III. PASSAGES OF FORTS.
IV. DASHES.
V. ASSAULTS.
VI. DELIBERATE GENERAL ACTIONS.
VII. IRON-CLADS AGAINST WOODEN VESSELS.
VIII. DUELS.
BOMBARDMENTS OF EARTHWORKS.
_Earthworks at Hatteras Inlet, August 28 and 29, 1861._
FEDERAL.
WOODEN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Minnesota 46
Wabash 45
Susquehanna 17
Sailing Corvette Cumberland 24
Pawnee 15
Monticello 6
Harriet Lane 5
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Clark._—Water-battery mounting 5 guns.
_Fort Hatteras._—Earthwork mounting 20 guns.
Early on the morning of the 28th, the Wabash, with the Cumberland in
tow, led in to attack Fort Clark, followed by the Minnesota and later
by the Susquehanna. This battery was bombarded for three hours, the
ships passing and repassing, when it was deserted and not reoccupied.
The remainder of the squadron were employed during the forenoon landing
troops, but owing to the rough surf only landed 300 men, who occupied
and raised a flag on Fort Clark, but took no part in the action at
any time. Late in the afternoon fire from the whole fleet was opened
on Fort Hatteras and continued for two hours, when the ships drew
out of action for the night. At 8 a.m. next day, the frigates led
in and opened the engagement, continuing it for three hours, when
Fort Hatteras surrendered. Six hundred and seventy prisoners were
taken in addition to the forts with their armaments. The gun-boats
were slightly injured, and four or five men wounded. Loss of the
Confederates unknown beyond 18 wounded prisoners.
_Earthworks at Hilton Head, November 7, 1861._
FEDERAL.
MAIN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Wabash 45
Susquehanna 17
Mohican 7
Seminole 6
Pawnee 15
Unadilla 6
Ottawa 5
Pembina 4
Vandalia 22
(In tow of a light gun-boat.)
FLANKING SQUADRON.
Bienville 11
Seneca 4
Curlew 6
Penguin 9
Augusta 10
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Walker._—II 6-inch rifles, XII 32-pdrs., I 10-inch,
II 8-inch, III 7-inch, I 42-pdr., II 12-pdrs.,
smooth-bores = 23 guns.
_Fort Beauregard._—VIII 32-pdrs., I 6-inch rifle, V 42-pdrs.,
I 10-inch, I 8-inch, II 24-pdrs.,
II 6-pdrs. = 20 guns.
At 8.30 a.m. the main squadron formed in line ahead, and passing
in between the forts turned towards Fort Walker, delivering their
broadsides as they passed within 600 yards. Turning, they passed
Fort Beauregard (across the channel and two miles from Fort Walker),
delivering broadsides. On the third time passing Fort Walker, it was
deserted and taken possession of. Fort Beauregard had been silenced
sooner and was taken possession of in the afternoon. The flanking
squadron had been sent to attack a flotilla of Confederate gun-boats,
which retreated up the river; they then took part in the general
engagement. Federal loss, 8 killed, 23 wounded. Duration of action,
five hours.
_Earthworks on the Mississippi, February 6, 1862._
FEDERAL.
VAN DIVISION—IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Cincinnati 13
Essex 7
Carondelet 13
St. Louis 13
REAR DIVISION—WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Conestoga 7
Taylor 7
Lexington 7
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Henry._—Twenty guns, mostly of heavy calibre.
The squadron advanced in two divisions, line abreast, the iron-clads
leading, and opened fire at 1700 yards, slowing down and approaching
to 600 yards. Stopping at this position, the action continued for an
hour and a quarter, when the fort surrendered. During this engagement
the Cincinnati was struck 31 times, Essex 15 times, St. Louis 7 times,
Carondelet once. Casualties, 2 killed, 37 wounded, of whom 28 were
scalded by the steam from the boiler of the Essex, which was pierced.
_Earthworks at Roanoke Island, February 7, 1862._
FEDERAL.
GUN-BOAT FLEET.
Guns.
Stars and Stripes 5
Louisiana 5
Hetzel 2
Underwriter 4
Delaware 3
Valley City 5
Southfield 4
Hunchback 4
Morse 2
Whitehead 1
Seymour 2
Shawsheen 2
Lockwood 3
Ceres 2
Putnam 1
Brincker 1
Granite 1
CONFEDERATE.
Fort Bartow 8
” Blanchard 4
” Huger 12
” Ellis 4
” Forrest 9
Park Point water-battery 3
Eight light gun-boats mounting 17 guns.
The Federal fleet had convoyed a squadron of army transports carrying
17,000 men, for the purpose of landing them and then silencing the
batteries so that they could be captured by the troops. The fleet,
having taken up an irregular position owing to the shallow water,
opened fire at 11 a.m. At 3 p.m. the landing of troops was commenced
and was completed before dark, when the fleet ceased firing. At
daylight on the 8th firing was recommenced. At 1 p.m. a row of
obstructions across the channel was broken through and the Confederate
gun-boats were driven up the river. By 3 p.m. the works were all
silenced and in the hands of the troops.
Loss, 6 killed, 17 wounded, eight of the latter by the explosion of a
rifled 80-pdr.
_Earthworks on the Mississippi, February 14, 1862._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD GUN BOATS.
Guns.
St. Louis 13
Carondelet 13
Louisville 13
Pittsburg 13
WOODEN.
Taylor 7
Conestoga 7
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Donelson._—A triple row of earthworks, one behind and above the
other, mounting in all 20 guns.
The gun-boats advanced in two divisions, line abreast, at 3 p.m., and
opened fire at 600 yards, holding their position for an hour and a
half, when they drifted out of action disabled, having only silenced
the water-battery: 10 killed, 44 wounded. The steering-gear of the St.
Louis and the Louisville was shot away, and the other vessels were
forced out of action on account of shots between wind and water.
_Earthworks on the James River, May 15, 1862._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLADS.
Guns.
Galena 6
Monitor 2
WOODEN.
Aroostook 6
Port Royal 6
Naugatuck 6
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Darling._—A strong earthwork, built on a perpendicular bluff
about 200 feet above the river, mounting 14 heavy guns.
[Illustration: CARONDELET.
United States Iron-clad River Gun-boat, used with great success during
the Civil War.]
The iron-clads moved up to within 600 yards, which was as close as they
could come and reach the fort with their guns. The wooden vessels came
to within about 1400 yards and the squadron anchored, and, springing
their broadsides on the fort, opened fire. The action continued four
hours, when the ammunition of the Galena giving out and no impression
having been made on the fort, the squadron drew out of action: 13
killed, 14 wounded. All the casualties except two wounded happened on
board the Galena, an experimental iron-clad. She was so much cut up
that her armor was removed and she was made a wooden gun-boat. The
Monitor was uninjured.
_Earthworks at Fort Hindman, January 10 and 11, 1863._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Louisville 13
Baron de Kalb 13
Cincinnati 13
Lexington 7
Black Hawk 6
Rattler 6
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Hindman_, Arkansas River.—A quadrangular earthwork, mounting 10
guns, two of the heaviest being in armored casemates.
At 5 p.m. of the 10th, the Louisville, De Kalb, and Cincinnati moved
up in line abreast to within 400 yards and opened fire. As soon as the
fire of the forts slackened the Lexington and Black Hawk moved up and
opened with shrapnel, while the Rattler passed up the river and took
the fort in enfilade. Ceased firing and drew out of action at dark. In
the morning the attack was renewed in the same manner, and the fort
surrendered in four hours. Casualties, 5 killed, 23 wounded. The two
casemates were completely shattered and every gun dismounted.
_Earthworks at Grand Gulf, April 29, 1863._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Louisville 13
Carondelet 13
Mound City 13
Pittsburg 13
Tuscumbia 5
Benton 16
Lafayette 6
CONFEDERATE.
_Grand Gulf Batteries_, Mississippi.—Consisting of one fort 75 feet
high, mounting four heavy rifles, and one fort farther down the river
mounting four heavy rifles.
The Louisville, Carondelet, Mound City, and Pittsburg moved down in
line ahead and attacked the lower battery, silencing it an hour, and
then moved up to the support of other vessels against the upper one.
The action continued five hours and a half, and the batteries being
silenced the flotilla drew out of action, expecting the army to assault
and take possession. This was not done, and the next day the flotilla
was ordered to attack again. The batteries were both found deserted
and the guns spiked, except three which had been dismounted by the
firing. Casualties: Lafayette, 1 wounded; Benton, 7 killed, 12 wounded;
Louisville, none; Tuscumbia, 5 killed, 24 wounded; Mound City, none;
Carondelet, none; Pittsburg, 6 killed, 12 wounded. The Benton was
hit 47 times; 12 shots pierced the ⅝-inch armor, 4 shots pierced the
2½-inch casemate armor, and 1 shot pierced the 1½-inch armor of the
pilot-house. Louisville hit 7 times, Tuscumbia 81 times, Pittsburg 35
times.
_Earthworks at Simonoseki, July 11, 16, and 20, 1863, and September 5,
1864._
These attacks were made by vessels of different nationalities on a
series of earthworks lining the narrow straits of Simonoseki, Japan.
July 11, the Dutch corvette Medusa entered the straits, and being fired
at opened fire on the batteries at a distance of 1200 yards. The action
continued one hour, when the Medusa drew out without having silenced
the batteries. Casualties, 4 killed, 5 wounded.
On the 10th, the United States corvette Wyoming entered the straits,
and on being fired at opened a return fire. Passing between two sailing
gun-boats on one side and a steam gun-boat on the other at pistol-shot
distance, she gave them both broadsides, sinking the sailing vessels
and blowing up the boiler of the steamer. Action continued an hour and
a half, when the Wyoming drew out without silencing the batteries.
Casualties, 4 killed, 7 wounded.
On the 20th, the French frigate Semiramis and corvette Tancrède
entered the strait, and on being fired at returned the fire. The first
broadside blew one of the earthworks to pieces. In two hours the forts
were silenced, and a landing party spiked the guns and blew up the
magazine.
On the 5th of September, 1864, an allied squadron of English, French,
Dutch, and American vessels, 16 in number, mounting 200 guns, and
carrying 3500 men, anchored in the straits and opened fire on the
batteries. The batteries were silenced and deserted in about two
hours. The next day a force of 2600 men was landed, the guns were
spiked and the fortifications were dismantled. Casualties, 12 killed,
60 wounded.
_Earthworks at Kagosima, August 15, 1863._
ENGLISH.
Guns.
Euryalus 35
Pearl 24
Perseus 17
Argus 6
Race-horse 4
Havoc 2
Coquette 2
JAPANESE.
KAGOSIMA DEFENCE.
One fort containing four guns.
One fort containing twenty guns.
The corvettes advanced in line ahead on the four-gun battery,
delivering their broadsides as they passed, silencing the fort and
leaving it to the care of the gun-boats. Passing on to within 1200
yards of the twenty-gun battery they bombarded it for six hours, having
to contend with a typhoon at the same time. During the action the city
of Kagosima was accidentally set on fire and nearly half of it was
burned. The fort was not silenced at dusk, when the squadron hauled out
of action, but the next morning the Japanese came to terms before the
attack was renewed.
_Earthworks off Charleston Harbor, July 18 and August 17, 1863._
FEDERAL.
INNER LINE—IRON-CLADS.
Guns.
Montauk 2
New Ironsides 20
Catskill 2
Nantucket 2
Weehawken 2
Patapsco 2
OUTER LINE—WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
Paul Jones 9
Ottawa 5
Seneca 4
Chippewa 6
Wissahicken 4
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Wagner_.—A strong earthwork, containing 10 heavy guns, and
supported by three 4-gun water-batteries.
On the 18th of July the iron-clads moved in line, taking up a position
abreast the fort and within 1200 yards, the gun-boats firing at long
range. At 4 p.m., the tide serving, the iron-clads moved in to 400
yards and completely silenced the fort. Drew out of action at dark, the
object of silencing the battery being accomplished. On August 17th the
iron-clads moved in abreast the fort to within 450 yards, and silenced
the fort in two hours. Drew out of action at noon, the object having
been accomplished.
_Earthworks at Fort McAllister, March 3, 1863._
FEDERAL.
MONITORS.
Guns.
Passaic 2
Patapsco 2
Nahant 2
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort McAllister._—A strong earthwork containing seven heavy guns and
one 11-inch mortar.
This attack was intended as a test of the strength of monitors to
resist a heavy fire. The monitors moved up in line ahead and opened
fire, continuing the action for eight hours at a distance of 1200
yards. The forts were not silenced. The Passaic was hit 9 times on the
side-armor, no damage; 13 hits on the deck-plating, the deck being
crushed through in three places; 5 hits on the turret, no damage; 2 on
the pilot-house, no damage; 1 on the roof of the turret, breaking a
beam; 4 through smoke-stack—34 hits in all; none killed or wounded.
Patapsco one hit on deck; no injury. Nahant no hits.
_Earthworks at Fort Fisher, December 24 and 25, 1864, and January 13
and 14, 1865._
FEDERAL.
FIRST LINE—IRON-CLADS.
Guns.
New Ironsides 20
Canonicus 2
Monadnock 4
Saugus 2
Mahopac 2
WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Nyack 8
Unadilla 6
Huron 4
Pequot 8
Pontoosuc 6
Nereus 2
Kansas 8
SECOND LINE—FRIGATES.
Guns.
Wabash 45
Powhatan 19
Susquehanna 18
Colorado 45
Minnesota 46
CORVETTES.
Guns.
Juniata 11
Shenandoah 10
Brooklyn 26
Ticonderoga 10
Tuscarora 10
Mohican 7
Vanderbilt 15
GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Seneca 4
Pawtuxet 4
Mackinaw 12
Maumee 4
Yantic 5
ADVANCED SQUADRON OF
SECOND LINE—GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Monticello 7
Rhode Island 11
Sassacus 6
Chippewa 6
Osceola 8
Tacony 6
St. Jago de Cuba 10
Fort Jackson 6
RESERVE LINE—GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Aries
Howquah
Wilderness
Cherokee
Vance
Anemone
Moccasin
Eolus
Gettysburg
Keystone State 13
Banshee
Emma
Lilian
Nansemond
Tristram Shandy
Britannia
Bignonia
Governor Buckingham
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Fisher_ and a range of isolated batteries containing 36 guns,
about one half being rifles.
At daylight the fleet steamed in in lines ahead, the first line
anchoring abreast the sea-face of the fort within 1300 yards, the
second line abreast the salient of the works at 1700 yards, the
advanced second line abreast the land-face attacking the outworks;
the reserve, out of fire, outside of the second line. The fort was
completely silenced in an hour and a quarter. Fire was kept up all day,
and 3000 troops were disembarked, but returned without attempting an
assault. The enemy’s fire was silenced so quickly that not a person
was injured in the fleet. Six 100-pdr. rifles exploded in the fleet,
killing 16 and wounding 23. Three gun-boats were partially disabled by
the fire from the fort, but went into action next day. On the 25th the
same positions were taken by the lines and the fort was silenced in one
hour. On January 13th the same positions were taken and the fort was
silenced in three hours. Fire was kept up all day, and 8000 troops were
landed in three hours. January 15th the same positions were taken, and
the fort was silenced in one hour. (For remainder of action of 15th,
see _Assaults_.) During these bombardments, every gun on the sea-face
(19) was dismounted or disabled.
_Earthworks on the Danube, May 6, 1877._
The Turkish double-turreted monitor Luft-i-Dyelil attacked a
water-battery on the Danube at a distance of 1800 yards. The Russians
replied with rifled field artillery. After an action of one hour the
monitor received a shot through her boiler, which blew up and sank the
ship. All but one man lost.
_Earthworks at Callao, May 2, 1866._
SPANISH.
ONE IRON-CLAD FRIGATE,
FIVE WOODEN FRIGATES,
ONE WOODEN GUN-BOAT.
Guns.
Numancia 33
Blanca 25
Resolucion 25
Berenguela 16
Villa de Madrid 52
Almansa 38
Vencedora 3
PERUVIAN.
_Defences of Callao._—Range of earthworks containing XV 32-pdrs., VI
60-pdrs., IV 9-inch rifles, II iron revolving turrets, IV 9-inch, II
light-draft monitors, II 6-inch rifles.
The fleet divided into three divisions for the attack of different
parts of the line of fortifications, and went into action in line ahead
at noon, taking positions at about 1600 yards’ distance and maintaining
an action of four hours, when the squadron drew out of action, not
having silenced the forts. One battery only silenced through the
bursting of a gun. Casualties in the fleet, 38 killed, 150 wounded.
The. Villa de Madrid was disabled early in the action by a shot
through her boiler. The Resolucion was disabled by a shot through the
water-line. Admiral Nuñez wounded.
RÉSUMÉ.
Total number of earthwork attacks noted, 21.
COMPLETE SUCCESS—8. Hatteras Inlet, Hilton Head, Fort Henry, Roanoke
Island, Fort Hindman, Grand Gulf, French at Simonoseki, Allies at
Simonoseki.
PARTIAL SUCCESS—6. Kagosima, Fort Wagner, three attacks on Fort Fisher,
second attack on Fort Wagner.
FAILURES—7. Fort Donelson, Fort Darling, Dutch at Simonoseki, Americans
at Simonoseki, Fort McAllister, Danube forts, Callao.
Of the partial successes, all six accomplished the objects of the
bombardment. In that of Kagosima the Japanese were brought to terms,
and the other five had for their object to silence the forts, which
they accomplished.
Of the failures, the two attacks on Simonoseki were retaliatory
measures, and would probably have succeeded had they been kept up
longer. Fort Darling and Fort McAllister were experimental tests,
although there are no grounds to believe that the forts would have been
silenced had the action been kept up longer. At Fort Donelson, the
Danube forts, and Callao the ships were beaten.
BOMBARDMENTS OF MASONRY FORTS.
_Attack on Fort Sumter, April 7, 1863._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD SQUADRON.
Guns.
Weehawken 2
Passaic 2
Montauk 2
Patapsco 2
New Ironsides 16
Catskill 2
Nantucket 2
Nahant 2
Keokuk 2
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Sumter_, 10 guns, supported by _Fort Moultrie_, 16 guns, and
earthworks adjacent mounting 43 guns.
The squadron went into action at 2 p.m. in line ahead, approaching
Fort Sumter as close as the obstructions would permit (from 500 to
1000 yards), and opened fire. The action lasted two hours, when the
fleet withdrew, not having silenced the fort. The Weehawken was hit 53
times, the side-armor being completely shattered in places, the deck
broken through once, 36 turret-bolts broken, and at one time the turret
was jammed. The Passaic was hit 35 times; her turret was disabled for
a time, and one turret-gun was completely disabled; the pilot-house
was knocked almost over. Montauk hit 14 times; no injury. Patapsco
hit 47 times; gun disabled. New Ironsides hit _about_ 50 times; one
port-shutter knocked off, otherwise uninjured. Catskill hit 20 times;
deck broken through. Nantucket hit 51 times; port-stopper jammed,
disabling one gun. Nahant hit 36 times; turret jammed, side-armor
badly shattered. Keokuk (casemated gun-boat) _pierced_ at and below
the water-line 19 times; turrets pierced and port-shutters knocked
away; vessel sank the next day. Casualties: Keokuk, 16 wounded; Nahant,
1 killed, 6 wounded; all by broken bolts flying in the turret or
pilot-house.
_Attack on Fort Sumter, August 22 and September 1, 1863._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD SQUADRON.
Guns.
Weehawken 2
Montauk 2
Nahant 2
Passaic 2
Patapsco 2
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Sumter_, supported by _Fort Moultrie_.
Squadron went into action at 3 a.m. within 800 yards of Sumter, keeping
up a steady fire for three hours. Only six shots fired from Sumter in
return, but a heavy fire kept up from Moultrie. Fleet drew out, not
having drawn the fire of Sumter. On the night of September 1st the
squadron moved in again and bombarded Sumter for five hours. The fort
was almost dismantled, but still kept its garrison. Fort Moultrie
responded to the fire. The fleet withdrew, not having driven the
garrison from the fort.
_Bombardment of Mississippi Forts, April 18 to April 28, 1862._
FEDERAL.
Twenty mortar-schooners, each armed with a single mortar. For about one
hour and a half the forts were under the fire of Admiral Farragut’s
fleet of 17 vessels, mounting 188 guns.
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Jackson._—A masonry fort on the right bank of the Mississippi,
mounting 75 guns. _Fort St. Philip._—A masonry fort on the left bank of
the river, nearly opposite Fort Jackson, mounting 30 guns.
On the morning of April 18th the mortar-schooners were towed into
position in three divisions. The first and third (14 vessels) were
moored near the right bank of the river at a bend below Fort Jackson,
within 2800 yards of it, and protected by a thick wood, the mast-heads
of the schooners being trimmed with branches to conceal their exact
position. The second division was moored near the left bank of the
river, more exposed and 3700 yards from Fort Jackson. About 1 p.m. fire
was opened from all the mortars on Fort Jackson, and continued without
interruption until sunset. One mortar only was directed against Fort
St. Philip. At the end of the first day’s bombardment two guns had been
dismounted and a third heavy rifle broken in two in Fort St. Philip.
The citadel of Fort Jackson was set on fire. On the evening of the
18th the second division was transferred to the right bank, the left
one being too much exposed. On the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, and 23d the
bombardment was continued each day, one mortar-vessel being sunk by
a rifled shot from Fort Jackson on the 19th. On the night of the 23d
and early morning of the 24th an incessant fire was kept up whilst
Admiral Farragut’s fleet was passing the forts. On the 25th, 26th, and
part of the 27th the bombardment continued, and on the 28th both forts
capitulated. Fort Jackson was reduced almost to a ruin, over 800 bombs
having fallen in it. Several guns were dismounted and the casemates
were cracked through in all directions. Fort St. Philip was not much
injured, its fall being a necessary consequence of that of Fort Jackson.
RÉSUMÉ.
Total number of masonry attacks noted, 4. Successful, 1. Failures, 3.
Fort Sumter was, by repeated bombardments for two years, reduced nearly
to a total ruin, but was not abandoned until Charleston was captured
by General Sherman. Fort Moultrie never was silenced until it was
abandoned. Fort Jackson refused to surrender after six days’ constant
bombardment by a mortar fleet and an hour’s bombardment from a passing
fleet at from 60 to 300 yards, only capitulating at a second summons,
when the capture of New Orleans destroyed the last chance of relief.
PASSAGES OF FORTS.
_Passage of Fortifications below New Orleans, April 24, 1862._
FEDERAL.
WOODEN FLEETS.—FIRST DIVISION.
Guns.
Hartford 28
Brooklyn 26
Richmond 25
Sciota 3
Iroquois 7
Kennebec 4
Pinola 4
Itasca 4
Winona 4
SECOND DIVISION.
Pensacola 26
Mississippi 19
Cayuga 6
Oneida 10
Varuna 6
Katahdin 6
Kineo 6
Wissahickon 4
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Jackson_, 75 guns. _Fort St. Philip_, 30 guns. Above the forts,
two iron-clad rams and eighteen gun-boats. Below the forts, a heavy
boom of logs and chain across the river. The river current to be
stemmed runs at a speed of about six to seven knots.
On the night of the 22d, two gun-boats were sent up to break the
obstructions. The end of the chain was reached and successfully cut
under a heavy fire, making an opening wide enough to allow vessels
to pass. At 2 a.m. of the 24th the fleet got under way, forming two
lines, the first division to take Fort Jackson, and the second Fort
St. Philip. The chains were stopped up and down the sides in wake of
the boilers; decks were whitewashed and boarding-nettings triced up.
Coming under the fire of the forts, the fines were broken owing to the
strength of the current and the necessity for feeling the way up in the
channel, there being no pilots. The Hartford grounded abreast Fort St.
Philip, and whilst in this position a fire-raft was pushed against her,
setting her on fire aft. The raft was pushed clear, fire extinguished,
and the ship was worked off the shoal. She was hit 32 times; 3 killed,
10 wounded. The Brooklyn fouled the obstructions, and was held for
a short time under the fire of Fort St. Philip. Clearing these, she
was rammed by the ram Manassas, but the blow was a glancing one.
Immediately afterward a gun-boat was seen coming at her full speed.
The Brooklyn gave her the port broadside, and disabled her: killed,
9; wounded, 26. Richmond, killed, 2; wounded, 4. Sciota, wounded, 2.
Iroquois, killed, 8; wounded, 24. Kennebec fouled the obstructions,
and did not get clear until the fleet had passed up; returned to the
lower anchorage. Pinola, killed, 3; wounded, 8. Itasca received a shot
through her boiler abreast the forts, and drifted down helpless out
of action; wounded, 3. The Winona was fouled by the Itasca in getting
under way, and did not make the attempt until the fleet had passed,
when she was obliged to turn back: killed, 6; wounded, 4. Pensacola,
killed, 4; wounded, 33. Mississippi, just after passing the forts, was
rammed on the quarter by the Manassas, injured, but not cut through:
killed, 2; wounded, 6. Cayuga—the leading vessel in the fight—after
passing the forts was attacked by three gun-boats at once: one on the
starboard beam she disabled by a broadside; one on the port-bow was
driven off by the bow-pivot; one on the port-quarter was taken in hand
by the Varuna before she could do harm: wounded, 6. Oneida, just after
passing the forts, discovered a gun-boat trying to cross her bow; ran
her down and sank her at once: wounded, 3. Varuna, after passing the
forts, disabled two gun-boats; was then rammed twice by one gun-boat,
and once by another; finding her sinking, her commander ran her ashore,
disabling completely both the gun-boats that had rammed him: killed,
3; wounded, 9. Katahdin, uninjured. Kineo, wounded, 8. Wissahickon,
uninjured. Total: killed, 37; wounded, 147. The Mississippi, after
clearing the fight, was ordered to ram the Manassas, which was seen
coming up the river. Running down towards her, the Manassas sheered
broad off and ran ashore, receiving two broadsides, which disabled
her and set her on fire. She drifted down the river and blew up.
Fourteen vessels out of seventeen passed the forts. Of those failing
to pass, one was disabled. Of those that passed, one was sunk. Of the
Confederate flotilla eleven were captured, and eight—including the ram
Manassas—were destroyed. The second ram (Louisiana) did not engage for
some reason. Two days afterward, while the flag of truce was flying at
the capitulation of the forts, she was set on fire and turned adrift to
explode amongst the mortar squadron. She blew up before reaching it.
The fleet that passed the forts went into action on the next day
(25th), silenced a line of earthworks, and passing up to New Orleans
received its surrender.
_Passage of Forts, Mississippi River, June 28, 1862._
FEDERAL.
Guns.
Richmond 25
Hartford 28
Brooklyn 26
Iroquois 7
Oneida 10
Wissahickon 4
Sciota 3
Winona 4
Pinola 4
Katahdin 6
Kennebec 4
CONFEDERATE.
Triple line of earthworks at Vicksburg, mounting about 30 guns.
At 4 a.m. the squadron, steaming up the river in double line ahead
(large ships inside with the smaller ones abreast the intervals),
came under the fire of the enemy at a distance of 600 yards. The rate
of steaming was about three miles per hour. Three ships (Brooklyn,
Kennebec, and Katahdin) failed to pass. The Brooklyn, getting fouled
with the mortar flotilla, was detained, and under a misapprehension of
orders stopped to silence the battery, and dropped down after daylight.
The Kennebec held her position astern of the Brooklyn. The Katahdin,
having no orders at all, followed the motions of the Brooklyn.
Casualties in the part of the squadron which passed: killed, 15;
wounded, 30. Duration, two hours; distance gone while under fire, three
miles.
_Passage of Forts, Mississippi River, March 14, 1863._
FEDERAL.
WOODEN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Monongahela 14
Mississippi 19
Albatross 7
Genesee 8
Kineo 6
CONFEDERATE.
_Earthworks at Port Hudson._—A line of earthworks extending at
intervals a distance of about three miles, and mounting 70 guns, most
all of heavy calibre.
At 9 p.m. of the 24th, signal was made to weigh anchor and pass the
forts up-stream. The vessels except the Mississippi were lashed in
pairs (Hartford and Albatross, Richmond and Genesee, Monongahela and
Kineo). The mortar fleet below the forts opened a heavy fire on the
works, and two light gun-boats took up an enfilading position and
shelled the water-batteries. The Hartford passed up without trouble.
The Richmond (slowest vessel in the squadron) reached a bend of the
river where she was directly within the cross-fire of the batteries,
but could not stem the current even with the help of her tow, so she
was obliged to turn and go back. The Monongahela reached the bend
and the current forced her ashore for about half an hour; getting
off finally she started ahead, but was obliged to stop her engine on
account of the heating of the journals; drifted down again out of
range. The Mississippi ran aground at the bend, but could not be gotten
off. After working for half an hour, her guns were spiked, the ship was
fired and deserted, and she blew up. Casualties: killed, 12; wounded,
35; missing, 63. One steam frigate lost.
_Passage of Fort Morgan, August 5, 1864._
FEDERAL.
MONITORS.
Guns.
Tecumseh 2
Manhattan 2
Winnebago 4
Chickasaw 4
CORVETTES.
Brooklyn 26
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Lackawanna 14
Monongahela 14
Ossipee 12
Oneida 10
GUN-BOATS.
Octarora 10
Metacomet 10
Port Royal 6
Seminole 6
Kennebec 4
Itasca 4
Galena 6
CONFEDERATE.
_Fort Morgan._—A masonry fort containing 30 guns. Iron-clad ram
Tennessee (six 7-inch rifles). Gun-boats Selma, Morgan, and Gaines. A
line of torpedoes and pile obstructions across the channel.
[Illustration: Before the Action.]
[Illustration: After the Action.]
[Illustration: Section through Pilot-House.
CONFEDERATE RAM TENNESSEE.]
At 5.30 a.m. the fleet got under way and steamed in in two lines ahead,
the four monitors in the starboard line slightly leading and nearest
the fort. The port line of wooden ships showed the corvettes towards
the fort, with each one having a gun-boat lasted along the port side.
The fort opened fire at 7.30, the leading ship (Tecumseh) being within
1400 yards. Just abreast the fort the Tecumseh fouled a torpedo and
was sunk. The Brooklyn (leading the second line) stopped her engines
and threw the line into disorder, but the Hartford pushing on ahead
restored the line and led the way in, all the ships passing the fort.
On clearing the narrow channel, the gun-boats were cast off and gave
chase to the Confederate gun-boats, the Metacomet capturing the Selma,
the other two vessels escaping under the fort. At 8.45 the fleet was
all in the bay beyond the fort. The Tennessee then made a rush at the
Hartford, and Admiral Farragut made the signal to attack with guns and
rams. The Monongahela struck the ram first, a square blow, making no
impression, but breaking off its own ram. The Lackawanna then struck
a fair blow with no impression, but staving its own bow. The Hartford
then rammed, striking a glancing blow and swinging alongside, giving a
full broadside without effect. The Lackawanna and Hartford then bore
down together but collided, the Hartford’s side being cut down almost
to the water’s edge by the Lackawanna. The Lackawanna, Monongahela,
and Ossipee then bore down at full speed, but sheered off at seeing a
white flag hoisted. During the ramming, the monitors got under the
stern of the ram and bombarded her casemate with effect. Casualties:
killed, 52; wounded, 170. Monitor Tecumseh sunk with all hands except
11. Corvette Oneida disabled abreast the fort by a shot through the
boiler, but dragged through the action by her consort. The injuries
to the bows of the ramming ships and to the Hartford’s side were not
so severe as to at all disable them. Captured, armored ram Tennessee,
wooden gun-boat Selma, 280 prisoners. The steering-gear and smoke-stack
of the ram were shot away, the port-shutters were jammed so as to
disable the guns, and the ship’s frame was racked so as to make her
leak, but not badly. The ramming vessels left no marks.
_Passage of the Vicksburg Batteries, April 16, 1863._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Benton 16
Lafayette 6
Louisville 13
Mound City 13
Pittsburg 13
Carondelet 13
Tuscumbia 5
General Price 2
Three army transports.
CONFEDERATE.
_Vicksburg Batteries_.—47 heavy guns.
The vessels started from up the river in line ahead, with the
transports in rear, the Tuscumbia acting as rear-guard to prevent the
transports turning back when once under fire. Leaving the anchorage at
10.30 p.m., they steamed slowly down until coming within sight of the
batteries, when they stopped their engines and drifted. The leading
vessel was discovered abreast the first battery and fire was opened.
The fleet then started ahead fast returning the fire. Two transports
turned and started back, but were driven down again by the Tuscumbia,
the three vessels suffering severely in the manœuvring, but passing
down successfully. Casualties, 12 wounded. Each gun-boat carried a
barge-loaded with coal, on the off side. Two barges were sunk, the
remainder were carried through safely. One of the transports was
disabled, but was taken in tow under fire and brought safely through.
Time under fire, one hour.
RÉSUMÉ.
Total number of battles passing fortifications, 5. Successful, 3.
Partially successful, 2. Of the latter, one failed on account of a
misunderstanding of orders, and one on account of the strength of
current rendering the ships unmanageable. In all cases the ships passed
the main line of fortifications at a distance of less than 600 yards,
and all were subjected to a severe well-aimed fire.
ASSAULTS.
_Assault on Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863._
At 10 p.m., September 8th, a landing party of 300 sailors and 100
marines was put in boats, taken in tow by a tug-boat, and towed to
within 1000 yards of the breach at Fort Sumter. One division of 20 men
was sent to the north-east face to make a feint, while the main body
landed at the breach. Through a general misunderstanding the boats
went in irregularly, but a few boats’ crews landed, and, no support
being given, they were captured. The expedition was a total failure, no
assault being made. Casualties: 3 killed, 27 wounded, 130 prisoners, 11
missing.
_Assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865._
The assaulting column, composed of 1600 sailors and 400 marines, formed
about a mile from the face of the fort (the fire of the fort being
kept under by a heavy bombardment from the fleet) in four lines. The,
marines forming the first line, were deployed as skirmishers, and
advanced along the beach to a line of rifle-pits and occupied them
within 600 yards of the sea-face of the fort. The other three lines
advanced by the left flank (parallel to each other) along the beach,
reaching the marines, and the column lay down while the fleet shelled
the works, the marine line coming abreast the second line of sailors.
At the word “Charge,” the column rose and charged by the flank to
the stockade, extending from the salient of the fort to the water’s
edge. Instead of keeping on past the stockade and then charging by
the right flank up to the ditch, which would have brought the lines
in proper position, the heads of the column turned up at the stockade
and became mixed together. The charge was continued to the parapet,
but the confusion of the wrong movement caused a break, ending in a
panic, and the whole column retreated under a heavy fire from the fort,
leaving about 60 men under the protection of the head of the stockade,
who entrenched themselves there and stayed until the fort was taken
by the troops entering at the other end of the fort. The assault was
a failure in everything except as far as deceiving the besieged, who
mistook it for the main assault, and thus permitted the 8000 troops at
another point to gain a foothold. Casualties: killed, 80; wounded, 228;
missing, 22.
_Assault on the Corean Forts, June 11, 1871._
The Monocacy (10 guns) and Palos (4 guns) steamed up the Salée River
and disembarked a landing party of 546 sailors and 105 marines,
taking with them a battery of seven boat-guns. Five forts were to be
captured, situated at distances of from half a mile to three miles.
The Monocacy, taking position abreast the first fort, shelled it
vigorously, protecting the landing party and driving the Coreans from
the earthworks and stone fort in about one hour. The landing party
entered without resistance, capturing and destroying two 32-pdrs.,
six 18-pdrs., and twenty smaller pieces, 2 and 4 pdrs. The advance
stopped for the night, the landing party going into camp outside
of the fort. At daylight of the 11th the advance recommenced, the
Monocacy keeping abreast and shelling the Coreans out of the second
fort, which was occupied and dismantled. The citadel about three miles
farther up the river was the next point to be captured, and had to be
taken by assault. Marching to the crest of a hill within 150 yards of
the citadel, the storming party were ordered to lie down for a rest,
the skirmishing line of marines keeping up a fire on the parapet. A
detachment of men and guns was sent to occupy a commanding position and
hold a large body of Coreans in check that was forming in rear, while
another detachment was sent to cut off the retreat from the citadel. A
deep ravine lay between the storming line and the fort, and the walls
of the citadel were twelve feet high, the only entrance being through a
small breach made by the fire of the Monocacy. The citadel was stormed,
and a foothold gained without a halt, and after a hard hand-to-hand
fight, was captured. With the fall of the citadel the other forts were
abandoned, whilst the detachment commanding the road of retreat of
the Coreans put them under a severe fire. The assault was a complete
success. Loss of the Coreans: killed, 243; wounded, unknown; prisoners,
22; five stone forts and 481 pieces of ordnance, comprising eleven
32-pdrs., fourteen 24-pdrs., two 20-pdrs., and the remainder 2 and 4
pdrs.; fifty flags, including the standard of the Generalissimo. Loss
of United States: killed, 3; wounded, 10.
RÉSUMÉ.
Number of assaults noted, 3. Failures, 2. Success, 1. Of the failures,
the first was too hastily planned to even make a commencement.
Everything was confusion from the time that the boats were cast off
from their tows. The second was primarily due to confusion of the
assaulting columns at the most critical moment, followed by a panic.
DELIBERATE GENERAL ACTIONS.
_Gun-boat Flotillas in the Mississippi, June 5, 1862._
FEDERAL.
IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Benton 13
Louisville 13
Carondelet 13
Cairo 13
St. Louis 13
RAMS.
Queen of the West 2
Monarch 2
CONFEDERATE.
IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Lovell
Beauregard
Price
Thompson
Little Rebel
Sumter
Bragg
Van Dorn
On the morning of June 5th, the Federal flotilla descending the river
discovered the Confederate flotilla moored at the city of Memphis. The
latter formed in double line abreast below the city, and received the
attack. The Queen of the West, dashing from the Federal line, rammed
the Lovell and sank her at once. In getting clear she was rammed by the
Beauregard and seriously injured, though not disabled. The Beauregard
was rammed by the Monarch, and at the same time received a shot through
her boilers which disabled her; she drifted near the bank of the
river and sank. The Price was accidentally rammed and sunk by one of
her own flotilla. The Little Rebel was disabled by shot, run ashore
and abandoned. The Thompson was set on fire by shells and blown up.
The Sumter was captured. The Bragg was rammed and sunk. The Van Dorn
escaped down the river. Result: one Federal ram partially disabled; no
killed, no wounded. Four Confederate gun-boats sunk, one captured, one
blown up, one deserted, and one escaped. Killed and wounded unknown,
but many lost by drowning and scalding. Duration of action, twenty
minutes.
In this fight the Federal fleet had the advantage of fighting down
stream, being the ones to make the onset, and having the heavier
vessels and batteries. The Confederates took no advantage of the weak
steaming powers of the Federal gun-boats. Had they passed up stream,
re-formed, and forced the Federals to act on the defensive and fight up
stream, the result might have been different. Decisive action.
_Battle of Helgoland, May 9, 1864._
DANISH SQUADRON.
Guns.
Niels Juel 42
Jylland 44
Heimdal 16
AUSTRIAN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Schwartzenburg 48
Radetzky 31
Three Prussian gun-boats.
The two squadrons advanced in line ahead, the Danes coming up on
the beam of the Austrians. The Niels Juel joined action with the
Schwartzenburg, and the Jylland with the Radetzky, the Heimdal
attempting to reach the gun-boats, which steamed up on the unengaged
side of the frigates, causing the latter to steam in a circle. The
action was fought in this manner, steaming in a circle of which
the gun-boats were the centre and the Danes 600 yards outside the
Austrians, the Heimdal joining in the attack on the Radetzky. After
three hours, the Schwartzenburg was set on fire and the Austrians ran
for Helgoland, the Danes hauling off at the neutral-ground limit.
Indecisive action.
_Battle of Lissa, July 20, 1866._
AUSTRIAN FLEET.
IRON-CLAD FRIGATES.
Ferdinand Max.
Hapsburg.
Don Juan d’Austria.
Kaiser Max.
Prinz Eugen.
Salamander.
Drache.
WOODEN SQUADRON.
Five frigates.
One corvette.
Fourteen gun-boats.
ITALIAN IRON-CLAD FLEET.
Re d’Italia.
Re di Portugalo.
Principe di Carignano.
Ancona.
Castelfidardo.
Maria Pia.
San Martino.
Affondatore.
Palestro.
Varese, Terribile, and Formidabile not in action.
Wooden fleet did not come up.
The Austrians advanced in three echelonned lines ahead, the Ferdinand
Max (flag-ship) leading the right and advanced iron-clad line. The
wooden frigates formed the centre line, and the gun-boats the left
and rear. All in close order. The Italians on sighting the Austrian
fleet formed in single line ahead, open order, covering a distance of
over five miles. The head of the Italian line opened fire on coming
within gunshot. The Austrians, turning together eight points to port,
sent a broadside into the head of the Italian line and, resuming the
former course, immediately pierced the Italian line astern of the
third ship (between the Ancona and the Re d’Italia), half of his
iron-clads passing through this interval and the other half between the
Re d’Italia and the Palestro. The leading Italian division turned to
starboard to attack the Austrian wooden fleet, and Tegethoff to foil
this manœuvre turned and passed back through the same intervals. The
rest of the Italian fleet closing up on the broken Austrian line, and
the smoke concealing signals, the action became a mêlée. The Ferdinand
Max made two attempts to ram two different vessels, both being avoided
by the helm. A third attempt on the Re d’Italia was successful,
striking her under the counter and sinking her. At the time, the Re
was engaged with three Austrians on his bow and beam. The Italians
state that his steering-gear was shot away; the Austrians, that he was
backing.
Three Austrians (two iron-clads and one wooden frigate) concentrated
on the Palestro and set her on fire; she drew out of action and
blew up in about an hour. The San Martino, fighting in company with
the Re d’Italia, hauled out of action when the latter was sunk. The
Affondatore (flag-ship) made two ineffectual attempts to ram, but
her clumsy steering-gear and slow speed made the attempts abortive.
The Re di Portugalo made a fine attempt to ram the Kaiser Max, which
the latter avoided by turning _towards_ the Portugalo and going full
speed, the ships rubbing sides, bringing down the Kaiser’s fore-mast,
which fell on the smoke-stack and caught fire but was extinguished.
The Portugalo then ran the gauntlet of the two iron-clad divisions,
reaching her own line, and the Italian fleet hauled out of action, the
Austrians not chasing. The Italian loss was two iron-clads; killed,
650; wounded, 40. Austrians, 136 killed and wounded, of whom three
quarters belonged to the Kaiser Max. Partial success.
DASHES.
_Passes of the Mississippi, October 12, 1861._
At 4 a.m. the Confederate ram Manassas steamed suddenly into the
Federal squadron at anchor in the Passes below New Orleans—
Guns.
Richmond 25
Water Witch 3
Union 4
SAILING CORVETTES.
Vincennes 10
Preble 11
striking the Richmond a glancing blow. Chains were slipped at once, and
the Richmond avoided a second blow by sheering. The ram passed back
up the river. On the Confederate side the dash was a failure. On the
Federal side the Vincennes was run ashore, deserted, and accident only
saved the vessel, a train having been laid to her magazine and fired by
Commander Handy. The train is said to have been put out by one of the
crew before leaving, and the ship was hauled off after daylight.
_Mississippi River, above Vicksburg, July 15, 1862._
At about 7 a.m. the Confederate ram Arkansas made a dash down the river
through the Federal squadron lying at anchor.
Guns.
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Oneida 10
Iroquois 7
Wissahickon 4
Winona 4
Sciota 4
As she passed through without attempting to ram, broadsides were
exchanged. The Arkansas was disabled, but not caught. Federal loss:
killed, 5; wounded, 16.
_Charleston Blockading Fleet, February 2, 1863._
At about 4 a.m. a Confederate iron-clad ram made a dash from the harbor
into the blockading squadron.
Guns.
Keystone State 13
Housatonic 13
Quaker City 9
Augusta 10
Mercedita 9
Memphis 7
Running at the Mercedita, she rammed her on the starboard beam, and
at the same time put a shot through her boiler, completely disabling
her. The ram then passed under her stern, demanded and received her
surrender, but did not take possession, the crew being paroled. The
Keystone State was then attacked, but avoided being rammed, although
she received a shot through her boilers, completely disabling her. The
ram then retired. Attack successful. Federal loss: killed, 24; wounded,
23; one crew paroled, two vessels disabled. Duration of attack, one
hour.
IRON-CLADS AGAINST WOODEN VESSELS.
_Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862._
On the morning of March 8th the Confederate ram Merrimac entered
Hampton Roads, where were lying at anchor the
STEAM FRIGATES.
Guns.
Minnesota 50
Roanoke 50
SAILING FRIGATES.
Congress 50
Cumberland 24
St. Lawrence 12
Running directly at the Cumberland, the ram struck her under the
counter, sinking her in fifteen minutes. Turning to the Congress, which
had slipped her cable and run ashore, the ram took a position under her
stern at 50 yards distance, and forced her to surrender after a fight
of an hour. Possession was not taken of her, and the ship was fired
and deserted, blowing up in a few hours. The Minnesota having grounded
where the Merrimac could not get at her, these two engaged at long
range, the Roanoke and St. Lawrence taking part for about four hours,
when the Merrimac drew out of action leaking badly from the effects of
ramming the Cumberland. Federal loss: 2 sailing frigates; killed, 247;
wounded, 90.
_Roanoke River, April 18, 1864._
At 11 p.m. of the 18th the Confederate ram Albemarle was discovered
coming down the Roanoke River. In obedience to previous instructions
from the Admiral, the two gun-boats present (Miami, 12 guns, and
Southfield, 4 guns) were lashed alongside each other to receive the
attack, the intention being to put the ram between the two vessels,
and while held by lashings fight her at point-blank on both sides.
After lashing, the gun-boats were headed for the Albemarle, going full
speed. The arrangement was perfect for a _test_ of the plan. The ram
scraping the port side of the Miami with her prow, struck the starboard
bow of the Southfield, staving her in forward; the forward lashings
were broken, and the gun-boats swung out of the angle of fire after
giving but one broadside. The ram backed clear to get room for a blow
at the Miami, but the latter, having swung head down stream, escaped.
The Southfield sank in about fifteen minutes. Federal loss: killed, 1;
wounded, 11; missing, 67; 1 gun-boat sunk.
_Albemarle Sound, May 5, 1864._
The squadron blockading Albemarle Sound had received orders that in
case the ram Albemarle appeared, the vessels were to form in double
line ahead.
Guns.
Miami 12
Ceres 4
Commodore Hull 6
Seymour 4
Mattabesset 6
Sassacus 6
Wyalusing 4
Whitehead 4
At 4.45 p.m. the Albemarle was sighted coming into the sound
accompanied by two small gun-boats. The squadron formed and steamed
to meet her, the Mattabesset and Sassacus delivering a broadside in
passing at 100 yards. The ram attempted to run the Sassacus down, but
the latter avoided her, being thrown out of the line in the manœuvre.
Being in the vicinity of one of the Confederate gun-boats, the Sassacus
gave her a broadside, received her surrender, and sent her out of
action to an anchorage. Turning to resume her place in line, the
Sassacus found herself in position to ram the Albemarle, and went at
her full speed, striking her fairly amidships, and heeling her over
considerably. The two vessels were in close contact for about ten
minutes, when the Sassacus swung alongside and received a shot through
her boilers, partially disabling her. The ram getting clear drew out
of action and steamed up the river, chased for some distance by the
squadron. Casualties on the Federal side: killed, 4; wounded, 25; 1
gun-boat disabled. Confederates: 1 gun-boat captured; 1 gun on the ram
disabled. The bow of the Sassacus was somewhat broken and twisted, but
not sufficient to leak.
_Black Sea, July 23, 1877._
On the morning of the 23d the Russian gun-boat Vesta (6 guns), cruising
in the sea, made out black smoke on the horizon at early daylight, and
steamed towards it. When within less than two miles she discovered
it to be the Turkish iron-clad frigate Assav-i-Tefvik (14 guns), and
turned to escape; a running fight ensued, lasting for two hours, the
Turk slowly overhauling the Vesta. When within about half a mile, a
shell from the Vesta exploded in the barbette turret of the Turk,
disabling its gun, killing and wounding most of the crew. The latter
then hauled on and the Vesta escaped. Action indecisive. Killed and
wounded about equal on both sides.
_Off Ylo, Peru, May 29, 1877._
The Peruvian iron-clad Huascar, having been taken possession of by a
party of insurgents, and having committed depredations against British
commercial vessels, was attacked off Iquique by the British frigate
Shah and the corvette Amethyst. The Huascar running into shoal water
prevented the close approach of the enemy, and the action was continued
for about three hours, during which time neither of the British vessels
was struck and no notable damage had been done to the Huascar. Just
before dark the Huascar cleared the shoals and ran down the coast
followed by the British until dark. One Whitehead torpedo was sent at
her, but ineffectually.
After dark a launch was sent into the bay of Ylo with Whitehead
torpedoes for the purpose of sinking the vessel, but she had escaped.
Action indecisive. Casualties: Peruvian, killed, 1; wounded, 1.
British, none. Neither vessel injured sufficiently to affect her
fighting power. The Huascar was manned by a raw crew, causing her fire
to be entirely ineffective.
_Iquique Harbor, May 21, 1879._
The Peruvian iron-clads Independencia and Huascar appeared off Iquique
Harbor on the morning of May 21st, finding there the Chilian gun-boats
Esmeralda and Covadonga. The latter on discovering the enemy ran into
shoal water, the iron-clads taking a position about 2000 yards away.
After a short action, the Covadonga (apparently with the intention of
dividing the fire and possibly escaping) attempted to run down the
coast, the Independencia giving chase. The Huascar continued to engage
the Esmeralda, and notwithstanding the short range, failed to hit her.
At length a shore battery drove the Esmeralda into deep water, and
before she could commence to manœuvre a shot from the Huascar disabled
her engines. The Huascar then rammed her three times, the first two
blows being total failures on account of stopping the ship too quick.
The third was a success, sinking the Esmeralda with her colors flying.
The Covadonga, keeping in shoal water as much as possible, ran for two
hours, the Independencia making three attempts to ram her and failing.
At the fourth attempt the ship was missed, and the Independencia
struck a rock and hung fast. The Covadonga at once turned, and taking
a position under the Peruvian’s stern, opened fire on him and forced
him to surrender. The Huascar appearing at this time, possession could
not be taken, and the Covadonga escaped. Attempts to haul the Peruvian
off the rocks proving unavailing, she was fired and burned. In this
action the Chilians lost the greatest number of men owing to the
sinking of the Esmeralda, but the loss of the Independencia more than
counterbalanced it.
DUELS.
_Monitor and Merrimac, March 9, 1862._
On the morning of the 9th the Merrimac steamed into Hampton Roads to
finish the destruction of the wooden squadron which she had attacked
the day previous (see page 166). The Monitor having arrived during the
night steamed out to meet her after she had approached within gunshot
of the Minnesota. After a short engagement at a distance of 200 yards,
the Merrimac attempted to ram or force a surrender of the Minnesota,
in doing which she ran ashore, and was for a short time exposed to
the full broadside fire of the frigate. Getting clear, she again
turned to the Monitor, and attempted to ram her, striking a slight
ineffectual blow. The Merrimac kept on down the channel, the Monitor
chasing for some distance, but hauling out of action when she found
her speed and artillery power not sufficient to bring the Merrimac to
terms. Casualties on the Monitor, 1 wounded, 2 temporarily disabled by
the shock of the projectiles striking the turret against which they
happened to be leaning. Action indecisive.
_Alabama and Hatteras, January 11, 1863._
The Hatteras (6 guns) proceeding to blockade duty off Galveston went
in chase of a sail on the morning of the 11th, and running close to
her, stopped and hailed. The answer returned was “Her Majesty’s Steamer
Vixen.” The Hatteras then lowered a boat and sent it alongside. Before
the boat was fairly started the hail came, “We are the Confederate
steamer Alabama,” accompanied by a broadside. The fire was returned at
once, and the Hatteras attempted to close and board, but could not.
In about five minutes she had been set on fire by one shell and her
boiler was pierced by another. The Alabama then took a position under
her stern, and in a few minutes forced her to surrender, the crew being
transferred to the Alabama, and the Hatteras left to burn and blow up.
Casualties: on the Hatteras, killed, 2; wounded, 5. Action decisive.
(For fighting power of ships, see page 172.)
_Weehawken and Atlanta, June 17, 1863._
At early daylight the Confederate ram Atlanta was seen coming down
the Wilmington River, and the Federal monitors Weehawken and Nahant
steamed in to meet her. The Atlanta opened fire at 1500 yards, and
a few moments afterwards grounded. The Weehawken approaching within
300 yards opened fire, and forced the surrender of the ram in fifteen
minutes. Five shots were fired by the Weehawken, all striking and three
penetrating the ram, killing and wounding many people at the guns. The
ram was taken possession of and sent in as a prize. Action decisive.
_Kearsarge and Alabama, June 19, 1864._
The Alabama steamed out of Cherbourg Harbor on the morning of the
19th to meet the Kearsarge in accordance with a challenge sent out
two days before. The Kearsarge, steaming out clear of neutral water,
turned when at a good distance and headed for the Alabama. The action
commenced at 1200 yards, the Alabama sending the first broadside, which
was immediately returned by the Kearsarge. The action continued for 65
minutes at a distance of 900 yards, the two ships steaming in a circle.
At the end of this time the Alabama surrendered, and in about twenty
minutes after sunk. Action decisive.
_Fighting Powers of the Hatteras, Alabama, and Kearsarge._
-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------
HATTERAS. | ALABAMA | KEARSARGE.
-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------
Battery. | Battery. | Battery.
I 20-pdr. rifle.| I 100-pdr. rifle. | I 30-pdr. rifle.
I 30-pdr. ” | I 68-pdr. ” | II 11-inch smooth-bores.
IV 32-pdr. | IV 32-pdr. | IV 32-pdr. ”
smooth-bores. | smooth-bores. |
| |
Battery Fought. | Battery Fought. | Battery Fought.
II rifles, | II rifles, | I rifle, II 11-inch,
II 32-pdrs. | III smooth-bores. | II 32-pdrs.
| |
Crew, 125 men. | Crew, about 170 men. | Crew, 163 men.
-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------
_Meteor and Bouvet, November 9, 1870._
On the morning of November 8th the French gun-boat Bouvet (5 guns)
steamed out of Havana and beyond the neutral limit to wait for the
Prussian gun-boat Meteor (3 guns) to come out in answer to a challenge.
The Meteor, after waiting in port twenty-four hours as prescribed by
law for the sailing of belligerent vessels, steamed out, and the action
commenced about two miles outside of the neutral limit, the Bouvet
firing the first gun. After a few manœuvres the Bouvet closed with the
intention of ramming, and was partially avoided, striking a glancing
blow abeam and slipping along, carrying away the Prussian’s main and
mizzen masts, the rigging fouling the Meteor’s screw. In return, the
Meteor put a shot through the Bouvet’s steam-chest, partially disabling
her. The latter made sail at once and escaped into neutral water, the
Meteor keeping up a fire but unable for a time to chase owing to the
fouled screw. Action indecisive on account of the proximity of neutral
water. Casualties: Bouvet, 3 wounded. Meteor, 3 killed; 1 wounded.
Duration of action, less than one hour.
RÉSUMÉ.
Number of duels noted, 5. Decisive, 3. Indecisive, 2. Of the indecisive
fights, one was due to lack of speed for overhauling the opponent
and continuing the action; the other to the temporary disability of
fouling the screw and the proximity of neutral water. In the decisive
actions, two were decided by sinking, although in both cases the ship
surrendered first.
_Action off Point Tetas, October 8, 1879._
At daylight on the 8th the Chilian iron-clad corvette Blanco Encalada
sighted the Peruvian iron-clad turret-ship Huascar, and gave chase. The
Huascar, running to the northward, and slowly distancing the Blanco,
was headed by the Chilian iron-clad corvette Almirante Cochrane. These
two ships then engaged, and in about half an hour the Blanco closed
and opened on the Huascar, placing her between two fires. After an
action of one hour and a half the Huascar surrendered, having been much
cut up, and having lost her three senior officers. Casualties: Blanco
Encalada, none. Almirante Cochrane, 2 killed, 10 wounded.
NOTE.—After careful research it has been found that in every case cited
in which boilers were penetrated by projectiles, the part of the boiler
hit was _above the water-line_.
PART II.
NAVAL ORDNANCE.
AUSTRIA.
A = Calibre.
B = Over all.
C = Rifled Bore.
D = Powder Chamber.
E = Number of Grooves.
F = Twist of Rifling.
G = Gun, including Breech-block.
H = Breech-block.
I = Preponderance.
---------------+-----+---------------+----+------+------------+-----
NAME, NATURE, | | LENGTH. | | | WEIGHT. |
AND | +---+-----+-----+ | +------+-----+
CLASSIFICATION.| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I
---------------+-----+---+-----+-----+----+------+------+-----+-----
| In.|In.| In. | In. | |Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm |11 |240|170.7|36.41| 64 | 45 |60,500|2,266|
26 ” |10.24|225|148.4|46.06| 32 | 70 |48,400|1,947|
24 ” | 9.27|206|136 |41.7 | 32 | 70 |34,100|1,408|
24 ” | 9.27|185|115.3|41.7 | 32 | 64.7 |32,450|1,419|
21 ” | 8.24|165|105 |37 | 30 | 59 |19,400|1,078|
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 5.87|152|112.4|22.6 | 36 | 45 | 8,800| 321|248
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.|
23 ” | 9 |156|104 |20.9 | 6 | 45 |27,900| |255
18 ” | 7 |130| 85.5|18.7 | 3 | 35 |14,500| |394
Cast-Iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 5.87|121| 89.8|16.9 | 30 | 63 | 6,300| 178|299
12 ” | 4.74|109| 84.4|12.4 | 24 | 52 | 3,300| 106|273
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | 3.43| 81| 57.5|16.5 | 24 | 45 | 1,070| 55|103
7 ” | 2.6 | 39| 23.8|11 | 18 | 30 | 196| 49| 48.4
AUSTRIAN ORDNANCE—(CONTINUED)
A = Carriage.
B = Slide.
C = Height of Axis of Bore above Deck.
D = Steel.
E = Chilled.
F = Common.
---------------+-------------+---------------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, | CARRIAGES. | PROJECTILES.
AND +------+------+----+-----------------+----------------
CLASSIFICATION.| | | | Full Weight. |Bursting Charge.
| | | +-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | D | E | F
---------------+------+------+----+-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | In.| Lbs.| Lbs.|Lbs. |Lbs.|Lbs.| Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. |29,260|29,260| 53 |559 | 574 |473 |14.3|7.7 | 25.3
26 ” | 6,140|12,617| 46 |395 | |354 | 8.8| | 20.2
24 ” | 4,900| 9,845| 46 |292 | |263 | 6.6|3.7 | 14.9
24 ” | 5,814| 7,528| 45 |292 | 308 |263 | 6.6|3.7 | 14.9
21 ” | 6,194|10,412| 45 |206 | 196 |172 | 4.4|3.1 | 14.9
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 1,878| 3,740| 39 | 84.7| | 69 | 2.1| | 5.1
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 4,188| 6,917| 44 | | 249 |257 | |5.9 | 18.5
18 ” | 2,956| 3,757| 45 | | 114 |118 | |1.1 | 7.9
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 1,047| 1,207| 39 | | | 61 | | | 1.9
12 ” | 715| | 32 | | | 32 | | | 1.1
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | 836| | 38 | | | 14 | | | .4
7 ” | 294| | 21 | | | 6.4| | | .16
---------------+------+------+----+-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
G = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
H = For Common Shell.
-------------------+---------------
NAME, NATURE, | POWDER CHARGE.
AND +------+--------
CLASSIFICATION. | G | H
-------------------+------+--------
| Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | 121 |121
26 ” | 70.4| 59.4
24 ” | 52.8| 44
24 ” | 52.8| 44
21 ” | 37.4| 30.8
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 17.6| 14.3
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 50.6| 30.8
18 ” | 28.6| 13.2
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | | 4.7
12 ” | | 2.4
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | | .9
7 ” | | .35
-------------------+---------------
AUSTRIAN ORDNANCE—(CONTINUED)
A = Ordinary.
B = Saluting.
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
---------------+-------------+-----------------------
NAME, NATURE, | POWDER | INITIAL VELOCITY.
AND | CHARGE. |
CLASSIFICATION.+------+------+-------+-------+-------
| A | B | C | D | E
---------------+------+------+-------+-------+-------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Ft. | Ft. | Ft.
| | | | |
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | | | | 1,542 | 1,673
26 ” | 59.4 | 19.8 | 1,404 | | 1,378
24 ” | 44 | 15.4 | 1,420 | | 1,378
24 ” | 44 | 15.4 | 1,378 | 1,345 | 1,329
21 ” | 30.8 | 8.8 | 1,394 | 1,253 | 1,345
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 14.3 | 4.7 | 1,608 | | 1,509
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 30.8 | 15.4 | | 1,411 | 1,000
18 ” | 13.2 | 8.8 | | 1,493 | 1,066
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 4.7 | 4.7 | | | 1,017
12 ” | 2.4 | 2.4 | | | 1,000
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | .9 | .9 | | | 1,469
7 ” | .35| .35| | | 977
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Penetrating Power.
---------------+-----------------------+------
NAME, NATURE, | WORKING EFFECT. |
AND | |
CLASSIFICATION.+-------+-------+-------+
| C | D | E | F
---------------+-------+-------+-------+------
| Foot | Foot | Foot | In.
| Tons. | Tons. | Tons. |
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | | 9,473 | | 14.8
26 ” | 5,404 | | 4,666 | 11.6
24 ” | 4,087 | | 3,464 | 10.6
24 ” | 3,838 | 3,223 | 3,867 | 10.25
21 ” | 2,781 | 2,198 | 2,153 | 9.3
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 1,379 | | 1,060 | 7.8
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | | 3,429 | 1,788 | 9.9
18 ” | | 1,766 | 928 | 8.1
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | | | 438 |
12 ” | | | 222 |
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | | | 209 |
7 ” | | | 42 |
The first type of rifled ordnance regularly introduced into the
Austrian naval service was the old-type Armstrong muzzle-loader. In
addition there are still found a few guns of present obsolete types
which never passed the experimental stage. Within the past five years
(1876) the Krupp breech-loader has been adopted as the standard
pattern, and all guns of a higher calibre than 15-cm. are now of
this type, although many complete Armstrong batteries are now found
on board ship in the wooden fleet. The boat-guns are of the Krupp
type breech-loaders, but are all manufactured of bronze, or what is
generally known as Uchatius metal from its method of manufacture.
_The Uchatius Construction._
The peculiarity of the Uchatius construction is the method of
manipulating the bronze of which the gun is made, by which the metal
is given all the advantageous qualities of steel. The body of the gun
is cast in a chill mould, by which the cooling is so rapid that the
mechanical mixture of tin and copper has no opportunity of separating
and forming tin spots as is the case with ordinary bronze castings.
After boring the gun, a succession of steel mandrels is driven through
the bore, putting the whole casing in a condition of extreme tension
on the exterior and compression on the interior, so that the different
strata of metal are in proper condition for resisting tangential
strains.
ARGENTINE ORDNANCE.
In the Argentine navy the heavy calibres (used on gun-boats of the
Andes class) are Armstrong muzzle-loaders of the modified pattern (see
page 195), the medium calibres are divided between old-type Armstrong
muzzle-loaders and Krupp breech-loaders. The machine-guns used are
Gatlings (see page 308). There is no regular gun factory in the
country, the armament being entirely purchased abroad.
BRAZILIAN ORDNANCE.
The standard ordnance adopted in the Brazilian navy is the Whitworth
(see page 218), both muzzle and breech-loaders. Machine-guns are of the
Gatling type (see page 308).
CHILIAN ORDNANCE.
There is no standard ordnance in the Chilian navy, although the
iron-clads are provided with Krupp guns, whilst the wooden fleet is
armed with Armstrong muzzle-loaders. It is probable that the Krupp
breech-loader will gradually supersede other types. The machine-guns
are of the Gatling type.
CHINESE ORDNANCE.
The greater part of the rifled ordnance used in China is of the
Armstrong muzzle-loading pattern. Some of their wooden vessels carry
batteries of Krupp guns, and others Vavasseurs (see page 219). The
Gatling machine-gun has been introduced into this service.
DANISH ORDNANCE.
There are three separate patterns of rifled ordnance found in the
Danish navy. The favorite appears to be the Krupp breech-loader, whilst
there are many guns of the Finspong pattern (see page 276, “Swedish
Ordnance”). The Armstrong muzzle-loader has apparently the numerical
superiority.
ENGLISH ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Rifled Bore.
C = Powder Chamber.
D = Number of Grooves.
---------------------------+-------------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | LENGTH. |
CLASSIFICATION. +-----+-------+-----+
| A | B | C | D
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
| In. | In. | In. |
17-inch, 100-ton |392 | 308 | 55 | 27
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |321 | 231.5 | 56.5|
12.5-in., 38-ton |230 | 170.5 | 27.5| 9
12-inch, 35-ton |195 | 135 | 27.5| 9
12-inch, 25-ton |182.5| 127 | 18 | 9
11-inch, 25-ton |180 | 119 | 26 | 9
10-inch, 18-ton |180 | 119 | 26.5| 7
9-inch, 12-ton |156 | 104 | 21 | 6
8-inch, 9-ton |144 | 99.5 | 18.5| 4
7-inch, 90-cwt |131 | 95.5 | 15.5| 3
7-inch, 6½-ton |133 | 95.5 | 15.5| 3
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell |118 | 90 | 7.5| 3
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt | 72 | 59.8 | 3.7| 3
9-pdr., 6-cwt | 61 | 49.3 | 3.7| 3
7 pdr., 200-lb., steel| 41 | 34 | 2 | 3
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted|122.7| 96.27| 7 | 3
---------------------------------+-------+-----+----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82 cwt. |126 | 83.5 | 16 | 76
40-pdr., 32-cwt. |126 | 92.87| 13.5| 56
40-pdr., 35-cwt. |127 | 92.87| 13.5| 56
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 72 | 43.12| 11 | 44
20-pdr., 18-cwt. | 72 | 43.12| 11 | 44
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 68 | 45.5 | 7 | 38
6-pdr., 8-cwt. | 66 | 46 | 7 | 32
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 78 | 52.87| 8.5| 38
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
E = Twist of Rifling.
F = Weight of Guns.
G = Preponderance.
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | |
CLASSIFICATION. | | |
| E | F | G
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
| Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.
17-inch, 100-ton | 0/40 | 229,000 | 8,960
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton | | 179,200 |
12.5-in., 38-ton | 0/35 | 85,120 |
12-inch, 35-ton | 0/35 | 78,400 | 120
12-inch, 25-ton | 100/50| 56,000 | 616
11-inch, 25-ton | 0/35 | 56,000 | 168
10-inch, 18-ton | 100/40| 40,300 | 952
9-inch, 12-ton | 0/45 | 26,900 | 560
8-inch, 9-ton | 0/40 | 20,100 | 448
7-inch, 90-cwt | 35 | 10,100 | 560
7-inch, 6½-ton | 35 | 14,500 | 336
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | 40 | 7,160 | 336
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt | 30 | 896 | 7
9-pdr., 6-cwt | 30 | 672 | 29.5
7 pdr., 200-lb., steel| 20 | 200 | 5
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted| 40 | 7,950 | 714
---------------------------+-------+---------+---------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82 cwt. | 37 | 9,184 | 776
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | 36.5 | 3,584 | 607
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | 36.5 | 3,920 | 532
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 38 | 1,680 | 108
20-pdr., 18-cwt. | 38 | 1,456 | 164
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 38 | 672 | 82
6-pdr., 8-cwt. | 30 | 886 | 55
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 38 | 896 | 199
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
A = Carriages.
B = Slide.
C = Height of Axis of Bore above Deck.
-------------------------------+------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | CARRIAGES.
CLASSIFICATION. +-------------+----
| Weight. |
+------+------+
| A | B | C
-------------------------------+------+------+----
| Lbs. | Lbs. | In.
17-inch, 100-ton | |Turret|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing. | | |
16-inch, 80-ton | |Turret|
12.5-in., 38-ton | |Turret|
12-inch, 35-ton |25,000|Turret| 45
-------------------------------+------+------+----
12-inch, 25-ton |11,800|19,712| 60
|23,100|Turret|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
11-inch, 25-ton |21,120|Turret| 49
|10,700|18,500|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
10-inch, 18-ton |21,000|Turret| 49
| 8,940| 8,680|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
9-inch, 12-ton | 4,800| 7,400| 44
8-inch, 9-ton | 4,780| 6,710| 44
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 2,700| 3,900| 41
7-inch, 6½-ton | 3,500| 4,700| 41
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | 1,430| 2,600|41.5
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | 532| 356|41.5
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 532| 336|
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | 112| 252|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | 1,600| 2,700|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82-cwt. | 1,760| 2,796|42.5
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | 1,595| 1,425| 42
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | 1,595| 1,425| 42
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 616| 977| 29
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | 616| 977| 29
Boat. | | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 298| 504|
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | 560| |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 364| 336|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Shrapnel.
G = Burster for Chilled.
H = Burster for Common.
-------------------------------+---------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. +---------------------+-----------
| Entire Weight. | Weight.
+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| D | E | F | G | H
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| Lbs.|Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.
17-inch, 100-ton |2,000| | |11.25|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |1,700| | | 9.9 |
12.5-in., 38-ton | 800|843 | |14 |43
12-inch, 35-ton | 700|615 | 612 | 6.5 |40
12-inch, 25-ton | 600|497 | 497 | 6.9 |37.7
11-inch, 25-ton | 535|536 | | 5.5 |29.7
10-inch, 18-ton | 400|398 | 404 | 4.5 |20.25
9-inch, 12-ton | 250|250 | 255 | 2.5 |19
8-inch, 9-ton | 180|182 | 180 | 2.5 |14.5
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 115|117 | 116 | | 8.75
7-inch, 6½-ton | 115|117 | 116 | | 8.75
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | | 64 | 66 | | 7.2
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 9 | 9.75 | | .5
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 9 | 9.75 | | .5
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | | 7 | 7.5 | | .4
+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| | | 66 | |
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | | 64 |Segment| | 7.2
| | | shell.| |
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82-cwt. | | 90 | 102 | | 7.6
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 38 | 40 | | .25
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 38 | 40 | | .25
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 20.5 | 20 | | 1.2
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 20.5 | 20 | | 1.2
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 9.5 | 8.5 | | .4
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | 6 | 5.5 | |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 11.25| 11 | | .5
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
A = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
B = For Common Shell.
C = Ordinary Firing.
D = Saluting.
E = Chilled Shot.
F = Common Shell.
---------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE. |INITIAL VELOCITY.
CLASSIFICATION. +----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
| A | B | C | D | E | F
| | | | | |
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
|Lbs.|Lbs. | Lbs. |Lbs. |Ft. | Ft.
17-inch, 100-ton |440 | | | |1,590|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns.
Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing. | | | | | |
16-inch, 80-ton |370 | | | |1,520|
12.5-in., 83-ton |130 | | | |1,451|
12-inch, 35-ton |110 | | 85 | |1,300|
12-inch, 25-ton | 85 |67 | 55 | |1,180|
11-inch, 25-ton | 85 |70 | 60 | |1,315|
10-inch, 18-ton | 70 |60 | 44 | |1,364|
9-inch, 12-ton | 50 |43 | 30 |15 |1,420|
8-inch, 9-ton | 35 |30 | 20 |12 |1,413|
7-inch, 90-cwt | 30 |22 | 14 |10 |1,525|
7-inch, 6½-ton | 30 |22 | 14 |10 | | 1,250
64-pdr., 64-cwt | |10 | 10 | 6 | | 1,383
Boat. | | | | | |
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 1.75| 1.75| 1.5 | | 1,380
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | | 1,390
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel| | .75 | .75| .25| | 968
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted| | 8 | 8 | 6 | | 1,230
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
Breech-loaders.
Armstrong pattern.
Shell. | | | | | |
7-inch, 82 cwt. | |11 | 11 | 7 | | 1,165
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 5 | 5 | 3 | | 1,180
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 5 | 5 | 3 | | 1,180
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | | 1,000
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | | 1,000
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1 | | 1,035
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | .75| .75| .7 | | 1,046
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | | 1,239
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
------------------------------+---------------+----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | MUZZLE ENERGY.| PENETRATION.
CLASSIFICATION. | | (IRON.)
+-------+-------+-------+--------
|Chilled|Common |At 500 |At 1000
| Shot. | Shell.| Yards.| Yards.
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
| Foot | Foot | In. | In.
| Tons. | Tons. | |
| | | |
17-inch, 100-ton |37,700 | | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |27,213 | | 27.5 | 26.4
12.5-in., 38-ton |11,676 | | 18.7 | 17.7
12-inch, 35-ton | 8,200 | | 15.4 | 14.6
12-inch, 25-ton | 7,030 | | 13.9 | 13.1
11 inch, 25-ton | 6,415 | | 13.8 | 13.1
10-inch, 18-ton | 5,160 | | 12.7 | 12
9-inch, 12-ton | 3,496 | | 10.4 | 9.6
8-inch, 9-ton | 2,492 | | 9.8 | 9.5
+-------+-------+-------+--------
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 1,855 | | 8.8 | 8.6
7-inch, 6½-ton | | 1,246 | 7.7 | 7.1
+-------+-------+-------+--------
64-pdr., 64-cwt shell | | 848 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Boat. | | | |
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 528 | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 120 | |
+-------+-------+-------+--------
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | | 45.5| |
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | | 670 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern. | | |
Steel. | | | |
7-inch, 82-cwt. | | 847 | |
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 378 | |
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 378 | |
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 142 | |
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 142 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Boat. | | | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 64 | |
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | 45.6| |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 117 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
----------------------------+-------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | REMARKS.
CLASSIFICATION. |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
17-inch, 100-ton |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |
12.5-in., 38-ton |
12-inch, 35-ton |
12-inch, 25-ton | Woolwich
11 inch, 25-ton | groove.
10-inch, 18-ton | Increasing
9-inch, 12-ton | twist.
8-inch, 9-ton |
+-------------------------------
7-inch, 90-cwt. | Woolwich groove.
7-inch, 6½-ton | Uniform twist
+-------------------------------
64-pdr., 64-cwt shell | Shunt groove. Uniform twist.
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | Modern French groove.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | Uniform twist.
+-------------------------------
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel |French groove. Uniform twist.
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted |Plain groove. Uniform twist.
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Steel.
7-inch, 82-cwt. +-------------------------------
40-pdr., 32-cwt. |
40-pdr., 35-cwt. |
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | Armstrong
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | multigroove.
Boat. | Uniform
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | twist.
6-pdr., 3-cwt. |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
GUNS.
The old cast and wrought iron smooth-bore guns are now obsolete, and
only found in service at dock-yards for saluting and experiment, and
forming the broadside batteries of some of the training ships.
The rifled ordnance consists of the Woolwich muzzle-loader, the
Palliser converted muzzle-loader, the Armstrong breech-loader, and the
Gatling machine-gun.
[Illustration: 7-inch Mark III.]
The Woolwich type is subdivided into marks or patterns of each calibre
corresponding to the gradual improvements in manufacture. Mark I. is
in most cases the original Armstrong pattern, in which the jacket is
composed of a large number of small coils or bands. In the other marks
the number of the coils is decreased, whilst each one is increased in
size.
[Illustration: 10-inch Mark I.]
The Palliser converted type is confined to the 64-pdr. calibre.
The Armstrong breech-loader is no longer manufactured, but there are
many guns of this type in service. These breech-loaders were originally
of two types, known as the screw and the wedge gun. The latter was
designed especially for naval use, but it has been entirely withdrawn
from service, leaving only the screw type. It is not improbable that
another type of breech-loaders will eventually find its way into
service, having a breech-closing arrangement similar to the French type
in principle.
[Illustration: 64-pdr.]
[Illustration: SECTION OF GROOVE FULL SIZE. French Groove.]
[Illustration: French Modified Groove.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Groove.]
[Illustration: Plain Groove.]
Various systems of grooves will be found in these guns, corresponding
to different stages of development. In the 7-pdr. the French groove is
used, having sharp angles, the loading side being at a sharper pitch
than the driving. In the 9-pdrs. appears the modified French groove,
in which the angles are rounded off and the loading side is at right
angles to the driving side. In the 64-pdr. converted gun the plain
groove is used. This groove is almost rectangular, the driving side
being canted but little. In the 64-pdr. of 64 cwt. the shunt groove is
used. This is a double groove, one half being deeper than the other,
the rear end of the groove having a shunt by which the studs are turned
into the shallow half. The 7-inch muzzle-loaders have the Woolwich
groove with a uniform twist. This groove is the final modification
of the original French groove. The higher calibres up to the 16-inch
gun have the Woolwich groove with an increasing twist. The 16-inch
calibre will have the plain multigroove, or the groove ordinarily
used for expanding projectiles. The breech-loaders have the Armstrong
multigroove, a groove which in section is not unlike a saw-tooth.
_7-pdr. Steel R. M. L. 200 lbs._
Introduced into service in 1873. Made of a single block of steel,
having no swell at the muzzle, but a small dispart patch into which the
fore sight screws. Copper vent bouch. The sight is a plain, centre hind
sight set at a permanent angle of deflection of 3°. It seats in a hole
bored in the metal of the gun, having a simple clamp-screw to hold it
in position. Two sight-bars are used with the gun, one graduated to 6°
and the other to 12°, the graduations on both being for intervals of
3´. This gun may be distinguished from the 9-pdr. by the slope at the
junction of the reinforce and chase, which is gradual.
_9-pdr. Wrought Iron R. M. L. 6 and 8 cwt._
Introduced into service in 1871 and 1873. It consists of two parts—a
toughened steel tube, and a jacket composed of two single coils and a
trunnion-ring welded together. The cascabel is cut out of the solid end
of the steel tube, and is recessed to receive the head of the elevating
screw, which is fastened to it by a bolt and keep-pin. The 6 cwt. and 8
cwt. guns differ only in length and weight, the latter being 10½ inches
longer. The 7-pdr. and the 9-pdr. are of the same calibre, but the same
projectiles cannot be used in both, as the twist is different and the
studs on the 7-pdr. projectile are much wider than those of the 9-pdr.
The arrangement of the sights is the same for both guns. It is easily
distinguished by the abrupt step at the forward end of the jacket.
[Illustration: 9-pdr.]
_64-pdr. Wrought Iron R. M. L. 64 cwt._
There are three marks or patterns of this gun. Mark I. was adopted in
1864 to replace the Armstrong wedge breech-loaders. It belongs to the
Armstrong type of construction, and consists of a wrought-iron coiled
A tube, a forged breech-piece, a trunnion-ring, several outer coiled
tubes, and a muzzle-ring. The A tube being bored all the way through,
the joints at the bottom of the bore were closed by means of a heavy
copper gas-check. The calibre is 6.3 inches, in order to permit firing
32-pdr. round shot from it. The greater part of these guns have been
retubed with a steel A tube. In these, the plain groove is found,
whilst the iron-tubed ones have the shunt groove. This gun is easily
recognizable by its raised trunnion-ring and also by the combination
of the stepped breech with the muzzle-ring. Mark II. was adopted in
1866. It is made up of a coiled wrought-iron A tube, double at the
chase, a forged breech-piece, a breech-coil composed of a double coil
and trunnion-hoop welded together, a coil in front of the trunnions,
and a cascabel block. The end of the bore of the A tube is reduced
and forms a gomer chamber. These guns may be recognized either by the
shunt rifling combined with the Woolwich form of gun or by the letter
B marked on the left trunnion. Mark III. is made up of a solid-ended
steel A tube, a breech-coil made up of a triple coil, trunnion-ring and
coil in front of the trunnions welded together, and a forged cascabel
block. These guns are similar in appearance to the 7-inch, but the
sea-service guns of this mark have iron A tubes, and may be recognized
by the shunt rifling.
_64-pdr. R. M. L. 71 cwt. (Converted.)_
[Illustration: 64-pdr. Converted.]
Adopted in 1864. This gun is the old cast-iron 8-inch gun, which is
bored out and tubed on the Palliser plan. The tube is coiled and double
at the rear, and, being through bored, the bottom joints are closed
by a screw cup. After insertion the tube is held in place by a muzzle
screw-collar and a pin tapped through the casing just forward of the
trunnions. The gun is easily recognized from its old-fashioned shape.
_7-inch R. M. L. 6½ tons and 90 cwt._
Adopted in 1865. There are three patterns of the 6½-ton guns, the first
being of the old Armstrong construction, recognizable by its soda-water
bottle shape. The other two marks are of the improved construction. The
90-cwt. gun was adopted in 1874 for use in the armament of unarmored
vessels. It is similar to the Mark III. 6½-ton gun, except that it is
lighter, the outside being turned down to get the required lightness.
These guns are very similar in build and exterior appearance to the
64-pdr.
_8-inch R. M. L. 9 Tons._
Introduced in 1866. There are three marks of this gun, similar to the
7-inch patterns. The only way in which the 8-inch can be distinguished
from the 7-inch without measuring the diameter of the bore is by the
fact of its having four grooves in place of three.
_9-inch R. M. L. 12 Tons._
Introduced in 1865. There are five marks of this gun, the first one
being of the old Armstrong construction, and the others of the Woolwich
developments. The distinctive mark of this calibre is the grooving,
there being six grooves.
_10-inch R. M. L. 18 Tons._
Introduced in 1868. There are two patterns of this gun, both of the
Woolwich design. The distinguishing marks are the nine grooves.
_11-inch R. M. L. 25 Tons._
Introduced in 1867. There are two patterns of this calibre, both
Woolwich. But few of them are used in the navy. This calibre cannot be
distinguished from the 12-inch, except by measurement.
_12-inch R. M. L. 25 Tons and 35 Tons._
The 25-ton gun was introduced in 1864. There are two patterns, the
first built on the old Armstrong pattern, there being but four in
service. The second mark is Woolwich. The 35-ton gun was introduced in
1871. There is but one mark of this gun corresponding to the Woolwich.
[Illustration: 12-inch Mark I.]
_12½-inch R. M. L. 38 Tons._
Introduced in 1875. There is but one mark of this calibre, and it
exactly resembles the 35-ton 12-inch.
_16-inch R. M. L. 80 Tons._
Introduced in 1878. There is but one mark of this calibre. These guns
have a chamber one inch greater in diameter than the bore, and the form
of rifling is that used with expanding projectiles, being multigroove
with shallow grooves. The construction corresponds to the latest
development of the Woolwich pattern.
[Illustration: 16-inch.]
_Armstrong Construction._
The first type of rifled guns introduced into the English naval service
was the Armstrong, for both breech and muzzle loaders. Fabrication of
original breech-loader ceased in 1864, but many of this type still
remain in service. The original construction of the muzzle-loader
was modified in 1864, but the general type and principles were
preserved and are still used. The present type of modified Armstrong
construction is used by many foreign services, and the 100-ton gun
has been introduced in the English service. The modified Armstrong
breech-loading system for the 100-ton gun has been adopted in Italy.
The grooves of the breech-loader (original) are saw-toothed in shape,
vanishing at the shot-chamber for use with a lead-coated projectile.
[Illustration: Armstrong Groove for Breech-Loader.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Shunt Groove for Muzzle-Loaders.]
[Illustration: Armstrong 100-ton Gun (Improved Construction).]
The grooves of the muzzle-loader (original) are of the shunt or double
type, being cut to the full depth for the entire length and _one
half the width_ of the groove. The other half of the width is cut on
an incline from the muzzle towards the chamber, this half being the
driving side. The loading edge of the groove near the bottom is cut at
a sharp angle so as to throw the studs of the projectile against the
driving edges of the groove, and give it a close bearing. In coming
out the studs ride up the incline of the driving side and are pinched,
centring the projectile. This groove is now obsolete. The groove of the
improved muzzle and breech-loaders is the plain groove.
BREECH-LOADING GUNS (ORIGINAL).
_7-inch B. L. R. 82 cwt._
This calibre has been totally withdrawn from service, and has been
replaced by the muzzle-loader. The body of the gun consists of an A
tube, a breech-piece and B tube, a trunnion-ring and six coils. A
vertical slot pierces the gun at the base of the chamber, into which
fits a block called the vent-piece. This block is quite light and is
easily lifted out or replaced by means of handles. The forward face
of the block fits the rear of the chamber, and the escape of gas is
prevented by means of a tin-cup gas-check. This vent-piece is held in
position when in the gun by a block termed a breech-screw. This block
is provided with a full screw-thread, and works longitudinally, the
forward end of the block seating against the back of the vent-piece.
This breech-screw is provided with a handle for turning, the handle
being weighted at the end, and having a lost-motion movement by which
the block may be driven close home when screwed up. The vent is bored
in the vent-piece, piercing it vertically to the centre, and then
turning at right angles. The breech-screw is hollow, the hole being of
slightly less diameter than the powder-chamber. When the vent-piece is
out, the gun is cleaned and loaded through the breech-screw.
[Illustration: Armstrong Breech-Loader.]
[Illustration: Vent-Piece.]
[Illustration: Breech-Screw.]
_40-pdr. B. L. R. 32 and 35 cwt._
The same general type as the larger calibre. In this and smaller
calibres there is no separate gas-check, the joint consisting of two
bevelled copper facings, one on the vent-piece and the other in the
powder-chamber, which form a close contact and seal the joint by
expansion.
_20-pdr. B. L. R., 15 and 13 cwt.; 12-pdr. B. L. R., 8 cwt.; 9-pdr. B.
L. R., 6 cwt.; 6-pdr. B. L. R., 3 cwt._
Same construction as the 40-pdr., except that the coils are fewer.
_Modified Breech-Loaders._
Although these guns are not yet introduced into service, they probably
will be. The construction is the same in principle for the body of the
gun as in the old breech-loaders, with slight modifications. The breech
mechanism is almost identical with the French, the modifications being
in the gas-check, which is of the general Broadwell type.
MUZZLE-LOADERS (ORIGINAL).
[Illustration: Armstrong 10-inch Muzzle-Loader (Original Construction).]
These guns consist of a steel solid-ended tube, reinforced by a number
of coils connected by hook-joints. The coils are of wrought-iron
bars, rolled into hollow cylinders and the turns welded in order to
give a circumferential direction to the grain. Over the breech and
powder-chamber a forged breech-piece fits, the grain of the iron
running longitudinally. The base of the A tube is supported by a solid
wrought-iron piece screwing into the forged breech-piece. A narrow
spiral gutter is cut around the A tube throughout its length, and
carried out at the cascabel screw-thread. By means of this, in case
that the steel tube gets cracked through, the leakage of gas gives
warning by blowing out at the breech. Some of these guns (7-inch) have
the shunt groove, and the later ones the Woolwich groove.
_Modified._
The modified construction consists in abolishing the forged
breech-piece, giving the steel tube a greater thickness over the
powder-chamber, and decreasing the number of coils, whilst their
thickness is increased individually. The guns are also given a greatly
increased length of bore, and the powder-chamber is enlarged in
diameter to permit the insertion of a heavier charge. Plain grooves.
At present the Elswick Company is engaged in supplying the Italian
Government with breech-loading 100-ton guns. The breech-block is of the
French type, and arrangements are made for moving the block as well as
loading by hydraulic or steam power. The 100-ton gun has no carriage
proper, its trunnions resting in heavy blocks on the fixed slide, being
connected in rear with hydraulic recoil pistons which are themselves
connected in such a manner as to equalize the strain of recoil. The
movements of running out and in and loading are all performed by
hydraulic power. The vent of the 100-ton gun is axial both in the
breech and muzzle loader.
_Armstrong Projectiles_ (see page 209). _Armstrong Fuze_ (see page 211).
_Armstrong Breech Mechanism and Rotating Belt._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The points of peculiarity of the Armstrong breech mechanism are: 1st.
The face of the breech-block is made slightly convex so that the
gas-check springs back when the pressure comes on it, throwing the
edge outwards, and making a wedged joint. This comes free again the
moment that the block is started. 2d. The rear of the shaft holding the
gas-check in place is held by a spiral spring, so that in turning the
block to lock it the gas-check is not revolved in its seat.
CARRIAGES.
Naval gun carriages and slides, as a rule, are built of plate-iron,
although many of the wooden ones are still retained in service for
the lighter calibres. The lighter carriages are worked by tackles,
and the heavy ones by gearing. Breechings are no longer used with
slide carriages, the recoil being checked by friction compressors or
hydraulic recoil cylinders and buffers.
Wooden carriages are furnished for all smooth-bores and breech-loading
rifles, and for 64-pdr. muzzle-loaders. Iron carriages may be furnished
for these guns, but wooden ones are never furnished for others.
The wooden standing carriage is the old-fashioned four-truck one. The
wooden rear-chock carriage is similar to what is known elsewhere as
the Marsilly. Breechings are rove through holes in these carriages,
and are not attached to the guns. The wooden slide-carriages and their
slides are of the ordinary old-fashioned type. The compressor for these
carriages consists on each bracket of the carriage of two iron plates
with hinged pieces on their lower ends. They are suspended on iron
bolts passing through the bracket so that their lower ends hang down
and overlap the side of the slide. Through the upper ends of the plates
and the bracket an iron screw and lever passes, whose motion separates
or approaches the pieces, allowing them to release or grip the slide.
Some slide-carriages are provided with hydraulic recoil cylinders.
_Iron Field-Carriage._
This carriage consists of two ¼-inch plate-iron brackets recessed to
receive the axle-tree. These plates are strengthened by angle-irons
riveted along the upper edge on the outer side from the trunnion-holes
to the point. The brackets are lightened as much as possible by
having pieces cut out of them. A front transom of plate-iron, having
angle-irons riveted to it each side to connect it with the brackets; a
similar transom about half way down the brackets; an iron trail-plate
and axle-tree, and wooden wheels. The carriage makes a load for a mule,
and the wheels another load. The elevating-gear consists of an iron
stool-bed formed in front to hook loosely over a cross-bar, while the
rear end, provided with two small studs, rests in racks riveted to the
brackets. This is for getting rapid elevations. For fine sighting a
sliding quoin is fitted to the stool-bed by clips, and is worked by a
hand-wheel. Check-ropes are applied to the trail-eye and lashed to the
wheels in firing. The Gatling gun is provided with a curved ratchet
projecting down from the bottom of the gun-case, giving elevations by
means of a hand-wheel and pinion.
[Illustration: 7-pdr. Field-Carriage.]
_Iron Boat-Carriage._
[Illustration: 9-pdr. Boat-Carriage.]
The boat-carriage is made up of two ⅝-inch plate brackets, having
narrow stiffening pieces along the front and upper edges. The brackets
are riveted to a bottom plate by angle-irons on the outer sides, and
are connected in front by a transom of plate riveted to angle-irons,
and in rear by another transom. It has two outside holding-down clips
on each side. The elevating-screw admits of 10° elevation and 2°
depression. The slide consists of two sides of girder-iron, 6½ inches
deep, and are joined by a connecting plate, three bottom plates,
and a rear transom. These bottom plates have metal friction-plates
attached beneath them. The centre as well as the front is fitted
with a pivot-bolt. The transporting axle bolts beneath the slide. The
hydraulic buffer lies upon the centre and rear transoms, to each of
which it is secured by a band. This buffer is nothing more than the
ordinary type of long cylinder and piston.[3] The cylinder is nearly
filled with oil through a hole in the upper rear part. In case it is
desired to empty the cylinder, there is a hole for the purpose in the
lower forward end. Holes of a certain diameter are bored through the
piston, and the recoil is checked in proportion to the resistance of
the oil in passing through these holes. The cylinder not being quite
full leaves an air-cushion to ease the strain. The piston-rod is
secured to the carriage, and a slight vertical play is allowed in its
fastenings to prevent the jump of the gun from bending it.
[3] See cut, page 203.
_Carriage for Light Upper-Deck Guns._
[Illustration: Slide for Light Upper-Deck Guns.]
The carriage consists of two ½-inch plate brackets connected by a
bottom plate and transom. This carriage has no rollers. It is fitted
with the elevating hand-wheel, pinion, and ratchet in use with the
heavier calibre.[4] The toothed ratchet bolts to the side of the breech
of the gun. The toothed edge of the ratchet gears to a pinion, while
the back is supported by a friction-roller attached to the bracket.
The pinion being inside the bracket connects with a hand-wheel on the
outside, which is held by a friction-brake. The peculiarity of the
slide is that it slopes to the front at an angle of 10°. It is provided
with a hydraulic recoil buffer (see Boat-Carriage), and also with plate
compressors. There are two rubber buffers at the front of the slide to
catch the gun in running out, and an in-tackle is fitted underneath
the slide. A pivot-flap projects from the front of the slide, the
pivot-bolt being close to the gun-port.
[4] See cut, page 199.
_Carriage and Slide for 7-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 7-inch Carriage.]
The carriage is a single-plate one, having two brackets, two
transoms, and a bottom plate assembled by angle-irons. The bottom
plate is slotted for the Elswick compressor.[5] This compressor is a
modification of the American 15-inch one. It is made up of six bars of
plate-iron, all of which are movable and which are placed lengthwise
in the slide like the wooden balks in the American type. Seven plates
hang through the slot in the bottom plate of the carriage, being
loosely secured to it. The plates and bars are pressed together by
rocking levers worked by screw-shafts, the shafts being worked by
levers. The screws on the shafts are of different pitch. That on the
right is called the compressing, having a quick pitch; when it is
moved it presses the plates against the other lever, which, having a
finer-pitched screw, is called the adjusting. The lower end of the
adjusting lever is prolonged to form a trip-stop so that the recoil of
the gun will throw the lever down automatically.
[5] See cut, page 201.
[Illustration: 7-inch Slide.]
The front rollers of the carriage are permanently in action, whilst
the rear ones are on eccentrics. The elevating-gear is the wheel and
ratchet. The slide has a slope to the front of 3°. The slide-rollers
are on eccentric axles. Attached to the rear of the slide is a simple
system of winch-gear for running in and training. This is nothing more
than a spur-wheel and windlass revolved by a pinion and crank. In using
it, the fall of the in-tackle or training-tackle is caught over the
windlass which is turned by the crank. In revolving slides, or slides
which shift from one port to another, there is a separate attachment
under the forward end, which is nothing more than a centre roller which
when thrown into action raises the forward rollers clear of the deck;
the after-end of the slide being held by a pivot-bolt, the forward
one is swung to a new pivot-centre. This centre roller is thrown into
action by gearing. Two ordinary bollard-heads are attached to the rear
of the slide, so that the carriage may be held back or veered out in a
seaway by turns of the in-tackle falls about them.
_Carriage and Slide for 8-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 8-inch Slide.]
The carriage is similar to the 7-inch, except that instead of being
fitted for tackles it is provided with Scott’s nipping-gear and endless
chain.[6] The chain is a slide attachment. The nipping-gear consists of
a heavy iron stirrup, movable in a vertical direction by means of an
eccentric and lever. The chain passes freely through this stirrup when
it is down, but on throwing it up the links of the chain are caught
in the teeth of a sprocket-plate fastened to the bed-plate of the
carriage, so that the movement of the chain carries the carriage with
it. The slide is similar to the 7-inch, except that the Scott chain and
gearing is used, which also traverses the slide. There are two chains,
one at each side of the slide, which are revolved by pinions at either
end. At the rear end the pinions are on a heavy axle, which is revolved
by a crank and gearing. For training, this gearing is connected to
a short shaft, having a pinion at its forward end, which gears in a
metal rack on the deck; this shaft may be revolved or fixed at will by
means of a pawl-wheel and screw-break, so that in training the slide
can be traversed or fixed as desired. When the slide is a shifting one,
the same gearing is used to swing the forward end of it around, by
means of another pinion which is shipped just in front of the forward
end of the slide. The compressor is the Elswick pattern.
[6] See cut, page 202.
[Illustration: Elswick Compressor.]
_Carriage and Slide for 9-inch M. L. R._
The broadside 9-inch carriage is the same as the 8-inch; that for
ships of the Sultan class differs in several particulars. The carriage
is very low, its bottom plate coming well down inside of the slide.
It is a double-plate carriage built on a cast-iron frame, the outer
plate coming to the top of the slide, whilst the inner one is carried
down inside. The rollers are completely hidden in their recesses, the
forward ones being permanently in action, whilst the rear ones are on
eccentrics. The rear axle between the rollers is bent down so as to
give room for the breech of the gun in elevating.
[Illustration: 9-inch Elevating-Gear.]
The compressor fitted to this carriage is called the bow-compressor.
It consists, on each side, of a bow or cramp pivoted at the centre,
so that one arm projects inside the carriage through the bracket. A
hinged plate is secured to the inner end, while the outer one holds
an adjusting-screw which is worked by a hand-wheel, the latter having
a pawl to hold it in any desired position. A brass arc near the face
of this wheel graduated up to 17° shows the amount of compression. Two
projecting pieces are attached to the side of the carriage to support
the compressor-plates which hang upon them. These plates are three
in number, the two inner ones being tapered, whilst the outer one is
square-faced and much heavier. When the carriage is mounted on the
slide, these tapering plates lie between the outer side of the slide
(the T of which is filled out with wood) and two compressor-bars, which
are tapered to correspond with the plates. The adjusting-screw takes
against the outer plate, and by turning it the plates and bars are
jammed together. The advantage of this compressor is that when once
set it is self-acting, going out of action when the carriage is raised
on its rear rollers, and coming into action by the weight of gun and
carriage when the rollers are down.
[Illustration: Bow-Compressor.]
[Illustration: Scott Nipping-Gear.]
The Scott nipping-gear is used, but it is single, the chain traversing
the middle of the slide. The slide has no peculiarities except its
height, which is greater than that of the 8-inch.
_Carriage and Slide for 10-inch M. L. R._
The carriages for ships of the Sultan class are the same as those
for the 9-inch, except that the rear rollers are thrown in action by
means of a hydraulic jack attached to the left bracket, there being a
capstan-head arrangement at the other end of the axle for use in case
the jack should break down. (For turret-carriage, see turret-carriage
of 11-inch.) The slide is similar to that of the 9-inch, except that
instead of the bow-compressor two hydraulic recoil cylinders are used,
one at each side of the slide.
[Illustration: Hydraulic Recoil Compressor.]
_Carriage and Slide for 11-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 11-inch Small-Port Carriage.]
The carriages for ships of the Temeraire or Hotspur class are the same
as the 9-inch ones. The turret-carriage is of the muzzle-pivoting
type. This carriage presents the peculiarity of having one bracket
larger than the other, in order to allow for the circular shape of
the turret. The general frame of the carriage is similar in shape to
the ordinary type, being double plate on a cast-iron frame, with an
interior wrought-iron frame which serves as a guide for the saddle. The
gun is supported by the trunnions in a saddle which is nothing more
than a massive fork, the leg of which is a hydraulic piston-rod. The
arms, containing the trunnion-holes, are supported in the framework of
the brackets. The hydraulic cylinder projects through and is secured to
the bottom plate of the carriage, and the double-acting pump-brake is
attached to a spindle passing through the bracket.
The gun does not rest permanently on the hydraulic, but when at the
middle or top of its elevation the saddle-arms are supported by iron
blocks, which are put in place through slits in the brackets. When the
gun is down the saddle rests on the bottom of its slots. At the low
level the gun gets 13° elevation, and at the high level 6° depression.
The rear rollers are thrown in action by means of a double-acting
hydraulic. The elevating-gear for this gun is different from that of
the smaller calibres. Instead of having a curved ratchet attached to
the gun, the ratchet in this case is pivoted to the carriage, and a
gearing and traveller being clamped to the cascabel of the gun, the
breech elevates or depresses up and down the stationary ratchet. This
carriage is provided with Scott’s nipping-gear and the bow-compressor,
the latter being heavier and double, working on both sides of the
slide-plates. These carriages are provided with breechings which pass
around a fitting bolted to the inside of the front transom. Additional
hydraulic jacks are placed underneath the arms of the saddle for use in
case the central one gives out. The slide is similar to the 10-inch,
where traversing slides are used. In turrets the slide is a fixture.
(See 12-inch slide.)
_Carriage and Slide for 12-inch and 12½-inch M. L. R._
The carriage for turrets of the Devastation class is similar in general
to that of the 11-inch. The hydraulic lift for the saddle is not a part
of the carriage, however, but a part of the ship, there being two rams,
one for raising the gun when run out, and one for raising it when run
in. The elevating-gear is also different, in having an arrangement for
altering the height of the stationary ratchet to correspond with the
different levels of the trunnions. The slide is provided with hydraulic
recoil cylinders, which also act as the running in and out power. The
piston-head has no holes bored in it, but when the gun recoils the oil
is driven out of the cylinder, the flow being regulated by a balanced
valve. The pump to move the hydraulic is worked by steam, the direction
of the movement being controlled by a lever in the turret.
_Carriage and Slide for 16-inch M. L. R._
There is no carriage proper for the 16-inch gun, the trunnions resting
in saddles on beams fixed in the turret. Hydraulic piston-rods are
attached to each saddle, the two cylinders being connected by a pipe to
equalize the strain. The breech of the gun rests on a third block which
travels in guides. These guides are hinged at the rear, the forward
ends resting by means of a cross-head on the piston of a vertical
hydraulic cylinder. By means of this the gun is elevated or depressed.
The gun is run in or out, elevated, and loaded by hydraulic power.
_Loading Arrangements._
[Illustration: 81-ton Gun-Slide and Trunnion Saddles—Hydraulic Loading
Arrangements.]
With the lighter calibres and broadside guns the usual loading methods
are used, the heavy charges and projectiles being transported by means
of railways either on deck or under the beams (the projectile in the
latter case being slung to a traveller), and raised to the muzzle of
the gun by a small davit shipped at the proper point on the slide. With
the heavy turret-guns, automatic loading is resorted to. To accomplish
this, a hole the size of the bore of the gun is worked in the turret
underneath the port. Athwartship openings are left in the turret casing
of the main-deck, in front of which are placed a hydraulic lift and
the hydraulic extension rammer. The gun being run in, the turret is
revoved until the port comes over the station of the rammer. The
muzzle is then depressed, and the gun started out until it rests at
the loading-hole. The rammer, which is also the sponge, being fixed
permanently at the proper angle, is started ahead by a lever and is
pushed to the bottom of the bore. On bringing up, a small spring at
one side of the rammer-head is pressed, which opens a valve and turns
on a stream of water. The rammer being withdrawn, the charge is run up
in a hand-car on to the hydraulic lift, by which it is raised to the
muzzle. A wad is shipped on the head of the rammer, and the latter,
being started ahead, pushes the charge home. Owing to the shape of the
rammer-head, the valve-spring cannot be pressed in pushing the charge
down, so there is no danger of turning on the water. The position of
the rammer-head in the bore is denoted by a simple pointer worked by
a string, the other end being attached to the rammer-head. This crude
arrangement is frequently out of order, and but little attention was
paid to it until its importance was brought forcibly into notice by
the double loading and consequent explosion of one of the Thunderer’s
guns. One drawback to this system of loading is the care necessary to
put the projectile on its car in one exact position, in order that the
studs may come opposite their grooves. The car itself must be built at
a certain fixed angle to bring the charge exactly in line for loading.
[Illustration: Hydraulic Recoil Press.]
GUNPOWDER.
Gunpowder is graduated, according to size of grain and type, into seven
distinct classes.
_Service Pistol Powder_ is used for Colts’ and Adams’ pistols and for
the bursting charges of shrapnel. It passes through a 44 and rests on a
72 mesh sieve.
_Service R. F. G. Powder_ is used for rifled small-arms, except the
Martini-Henry, Gatling guns, and pistols. It passes through a 12 and
rests on a 20 mesh sieve. Density, 1.6.
_Service R. F. G.² Powder_ is used for Martini-Henry rifles and Gatling
guns. It is of the same size as the R. F. G., but greater density—1.72.
_L. G. Powder_ is used in smooth-bores, and in rifled guns below 7
inches. This powder is being withdrawn as of inferior quality.
_R. L. G. Powder_ is used for full charges in guns of 7 inches and
upward where the weight of charge does not exceed forty pounds. It
passes through the 4 and rests on the 8 mesh sieve.
_P. Powder_ is used for battering-charges of all rifled guns of 7
inches and above, up to 12½ inches, and for all service charges of
forty pounds and upward. The grain is cubical, ⅝ of an inch on a side.
_P.² Powder_ is used with the 12½-inch and upward. This powder is
cubical, 1½ inches on a side.
Gunpowder is graduated according to its fitness for use into six
classes:
Class I. _Service._—All new powder. All returned powder found to be
uninjured.
Class II. _Blank._—Powder from broken-up cannon-charges too dusty for
Class I. Powder from broken-up small-arm ammunition. Service powder
found too dusty for use in cartridges.
Class III. _Shell._—Powder found too dusty for Class II.
Class IV. _Doubtful._—All powder returned into store and waiting
examination.
Class V. _Condemned for Sale._—Powder too much deteriorated for the
higher classes.
Class VI. _Condemned for Extraction._—Powder obtained from shells, and
powder found to have been too much damaged for any use except for the
extraction of the saltpetre.
CARTRIDGES.
Cartridge-bags are made either of serge or of silk cloth.
Serge is used in all smooth-bores and breech-loading rifles, except for
the blank cartridges of smooth-bores, which are of silk.
Silk is used for all muzzle-loading rifles.
Cartridges are always filled by weight and not by measure.
All cartridges are both choked and hooped, the number of hoops
depending on the length of the cartridge. These hoops are either of
twine or braid, according to the size and weight of cartridge and the
stiffness required.
All cartridges are marked in black with the nature of the gun for
which they are intended, the weight of powder, and the monogram of the
station where they were filled.
Cartridges are packed in magazines, in corrugated brass tanks which are
either rectangular or pentagonal.
Cartridges for calibres above 8 inches are not transported about the
ship’s decks in passing-boxes, but in zinc cylinders with a lock cover.
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used are shot, shell, shrapnel, and case-shot.
[Illustration: Woolwich Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Common Shell.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Case-Shot.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Double Shell.]
The Palliser chilled shot is used with the muzzle-loading guns of
7 inches and upward. It is of cast-iron, the head as far as the
shoulder being cast in a chill, while the rest is in a sand-mould.
This shot is never solid, but a space is left large enough to contain
a bursting-charge if desirable. By this means a better casting is
obtained. With the larger calibres, the cylindrical part of the
shot is reduced slightly in diameter to allow for setting up when
the projectile first starts. There are four kinds of shells: the
segment, common, double, and Palliser. The segment shells are only
used with breech-loaders. This shell consists of a thin cast-iron
cylindro-conoidal case lined with cast-iron segments built up in layers
and leaving a cylindrical powder-chamber in the centre. The base is
closed by a cast-iron disc. It is provided with a thin jacket of alloy,
which takes in the rifling and gives the twist to the projectile.
The common shell is the ordinary cast-iron projectile. In addition
to its fuse-hole it is provided with a loading-hole opening on the
shoulder.
The double shell is similar to the common shell, except that it is
nearly four calibres long and its chamber is provided with longitudinal
strengthening ribs. It is only used in the 7-inch gun.
[Illustration: Zinc Passing-Box.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Segment Shell.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Cartridge.]
The Palliser shell is similar to the Palliser shot, except that it is
slightly longer and has a larger chamber. Fuses are never used with the
Palliser shot or shell.
The shrapnel consists of two main parts—the cast-iron body and the
wooden head. The body is nearly as thick as that of the common shell,
and is scored longitudinally in order to permit it to break up easily.
The wooden head is covered with a light sheet-iron case which rivets
to the body. The bottom of the chamber is the powder-chamber proper,
over the mouth of which rests a wrought-iron disc having a hole in
the centre, tapped to take a wrought-iron tube. The upper chamber is
filled with lead bullets which are set fast with resin. The fuse screws
into a hole in the head, and projects into the wrought-iron tube
communicating with the powder-chamber. Both the chamber and the tube
are filled with powder.
Case-shot are of the ordinary form. Up to the 7-inch calibre the body
is made of tin, beyond that it is of tinned sheet-iron. For the smaller
calibres the bottom is of tin, for the larger it is a wrought-iron
disc. The top is in all cases tinned iron. The contents of the case are
packed in clay and sand, and there is an interior lining made up of
three loose-fitting wrought-iron segments.
Shot and shell used with muzzle-loading rifles are now provided with
a copper disc attached to the base, called a gas-check. This disc is
slightly convex to the rear to enable it to spread and stop the windage
on firing. It is attached to the projectile by means of a screw-plug
and nut. On firing, it is expanded into the rifling and completely
stops the windage. It gains a grip on the base of the shell by means
of an undercut rim, whilst radial scores on the base prevent it from
gaining an independent rotary motion, and enable it to assist in
rotating the projectile.
[Illustration: Palliser Shot.]
[Illustration: Papier-maché Wad.]
[Illustration: Brass Gas-Check for Projectiles.]
All muzzle-loading projectiles are provided with studs for rotation.
They are of gun-metal, swedged into countersunk holes, in two rows. The
loading side of all grooves is cut back so as to double the width of
the groove at the muzzle, in order to facilitate the insertion of the
projectile.
Papier-maché wads are used in front of the heavier projectiles to keep
them from slipping forward out of place. These wads are very slightly
less than the calibre of the gun, and about an inch in thickness. A
hole is bored through the centre, large enough to leave a clear space
for the fuse. A short papier-maché tube projects from the forward side
of the wad, which serves to attach it to the rammer when loading, and
hold it vertical while the charge is going home.
Shell-charges for Palliser projectiles are introduced in serge bags to
prevent premature explosions.
FUSES.
Both time and percussion fuses are used in the navy. The time-fuses are
the Boxer and the Armstrong; the latter used only with breech-loading
segment shell. The percussion fuse is the Pettman.
The Boxer time-fuse has a beech-wood body and is conical in shape. The
fuse composition is a vertical column in a centre channel which is not
bored entirely through the bottom, a base being left to receive the
set-back of the column on firing. Two side channels are bored from the
bottom nearly to the top, and are filled with mealed powder. Holes are
bored from the outside into these channels one tenth of an inch apart,
and the composition burns at the rate of one inch in five seconds, so
that each hole represents a half-second. The head of the fuse is closed
by a safety-cap, which is removed before loading. The time of burning
is set by boring through the desired hole into the composition. The
bottom hole is always bored through.
[Illustration: Boxer Time-Fuse.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Time-Fuse.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Percussion Fuse.]
The Armstrong time-fuse is made of gun-metal. A ring of fuse
composition similar to that of the old Bormann fuse is pressed in a
channel whose outer wall is marked in inches and tenths. This fuse
composition is covered by a movable collar which is kept in place by
a nut. Attached to this movable collar is a small chamber containing
a detonator. When the gun is fired, this detonator ignites the
composition at the point at which it is set, and the flame travels
around until it meets the magazine, or blowing-chamber, which
communicates the flame to the shell-charge.
The Pettman percussion fuse is made up of seven principal parts—the
body, top plug, steady plug, detonating ball, cone plug, lead cap,
and bottom plug. The top and bottom plugs are set fast; the shock of
firing sets back all the other parts, crushing the lead cap over the
cone and bottom plugs, which by their shape are all held fast when
jammed together. The detonating ball, whose surface is covered with a
detonating composition, is carried straight back and prevented from
coming in contact with the sides of the chamber by the steady plug.
When the projectile strikes, however, the steady plug starts forward
and releases the ball, which, coming in contact with the sides of the
fuse, explodes the detonating powder and the flame is carried by holes
through the lower plugs to the charge.
[Illustration: Pettman Percussion Fuse.]
[Illustration: Laboratory Percussion Fuse.]
PRIMERS.
[Illustration: Electrical Primer.]
[Illustration: Quill Friction Primer.]
Gun-locks are no longer used in the navy. Guns are fired by means of
either the friction or the electric tube. The quill friction-tube is
used exclusively for the navy. This tube is of two sizes, the short and
the long, the latter being used with the heavy calibres. The quill is
driven with mealed powder, and a hole is pierced through the centre.
The top and bottom are stopped with shellac putty. In the upper part of
the tube an iron-wire friction-bar is inserted, having a sprinkling of
detonating composition and mealed powder on one side. The top of the
tube is strengthened by a thread woolding and a leather loop, which
slip over a pin placed forward of the vent.
The naval electric tube consists of a quill body and a xylonite
bottom, the quill being of a diameter to slip completely into the
vent. Within this quill are insulated terminals of wire connected
by a platinum-silver wire bridge surrounded by priming composition.
The whole tube goes into the vent, a stop on the insulating wires
preventing it from going too far.
[Illustration: Centre Hind-Sight—Muzzle-Loaders.]
[Illustration: Wood Scale.]
SIGHTS.
[Illustration: Sliding Leaf Tangent Sight—Muzzle-Loaders.]
All muzzle-loading guns, except turret-guns and boat-guns, have six
sights—three hind-sights (two tangent and one centre) and three
trunnion-sights. Boat-guns have one centre hind and one fore sight, and
turret-guns have turret-sights. All guns except boat-guns have wood
scales, and all guns in covered batteries, except turret-guns, have
graduated arcs on the pivot-circles.
[Illustration: Barrel-Head Tangent-Sight—Breech-Loaders.]
[Illustration: (Screw.)]
[Illustration: (Drop.) Fore-Sight.]
[Illustration: Sliding-Leaf Tangent-Sight—Breech-Loaders.]
The tangent-sight is a rectangular steel bar rounded off on two
sides, and having a gun-metal head in which slides a gun-metal leaf.
The gun-metal leaf slides in a socket, and is provided with a simple
clamp-screw. These sights are graduated on the four sides. In general,
the forward side is graduated to 10´ from 0 up to 12°. The right side
is marked from 100 up to 4000 yards, and for seconds of fuse from 1
to 30—both graduations for common shell with the full charge; the
rear side from 100 to 4800 yards for Palliser shot or shell with the
battering-charge; the left side from 100 to 4800 yards, and from 1
second to 34 seconds, for common shell with battering-charge.
The centre hind-sight is a hexagonal gun-metal bar with the sliding
leaf marked like the tangent-sights, but shorter.
All hind-sights are set at a permanent angle of deflection.
The fore or trunnion sights consist of a pillar and collar of
gun-metal, a small steel leaf, and a screw for fixing the leaf. A
gun-metal socket is fixed in the gun, and the sight secured in this
socket by a double bayonet-joint, so that it may be readily removed or
replaced without requiring a special adjustment.
With turret-guns the sights are placed on top of the turret. Each
turret is provided with a number of man-holes large enough to admit the
head and shoulders. For each man-hole a pair of sights is adjusted, the
line of sight being parallel to the axis of the gun. In some turrets,
in order to prevent exposure, mirrors are arranged so that these sights
may be used by persons in the turret.
The wood scale is a wooden bar used in connection with marks on the
rear face of the cascabel. This face is marked from 0 to 3½° for both
elevation and depression. The wood scale is a square bar having its
four sides marked to yards for different charges. When the gun is
placed in position aboard ship, this scale is cut so that its zero and
the cascabel zero shall coincide with the guns at level, on an even
keel.
The sights for breech-loaders are similar to those of muzzle-loaders,
except that what is known as the barrel-headed sliding leaf is used,
and there are no centre-sights.
DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF PROJECTILES.
The common shell is known from its carrying a fuse in the point which
is cut off for that purpose.
The double shell is known by its disproportion of length to diameter.
The Palliser projectile is known from its sharp point.
The shrapnel is known from the joint which connects the head to the
body.
Fragments of a copper disc would denote that Palliser projectiles were
used, and a fragment of the head of a Palliser projectile is easily
recognizable by the grain of the iron.
PALLISER CONSTRUCTION.
[Illustration: Palliser Converted Gun. (10-inch Rodman Smooth-Bore
converted to an 8-inch Rifle.)]
The Palliser construction is entirely applied to the conversion of old
cast-iron smooth-bore guns into efficient rifles. In this system the
bore of the gun is reamed out to a sufficient diameter to permit the
insertion of a coiled wrought-iron tube. This tube is made up of a
number of short coiled sections end-welded together. The rear of the
tube is planed down, and a jacket (coiled with the spirals opposite
in direction to the tube) is shrunk on. The breech end of the tube is
closed by a wrought-iron disc screwed into place. The surface of the
tube is then turned to a snug but not tight fit in the casing or gun,
and is inserted, being held in place by a muzzle screw-collar. A screw
is tapped through the chase into the tube to keep it from turning.
The old vent is bored through and the gun is submitted to a course of
proof-firing with full charges, to expand the tube against the wall of
the casing, making a snug fit. A spiral slot is cut around the tube
from front to rear, and carried through the cascabel as a tell-tale
for the escape of gas in case the tube is split or cracked through
at a weld. These guns are extraordinarily long-lived, and have been
extensively used by the governments of Great Britain and the United
States.
_Palliser Projectiles._ See Pages 208-210.
WHITWORTH CONSTRUCTION.
[Illustration: Whitworth Muzzle-Loader.]
Whitworth ordnance is used almost exclusively in the Brazilian Navy,
and is the regulation type. The Whitworth construction belongs to
the all-steel type, and differs in almost every particular from the
other types. The guns are both muzzle and breech-loaders. The body of
the gun consists of a steel tube reinforced by steel hoops. The tube
is cast solid and submitted to a heavy hydraulic pressure while in a
molten state, giving the metal as it solidifies a perfectly homogeneous
crystallization throughout. This tube is bored completely through, and
in the muzzle-loaders the breech end is closed by a steel screw-plug.
The hoops are hollow cast and forged on a mandrel, the lengths in the
different layers being accurately turned and screwed together; the
layers are then put on the gun _cold_ and forced home (from the muzzle
end) by hydraulic pressure, the forcing being carefully gauged so as
not to crush the metal of the tube.
[Illustration: Whitworth Breech-Loader.]
The breech-loaders are slotted across the rear face in such a manner
that the rear face of the block is entirely exposed, thus saving in
length of breech of gun. The breech-block is cubical, and is traversed
along the upper and lower surfaces by heavy threads set at an angle
with the face of the block. These threads travel in heavy male threads
in the slot, the system forming the support for the thrust on the
block. Attached to the rear face of the block is a weighted crank which
revolves a cogged wheel housed in the block and travelling in a rack in
the rear of the lower side of the block-seat. In guns of heavy calibre
the system is reversed, the crank and wheel housing in the rear of the
gun and the rack in the block. By means of this gearing the block is
moved transversely, masking and unmasking the bore, the left end of the
block being cut for a loading-hole. A stop on the face of the breech
locks the block when home and catches it at the proper point when open.
[Illustration]
The Whitworth groove is of a peculiar nature, being almost a perfect
hexagon, and having an extremely sharp twist of from one turn in 2 feet
in the 2-pdr. to one turn in 13 feet in the 9-inch.
The projectiles are cut to fit the grooves, the armor-punching ones
being of compressed steel.
[Illustration: Whitworth Projectiles.]
THE VAVASSEUR CONSTRUCTION.
Vavasseur ordnance is used considerably in China, and has found some
use in other quarters of the world. The gun belongs to the steel
type. It consists of a mild-steel oil-tempered tube, reinforced by
steel hoops, the hoops being narrow and numerous and shrunk on. The
trunnion-hoop is of wrought iron. The gun has, properly speaking, ribs
instead of grooves, the grooves being cut in the projectiles. The twist
is a constant one.
[Illustration}]
[Illustration: Vavasseur Gun and Carriage.]
The gun-carriage possesses a peculiar recoil arrangement, consisting
of a heavy screw-shaft traversing the middle of the slide and carrying
at its forward end a wrought-iron friction-wheel with a metal strap
worked by a lever, by which any desired amount of friction may be
applied. Attached to the carriage is a sleeve or clutch grasping the
screw-shaft. When the gun recoils, the motion of the sleeve along the
shaft causes the latter to revolve, the friction being regulated by
the friction-band. For running in and out a large cog-wheel is fixed
to the inside of each carriage-bracket, the cogs taking in racks along
the sides of the slide. In starting the gun out, the motion of starting
slacks the friction-band on the screw-shaft, allowing the gun to run
freely; for controlling the motion in a seaway, a small friction-brake
on the rear of the slide is used. The carriage is mounted on eccentric
rollers, and the movement of throwing them out of or into action
ungears or gears the running-out cranks outside of the brackets, so
that in recoiling the cranks are not thrown around. The chamber of the
Vavasseur gun, as originally constructed, is smaller than the bore,
being in this a reversal of the present accepted true principle, and
limiting the guns to small charges and low velocities.
FRENCH ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Bore.
C = Number of Grooves.
-----------------------+--------+---------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | | LENGTH. |
CLASSIFICATION. | +-------+-------+
|Calibre.| A | B | C
-----------------------+--------+-------+-------+----
| In. | In. | In. |
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | |
32 cm. | 12.6 | 264 | 244 | 32
27 ” | 10.8 | 212 | 194 | 28
24 ” | 9.46 | 195 | 179 | 24
19 ” | 7.64 | 164 | 151 | 20
16 ” | 6.49 | 146 | 135 | 16
14 ” | 5.46 | 123 | 115 | 14
Model of 1864-67. | | | |
27 ” | 10.8 | 184 | 167 | 5
24 ” | 9.46 | 180 | 165 | 5
19 ” | 7.64 | 150 | 138 | 5
16 ” | 6.49 | 133 | 124 | 3
14 ” | 5.46 | 81 | 73.6 | 3
Bronze Muzzle-loaders. | | | |
12 cm. | 4.78 | 81.4 | 71.5 | 6
4 ” | 3.41 | 37.8 | 31.7 | 6
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | 1.46 | 51.2 | 29.1 |
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | |
16 ” | | | |
14 ” | | | |
-----------------------+--------+-------+-------+----
D = Twist of Rifling.
E = Gun, including Breech-block.
F = Breech-block.
G = Preponderance.
-----------------------+------+----------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | | WEIGHT. |
CLASSIFICATION. | +--------+-------+
| D | E | F | G
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
| Cal. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | |
32 cm. | 0/45 | 85,800 | 1,540 | 396
27 ” | 0/45 | 51,040 | 1,100 | 88
24 ” | 0/45 | 34,400 | 726 | 88
19 ” | 0/45 | 17,500 | 352 | 88
16 ” | 0/30 | 12,000 | | 103
14 ” | 0/30 | 5,900 | 176 | 103
Model of 1864-67. | | | |
27 ” | 0/30 | 45,100 | 704 |
24 ” | 0/30 | 31,900 | 567 |
19 ” | 0/30 | 17,610 | 295 |
16 ” | 0/30 | 11,000 | 191 | 330
14 ” | 0/30 | 4,100 | 103 | 165
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
Bronze Muzzle-loaders. | | | |
12 cm. | | 1,360 | | 176
4 ” | | 220 | | 33
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | | 440 | |
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | |
16 ” | | | |
14 ” | | | |
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
A = Carriage.
B = Slide.
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Canister.
G = Bursting Charge Common Shell.
------------------+-------------+-----------------------+--------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | Carriage. | Projectiles. |
CLASSIFICATION. +-------------+-----------------------+--------------
| Weight. | Complete Weight. | Weight.
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870.
32 cm. | | | 770 | 770 |630 | | 37.4
27 ” |10,230|12,960| 475 | 475 |396 | 317 | 24
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
24 ” | 7,304| 8,140| 317 | 317 |264 | 220 | 17
| 5,720| | | | | |
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| 4,664|11,550| | | | |
19 ” | 4,400| 3,410| 165 | 165 |137.5| 114| 7
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
16 ” | 3,520| 9,460| 99 | 99 | 84 | 69|
14 ” | 2,085| 1,287| | | 46 | 41| 2.4
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” |10,230|12,980| | 475 | 317 | 321| 14.6
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| | | | | | 211|
24 ” | 5,720| 8,140| | 817 | 220 | 220| 10.3
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
19 ” | 4,400| 3,410| | 165 | 115 | 105| 4.8
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
16 ” | 3,520| 9,460| | | | |
| 2,639| 1,260| | 99 | 69 | 66| 3
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
14 ” | 1,540| 1,100| | | 41 | 27 | 2.1
| | | | | | 39.6|
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | 1,023| | | | 25 | 24.6| 1.1
| 385| | | | | |
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| 352| | | | | |
4 ” | 319|231 | | | 10 | 10| .17
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+------
Hotchkiss Machine-gun.
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | | | |
16 ” | | | | | | |
14 ” | | | | | | |
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
A = Steel and Chilled Shot.
B = Common Shell.
C = Ordinary.
D = Saluting.
E = Steel.
F = Chilled.
G = Common.
------------------+------------------------+--------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE. | INITIAL VELOCITY.
CLASSIFICATION. +-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
|Lbs. |Lbs. |Lbs. | Lbs.|Feet.| Feet.| Feet.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | | | | |
32 cm. |132 |132 | | |1,394| 1,394 | 1,496
27 ” | 92.4| 92.4 |52.8 |19.8 |1,417| 1,417 | 1,542
24 ” | 61.6| 61.6 |35.2 |13.2 |1,443| 1,443 | 1,555
19 ” | 33 | 33 |17.6 | 7.7 |1,456| 1,456 | 1,726
16 ” | 20.9| 20.9 | | |1,575| 1,575 | 1,660
14 ” | | 9 | 9 | 3.3 | | | 1,493
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” | 79.2| 52.8 |52.8 |19.8 | | 1,086 | 1,188
24 ” | 52.8| 35.2 |35.2 |13.2 | | 1,115 | 1,188
19 ” | 27.5| 17.6 |17.6 | 7.7 | | 1,128 | 1,168
16 ” | 16.5| 11 |11 | 5.5 | | 1,132 | 1,197
14 ” | | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | | | 1,053
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | | | 1,007
4 ” | | .66| .66| .66| | | 738
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | .18| | | | | 1,318
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | | | |
16 ” | | | | | | |
14 ” | | | | | | |
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
-------------------+------------------------------+-----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | MUZZLE ENERGY. | PENETRATION.
CLASSIFICATION. +---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
| Steel. | Chilled. |Common. | Steel.| Chilled.
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
|Ft. Tons.| Ft. Tons.|Ft. Tons.| In. | In.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870.
32 cm. | 10,390 | 10,390 |9,730 | 14.5 | 14.5
27 ” | 6,596 | 6,596 |6,506 | 12.5 | 12.5
24 ” | 4,561 | 4,561 |4,414 | 11.1 | 11.1
19 ” | 2,330 | 2,330 |1,828 | 9 | 9
16 ” | 1,698 | 1,698 |1,598 | 8.2 | 8.2
14 ” | | | 712 | |
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” | | 3,871 |3,088 | | 9.6
24 ” | | 2,821 |2,144 | | 8.75
19 ” | | 1,451 |1,081 | | 7.0
16 ” | | 876 | 687 | | 5.87
14 ” | | | 314 | |
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | | | 176 | |
4 ” | | | 39 | |
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | | | | .94
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | |
16 ” | | | | |
14 ” | | | | |
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
GUNS.
Smooth-bore guns are entirely obsolete, except for saluting purposes at
dock-yards.
The rifled ordnance consists of the cast-iron breech-loader, model
1870, the cast-iron breech-loader, model 1864-67, the cast-iron
muzzle-loader, model 1858-60, the bronze muzzle-loader, the
mitrailleuse, and the Hotchkiss machine-gun. A new all-steel pattern is
being introduced into the service, whose attachments are quite similar
to the model of 1870.
The two models of breech-loaders differ radically in the style of
rifling, and although the breech mechanism is the same in principle in
both types, it is quite different in detail.
_Breech-Loader, Model 1870._
Guns of this type consist of a cast-iron body strengthened by a steel
tube and steel hoops. The steel tube, which is about one quarter of
a calibre in thickness, is inserted into the bore from the rear, and
is set fast by a heavy male screw-thread worked at its rear end. It
extends a short distance forward of the trunnions. The steel hoops are
shrunk on over the cast-iron body, and cover all that part occupied by
the tube. For the 14-cm. calibre there is but one row of hoops; for the
higher calibres two rows breaking joints. The trunnions form a part of
the hoop next to the forward one. In all calibres above 16-cm. this
trunnion-hoop is thicker than the others, and forms a salient on the
surface of the gun.
[Illustration: 27-cm. French Gun, Model 1870.]
The bore is rifled on the multigroove system, with an increasing
twist of from 0° at the breech to 4° at the muzzle, the direction of
the twist being from right to left (contrary to the invariable rule
in other countries). The chamber proper is divided into four parts:
the shot-chamber, the powder-chamber, the gas-check seat, and the
breech-block seat.
The shot-chamber is conical in shape, small end forward, the rifling
vanishing at this point in an easy slope. The diameter of this end is
the same as that of the bore measured across the grooves. The rear end
is joined to the powder-chamber by a second small cone, against which
the rear ring of the projectile takes when home.
The powder-chamber is cylindrical, and of a diameter slightly greater
than that of the bore.
The gas-check seat is of considerably greater diameter than the
powder-chamber. It is conical in shape, small end forward.
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Gun open).]
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Gun closed).]
The breech-block seat is cylindrical, having a heavy screw-thread
around its wall, which is cut into three equal sectors, leaving three
blanks of the same width. One of these blanks comes at the bottom of
the seat, in order to allow the breech-block to slide back and forth.
The breech mechanism consists of two main parts, the block and the
console or bracket, which is hinged to the face of the breech and holds
the block when it is withdrawn from its seat.
[Illustration: Gas-Check (1871).]
The breech-block is a steel cylinder having heavy screw-sectors about
its surface to correspond with those in the seat. The last turn of
screw-thread is left entire in order to relieve the shock of closing
the breech. The forward face is made movable in order that when it
becomes worn and scored by the action of the powder-gas it may be
changed. This face is a steel disc which sets flat against the face
of the block, and is of the same diameter. It seats in the face of
the block by means of a smaller cylinder or trunnion, and projecting
from the rear of this trunnion is a steel rod, which passes completely
through the axis of the block and carries the vent. In order to prevent
the disc from having any independent motion, a small tenon on its rear
face enters a socket in the face of the block. The disc is keyed fast
by a small pin which is screwed radially through the block near the
middle, the end of the pin taking in a score cut in the vent-rod. A
small catch, projecting from the rear lower side of the block, holds
the console in place when the breech is closed. The rear face of the
block is provided with two parallel handles screwed to it, to assist
in moving it, and a long crank-handle between them for revolving the
block. At the end of this crank-handle there is a slight projection
made to receive the blows of any instrument that may be used to drive
the block around when it works stiffly. Along the two lower blanks
of the block slots are cut, in which traverse small projections of
the console to hold the block steady. About the middle of the lower
screw-sector a small hole is cut into which a small stop springs
when the block is withdrawn to its limit on the console. The vent is
provided with a copper bush at its forward end and a steel one at its
rear.
The console is semi-cylindrical, and is hinged to the face of the
breech so that when the breech-block is withdrawn it may be swung to
the right and unmask the bore. It is provided with a spring stop and
two small projections taking in the block, which limit the movement of
the latter and hold it steady when resting on the console.
Two small pins, screwed into the face of the breech, limit the arc of
movement of the crank-handle, one at the vertical point and the other
60° to the right.
A small stop attached to the face of the breech holds the crank-handle
fast when the breech is closed. This stop allows the handle to pass in
closing, but must be raised by hand in opening.
The gas-check is of copper, and is a fixture in its seat. It is a ring
in reality, the centre being cut out to permit the passage of the
charge through it in loading; the edge is turned up, forming a cup, the
outer part being conical to fit the seat. The bend of the rim is quite
thick, and a gutter is cut around it in order to make the powder-gas
seal the joint properly. The bottom of this ring is provided with
three concentric grooves to break the force of the gas that may escape
through the joints. When the breech is closed the face of the block
presses directly on the gas-check, and a copper ring is countersunk in
the face of the block which forms the contact with the check. This ring
has grooves to correspond with the grooves on the back of the gas-check.
The vent is horizontal, and is situated in the axis of the
breech-block. Its outer end is formed in double-cone shape (throughout
the steel bush), the small ends of the cone being joined. Percussion
primers are used in connection with a spring gun-lock. (See Primers.)
_Breech-Loader, Model 1864-67._
These guns are hooped like the model of 1870, but are not tubed.
[Illustration: 14-cm. French Gun.]
The vent is pierced vertically near the bottom of the powder-chamber,
instead of being in the breech-block.
The grooves are of the pattern known as the “basket-handle,” for
mechanical fit projectiles (see French Groove, English Ordnance),
having an increasing twist of from 0° to 6°. The 14-cm. and 16-cm.
guns have three grooves, the others five. The width of the grooves
is the same throughout the length of the bore, being cut back on
the loading side near the powder-chamber to facilitate loading. The
depth of the groove, however, diminishes towards the muzzle in order
to pinch the studs and steady the projectile. At the powder-chamber
and running forward for a short distance in the centre of each band
is a supplementary groove, in which travel the rear studs of the
projectiles, which are made so small as to easily sheer off. These
secondary grooves prevent the projectile from being pushed too far
into the bore. With the 19-cm. gun, the supplementary groove is made
by cutting back the loading side of the regular groove. There is no
shot-chamber proper.
[Illustration: Groove (1864).]
[Illustration: Groove (1871).]
[Illustration: Rear end of Groove (1864), showing Stop for Projectile.]
The powder-chamber is cylindrical, of the same diameter as that of the
bore across the grooves. The bottom groove is produced through the
powder-chamber, to serve as a directing groove for the projectile in
loading.
In rear of the powder-chamber there are two gas-check seats, conical
in shape, with the small diameter forward. The rear and larger one is
intended for service in case of accident to the other.
[Illustration: Gas-Check (1864).]
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Section).]
The breech-plug seat is similar to the model 1870.
The breech-closing mechanism consists of two main parts like that of
the model 1870, the breech-plug and the console or bracket.
The breech-plug differs from the model 1870 in being lighter, by having
the interior cut away as much as possible consistent with strength. It
has two movable faces or discs to correspond with the two gas-check
seats. These discs are secured to the face of the plug in a similar
manner to the model 1870, except that the disc in this case is allowed
to revolve freely. The gas-check is carried on the face of the disc
instead of being a fixture of the gun.
It is quite similar to the model 1870, except that the hole in the
centre is smaller and serves to secure it to the face of the disc.
The centre of the disc being slightly raised carries two ears which
receive the inner edge of the gas-check and centre it. Over these a
solid-headed nut screws, which fixes the gas-check and makes a tight
joint. The gas-check is made of steel.
The console is similar to the model 1870.
_Muzzle-Loader, Model 1858-60._
These guns are hooped, but have no tubes. The trunnions are cast with
the body of the gun, the hoops not coming so far forward. The vent is
vertical near the bottom of the powder-chamber, like the model 1864.
The grooves are of the “basket-handle” type, three in number, with an
increasing twist of from 0° to 6°. These grooves, near the chamber, are
cut back and prolonged to form seats for the rear studs.
All guns of this model are converted from old smooth-bores.
_Bronze Muzzle-Loader._
These guns are of the ordinary bronze type. The 23-pdr. (canon de
12) has six common grooves having a _regular_ twist from _left_ to
_right_. The bottom groove is narrowed on the loading side near the
powder-chamber in order to force the studs into close contact with the
driving side. The 8-pdr. (canon de 4) has six grooves with a regular
twist similar to the 23-pdr.
The vent is pierced vertically near the bottom of the powder-chamber.
_The Mitrailleuse._
The exterior of the mitrailleuse has the appearance of a bronze
cannon. This case encloses 25 rifled tubes brazed together. The rear
part of the cannon presents a vertical cavity, very large and nearly
rectangular in shape. This cavity is called the cage, and is intended
to receive the breech-block and firing mechanism. The breech-block is
a cubical block containing prolongations of the 25 barrels which serve
as chambers for the cartridges. When loaded, this block drops into the
forward part of the cage. The lock mechanism is a box containing 25
firing-pins, arranged with guides and springs on the ordinary system.
This box is movable longitudinally by the motion of a breech-screw,
which also sets up the breech-block when in place. The motion forward
of this box retracts the firing-pins, which are then held until
released in rapid succession by a turn of the crank. After firing, the
breech-screw is backed, the block taken out and a loaded one is put in
its place, the screw is set up retracting the locks, and the piece is
ready for firing again.
_Hotchkiss Machine-Gun._
(See United States Ordnance.) This gun is an American invention, but
was first introduced into the French Navy.
CARRIAGES.
Gun-carriages in the French Navy are classified as follows:
Slide-carriages for heavy broadside-guns.
Turret-carriages and revolving-slide carriages for heavy guns.
Directing-bar carriages for broadside-guns.
Four-truck and rear-chock carriages for broadside-guns.
Gun-boat carriages for bronze guns.
Boat-carriages for bronze guns.
Mountain carriages for bronze guns.
Mitrailleuse saddle or fork for machine-guns.
_Slide-Carriage for 27-cm. and 24-cm. Guns._
[Illustration: Elevating-Gear and Compressor, 24-cm. Gun.]
The rails of the slide are of heavy double =T= iron, connected by
=T= and plate iron transoms. The slide rests on a pair of conical
rollers, with concentric axles forward and a double pair of rear
rollers (concentric) at the rear. The forward pair of the rear rollers
and the front rollers travel on smooth tracks, while the rear pair of
rollers are pinions working in a rack on deck. The slide is traversed
by tackles, except in fine pointing, when levers are shipped on the
rear rollers and the fine traversing is done by heaving on them. A
pawl working on the rear rollers secures the slide in any desired
position. The recoil is checked by friction compressors. There are
eight iron compressor-bars on each side of the slide, just inside of
the rails, resting on the front and rear transoms. On top of the front
transom is a heavy iron dumb-sheave, which receives the bight of a
rope breeching. The carriage is of the ordinary form of double plate,
mounted on rollers, the forward pair being in permanent action and the
rear pair on eccentric axles. Tackles are used for running out and in.
The compressor-plates are nine in number on each side, suspended on an
axle. The outer plates are heavier than the others. The ones next to
the brackets are backed by steel disc-springs. Rocking levers working
in screw-threads on the axle press against the inner plates. The
levers are worked by a ratchet-lever on the exterior right side, this
lever being provided with a trip for throwing it down automatically in
firing. Railway buffers are placed at the rear of the slide to act in
case of over-recoil. The elevating-gear consists of a flat-linked chain
passing underneath and supporting the breech of the gun. The ends of
the chain wind about axles in the carriage-brackets, the axles being
revolved by endless-screw gearing. Levers for turning this gearing
ship outside the brackets. In elevating or depressing, it is necessary
to turn the gearing alike on both sides in order to keep the centre
link, which is marked, in its place under the breech. In elevating, the
gearing must be worked slowly in order to allow the breech to follow
down by its preponderance. With the 24-cm. gun, the compressor-plates,
12 in number, are all in the centre instead of being at the sides.
[Illustration: Slide-Truck for 19-cm. Gun.]
_Slide-Carriage for 19-cm. Gun._
The fixtures for the slide and carriage differ in several particulars
from the heavier ones. The slide travels on four _pairs_ of rollers,
the rear rollers of the rear pairs being cogged for fine pointing as in
the heavier ones. The slide rests on iron pillars with screw-threads
at the upper extremities, the lower ones resting on the axles between
the rollers, forming a pair. The threaded top has a capstan-head, so
that, by turning, the front or rear of the slide may be elevated or
depressed. These rollers are also arranged for transporting the slide
from port to port. For this they may be turned to run in the desired
direction, similar to the principle of chair-rollers (casters). Clamps
are provided to hold them in the desired position.
The carriage has only one in-tackle. The rocking-lever compressor
is changed to the ordinary bow-compressor. (See English Ordnance,
Compressor for wooden-slide carriages.)
_Turret-Carriage and Slide for Heavy Guns._[7]
[Illustration: Additional Gearing for Elevating-Gear of
Turret-Carriage.]
The turret-slide, instead of being provided with rollers for
traversing, is mounted on a centre-pivoting turn-table. The turret
itself is fixed, the gun firing over it “en barbette.” The turn-table
is mounted on sixteen conical rollers, and is revolved by means of a
fixed rack, to which gears a pinion worked by a crank attachment on
the slide. This attachment consists of a horizontal axle revolving in
bearings through the rear of the slide-plates, having a crank at each
end and a chain-wheel in the middle. An endless chain transmits the
motion to gearing at the forward end of the slide, which connects with
the rack on the floor of the turret. A locking arrangement holds the
turn-table in the desired direction. The slide resting on its supports
rises to a much greater height than with broadside-carriages, and is
provided with a short stairway from the turn-table to the slide-top.
The carriage is similar to the ones heretofore described, except
that extra gearing is applied to the elevating apparatus to enable
it to be reached by the men standing on the turn-table. Chain-gear
similar to Scott’s in and out gear is used with the carriage. Instead
of a movable stirrup used to catch the chain, the upper part passes
through a slit in the rear transom of the carriage, so that when the
rear trucks are thrown in action teeth in it catch the chain. The
same style of compressor is used as is found with the 24-cm. carriage
previously described, except for the 19 cm. gun, which has the ordinary
cramp-compressor.
[7] See plate Part IV. French Barbette Turret.
[Illustration: Barbette Turret-Carriage.]
_Revolving-Slide Carriage._
The slide is a centre-pivot resting on a circular track and on four
rollers. It is traversed by a crank revolving gearing which works in a
circular rack around the outside of the roller-circle. The carriage is
similar to the ordinary type, except that it is much higher, in order
to allow a greater angle of depression to the gun. Instead of in and
out tackles, a runner is used which passes over a windlass fixed on the
rear slide-transom. This runner throws the rear trucks in action, and
then, according to its lead, runs the gun in or out. The elevating-gear
for the 16-cm. gun consists of a heavy cross-bar underneath the
breech, having sleeves at the extremities which clasp heavy upright
screws. By revolving these screws, the bar is carried up or down. The
elevating-gear for the 14-cm. gun is the old-fashioned telescopic
elevating-screw.
[Illustration: Training-Gear for Centre-Pivot.]
[Illustration: Elevating-Gear for Centre-Pivot Carriage.]
_Directing-Bar Carriage._
The carriage proper is of the ordinary rear-chock or Marsilly
type, which when run out for firing is lifted from the deck on a
slide or chariot, so that it may be easily and quickly trained.
The chariot consists of a broad, short front-piece, mounted on two
rollers; projecting forward from it is a pivot-flap which secures
by a pivot-bolt just underneath the port, the rollers being canted
for traversing about the pivot. Projecting to the rear from this
front-piece is a tongue made of =T= iron, which is supported at its
rear end on two trucks which are canted like the forward ones for
traversing. When the carriage is run in, its rear end comes flush with
the end of this tongue, and the forward trucks rest on the deck. In
running out, however, two small rollers on the axle, inside of the
brackets, catch on and mount two inclined planes which slope back from
the top rear of the chariot, thus lifting the carriage completely
from the deck. A breeching is used with this carriage, its bight
going around a =B= block on the front of the chariot. There is also a
friction compressor at the rear of the brackets, the compressor plates
taking against the sides of the =T= iron, which are filled out with
wood for that purpose. The forward edge of the =B= block serves as a
hurter in running out. In all other respects the carriage is similar to
the ordinary broadside rear-chock carriage. It is used on upper decks
of large ships for light guns.
_Four-Truck Carriage and Rear-Chock Carriage._
These are of the general type of old-fashioned wooden carriages.
_Gun-Boat Carriages and Boat-Carriages._
These carriages are of the old-fashioned type. The former is the slide
pattern, its only peculiarity being that its forward and rear rollers
can be revolved for transportation on a vertical pivot. The carriage
has no rear trucks.
[Illustration: Directing-Bar Carriage.]
[Illustration: Boat-Carriage.]
The carriage is provided with holding-down clips, and the recoil is
checked by a breeching whose ends are made fast to the brackets, the
bight passing around a bollard on the forward transom of the slide.
_Mountain-Carriage._
The mountain-carriage is similar to the English field-carriage except
the elevating-gear, which consists of a plain elevating-screw to which
a hand-wheel and pinion gear.
_Mitrailleuse Saddle._
This consists of a pillar whose lower end ships in a socket in the
ship’s rail, and whose upper end branches into a fork to support the
trunnions. A longitudinal support projects from the pillar, which
holds a pivoted arm by means of a clamp. This gives a quick motion for
elevating or depressing. The end of the pivoted arm holds an ordinary
elevating-screw for slow motion.
_Hotchkiss Saddle._ See United States Gun-Carriages.
GUNPOWDER.
The gunpowder used in the French service is classified according to the
size of grain.
_Wetteren powder_, named from the place of manufacture in Belgium, is a
large-grained cubical powder used in guns of the model 1870.
_Ripault powder_, named from its place of manufacture in France, is an
ordinary-sized cannon powder used in all guns, except the above.
_Hunting powder_ is a small-grained, highly-glazed powder used in
revolver cartridges.
_B powder_, of a slightly larger grain than the hunting, is used in
Chassepot rifle cartridges.
_Musket powder_ is used in the manufacture of primers, fuses, and
signals.
CARTRIDGES.
Cartridge-bags are made either of parchment or serge. For the smaller
calibres they are of parchment.
Each cartridge is marked in black with the calibre of the gun for which
it is intended, the weight of charge, monogram of the place where it
was filled, and date of filling.
Cartridges are kept aboard ship in brass or copper tanks of various
forms having water-tight covers.
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used in the French Navy are shot, shell and case-shot.
There are two kinds of shot, cylindrical and ogivo-cylindrical,
corresponding to the shape of the head; the cylindrical being used only
in the calibres above 19 cm. They are all steel. The ogivo-cylindrical
shot are used in all calibres above 14 cm., and are either of steel or
chilled cast-iron. Shell are of cast-iron, and are similar in shape to
the ogival shot.
[Illustration: Projectiles, Model 1864. Armor-Shot. Shell. Solid Shot.]
[Illustration: Projectiles, Model 1870. Armor-Shot. Shell. Solid Shot.]
These projectiles are differently mounted for the different models.
For the model 1870 the mounting consists of a forward ring of zinc or
cast-iron just back of the shoulder of the shell, slightly smaller than
the diameter of the bore across the lands. Its object is simply to keep
the forward end of the projectile centred. A rear ring of copper, of
a diameter slightly greater than that of the bore across the grooves.
This ring brings up in its seat in the shot-chamber, and on firing the
bands are scored and rotate the projectile. Around the surface of this
ring are two or three grooves, cut to receive the metal displaced by
the lands on firing. These projectiles carry at their base a light wire
grommet to facilitate handling them.
For the model 1864-67 the projectiles are provided with studs, there
being two rows. The forward studs take in the grooves and give the
twist to the projectile; the rear ones hold the base of the projectile
centred, and according to the calibre of the piece they travel in the
grooves or on the lands. For the heavy projectiles, where the rear
studs travel on the lands, there are provided three small intermediate
studs which bring up in false grooves provided for the purpose, keeping
the projectile from going too far forward in the bore when loading.
These studs are sheared off on firing. The studs are made either of
zinc or bronze. Projectiles for the bronze muzzle-loaders are similar
to the model 1864.
Case-shot are of the ordinary type, and have neither studs nor belts.
Sea-weed wads are used with all projectiles except those of the model
1870. These are used in order that the powder-charge may act with a
more gradual effect on the projectile at the start. Placed between the
charge and the projectile, their rapid compression gives room for the
powder to expand and burn more slowly at the first instant.
FUSES.
Percussion fuses are used in all shell except the 25-pdr. and 8-pdr.
boat-guns, which use time-fuses.
The percussion fuse consists of a hollow cylindrical bronze body having
a solid conical head. At the bottom of the cylinder is screwed a copper
firing-pin. The centre of the cylinder is occupied by a brass plunger
carrying a charge of hunting powder. The forward end of this plunger
carries a wooden plug which is hollow and filled with detonating
composition. The plunger is held in position by two iron pins upon
which the base rests, and two leaden stops through the wall of the fuse
entering the shell of the plunger. These stops are not broken by the
start of the projectile, but by its shock on striking an object. The
bottom of the fuse, being covered by shellac-paper, is blown away by
the charge of powder in the plunger, and the flame is communicated to
the charge.
[Illustration: Percussion Fuse.]
[Illustration: Time-Fuse.]
The time-fuse for boat-guns consists of a brass body having two
longitudinal chambers for fuse-composition columns of different times
of burning. For the 23-pdr. the times correspond to 1500 and 3000
metres; for the 8-pdr. they correspond to 1100 and 2200 metres. The
longer column is always uncapped on loading. The different times are
distinguishable by the difference in the caps. That for the long time
is of wire; for the short time it is of leather covered with a red
wafer.
PRIMERS.
The primers are of two kinds, percussion and friction. The former seal
the vent entirely on firing, and are only used in guns having vents
through the breech-block (Model 1870). Friction primers are used in all
guns having vertical vents.
The percussion primer consists of a body of brass or copper, slightly
conical and having a solid head. Into this body screws a small steel
anvil carrying an ordinary percussion-cap, which, when the anvil is
screwed home, bears against the primer-head. The remainder of the body
is filled with fine hunting powder, and the bottom is closed by a
shellacked wafer.
[Illustration: Quill Primer.]
[Illustration: Percussion Primer.]
The friction primer consists of two quill tubes, the lower and larger
one being filled with fine musket powder, the bottom being sealed with
wax. The upper is filled with fulminating composition, and has passing
through its centre a brass friction-wire corrugated along its length.
The exterior of the wire is formed in a loop for hooking on the firing
laniard. The upper part of the primer is closed by a block of wood
forming a fairleader for the friction-wire. A small independent loop is
attached to the head of the primer, by which it may be withdrawn from
the vent without touching the friction-wire.
SIGHTS.
The sights used in the French Navy are all side-sights, and for the
most part the tangent-sights are inclined at a permanent angle.
The front-sights are conical in shape, and are screwed into the
rim-bases.
The tangent-sights are square in section, working in boxes screwed
to the face of the breech. They are graduated to full and half
cable-lengths (200 and 100 metres). As a rule, guns are sighted on the
left side, although provision is made for a right tangent and front
sight. Sights are graduated on the left side for shell and on the right
for shot, the graduations being all carried across the rear face. In
general there is a short and a long sight, the long one being used for
distances greater than 30 cables (6000 metres).
ACCESSORIES.
The loading-plate is a plate which attaches to the breech of the gun
when the breech-block is open; along the bottom of this plate is a
groove which forms a prolongation of the bottom groove of the gun (not
applicable to model 1870); the projectile being hoisted to the level of
the bore is landed on this plate, and is then in position to be rammed
home. For small projectiles this plate serves as a shell-bearer for
transporting projectiles, being provided with side handles.
The shell is brought to the loading-plate on covered decks by means of
a tackle appended to a roller working on a traveller. The projectile
being hoisted from the deck is pushed along on the traveller to the
plate. In turrets the projectile is hoisted and swung by means of a
davit.
The passing-box for the cartridge is made of leather with an ordinary
close leather cover.
The rammer and sponge are of the old-fashioned type.
In calibres of a nature above 16-cm. a leather guard is always used
in loading, to cover the gas-check and prevent injury from shocks in
loading.
A system of guards against firing the gun before the breech-block is
entirely closed is attached to the breech or the breech-block. In guns
of the model 1864 the guard consists of a small hollow cylinder with
funnel-shaped ends, acting as a sort of fairleader for the firing
laniard. On the laniard itself are worked three turk’s-heads which,
when the laniard is rove through the fairleader and hooked to the
primer, come forward of the forward edge. A small spring is attached
to the closing-stop of the handle, which projects into the funnel and
will not permit the laniard to pass. When the breech is closed, the
crank pressing against the closing-stop pushes back the spring and
allows a free passage to the laniard. In guns of the model 1870 the
guard consists of a small disc which slides over the vent when the
breech-block is opened, and remains there so that a primer cannot be
inserted until the block is closed _and locked_.
GERMAN ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Rifled Bore.
C = Powder Chamber.
---------------------------+--------+--------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | LENGTH.
CLASSIFICATION. | +-----+-------+------
|Calibre.| A | B | C
| | | |
---------------------------+--------+-----+-------+------
| In. | In. | In. | In.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm. hooped | 12 | 264 | 172 | 54.7
28 cm., hooped and tubed| 11.15 | 240 | 171 | 46.1
28 ” hooped | 10.34 | 240 | 171 | 46.1
26 ” long hooped | 10.24 | 225 | 138.5 | 55.3
26 ” short ” | 10.24 | 205 | 128 | 42.1
24 ” long ” | 9.27 | 206 | 136 | 38.4
24 ” short ” | 9.27 | 185 | 115.4 | 38.4
21 ” long ” | 8.24 | 185 | 124.6 | 33.7
21 ” short ” | 8.24 | 154 | 96.8 | 31.4
17 ” long ” | 6.8 | 167 | 107.5 | 40.8
17 ” short ” | 6.8 | 134 | 92.0 | 24.7
17 ” short, light hooped| 6.8 | 136 | 92.7 | 25.7
15 ” long hooped | 5.87 | 152 | 105.8 | 27
15 ” short ” | 5.87 | 129 | 86.8 | 28.5
15 ” tubed | 5.87 | 128 | 86.8 | 23.5
12 ” hooped | 4.74 | 115 | 85.7 | 14.7
8 ” heavy | 3.19 | 76 | 57.6 | 8.4
8 ” light | 3.19 | 76 | 57.6 | 8.4
8 ” | 2.20 | 62 | 45.9 | 7.7
4 ” | 1.54 | 69 | 54.7 | 9
---------------------------+--------+-----+-------+------
D = Number of Grooves.
E = Twist of Rifling.
F = Gun, including Breech-block.
G = Breech-block.
---------------------------+----+------+------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | | WEIGHT.
CLASSIFICATION. | | +------+-----
| D | E | F | G
| | | |
---------------------------+----+------+------+------
| |Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm. hooped | 72 | 45 |78,980|2,970
28 cm., hooped and tubed| 36 | 70 |60,500|2,244
28 ” hooped | 36 | 70 |60,500|2,244
26 ” long hooped | 36 | 50 |48,400|1,980
26 ” short ” | 36 | 50 |39,600|1,980
24 ” long ” | 32 | 70 |34,100|1,375
24 ” short ” | 32 | 65 |31,900|1,375
21 ” long ” | 30 | 68 |21,450| 858
21 ” short ” | 30 | 59 |19,800| 858
17 ” long ” | 30 | 45 |12,320| 495
17 ” short ” | 30 | 59 |11,000| 484
17 ” short, light hooped| 30 | 45 | 7,590| 411
15 ” long hooped | 24 | 45 | 8,800| 319
15 ” short ” | 24 | 68 | 7,700| 319
15 ” tubed | 24 | 65 | 7,040| 391
12 ” hooped | 18 | 60 | 3,014| 178
8 ” heavy | 12 | 46 | 714| 64
8 ” light | 12 | 46 | 650| 64
8 ” | 12 | 46 | 500| 55
4 ” | 12 | 70 | 156| 9
---------------------------+----+------+------+-----
A = Preponderance.
B = Carriage.
C = Slide.
D = Height of Axis of Bore above Deck.
E = Chilled.
F = Common.
----------------------+----+-----------------+---------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | CARRIAGES. | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. | +------+------+---+----+-----+----------
| | | | | Full |Bursting
| | | | | Weight. |Charge.
| | | | +----+-----+----+-----
| A | B | C | D | E | F | E | F
----------------------+----+------+------+---+----+-----+----+-----
|Lbs.|Lbs. | Lbs. |In.|Lbs.|Lbs. |Lbs.|Lbs.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm., hooped | |51,040| |102|715 |609.5|8 |22
28 cm., hooped | |24,200| |102|561 |477 |7.7 |25.3
and tubed | | | | | | | |
28 ” hooped | |24,200| |102|561 |477 |7.7 |25.3
26 ” long hooped | |16,500|18,075| 67|411 |367 |5.28|17.27
26 ” short ” | | 8,849|13,831| 48|411 |367 |5.28|17.27
24 ” long ” | | 8,349|13,831| 48|308 |261 |3.19|15.4
24 ” short ” | | 5,082| 8,756| 39|308 |261 |3.19|15.4
21 ” long ” | | 4,290| 6,556| 40|216 |175 |2.75|10.45
21 ” short ” | | 4,114| 6,402| 42|216 |175 |2.75|10.45
17 ” long ” | | 2,772| 4,576| 41|123 |112 |1.21| 9.24
17 ” short ” | | 2,321| 3,400| 33|121 | 99 |1.21| 6.6
17 ” short, | | 2,156| 2,068| 34|117 |112 |1.32| 5.94
light hooped | | | | | | | |
15 ” long hooped |16.5| 2,057| 3,806| 38| 78 | 78 |7.7 | 6.5
15 ” short ” |48.4| 1,947| 2,530| 34| 78 | 61 |7.7 | 4.4
15 ” tubed |62.7| 1,908| 2,640| 35| 78 | 61 |7.7 | 4.4
12 ” hooped |22.2| 1,595| 2,750| 47| 38 | 33 | | 2.48
8 ” heavy |15.4| 1,100| | 33| | 9.5| | .6
8 ” light |14.7| 880| | 35| | 9.5| | .6
8 ” |14 | 246| 246| 35| | 6.7| | .6
4 ” | | Turntable. | | |125 | | .28
----------------------+----+------+------+---+----+-----+----+-----
A = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
B = For Common Shell.
C = Saluting.
D = Penetrating Power.
----------------------+----------------------+-------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE. |
CLASSIFICATION. | |
+-------+-------+------+
| A | B | C | D
----------------------+-------+-------+------+-------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | In.
| | | |
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm., hooped | 158.4 | 158.4 | | 16.4
28 cm., hooped | 132 | 132 | | 14.4
and tubed | | | |
28 ” hooped | 132 | 132 | | 13.3
26 ” long hooped | 107.8 | 107.8 | 17.6 | 13
26 ” short ” | 107.8 | 107.8 | 17.6 | 11.5
24 ” long ” | 59.4 | 44 | 17.6 | 11.27
24 ” short ” | 59.4 | 44 | 17.6 | 10.05
21 ” long ” | 41.8 | 30.8 | 13.2 | 8.9
21 ” short ” | 35.2 | 26.4 | 13.2 | 8.55
17 ” long ” | 26.4 | 22 | 6.6 | 7.25
17 ” short ” | 17.6 | 14.3 | 6.6 | 7.33
17 ” short, | 16.5 | 16.5 | 6.6 | 7.88
light hooped | | | |
15 ” long hooped | 18.7 | 15.4 | 4.4 | 6.7
15 ” short ” | 13.2 | 12.1 | 4.4 | 6.58
15 ” tubed | 13.2 | 12.1 | 4.4 | 5.6
12 ” hooped | 7.7 | 4.62| 2.31| 5.6
8 ” heavy | | 1.1 | 1.1 |
8 ” light | | 1.1 | 1.1 |
8 ” | | .98| 1.1 |
4 ” | | .41| |
----------------------+-------+-------+------+-------
E = Chilled.
F = Common.
----------------------+---------------+-------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | INITIAL | WORKING EFFECT.
CLASSIFICATION. | VELOCITY. |
+-------+-------+--------+---------
| E | F | E | F
----------------------+-------+-------+--------+-------
| Ft. | Ft. | Foot | Foot
| | | Tons. | Tons.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm., hooped | 1,591 | 1,623 | 12,584 | 11,176
28 cm., hooped | 1,515 | 1,640 | 8,960 | 8,931
and tubed | | | |
28 ” hooped | 1,515 | 1,640 | 7,210 | 8,931
26 ” long hooped | 1,587 | 1,640 | 6,802 | 6,876
26 ” short ” | 1,430 | 1,387 | 4,835 | 6,466
24 ” long ” | 1,502 | 1,391 | 4,625 | 3,511
24 ” short ” | 1,469 | 1,355 | 4,625 | 3,327
21 ” long ” | 1,476 | 1,394 | 3,275 | 2,348
21 ” short ” | 1,312 | 1,394 | 2,587 | 1,970
17 ” long ” | 1,548 | 1,525 | 1,944 | 1,809
17 ” short ” | 1,279 | 1,279 | 1,399 | 1,127
17 ” short, | 1,325 | 1,341 | 1,437 | 1,411
light hooped | | | |
15 ” long hooped | 1,623 | 1,615 | 1,431 | 1,172
15 ” short ” | 1,477 | 1,591 | 1,030 | 1,072
15 ” tubed | 1,358 | 1,446 | 1,001 | 888
12 ” hooped | 1,476 | 1,230 | 584 | 345
8 ” heavy | | 1,118 | | 84
8 ” light | | 1,118 | | 84
8 ” | | 1,135 | | 66.5
4 ” | | 1,837 | |
----------------------+-------+-------+--------+---------
GUNS.
Smooth-bore guns are now entirely obsolete. The rifled ordnance is
constructed entirely on the Krupp system of steel breech-loaders.
Although the Krupp system taken as a whole is represented by three
distinct types of guns corresponding to different developments of the
breech-closing mechanism, but one, the latest development, appears in
the armament of war vessels. There are also two types corresponding to
the building of the body of the guns, but these are quite similar, the
difference being simply in the use of a number of thin hoops in the
later guns to replace a few thick hoops in the earlier construction.
All guns except the 9-pdr. bronze breech-loader are built entirely
of steel. The broadside-guns of medium calibre are divided into two
classes, the long and the short gun, the latter being intended for
vessels whose beam or displacement will not permit the use of the
longer and heavier gun. The short gun of one calibre is, however, in
all cases a more powerful gun than the long one of the next lower
calibre.
[Illustration]
All naval guns except the converted 15-cm. calibre have a steel body
strengthened by hoops. The converted gun has no hoops, it having been
strengthened by boring the body up to form a casing, which was shrank
over a steel tube. This tube extends from the breech-block to about one
calibre beyond the muzzle.
The 30½-cm. gun has three tiers of hoops, the 26-cm. and 24-cm. guns
have two tiers, and the remainder one tier. The trunnions in all cases
are in one with one of the hoops. The hoops are prolonged forward of
the trunnions, diminishing rapidly in thickness.
The bore is rifled on the multigroove plan, the rifling differing
slightly according to the projectile which the gun was intended
to fire. Formerly all projectiles were provided with a zinc
rifling-jacket, and for such, a smooth shot-chamber was necessary, the
rifling stopping at its forward end. The French style of copper bands
being now used, the rifling is continued through the shot-chamber to
the opening of the powder-chamber. With the zinc jackets, the grooves
decreased in width from the breech towards the muzzle in order to keep
a firm grip on the easily yielding metal throughout the bore. With the
copper rotating belt the grooves are of the same width throughout.
[Illustration]
The powder-chamber is cylindrical, and about the depth of a groove
wider than the diameter of the bore across the grooves. It is
connected with the shot-chamber by a short cone which brings up
the rear rifling-belt of the projectile in loading. In general the
powder-chamber is concentric, but there are two calibres (26 cm. and 15
cm.) in which it is eccentric, its axis being slightly above that of
the bore. The powder-chamber ends in a gas-check seat, which is coned
and slightly countersunk forward to receive the Broadwell gas-check.
Just behind the gas-check seat is the transverse breech-block seat,
three of its sides being flat, and the rear or bearing side being
hollowed out to a semicircular wall.
The bore of the gun is continued straight through the breech, forming a
loading-hole in rear of the breech-block.
[Illustration: Broadwell Gas-Check, Seat, and Face-Plate.]
The breech-blocks of all guns traverse the breech transversely, and
they are all single blocks. There are two patterns, differing only in
the shape of the rear portion, one being cylindrical and the other
flat. The latter type is found only in guns where formerly a double
wedge (the Kreiner system) was used, so that in changing to the single
wedge there was not metal enough left in rear to permit hollowing out
that face.
The breech mechanism consists of the breech-block, the covering-plate,
the transporting-screw, the locking-screw, the curb-chain, the
gas-check, the face-plate, and the vent.
The breech-block is a heavy solid steel block, generally
cylindro-prismatic, sometimes square in section. The rear of this block
is not parallel to the front, but inclined in wedge shape at an angle
of 1° 55´. The prismatic part of the block is slightly wider than the
diameter of the cylindrical part, forming at the junction an edge at
the top and bottom, which serves as a guide for the block in sliding
in and out. The block is much shorter than the width of its seat, so
that it is not necessary to entirely withdraw it in order to unmask the
bore. Except for special guns, the breech-block always draws out to
the left, and its left end has bolted to it a steel plate of the same
size, called the covering-plate.
This plate merely serves as a holder for the locking and moving
mechanism. With light breech-blocks a shackle-handle bolts to the
centre of this plate for withdrawing the block. With the heavier
calibre, where the block cannot be moved by hand it is worked in and
out by a screw.
This transporting-screw lies along the top of the block from end to
end, revolving in journals; one half of the circumference only lies in
the block, the other half, projecting, takes in a half-female thread
in the upper wall of the gun. The end of the screw projecting beyond
the covering-plate is squared so as to permit a crank to be shipped. In
this manner, by revolving the screw, the block is worked out or in.
[Illustration: Breech-Block (front).]
[Illustration: Breech-Block (rear).]
The locking-screw, as its name implies, serves to lock the block. It
is on the rear part of the block, placed like the transporting-screw
only half in the block, so that its thread will take in the gun-wall.
Besides locking the breech, it forces the block close home and
releases it, taking the strain from the transporting-screw, which
might otherwise be bent by the shock of firing. The threads of the
locking-screw, except the first or outer turn, are cut away for
one third of the circumference, so that the action of locking and
unlocking is similar to that of the French mechanism. The outer thread
is left full to cover the joint when the breech is closed. A stop on
this thread limits the revolution of this screw by catching on the
covering-plate, so that when brought up at one point it shows the
breech to be locked, and at the other that it is unlocked. The same
crank is used to work the transporting-screw and the locking-screw.
The curb-chain is a short chain which limits the withdrawal of the
block and prevents it from being pulled all the way out. One end is
fast to the lower end of the covering-plate, and the other to the gun
just underneath.
The Broadwell gas-check is a steel ring, fixed in the gun
semi-permanently; that is, it does not move with the breech-block,
although it may easily be knocked out. This ring is coned around
its outer edge, which is turned up cup-shaped. The inner side of
this cup-rim is shaped in gutter form, in order to make the best
distribution of the gas pressure. The whole middle is cut away, of
the same size as the powder-chamber, so that the charge can be passed
through it. Three concentric scores are cut around the back of the
check, the idea being to break the force of any gas that may escape by
making it suddenly expand and contract as it forces its way by them.
The rear of the gas-check projects slightly beyond the rear of its seat.
The face-plate is a steel disc attached to the forward face of the
block, and forming the bearing surface for the gas-check. This plate
has a slightly greater diameter than the height of the block. It fits
into a seat cut for it, and is prevented from turning or falling out
by a little dowel and a spring-catch on the upper part of the block.
As this plate wears, thin washers of brass or copper are fitted behind
it. The rear face of this plate is fitted with grooves, which, from
the shock of firing, attach and hold fast these washers. Each gun is
provided with a spare face-plate and gas-check, and aboard ship a
reserve gas-check is supplied in addition for each pair of guns.
[Illustration: Vent-Bush and Vent Gas-Check.]
[Illustration: Vent-Piece, showing Hook for Head of Primer.]
The vent is pierced in a steel vent-bush, which traverses the
breech-block in the axis of the bore. The forward part of the vent
is provided with a simple arrangement for preventing the escape of
gas. A small vertical chamber contains a steel ball, which in its
normal position covers the vent completely. When the primer is fired,
the flame drives the ball up and passes on to the cartridge, but the
back-flame also striking the ball drives it down over the mouth of the
vent again and seals it. The rear end of the vent-bush is provided
with a hook for holding the primer in place for firing. The hook
itself completely covers the mouth of the vent, having a slit for the
friction-bar of the primer. It is so shaped on the rear side that the
back-flame through the vent throws it back. A small knob is fixed to
it for convenience in hooking and unhooking. This hook is so screwed
on the end of the vent-bush that it may be easily removed, and after
removing the vent-bush itself may be easily backed out of the block.
Aboard ship each gun is provided with two reserve vent-bushes.
The vent of the 8-cm. boat-gun is a right-angled one, pierced from the
face of the block to its centre, and then, turning at right angles,
passes up through the block and the wall of the gun. The joint at the
top of the block is made tight by copper bearing surfaces. This vent
has neither the ball for checking back-fire nor the primer-hook.
All guns except boat-guns are provided with a loading-box. This is a
hollow steel cylinder fitting in the loading-hole. When in place, its
forward end rests against the back of the gas-check, while the rear
end comes to the end of the cascabel, being provided with steadying
hooks that hook into the cascabel. The charge being entered in this
loading-box is pushed directly home. The boat-guns have no loading-box,
but instead the right end of the breech-block is prolonged and a
loading-hole is cut through it.
The transporting-screw removes the block by about one and three quarter
turns, as it has a very sharp pitch. Below the calibre of seventeen
centimetres there is no transporting-screw, the locking-screw serving
both purposes.
CARRIAGES
_Broadside-Carriage for the Heavy and Light 8-cm. Guns._
This carriage is of the simplest construction. It consists of two
plate-iron brackets connected and braced by through-bolts. It is
mounted on two trucks forward, and a single broad wooden rear chock.
For the light gun, breeching-holes are made in the forward part of
the carriage, the ends of the breeching shackling to bolts in the
ship’s side; for the heavy gun, the ends of the breeching shackle
to the brackets, the bight being shackled under the centre of the
port. These carriages are provided with breast-pieces for training, a
training handspike, and tackles for running out and in. The light gun
is provided with the ordinary elevating-screw, but the heavy one has
a rack, pinion, and hand-wheel for rapid and extreme elevating. The
pinion is held by a compressing lever. The trucks are of cast-iron with
brass journals.
[Illustration: Broadside-Carriage for 8-cm. Boat-Gun.]
_Broadside-Carriage for 12-cm. and 15-cm. Guns._
This carriage consists of two plate-iron brackets, a forward transom,
and two bottom plates. The trunnion-holes, as in all other carriages,
are broadened by brass journal-plates. It rests on two cast-iron trucks
forward, and in rear on a rear chock. A swivel roller is fixed in
the middle of this chock with a forked attachment, by which a trail
handspike may be shipped at an angle of about 45°. Heaving down on
this handspike lifts the rear of the carriage on the roller, and the
lateral movement permitted to the handspike enables the carriage to be
steered out. Bolted to the forward transom is a fork which, projecting
forwards, forms a pivoting point. In running out it is necessary to run
the end of this fork (which has jaws for the purpose) against the bolt
provided for it to pivot about. The rear chock is of plate-iron with a
brass shoe.
The recoil is governed by what is called the Brookwell apparatus.
This consists of a drum with a friction-band controlled by a lever at
the left side. Turns of a breeching are wrapped around the drum, the
ends being fast to it, and the bight shackling to the pivot-bolt in
the centre of the port. In running out, cranks ship on the ends of
the axle, and the breeching is in this manner wound on the drum by
heaving down the brake, the friction-band is tightened on the periphery
of the drum, thus easing the recoil. The power of the cranks is not
sufficient to enable the gun to be run out by this arrangement, and
side tackles have to be used. A reserve breeching is also kept rove,
through breeching-holes in the forward part of the brackets.
[Illustration: Brookwell Broadside-Carriage.]
The ordinary elevating-screw is used, working in a screw-box through
the rear transom.
_Slide-Carriages._
Slide-carriages are used with all guns of seventeen centimetres and
upwards. These carriages are classified as either carriages with fixed
or with movable slides; and each of these is subdivided into slides for
firing from ports or over the rail. As the necessities have arisen for
modifications, changes have been made in the details of these carriages
and slides, although the general form has remained the same. As a rule,
the pivot centre of the slides is either in the middle of the gun-port
or close to the spirketing, always forward of the body of the slide.
_Slide and Carriage for Short 24-cm. and 21-cm. Guns, Pattern 1868._
The carriage-brackets are of the double-plate pattern, having a
wrought-iron frame, and, connected by a bottom plate, forward and rear
transoms secured by angle-irons. The carriage rests on rollers, both
front and rear being on eccentric axles. The rear rollers are thrown
into action by means of levers, and the act of lifting the rear of the
carriage on the axle throws the front rollers into action. The bottoms
of the brackets are shod with brass friction-plates for travelling on
the slide. The elevating-gear consists of a metal rack and pinion. The
front edge of the rack is kept against the pinion by a smooth roller
against the rear edge. The pinion is worked by means of a lever and
capstan-head outside of the bracket. A screw-brake holds the gear fast,
it being worked by a lever. When this lever is thrown up the brake is
off, when down it is set fast. The carriage is run out and in by means
of tackles, but one tackle being used on each side. The carriage-block
for this tackle is a double block working on a hinge midway on the
forward end of the bracket. The compressing arrangement is the Elswick
pattern (see English Ordnance) of iron bars and plates worked by
rocking levers, and having a compressing lever outside of one bracket
and a regulating lever outside of the other, the former being provided
with a trip for automatic compression. The carriage has also front and
rear holding-down clips bolted to the bottom plate.
[Illustration: Carriage and Slide for 21-cm. Gun.]
[Illustration: Slide Tackle-Block.]
[Illustration: Hinged Carriage Tackle-Block.]
[Illustration: Buffer.]
The slide consists of two heavy double T-iron rails bent in front.
They are connected by three bottom plates, and an angle-iron joining
the front ends. Seven compressor-bars are laid in the centre of the
slide, and from the middle to the rear bottom plate a wooden platform
is laid. Two railway buffers are provided at either end for taking up
the shock in violent running in or out. The fighting pivot-flap is a
stout bar hinged to the front end of the slide so as to have vertical
motion; a single eye in the end enters the jaws of the pivot-shackle
in the centre of the port. The slide rests on front and rear rollers,
the front ones being permanently in action and the rear ones, on
eccentric axles, being thrown into action by levers. The 24-cm.-gun
slide is provided with a windlass for running in and out and training.
This consists on each side of the slide of a pinion turned by crank
and gearing in a spur-wheel which carries the bollard. The out and in
tackles are carried directly to the windlass. For training, the fall
of the tackle is rove through a leading-block hooked just forward of
the windlass to give a fair lead. Housing pivot-flaps are hinged at
each end of the slide, which drop and key over bolts projecting from
the deck. Bow and stern pivot-slides are provided with transporting
rollers, which ship just inside the traversing rollers and work on
eccentric axles. There are three traversing circles on the deck: the
front and rear are for the front and rear rollers, the centre one holds
the slide when it buckles from the position of the gun on it.
[Illustration: Centre Pivot-Bolt.]
[Illustration: Centre-port Pivot-Bolt.]
[Illustration: Eccentric Axle and Handspike Socket.]
[Illustration: Windlass for Training and In Tackles.]
[Illustration: Front Housing-Bolt.]
_Carriage and Slide for the Long 21-cm. Gun, Pattern 1869._
This pattern only differs from the former in being heavier braced. The
fighting pivot-flap is not hinged, but is three-armed and secures to
the slide by shackle-bolts. Shifting slides are provided with a third
pair of rollers just forward of the centre of the slide, which are
thrown in action when pivoting around the rear pivot-bolt; from their
position, they lift the forward rollers clear of the deck when in
action.
_Cabin-Carriage for the Long 21-cm. Gun._
[Illustration: Training-Gear for Cabin-Carriage.]
Owing to the cramped space for training bow and stern-guns, and the
necessity for rapid training, geared train-wheels are used in this
slide in place of the regular training-tackle. A sunken rack in the
deck, midway of the slide, forms the track for a heave mitre-wheel,
the axle of which cants up to the rear and is held by a journal in the
rear transom. On its outer end a large spur-wheel gears in an endless
screw which is revolved by cranks. The axle of this endless screw also
carries the windlass-drum for aiding the in and out tackle; it is
therefore necessary that the screw and spur-wheel can ungear. For this
purpose the main axle is in two parts, the rear one carrying a heavy
sleeve which is free to revolve, and has a female screw-thread worked
in it and handles outside for turning. A male screw-thread is worked
on the forward axle, and the end is also slotted to allow a tenon on
the after axle to fit it. By revolving the sleeve, then, the rear axle
is pushed to the rear through the rear journal, thus releasing the
spur-wheel from the screw. In this carriage there is also a slight
modification of the arrangement for jamming the elevating-gear. There
is also but one compressor-lever working as a ratchet-lever in a
ratchet-wheel on the compressor-axle. The slide-rollers of this type
are on concentric axles in action permanently.
[Illustration: Slide Rear Roller, showing Manner of Pinning the Roller
in Action.]
_Slide-Carriage for the Long 21-cm. Gun, Pattern 1873._
[Illustration: (Plan.) (Section.)
Stirrup on Carriage for Endless Chain.]
[Illustration: Rear of Slide, showing Training-Gear, Chain-Roller,
Crank, and Recessed Rear Roller for taking Recoil.]
[Illustration: Axle-Grip for Putting Training-Gear in and out of
Action.]
[Illustration: Training-Axle and Rear Chain-Axle with Gearing.]
[Illustration: Front Chain-Roller.]
[Illustration: Recoil-Hook and Countersunk Traverse.]
This pattern differs from the 1868 one in having a higher slide and
lower carriage, gearing for training the gun, and the Scott endless
chain for running out and in. The forward rollers work automatically
as in the former pattern. The levers for the rear rollers ship inside
the brackets, and heave down instead of up for putting in action. The
chain-clamp consists of a stirrup moving vertically, which carries the
chain freely when down, but when hove up by a lever jams the links
in a toothed rack. A stop on the outside of the brackets holds the
stirrup when lifted by the lever. An endless chain travels on each
side, but only one is used, the other one being kept as a reserve. The
slide-rollers are constantly in action, and are arranged to divide with
the pivot-bolt the strain of the recoil. To accomplish this the circle,
or racer, is made quite narrow, and the middle part of the roller
is hollowed out so as to grip both sides of it. The training-gear
is similar to the one for the cabin-carriage, except with regard to
connecting the screw and spur-wheel. The screw is worked on a loose
sleeve, which at its left end is toothed. A movable toothed gripe
revolving with the axle, but free to move along it, is brought to the
sleeve or retracted from it, as desired, thus revolving the screw
or leaving it free on the axle. The gripe is moved by a lever. The
screw-shaft is revolved by means of pinions at each end, which gear
in large spur-wheels. The axle of these spur-wheels carries, also,
inside the slide, the rear rollers of the endless chain. Outside of the
spur-wheels are the cranks. By this arrangement, the same gearing runs
the carriage in or out and trains the slide. If the gripe be backed
clear of the screw-sleeve, the training-gear is thrown out of action,
and by heaving up the stirrup the carriage is clamped to the chain and
run in or out. Reversing these processes, the carriage is thrown out of
action and the slide is trained to the right or left.
_Slide-Carriage for the Short 26-cm. Gun, Pattern 1875._
[Illustration: Gearing for Short 24-cm. Slide.]
This pattern is similar in general to the one just described. The
forward carriage-rollers are automatic eccentric ones, the rear work
by levers, the Scott chain-gear is used for running in and out, and
similar training-gear is used. The pivot-bolt does not bear any of the
shock of the recoil, it being taken up partially by the slide-rollers
and partially by a cramp fixed to the forward end of the slide and
travelling in an undercut circle on the deck. The slide inclines to the
rear to facilitate running out.
[Illustration: Hydraulic Recoil Cylinder and Piston.]
The main difference between this carriage and the others is the use of
a hydraulic recoil cylinder working in a manner quite different from
the English style. The cylinder itself is of steel, and is hung on
trunnions _to the carriage_. The piston-rod runs completely through it,
and is secured at each end of the slide. Both ends of the cylinder are
closed by cast-iron heads with stuffing-glands. The forward head, being
the one which receives the violence of the recoil, is secured by a
heavy iron brace which fastens to the cylinder trunnions. The cylinder
is filled with glycerine, the filling and drip holes being both at the
rear end. It rests and slides on a bed fixed along the middle of the
slide. The arrangement for checking recoil, and also for governing
violent movements of the carriage, is contained in the piston-head.
This head is made up of two discs which are bolted together, the
interior face of each being hollowed out so as to form a chamber in the
piston-head. Four holes are bored through each disc into the chamber,
but they are not in line, the hole in one disc coming opposite a blank
in the other. Four small valves close the inner ends of the forward
holes, and these valves are secured to a plate which is free to move
back and forth in the little chamber, and thus open or close the holes.
A rod from the back of this plate passes through the hollow rear end
of the piston-rod, and seats against a carriage-spring on the rear
transom of the slide. This spring holds the valves forward, closing the
forward piston-holes. A small hand-lever on the valve-rod enables it
to be drawn back, thus opening the valves at will. The action of the
compressor is as follows: The recoil of the gun carries the cylinder to
the rear and violently contracts the space forward of the piston-head;
the oil is forced with violence through the forward holes, pressing
back the small valves and escaping by the other holes to the rear of
the cylinder. As the recoil ceases, the force of the spring carries
the valve-stem and its valves forward again, closing the holes. The
gun is held thus in position, as it cannot run out unless the valves
permit the oil to pass into the forward end of the cylinder again. The
pressure, however, comes against the back of the valves and keeps them
closed. A slight turn of the hand-lever opens the valves, and the oil
gaining free passage permits the gun to run out. The moment that the
gun starts, however, to run out violently, a single movement closes the
valves and the gun is held fast.
[Illustration: Piston-Head.]
[Illustration: Rear End of Piston-Rod and Connections.]
_Slide-Carriage for the Short 24-cm. Gun, Pattern 1876._
This carriage differs in no important point from the last mentioned,
except in the training-gear, which is more compactly arranged. The
training-shaft carries on its rear end, instead of a large spur-wheel,
a small mitre-wheel. Instead of the endless screw on the shaft, there
is a mitre-pinion worked on a loose sleeve and having the same locking
apparatus as the one before mentioned. The outer gearing for revolving
the train-work is similar to what has been described; the axle carrying
the endless-chain rollers, however, is not continued across the slide,
but each wheel is independent, its axle seating in a journal inside the
slide.
_Slide-Carriage for 17-cm., 15-cm., and 12-cm. Guns._
These carriages are of the ordinary pattern and simple in detail. The
carriage-rollers are like the others, automatic forward and worked by
levers in rear. The elevating-gear is rack and pinion style for the
17-cm., and simple screw for the others. In the carriages previous to
1875, breechings are used. Where the gun is not a shifting one, the
bight is rove through holes in the forward ends of the brackets; where
it is shifting, the ends of the breeching shackle to the brackets. The
forward slide-rollers are permanently in action, the rear ones are
worked by levers. Where the slide is a shifting one, a third pair of
eccentric rollers is midway of the slide and canted for rear-pivoting.
The carriage is held on the slide by front and rear clips. Carriages
later than 1875, unless they are of the newest type, have Elswick
compressors; the latest have the before-mentioned hydraulic recoil
cylinder in some instances, and in others the English style. These
slides all have rear housing-bolts as above described. Where the
fighting pivot-arm is long, a front housing-bolt and lip are used; if
it is short, there is none. Tackles are used entirely for running in
and out.
_Half-Slide Carriage for the 17-cm. Gun, Pattern 1875._
[Illustration: (Side View.)]
[Illustration: (End View.)
Half-Slide Carriage for 17-cm. Gun.]
The general plan of slide and carriage is similar to the foregoing.
The slide is, however, very low and short, its rollers being
permanently in action. The carriage has two front rollers on eccentric
axles worked by levers. The rear of the carriage is somewhat longer
than ordinary, and under it is hung a single long roller, which, when
the gun is run out, does not touch the deck. In recoiling it drops to
the deck and supports the rear of the carriage. The recoil is checked
by the Elswick compressor, and in addition a breeching is provided,
whose bight runs through holes in the front of the bracket. Rack and
pinion elevating-gear is used. In slides intended for shifting ports,
the rollers can be turned around a vertical axis and be locked so as to
move the slide sideways.
_Slide-Carriages for Light Guns Firing over the Rail._
The only difference between these and the others is that the slide is
much higher and is centre-pivoting. In order to take off the shock of
recoil from the pivot-bolt, the slide-rollers overlap the circles on
both sides.
_Slide-Carriage for the 30½-cm. Gun for Armored Gun-boats._
The general principle of the carriage is the same as the ordinary
one. Its front and rear rollers are the same, and the elevating-gear
is the rack and pinion type, the power being increased in accordance
with the greater weight to be moved. The carriage is heavier braced,
having three transoms in place of two. There are no out-tackles or
chain-gearing, the slope of the slide (6°) being sufficient to run
the gun out by its own weight. When it is necessary to run it in,
in-tackles are used, the falls being taken over windlass-heads on the
rear hurter of the slide. The slide is centre-pivoting, and traverses
on four heavy rollers which overlap the edges of the circles to take
the force of the recoil. A cramp under the forward end of the slide
moving in an undercut circle on deck also takes the recoil shock.
The gun is traversed by gearing. Just inside the roller-circles is
a circular rack into which a pinion gears; the inner end of the
pinion-axle carries a mitre-wheel whose upper and lower cogs gear in
mitre-pinions which are worked on loose sleeves on a vertical axle.
Between these pinions, revolving with the axle, but free to move
vertically, is an iron grip which catches in the upper or lower pinion,
according as it is desired to sweep the gun to the right or left. The
vertical axle passes down to the lower deck, where is a train-work
with crank-handles to be revolved by six men. By means of the single
grip arrangement between the mitre-pinions, the gun may be traversed
to the right or left or stopped without reversing the motion of the
crank-handles below. The hydraulic recoil cylinder above described
is used to check the recoil and control the running out of the gun.
A sheet-iron musket-proof shelter is raised on the slide for the
protection of the gun’s crew. For lifting the projectile to the gun
a derrick is fixed at the rear of the slide. The fall of the whip is
taken around a windlass-head, and the davit is swung around by means of
an endless screw and pinion.
[Illustration: Front Half of Slide for Centre-Pivoting Gun-boat
Carriage.]
[Illustration: Gear below Deck for Revolving Gun-boat Carriage.]
_Turret-Carriage for the 21-cm. Gun (Arminius)._
[Illustration: Turret-Carriage for Minimum Port. (See next page.)]
The turret-slide is fixed, and forms a part of the turret. The rails
incline forward at an angle of 6°, so that out-tackles are unnecessary.
The carriage-rollers are of the ordinary type. But one lever is used
in throwing the rear trucks in action, as there is not room to work on
the inside of the carriage. For running in, two chains shackle to the
turret in rear of the gun and pass over a drum in the centre of the
carriage. The drum is revolved by gearing. The recoil is controlled by
the Elswick compressor. The elevating-gear is the single-screw type.
_Turret-Carriage for the 24-cm. Gun, Pattern 1874._
This carriage, intended for a small port, differs in height and shape
from the previous ones in order to permit a vertical elevation and
depression of the gun-trunnions. It is built on the double-plate plan,
with heavy transoms and bottom plates. The four carriage-rollers are
arranged in the usual manner, the levers for throwing the rear trucks
in action being moved by a tackle. The elevating-gear is fixed to the
chase of the gun forward of the trunnions. It is of the ordinary rack
and pinion type, but does not connect with the carriage, being hung in
a frame which projects from the trunnions. The gun is run in and out by
means of the endless-chain gear, the gearing being connected to a long
shaft outside of the turret, to which three hand-wheels are attached.
These hand-wheels are of course underneath the upper deck, coming out
directly under the port. The recoil is governed by a hydraulic recoil
piston, the arrangement in this case being identical with the English
system. (See English Ordnance.) The trunnions have three positions, the
lower, middle, and upper. They are supported in a saddle whose arms
travel in a framework in the brackets, being supported by iron blocks
inserted through holes in the sides of the brackets. The saddle is
raised by a hydraulic press, which is so fixed in the turret that the
piston takes against the bottom of the saddle when the gun is run out.
The details of this arrangement are precisely similar to those of the
corresponding English turret-carriage. The slide-rails are fixed in
the turret with a slope to the front of 5°. In addition to the chain
nipping-gear and the hydraulic recoil piston, the gun-carriage is
provided with bow-compressors on each side. (See English Ordnance.)
_Boat-Carriages._
The boat-carriage complete consists of a wooden slide bound together
in front and rear by iron plates, and a composite carriage made up of
a wooden bed surmounted by an iron bed-plate and bracket-frames for
the trunnions. Two buffers are put at the rear of the slide to take an
over-recoil. The elevating-gear is the simple screw and hand-wheel. The
compressor is a brass-faced block whose upper side takes in undercut
spaces in the slide. The block is held up and tightened by a screw and
hand-clamp. For transporting the boat-carriage and gun together a small
block-cart is used, which is nothing more than a heavy, flat, wooden
body provided with an axle and two gun-trucks.
[Illustration: Boat-Carriage.]
_Field-Carriages._
The field-carriage is of the ordinary type, consisting of two straight
iron brackets, strengthened along the upper edge by angle-irons, and
curved to form a sole at the bottom. To this a trunnion socket-frame
is bolted. The brackets are braced by transoms and by two side rods.
An iron axle bolts to the under side of the brackets just in rear of
the trunnion-holes. The wheels are wooden with brass hub-boxes and
iron tires. The elevating-gear is of the plain screw and hand-wheel
pattern. A limber is provided with this carriage which carries two
ammunition-boxes, each of which holds six rounds of shell and the
corresponding cartridges (not fixed to the projectile). The carriage
itself also carries two ammunition-boxes of the same size.
[Illustration: Field-Carriage.]
GUNPOWDER.
[Illustration]
The gunpowder used for the majority of naval guns is of the kind
known as prismatic powder. Of this there are two classes. The first,
for use with the heaviest calibres, is solid; that for medium
calibres is pierced with holes longitudinally—for the high calibres
with one central hole, and for the medium with seven. Large-grained
cannon-powder is used in shell-guns, whilst the usual classes of
small-grained powder is used with small-arms and for shell-charges.
Prismatic powder is invariably used for battering-charges in all
calibres, the gradation with regard to time of burning being obtained
by the holes pierced through the grains: slow powder, solid; medium,
one hole; quick, seven holes.
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used in the German Navy are shot, shell, case-shot, and
shrapnel. Shot are either solid or hollow for the lighter calibres,
and hollow for the heavy ones. They are of ordinary cast-iron, chilled
cast-iron, and steel, the solid shot being invariably made of ordinary
cast-iron. They are of two different types, according to the style of
rifling arrangement. In the earlier patterns, all projectiles were
provided with a lead belt extending from the shoulder to within about
two inches of the base. To receive and hold this jacket, broad shallow
grooves were cut around the circumference of the projectile, the
ridges left having slots cut through them at intervals to resist the
tendency of the jacket to slew around. The jacket was moulded around
the projectile and zinc-soldered. Corresponding with the grooves in the
projectile, there were grooves in the jacket to receive the overflow of
metal forced back when the projectile took the rifling.
[Illustration: Chilled Shot. Common Shell. Chilled Shot. Common Shell.
Long Shell. Segment Shell. Common Shell.
27-cm. Gun. 15-cm. Gun. 17-cm. 8-cm.]
In the late patterns, instead of a jacket, two rings are used; the
forward one being for centring or holding steady the head of the
projectile, and the rear and larger one for rifling. This rear one is
provided with grooves to receive the overflow of metal. Both rings are
copper. The steel and chilled shot are very similar in appearance.
Shell are similar in exterior shape and appointment to shot, and are
all made of ordinary cast-iron. Double shell (see English Ordnance) are
used with the 17-cm. and 15-cm. calibres.
Case-shot are of the ordinary pattern.
Shrapnel are only used with boat-guns, and are similar in construction
to the English. (See English Ordnance.)
Solid shot are used only with the 17-cm. and 15-cm. guns.
Case-shot are not used with boat-guns.
Hollow-shot, shell, and case-shot are used with all the higher calibres.
Fuses are not used with hollow-shot, the bases of which are closed by a
gun-metal screw-plug.
FUSES.
[Illustration: German Percussion Fuse.]
Both percussion and time fuses are used in the shells of all calibres.
The percussion fuse consists of a plunger having a fire-hole through
the centre and surmounted by a pointed anvil. This is dropped into the
fuse-hole of the shell, and hangs on a shoulder in the wall of the
fuse-hole. Even with the point of the anvil a hole is bored through
the wall of the shell horizontally, into which a pin is inserted whose
inner end covers the anvil and keeps it from going forward. A gun-metal
case screws into the end of the fuze-hole, and into this screws a small
cap carrying the fulminating composition. When the gun is fired the
centrifugal force throws the pin out, and when the projectile strikes
the plunger rides forward against the fulminate and explodes it. The
fulminate-cap and the pin are not inserted until the projectile is
brought to the gun, the mouth of the fuse-hole being kept sealed by a
wafer. The Krupp time-fuse consists of a gun-metal body which screws
into the fuse-hole and has two chambers. The lower one, containing
the blowing-charge, opens into the shell. It is solid to the rear,
except a diagonal channel on one side which is pierced up and opens on
a small table which carries the fuse-composition disc. The latter is
circular and on the principle of the Bormann fuse, its exterior wall
being marked for seconds and fractions. The upper chamber of the fuse
is open at its upper extremity and closed at the lower, except several
side channels leading to the composition disc. In the bottom of this
chamber is a pointed anvil. The fuse-cap is ogival and screws over the
tipper chamber, fitting tightly down on the composition disc. In this
cap is a plunger loaded with fulminating composition at its lower end,
and suspended by five small tenons. The composition is ignited by the
percussion part of the fuse on firing. A safety-pin passes through the
fuse-cap and plunger, and is withdrawn when the shell is brought to the
gun.
[Illustration: German Time-Fuse.]
PRIMERS.
Friction primers are used altogether. These are of the same type as
those used with English guns. (See English Ordnance.)
SIGHTS.
[Illustration: Sight-Bush and Clamp.]
[Illustration: Rear-Sight.]
[Illustration: Front-Sight.]
[Illustration: Rear-Sight for Light Guns.]
The sights used with naval guns are all of the tangent pattern, and
all except the boat-guns are provided with sights on both sides. The
socket for the tangent-sight is bored through the breech-piece, the
upper part having steel or bronze bushing and a clamp-screw passing
through at right angles. The sight is cylindrical, with a flat rear
surface on which is marked elevations to sixteenths of degrees. On the
left cylindrical side, elevations for every 100 metres are marked for
common shell, and on the right for chilled or steel shot. The head of
the sight consists of a rectangular cross-head fastened to the top of
the bar, in whose upper surface a swallow-tailed groove is cut in which
travels the sight-notch. On the face of the cross-head, gradations of
sixteenths of a degree corresponding to elevations are marked, and the
sight-notch carries a small pointer. The gradations are marked each
way so as to account for drift and deviation to the right or left. The
forward sight is cylindrical, with a conical point, and screws into
the trunnion-hoop. Sights for boat-guns differ in having gradations
only on the rear face, and the sliding leaf works by an endless screw.
These sights are all vertical. With some boat-guns, however, the
tangent-sight is placed at a permanent angle of deflection, in which
case there is no sliding leaf.
ITALIAN ORDNANCE.
A = Calibre.
B = Over all.
C = Rifled Bore.
D = Powder Chamber.
-------------------------+------+----------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | LENGTH.
CLASSIFICATION. | |
| +-------+-------+------
| A | B | C | D
| | | |
-------------------------+------+-------+-------+------
| In. | In. | In. | In.
Armstrong pattern
Muzzle-loaders.
43 cm. | 17 | 392 | 311.3 | 52
28 ” New Model | 11 | 173 | 120.5 | 24.4
28 ” Old ” | 11 | 173 | 119 | 26
25 ” No. 1 Long | 10.1 | 173.2 | 119.1 | 26
25 ” ” Short | 10.1 | 167.6 | 113.9 | 26
25 ” No. 2 | 10.1 | 156.1 | 111.1 | 14
22 ” | 9 | 156.1 | 105.6 | 19.7
20 ” | 8 | 130 | 88.6 | 15.8
Cast-iron Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” Wrought-iron Tube | 6.5 | 142.1 | 104 | 13.8
16 ” | 6.5 | 126.7 | 94.1 | 13.9
Armstrong Breech-loader.
12 ” | 4.7 | | 70.4 | 19.7
Bronze Breech-loader.
7.5 ” | 2.95| 70.1 | 52.4 | 10.2
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
8 ” | 3.4 | | 45.3 | 9.8
8 ” | 3.4 | | 31.9 | 3.5
Cast-Iron Muzzle-loader.
12 ” | 4.77| | 73.3 | 6.3
-------------------------+------+-------+-------+------
E = Number of Grooves.
F = Twist of Rifling.
G = Gun entire, including Breech-block.
H = Preponderance.
-------------------------+----+-------+---------+--------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | | WEIGHT. |
CLASSIFICATION. | | | |
| | +---------+
| E | F | G | H
| | | |
-------------------------+----+-------+---------+--------
| | Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.
Armstrong pattern
Muzzle-loaders.
43 cm. | 27 | 0/45 | 222,300 | 9,980
28 ” New Model | 9 | 0/35 | 55,800 |
28 ” Old ” | 8 | 0/45 | 55,800 |
25 ” No. 1 Long | 7 | 0/40 | 40,100 |
25 ” ” Short | 7 | 0/40 | 40,400 |
25 ” No. 2 | 8 | 55 | 27,000 | 620
22 ” | 6 | 0/43 | 28,260 |
20 ” | 6 | 45 | 15,680 | 805
Cast-iron Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” Wrought-iron Tube | 6 | 42.5 | 11,440 | 1,065
16 ” | 6 | 42.5 | 7,920 | 924
Armstrong Breech-loader.
12 ” | 27 | | 2,640 | 59.4
Bronze Breech-loader.
7.5 ” | 12 | 48.6 | 596 | 79.2
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
8 ” | 6 | 25 | 726 |
8 ” | 6 | 25 | 240 |
Cast-Iron Muzzle-loader.
12 ” | 6 | 27 | 2,948 |
-------------------------+----+-------+---------+--------
A = Weight of Carriages.
B = Height of Axis of Trunnions above Deck-level.
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Ordinary.
G = Saluting.
-------------------------+--------+----+----------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. | | +----------------+-----------
| | | Weight | Bursting
| | | Complete. | Charge.
| | +-----+----+-----+-----+-----
| A | B | C | D | E | D | E
-------------------------+--------+----+-----+----+-----+-----+-----
| Lbs. | In.| Lbs.|Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.
Armstrong pattern | | | | | | |
Muzzle-loaders.
43 cm. | | |2,000| | | 37 |
28 ” New Model |17,820 | 52 | 528|528 | 200 | 5.7| 26
28 ” Old ” |17,820 | 52 | 528|530 | 200 | 5.7| 26
25 ” No. 1 Long |15,750 | 44 | 294|300 | 188 | 5 | 24
25 ” ” Short |15,590 | 46 | 294|300 | 188 | 5 | 24
25 ” No. 2 |12,620 | 42 | 288|284 | 135 | 3.3| 18
22 ” |12,620 | 42 | 248|252 | 99 | 2.2| 19
20 ” | 7,480 | 34 | 156|150 | 79 | 1.3| 9.7
Cast-iron Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” Wrought-iron Tube | 4,540 | 46 | | 65 | 33 | | 2.3
16 ” | 1,287 | | | 66 | 33 | | 3.3
Armstrong Breech-loader.
12 ” | | | | 35 | | | 2.6
Bronze Breech-loader.
7.5 ” | 477.4| | | 8 | 9 | | .5
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
8 ” | 587.4| | | 9 | 9.25| | .7
8 ” | 176 | | | 9 | 4.4| | .7
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader.
12 ” | 550 | | | 26 | 22.6| | 3.1
-------------------------+--------+----+-----+----+-----+-----+-----
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Ordinary.
G = Saluting.
-------------------------+-----------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE.
CLASSIFICATION. |-----+------+----+-----
| D | E | F | G
-------------------------+-----+------+----+-----
| Lbs.| Lbs. |Lbs.| Lbs.
Armstrong pattern | | | |
Muzzle-loaders.
43 cm. | 471 | | |
28 ” New Model | 95 | 95 | 66 |
28 ” Old ” | 95 | 95 | 66 |
25 ” No. 1 Long | 77 | 77 | 53 |
25 ” ” Short | 77 | 77 | 53 |
25 ” No. 2 | 64 | 64 | 42 |
22 ” | 60 | 60 | 37 |
20 ” | 44 | 44 | 24 |
Cast-iron Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” Wrought-iron Tube | 20 | 20 | 7 | 8
16 ” | | 7.7 | | 8
Armstrong Breech-loader.
12 ” | | 5.5 | | 2.2
Bronze Breech-loader.
7.5 ” | | 1.5 | | 1.4
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
8 ” | | 1.2 | | 1.2
8 ” | | .7 | | 1
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader.
12 ” | | 3.3 | | 2.2
-------------------------+-----+------+----+-----
A = Chilled.
B = Common.
C = Penetration.
-------------------------+---------------+-----------------+------
NAME, NATURE, AND | Initial | Working Effect. |
CLASSIFICATION. | Velocity. | |
+-------+-------+--------+--------+
| A | B | A | B | C
| | | | |
-------------------------+-------+-------+--------+--------+------
| Ft. | Ft. |Ft.Tons.|Ft.Tons.| In.
Armstrong pattern
Muzzle-loaders.
43 cm. | 1,584 | | 34,550 | | 22.8
28 ” New Model | 1,312 | 1,312 | 6,300 | 6,300 | 12.1
28 ” Old ” | 1,312 | 1,312 | 6,262 | 6,330 | 12.1
25 ” No. 1 Long | 1,410 | 1,399 | 5,369 | 5,390 | 11.7
25 ” ” Short | 1,410 | 1,399 | 5,369 | 5,390 | 11.7
25 ” No. 2 | 1,410 | 1,420 | 3,952 | 3,970 | 10
22 ” | 1,476 | 1,476 | 3,731 | 3,790 | 10.3
20 ” | 1,476 | 1,509 | 2,345 | 2,345 | 8.7
Cast-iron Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” Wrought-iron Tube | | 1,525 | | 1,066 |
16 ” | | 1,026 | | 483 |
Armstrong Breech-loader.
12 ” | | 1,368 | | 457 |
Bronze Breech-loader.
7.5 ” | | 1,312 | | 97.5|
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
8 ” | | 1,040 | | 63.4|
8 ” | | 764 | | 33.8|
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader.
12 ” | | 1,095 | | 12 |
-------------------------+-------+-------+--------+--------+------
The standard Italian naval ordnance is the Armstrong muzzle-loader.
There are some batteries of breech-loaders of the French type, and
now that the Armstrong 100-ton gun has become a part of the standard
ordnance, the government have ordered them made breech-loading
with the Armstrong breech mechanism. The guns are to be provided
with arrangements for both breech and muzzle loading. With the
breech-loading, as the block is turned to unlock it, a grip on the end
of a hydraulic piston in rear takes in a slot in the block, and when
the latter is unlocked, a movement of the piston to the rear withdraws
it from the gun to a small car having a transverse motion by which the
block is carried sideways so as to unmask the bore. An iron cylinder
is then inserted and pushed up to the rear of the powder-chamber as
a loading-plate, guarding the screw-threads from injury. The charge,
being raised by a hydraulic press in the usual manner, is forced home
by a hydraulic rammer, and the breech-block is closed by its car
and piston. The Gatling gun is used, and there has been an attempt
to introduce the Albertini machine-gun, which is used in the army.
Although of native manufacture, it has not as yet been received with
much favor, being still too complicated in its mechanism, although the
instrument is not as yet perfected.
GREEK ORDNANCE.
The armament of the Greek Navy is exclusively of Armstrong
muzzle-loaders.
DUTCH ORDNANCE.
The standard naval ordnance of Holland is at present the Krupp type.
Many of their vessels have batteries of Armstrong muzzle-loaders, and
there are a few Finspong guns. The Hotchkiss machine-gun has been
adopted for torpedo defence. (See page 305.)
JAPANESE ORDNANCE.
The standard Japanese naval ordnance is the Krupp. There are a few
batteries of Armstrong muzzle-loaders, but none are now purchased.
SWEDISH ORDNANCE.
A = Calibre.
B = Over all.
C = Rifled Bore.
D = Powder Chamber.
E = Number of Grooves.
F = Twist of Rifling.
G = Gun complete, including Breech-block.
H = Breech-block.
------------------+-----+-----------------+----+-----+------------
NAME, NATURE, AND| | LENGTH. | | | WEIGHT.
CLASSIFICATION. | +----+------+-----+ | +--------+----
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H
-----------------+-----+----+------+-----+----+-----+--------+----
| In. | In.| In. | In. | | Cal.| Lbs. | Lbs.
Rifled Breech-loaders, cast-iron with steel hoops.
27 cm. | 10.8| 210| 162 | 30.3| 5 | 29.2 | 52,088| 770
24 ” | 9.4| 179| 133 | 26.6| 5 | 29.3 | 31,800| 528
16 ” | 6.6| 135| 89.5| 16.8| 5 | 29.8 | 12,000| 170
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader, Rifle.
12 ” | 4.6| 102| 97 | 13.6| 4 | 40 | 4,200|
Cast-iron Smooth-bores.
15 in | 15 | 146| | | | | 43,000|
9 ” | 9 | 158| | | | | 38,000|
------------------+-----+----+------+-----+----+------+-------+-----
NORWEGIAN ORDNANCE.
------------------+-----+----+------+-----+----+------+-------+-----
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
27 cm. | 10.5| 162| 110.6| 20.5| 8 | 55 | 40,500|
27 ” | 10.5| 176| 120 | 25 | 8 | 55 | 43,400|
27 ” | 10.5| 206| | | | | 47,700|
20 ” | 8 | 130| 85.7 | 18.8| 6 | 50 | 16,700|
Palliser Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” | 6.6| 139| 85.7 | 18.5| 3 | 34.1 | 11,000|
15 ” | 6.1| 123| 93.2 | 10.8| 3 | 34.1 | 7,700|
Krupp Breech-loaders.
26 ” | 10.2| 225| 160.5| 34 | 60 | 45 | 48,400|1,960
15 ” | 5.9| 152| 112 | 22.6| 36 | 45 | 8,800| 304
------------------+-----+----+------+-----+----+------+-------+-----
A = Preponderance.
B = Upper Carriage.
C = Slide.
D = Height of Axis of Gun above Deck-level.
E = Chilled.
F = Common.
SWEDISH ORDNANCE
------------------+-----+------------------+------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND| |CARRIAGE. | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. | +------+------+----+------------+-----------
| | | | | Complete | Bursting
| | | | | Weight. | Charge.
| | | | +-----+------+-----+-----
| A | B | C | D | E | F | E | F
------------------+-----+------+------+----+-----+------+-----+-----
| Lbs.| Lbs. | Lbs. | In.| Lbs.| Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.
Rifled Breech-loaders, cast-iron with steel hoops.
27 cm. | 127 |23,076|23,076| 49 | 475 | 396 | | 23.2
24 ” | 220 | 5,370| | 45 | 317 | 220 | | 9.3
16 ” | 403 | 2,105| 2,200| 40 | 107 | 76.5| | 3.7
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader, Rifle.
12 ” | 85 | 2,105| 900| 41 | 34 | | | 2.2
Cast-iron Smooth-bores.
15 in. | 253 | | | 31 | 430 | 340 | | 14
9 ” | 53 | | | 31 | 150 | 112 | | 5.8
------------------+-----+------+------+----+-----+------+-----+-----
NORWEGIAN ORDNANCE
------------------+-----+------+------+----+-----+------+-----+-----
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
27 cm. |1,340| 6,720| | 28 | 385 | 308 | 6 | 21
27 ” | 440| 7,600| 8,000| 38 | 385 | 308 | 6 | 21
27 ” | 403| | | | | | |
20 ” | 761| 7,000| 7,000| 39 | 149 | 149 | 1.76| 10.1
Palliser Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” | 246| 1,880| 2,150| 43 | | 82.5| | 3.3
15 ” | 246| 1,000| 2,300| 43 | | 58 | | 3
Krupp Breech-loaders.
26 ” | 756|20,608|20,608| 52 | 462 | 380 |59.4 | 21
15 ” | 160| 5,600| 5,600| 41 | 86 | 70 | 1.1 | 5
------------------+-----+------+------+----+-----+------+-----+-----
A = Chilled.
B = Common.
C = Penetration.
SWEDISH ORDNANCE
---------------+---------+-----------+---------------+-----+---------
NAME, NATURE, | Powder | Initial | Working | | Remarks.
AND | Charge.| Velocity. | Effect. | |
CLASSIFICATION.+----+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+ |
| A | B | A | B | A | B | C |
---------------+----+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+---------
|Lbs.|Lbs.|Feet.|Feet.|Ft Tons|Ft Tons|In. |
Rifled Breech-loaders, cast-iron with steel hoops.
27 cm. |98 |66 |1,364| | 6,153 | |12 |
24 ” |59.4|37.4|1,322|1,476| 3,763 | 3,333 |10 |Finspong
16 ” |23.3|17.6|1,377|1,591| 1,414 | 1,347 |7.36|Rifles.
---------------+----+----+-----+-----+-------+--------+----+---------
Cast-iron Muzzle-loader, Rifle.
12 ” | 6.5| 4.4| |1,456| | 509 | |
Cast-iron Smooth-bores.
15 in. |50.1|35 |1,213| | | | |
9 ” |24.8|17.6| | | | | |
---------------+----+----+-----+-----+-------+--------+----+---------
NORWEGIAN ORDNANCE
---------------+----+----+-----+-----+-------+--------+----+---------
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
27 cm. |66 |38.5|1,302|1,148| 4,541 | 3,156 |10.5|
27 ” |71.5|38.5|1,371|1,148| 5,032 | 3,156 |11 |
27 ” | | | | | | | |
20 ” |29.7|19.8|1,364|1,148| 1,938 | 1,360 | 7.9|
Palliser Muzzle-loaders.
16 ” |22 |11 | |1,138| | 742 | 7.1|
15 ” | | 7.1| |1,115| | 404 | |
Krupp Breech-loaders.
26 ” |99 |81.4|1,584|1,584| 7,933 | 6,644 |14 |
15 ” |18.7|18.7|1,590|1,640| 1,528 | | 8 |
---------------+----+----+-----+-----+-------+--------+----+---------
The Norwegian ordnance is both smooth-bore and rifled, the smooth-bore
guns being of the Rodman (see page 283) and the rifles of the Krupp
style. The Swedes manufacture their own breech-loaders, having chosen
for their standard the French type of cast-iron body reinforced by
steel hoops. These guns, known as the Finspong breech-loaders, have
proved very satisfactory, the Swedish cast-iron being second only to
American in excellence. The breech-blocks and steel hoops for these
guns are all made in France. Two types of machine-guns, which have
found general favor in Europe, are of Swedish invention.
_The Nordenfeldt Machine-Gun._
This gun, which has been experimented with in the English Navy, is
intended as a defence against torpedo-boats. It has four barrels placed
in line, having a calibre of one inch, to fire a half-pound steel
projectile. The projectiles are placed in guides behind the rear of
the barrels, and by the movement of a lever are sent into the chamber,
fired, and the empty shell extracted. Gearing worked by hand-wheels
gives elevation and direction. The fire is rapid from this gun, and
the results have been excellent for penetration. Weight of the gun
complete, about 1000 pounds.
[Illustration]
_The Palmcrantz Machine-Gun._
The Palmcrantz mitrailleuse is a machine-gun for firing small-arm
ammunition. It has ten barrels placed side by side and secured in
a frame, the rear ends of the barrels being screwed into a single
bar-transom, behind which the lock mechanism is placed in a flat
rectangular box. The system is mounted on a swivel in such a manner as
to give it free motion for elevating and depressing or sweeping. An
eccentric cam attached to the crank-axle can be thrown into gear, by
means of which the barrels are given an automatic sweep through a small
arc. The whole gun is compact and light. Each barrel has a separate
feeder, so that the velocity of discharge is very great, the barrels
being fired in succession.
RUSSIAN ORDNANCE.
A = Calibre.
B = Length over all.
C = Number of Grooves.
D = Twist of Rifling.
E = Weight of Gun, including Breech-block.
F = Preponderance.
-----------------+------+-------+----+----+--------+-------
NAME, NATURE, AND| | | | | |
CLASSIFICATION. | A | B | C | D | E | F
-----------------+------+-------+----+----+--------+-------
| In. | In. | |Cal.| Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp Russian pattern steel Breech-loaders.
Finished. | | | | | |
12 in. | 12 | 240.8 | 36 | | 89,173 | 1,958
11 ” | 11 | 219 | 36 | 70 | 57,280 | 0
9 ” | 9 | 180 | 32 | 60 | 33,150 | 440
9 ” | 9 | 156 | 32 | 60 | 29,920 | 748
8 ” | 8 | 175 | 30 | 60 | 19,820 | 440
Unfinished. | | | | | |
6 ” | 6 | 140 | 24 | 45 | 9,370 | 352
8 ” | 8 | 175 | 30 | 60 | 17,570 | 792
6 ” | 6 | 146 | 24 | 45 | 10,090 | 1,078
9 pdr. | 4.2 | | 16 | | 1,738 |
4 ” | 3.4 | 70 | 12 | 40 | 792 | 88
Bronze Rifled Muzzle-loaders.
8 pdr. | 4 | | | | 1,650 |
4 ” | 3.4 | | | | 809 |
+------+-------+----+----+--------+-------
4 ” | 3.4 | | | | 865 |
| | | | | |
-----------------+------+-------+----+----+--------+-------
American pattern cast-iron Smooth-bore Muzzle-loaders.
20 in. | 20 | | | | 96,360 |
15 ” new | 15 | 180 | | | 72,160 | 0
15 ” old | 15 | 170 | | | 43,340 | 1,078
10¾ ” | 10.75| 168 | | | 26,180 | 1,333
60 pdr. No. 1 | 7.6 | 135 | | | 10,780 | 792
60 ” ” 2 | 7.6 | | | | 7,040 |
36 ” ” 1 | 6.8 | | | | 7,040 |
36 ” ” 2 | 6.8 | | | | 5,610 |
36 ” ” 3 | 6.8 | | | | 4,590 |
36 ” ” 4 | 6.8 | | | | 4,240 |
30 ” ” 1 | 6.4 | | | | 6,864 |
30 ” ” 2 | 6.4 | | | | 5,214 |
30 ” ” 3 | 6.4 | | | | 4,330 |
30 ” ” 4 | 6.4 | | | | 1,770 |
-----------------+------+-------+----+----+--------+-------
G = Weight of Upper Carriage.
H = Steel.
I = Chilled.
J = Common.
-----------------+--------+---------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND| | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. | +---------------------------
| | Complete Weight.
| +------+------+-------------
| G | H | I | J
-----------------+--------+------+------+-------------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp Russian pattern steel Breech-loaders.
Finished. | | | |
12 in. | | 649 | | 644
11 ” | 10,604 | 495 | 462 | 439
9 ” | | 270 | 264 | 267
9 ” | | 270 | 264 | 267
8 ” | 4,686 | 180 | 191 | 172
Unfinished. | | | |
6 ” | 3,508 | 96 | 85.4| 84
8 ” | 4,868 | 180 | 191 | 182
6 ” | 3,322 | 96 | 85.4| 84
9 pdr. | 693 | | | 24
4 ” | 739 | | | 14
Bronze Rifled Muzzle-loaders.
8 pdr. | 666 | | | 26
4 ” | 603 | | | 11.5
+--------+------+------+-------------
4 ” | 603 | Cast-iron | 13.5
| | Round Shot. |
-----------------+--------+------+------+-------------
American pattern cast-iron Smooth-bore Muzzle-loaders.
20 in. | | 1,000| 1,000|
15 ” new | | 440| 440| 373
15 ” old | 6,270 | 440| 440| 373
10¾ ” | | 160| 160|
60 pdr. No. 1 | 2,220 | 57.7| 57.7| 43
60 ” ” 2 | 1,518 | 57.7| 57.7| 43
36 ” ” 1 | 1,518 | 40 | 40| 29
36 ” ” 2 | 1,210 | 40 | 40| 29
36 ” ” 3 | 990 | 40 | 40| 29
36 ” ” 4 | 790 | 40 | 40| 29
30 ” ” 1 | 1,408 | 32 | 32| 26
30 ” ” 2 | 1,188 | 32 | 32| 26
30 ” ” 3 | 1,528 | 32 | 32| 26
30 ” ” 4 | | 32 | 32| 26
-----------------+--------+------+------+-------------
A = Steel.
B = Chilled.
C = Common.
D = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
E = Common Shells.
F = Ordinary.
G = Saluting.
----------------+-----------------+--------------------
| PROJECTILES. | POWDER CHARGE.
NAME, NATURE, +-----------------+-----+----+----+----
AND | Bursting Charge.| | | |
CLASSIFICATION.+----+-----+------+ | | |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G
---------------+----+-----+------+-----+----+----+----
|Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs. |Lbs. |Lbs.|Lbs.|Lbs.
Krupp Russian pattern steel Breech-loaders. | |
Finished.
12 in. | | | 16 |121 | |58.5|
11 ” | 12 | 7 | 13.5 | 82.5| |41.2|9
9 ” | 7 | 4.5 | 9.5 | 47 | |23.4|7.2
9 ” | 7 | 4.5 | 9.5 | 43 | |23.4|7.2
8 ” | 5 | 2 | 6.2 | 28.5| |14.2|7.2
Unfinished.
6 ” | | 1.8 | 3 | 18 | |10.8|4.5
8 ” | 5 | 2 | 6 | 22.5| |14.2|7.2
6 ” | | 1.8 | 3 | 14.4| |10.8|4.5
9 pdr | | | 1 | | 2.7| 2.5|2.7
4 ” | | | .5 | | 1.5| 1.5|1.5
Bronze Rifled Muzzle-loaders.
8 pdr. | | | 1.5 | | 3.6| 3.6|3.6
4 ” | | | .8 | | 1.5| 1.5|1.5
----------------+----+-----+------+-----+----+----+----
4 ” | | | 1 |Cast | 2 | 1.8|1.8
| | | |iron | | |
| | | |Round| | |
| | | |Shot.| | |
----------------+----+-----+------+-----+----+----+----
American pattern cast-iron Smooth-bore Muzzle-loaders.
20 in. | | | |117 | | |
15 ” new | | | 10.75| 67.5| 45 |27 |9
15 ” old | | | 10.75| 67.5| 45 |27 |9
10¾ ” | | | | 36 | | |9
60 pdr. No. 1 | | | 1.8 | 14.5| |10 |4.5
60 ” ” 2 | | | 1.8 | 10.8| | 2.6|4.5
36 ” ” 1 | | | 1 | 8 | | 2 |3.6
36 ” ” 2 | | | 1 | 8 | | 2 |3.6
36 ” ” 3 | | | 1 | 6.2| | 1.6|8.6
36 ” ” 4 | | | 1 | 5.5| | 1.4|8.6
30 ” ” 1 | | | .8 | 9 | | 2.3|2.7
30 ” ” 2 | | | .8 | 6.7| | 1.7|2.7
30 ” ” 3 | | | .8 | 5 | | 1.2|2.7
30 ” ” 4 | | | .8 | 3.5| | .9|2.7
----------------+----+-----+------+-----+----+----+----
A = Steel.
H = Working Effect.
I = Penetration.
----------------+---------+---------+-----
NAME, NATURE, | INITIAL | |
AND |VELOCITY.| |
CLASSIFICATION.+---------+ |
| | |
| | |
| A | H | I
| | |
----------------+---------+---------+-----
| Feet. |Ft. Tons.| In.
Krupp Russian pattern steel Breech-loaders.
Finished.
12 in. | 1,446 | 9,408 | 14.1
11 ” | 1,205 | 5,844 | 11.6
9 ” | 1,341 | 3,365 | 9.8
9 ” | 1,276 | 3,043 | 9.3
8 ” | 1,404 | 2,463 | 9.0
Unfinished.
6 ” | 1,335 | 1,188 | 7.1
8 ” | 1,246 | 1,938 | 7.8
6 ” | 1,207 | 972 | 6.4
9 pdr | Common | 183 |
| 1,049 | |
4 ” | Common | 96 |
| 1,003 | |
Bronze Rifled Muzzle-loaders.
8 pdr. | | |
4 ” | Common | 77 |
| 1,000 | |
----------------+---------+---------+-----
4 ” | | |
----------------+---------+---------+-----
American pattern cast-iron Smooth-bore Muzzle-loaders.
20 in. | 1,118 | 8,581 |
15 ” new | 1,184 | 4,263 |
15 ” old | 971 | 2,872 |
10¾ ” | | |
60 pdr. No. 1 | | |
60 ” ” 2 | | |
36 ” ” 1 | | |
36 ” ” 2 | | |
36 ” ” 3 | | |
36 ” ” 4 | | |
30 ” ” 1 | | |
30 ” ” 2 | | |
30 ” ” 3 | | |
30 ” ” 4 | | |
----------------+---------+---------+-----
The standard type of Russian ordnance is the Krupp breech-loader,
manufactured in their own workshops, and slightly modified in some
few details of guns and carriages. Some of their monitors are armed
with the Rodman type of 15-inch smooth-bore. During the first period
of the development of rifled guns the Russians adopted the Armstrong
muzzle-loader, and shortly afterward they passed to the French
breech-loader, there being still several armaments of these types in
the wooden fleet; but all types have been superseded by the Krupp. The
circular iron-clads having their guns firing _en barbette_, are worked
on depressing carriages of Russian invention.
_The Razkazoff Depression-Carriage._
This carriage consists of a heavy bed-plate, at the forward end of
which is a heavy solid axle forming a turning-point for two solid cast
arms, the upper ends of which form seats for the trunnions. Connected
to these arms are the piston-rods of hydraulic recoil cylinders. The
breech of the gun is supported by auxiliary arms, the bottom rests of
which are mounted on screws in such a manner that they may be traversed
through short lengths, thus elevating or depressing the gun. When the
gun is down in its loading position these arms may be freely traversed,
and the desired elevation be thus attained before raising the gun for
firing. Both the Palmcrantz and the Hotchkiss machine-guns are used.
[Illustration]
PERUVIAN ORDNANCE.
The naval ordnance of Peru consists of a few smooth-bores of the Rodman
type and some Armstrong muzzle-loaders of the original type. They
also have two or three Whitworth muzzle-loaders. The machine-guns are
Gatlings.
PORTUGUESE ORDNANCE.
The Portuguese Navy has a few Krupp breech-loaders, but the wooden
fleet is for the greater part armed with Armstrong muzzle-loaders.
SPANISH ORDNANCE.
The greater part of the Spanish fleet is armed with Armstrong
muzzle-loaders, but medium-calibred steel guns of the French type are
now manufactured in their own government workshops, some of which have
been introduced into the navy, and it is supposed that at least for
medium calibres this type will be the standard. There are some Krupp
armaments, but these are exceptional. The Gatling machine-gun is used.
TURKISH ORDNANCE.
The greater part of the ordnance of the Turkish fleet is of the
Armstrong muzzle-loading pattern, although there is a preference
for Krupp armaments, which are used to replace the original type of
Armstrong guns. The Gatling machine-gun is used.
EUROPEAN SYSTEMS.
Of the breech-loading systems of Europe there are at present but two
distinct types in use—the French and the Krupp—the latter being the one
at present most fully represented, it being the standard ordnance of
Germany, Russia, Austria, Denmark, and Holland.
The French type is the standard of France, Spain, Sweden, and, as may
now be claimed, Italy. Armstrong, whose artillery is almost as fully
represented as Krupp’s, has adopted the French type, and this will in
all probability make this type the standard in those countries who
purchase guns instead of manufacturing them.
The muzzle-loading types were abolished by all the manufacturing
nations of Europe except England by 1864, although the prestige of
Armstrong’s ordnance has kept up the supply to the smaller nations
to the present time. This ordnance has been steadily growing in
disfavor, and the latest development in rifled ordnance (enlarging the
powder-chamber) will probably lead to its disuse.
UNITED STATES ORDNANCE.
A = Length of Bore.
B = Calibre.
C = Number of Grooves.
D = Twist of Rifling.
E = Weight.
----------------------+--------------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | GUN.
CLASSIFICATION. +-------+------+------+------+---------
| A | B | C | D | E
----------------------+-------+------+------+------+---------
| In. | In. | | Feet.| Lbs.
Muzzle-loading Rifles.
8-inch converted | 136 | 8 | 15 | 40 | 17,350
100-pdr. Parrott | 130 | 6.4 | 9 | 0/19 | 9,700
60-pdr. ” | 105 | 5.3 | 7 | 0/15 | 5,400
30-pdr. ” | | 4.2 | 5 | 0/12 | 3,550
20-pdr. ” | | 3.7 | 5 | 0/10 | 1,750
20-pdr. Dahlgren | 65.6 | 4 | 3 | 12½ | 1,350
12-pdr. bronze | 55 | 3.4 | 3 | 10 | 880
----------------------+-------+------+------+------+---------
Breech-loading Rifles.
80-pdr. converted | | 6.4 | 9 | 0/19 | 10,166
60-pdr. ” | | 5.3 | 7 | 0/15 | 5,270
30-pdr. ” | | 4.2 | 5 | 0/12 | 3,428
+-------+------+------+------+---------
20-pdr. bronze, | | 4 | 6 | 12½ | 1,340
converted | | | | |
+-------+------+------+------+---------
20-pdr. converted | | 3.7 | 5 | 0/10 | 1,740
7-pdr. bronze, | | 3 | 16 | 7½ | 500
heavy | | | | |
+-------+------+------+------+---------
7-pdr. ” light | | 3 | 16 | 7½ | 350
----------------------+-------+------+------+------+---------
| Weight of |
| Shot. |
| Lbs. |
----------------------+-------+------+-------------+---------
Smooth-bores.
15-inch | 146 | 15 | 450 | 43,000
11-inch | 131 | 11 | 166 | 16,000
9-inch | 107 | 9 | 90 | 9,000
8-inch | 96 | 8 | 65 | 6,500
32-pdr | 92 | 6.4 | 32.5 | 4,500
----------------------+-------+------+-------------+---------
24-pdr. bronze | 58 | 5.8 | | 1,310
| | | Shell |
12-pdr. ” heavy | 55 | 4.6 | Guns. | 760
12-pdr. ” light | 50 | 4.6 | | 430
----------------------+-------+------+-------------+---------
F = Weight of Carriage.
G = Weight of Slide.
------------------------------+-------+----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | |
CLASSIFICATION. | |
| F | G
------------------------------+-------+----------------
| Lbs. | Lbs.
Muzzle-loading Rifles.
8-inch converted | 3,790 | 3,710
100-pdr. Parrott | 1,300 | Directing Bar
60-pdr. ” | 1,970 | ”
30-pdr. ” | 1,970 | ”
20-pdr. ” | 802 | ”
20-pdr. Dahlgren | 802 | ”
12-pdr. bronze | 482 | Boat Carriage
------------------------------+-------+----------------
Breech-loading Rifles.
80-pdr. converted | 1,300 | Directing Bar
60-pdr. ” | 1,970 | ”
30-pdr. ” | 1,970 | ”
20-pdr. bronze, converted | 832 | Boat Carriage
20-pdr. converted | 826 | ”
7-pdr. bronze, heavy | 535 | ”
7-pdr. ” light | 450 | ”
------------------------------+-------+----------------
Smooth-bores.
15-inch |18,000 | Turret Carriage
11-inch | 3,790 | 3,710
9-inch | 1,300 | Marsilly
8-inch | 860 | ”
32-pdr. | 735 | ”
------------------------------+-------+----------------
24-pdr. bronze | 730 | ”
| Boat | Field
12-pdr. ” heavy | 482 | 487
12-pdr. ” light | 233 | 381
------------------------------+-------+----------------
A = Weight of Shell.
B = Charge of Powder in Shell.
C = Powder Charge.
D = Initial Velocity.
E = Muzzle Energy.
----------------------------+-----+---------+-----+------+----------
NAME, NATURE, AND | A | B | C | D | E
CLASSIFICATION. | | | | |
----------------------------+-----+---------+-----+------+----------
| Lbs.|Lbs. Ozs.| Lbs.| Feet.|Foot Tons.
Muzzle-loading Rifles.
8-inch converted | 180 | 10 0 | 35 | 1,450| 2,627
100-pdr. Parrott | 100 | 3 11 | 15 | 1,080| 810
60-pdr. ” | 48 | 2 2 | 6 | 1,320|
30-pdr. ” | 29 | 1 8 | 3¼| |
20-pdr. ” | 18 | 0 13 | 2 | |
20-pdr. Dahlgren | 18 | 1 0 | 2 | |
12-pdr. bronze | 12 | 0 8 | 1 | |
Breech-loading Rifles.
80-pdr. converted | 80 | 3 11 | 15 | 1,250|
60-pdr. ” | 50 | | 6 | |
30-pdr. ” | 30 | | 3½| |
20-pdr. bronze, converted| 18 | 0 8 | 2 | |
20-pdr. converted | 20 | | 2 | 1,070|
7-pdr. bronze, heavy | 7 | | 1 | 1,087| 63
7-pdr. bronze, light | 7 | | ¾| 1,087| 63
Smooth-bores.
15-inch | 352 | 13 0 | 100 | 1,600| 7,997
11-inch | 136 | 6 0 | 30 | 1,062| 1,300
9-inch | 74 | 3 0 | 18 | 1,820| 847
8-inch | 58 | 1 11 | 7 | |
32-pdr. | 27 | 0 14 | 6 | |
24-pdr. bronze | 23 | 1 0 | 2 | |
12-pdr. ” heavy | 12 | 1 0 | 1 | |
12-pdr. ” light | 12 | 1 0 | ½| |
----------------------------+-----+---------+-----+------+----------
GUNS.
In the United States Navy both smooth-bores and rifles are used, and of
the latter both muzzle and breech-loaders.
_Smooth-Bores._
[Illustration: 15-inch Rodman Gun (Smooth-Bore).]
[Illustration: 9-inch Dahlgren (Smooth-Bore).]
The smooth-bore guns used form a complete range of calibres from the
15-inch to the 6½-inch. The turret-guns, which are exclusively of the
15-inch pattern, are of the Rodman type of construction, of cast-iron,
being cast on a core and cooled from the interior. The exterior surface
shows no sharp angles and no muzzle-ring, the general shape being that
of a bottle with a rounded base. The chamber of the gun is of two
types, cylindrical and conical, in accordance with different dates of
fabrication. The 11-inch guns are used exclusively for pivot-guns of
first and second class corvettes, and it is this calibre that is being
converted into 8-inch rifles, the intention being to so transform all
of this type. These guns are of the Dahlgren type of construction,
being similar in shape to the 15-inch (with the exception of having a
swell at the muzzle), but _solid_ cast. These guns all have conical
chambers. The 9 and 8 inch and 32-pdr. are broadside-guns, and are
similar in construction to the 11-inch. The 24-pdr. and two classes of
12-pdrs. are of bronze, having a conical exterior surface. These guns
are used as light upper-deck guns and boat-guns.
[Illustration: 12-pdr. Bronze (Smooth-Bore).]
[Illustration: 100-pdr. Parrott M. L. R.]
[Illustration: 20-pdr. Bronze M. L. R.]
[Illustration: 12-pdr. Bronze M. L. R.]
_Rifled Guns._
The muzzle-loading rifled guns are of three patterns.
1st. The 8-inch converted. These guns are all converted from the
11-inch smooth-bore on the Palliser system (see page 217), the length
of bore being slightly increased by cutting back at the breech.
2d. The Parrott type, a compound gun consisting of a cast-iron body
with a coiled wrought-iron hoop over the powder-chamber. These guns
were introduced into the service in 1860, contemporaneously with the
first development of rifled guns in Europe.
As early as 1862, guns of this type with a calibre of eight inches
were in active service, being at that time as powerful as any guns in
the world. The 8-inch calibre has never been extensively used in the
service, and is at present obsolete.
3d. The Dahlgren type of bronze muzzle-loaders. The 20-pdr. gun of this
type is similar in shape to the general smooth-bore type, slightly
modified. The light calibres are similar to their corresponding
smooth-bores.
[Illustration: 8-inch Converted M. L. R.]
_Breech-Loaders._
[Illustration]
[Illustration: 3-inch Boat-Gun (R. B. L.).]
The breech-loaders with the exception of the bronze and steel boat-guns
are as yet entirely converted from the muzzle-loaders of the Parrott
type. In this conversion, the coiled hoop is removed, the cascabel
is cut off to the powder-chamber, and the rear end of the bore as
far forward as the trunnion is reamed out for the insertion of a
steel tube, having a heavy screw-thread at its rear end by which it
is secured in the casing. The old rifling is then carried through
this tube, leaving the calibre unchanged. The coiled hoop is replaced
by another of similar type, but covering a longer space. The breech
mechanism is of the French type, with Broadwell steel gas-check fixed
in its seat in the gun. The breech-block is provided with a steel
nose-plate of the diameter of the face of the block, and having a
copper ring countersunk in its forward face to form a bearing surface
against the rear of the gas-check. The nose-plate is secured to the
block by a long tenon which passes through the axis of the block and
is secured by a nut at the rear. The vent is bored axially through
this tenon, and is of two types, corresponding to date of fabrication,
for preventing back-fire. In the first, a small steel plate covers the
forward end of the vent, being loosely secured, so that on firing the
flame escapes past the edges of the plate, but the back pressure holds
the plate close over the vent; the action being precisely similar to
that of an ordinary valve. In the other type, the forward part of the
vent is reduced in size until just large enough to give free passage
to the flame, giving it a needle-point, which causes the flame to
pierce well into the cartridge. The back pressure is neutralized
in this manner, as it reacts before the forward flame pressure is
relieved. It is intended to so modify the firing arrangement as to
use percussion primers, the gun-lock forming the mask to the vent.
The crank is double, there being a vertical arm having at its upper
extremity a crank and a pinion working in a rack on the face of the
breech. The swinging tray for the breech-block is hinged at the right
side of the breech, while at the left side is hinged a loading-tray
having a sliding guard on it. The projectile being placed on this
guard and the tray swung around to face the bore, on pushing forward
the projectile the guard also enters the breech-block seat, bringing
up against the gas-check, and thus guarding both the check and the
screw-threads. In the boat-guns there is no loading-tray, the remainder
of the breech mechanism being of the same type. Boat-guns are both of
steel and bronze, being in both cases made of a single block.
[Illustration]
_Grooves._
The grooves are of two types. Those for the Parrott and converted guns
are of the plain rectangular type, the rule for their number and size
being that they shall be uneven in number to bring a land opposite a
groove; lands and grooves shall be equal in width, and grooves for all
calibres shall be the same depth—¹/₁₀₀ of an inch. Increasing twist.
The Dahlgren type of groove is similar to the modified French groove
(see plate, page 187), there being three only of a regular twist. These
grooves are found only in the Dahlgren muzzle-loading bronze boat-guns.
[Illustration: Parrott Groove.]
[Illustration: Dahlgren Groove.]
CARRIAGES.
Naval gun-carriages are built of plate-iron, although there are still
a few wooden carriages and slides for pivot-guns. Breechings are used
with broadside-carriages, except in the directing-bar type.
_Boat-Carriages._
As yet the designs for an iron boat-carriage for the breech-loading
gun are not finished. The wooden carriage in use consists of a double
wooden slide, the bed, or lower slide, having pivot-centres in front
and rear and being slotted through the centre for the compressor.
The upper slide traverses freely on the lower one, having a piece
projecting from its lower face into the slot in the lower slide to act
as a guide. A second heavy piece, used as a compressor, travels along
the lower face of the slot, and is held in position by screw-handles
working on threaded shafts which are tightened or loosened readily by
hand. The upper slide holds the trunnion-rests, which are made in a
single casting with a bottom plate to bolt on the slide.
[Illustration: Wooden Boat-Carriage.]
_Field-Carriages._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The field-carriages are of two types, both of iron. That for the
muzzle-loader consists of a single bar to which the axle is bolted and
stayed. To its lower end is bolted an iron box for a trail-wheel and a
socket for a directing handspike. A small seat for the elevating-screw
is bolted at its middle on top, and at the forward end is a light
iron frame for holding two ammunition-boxes. The field-carriage for
the breech-loader consists of two plate-iron brackets connected by
the axle and three transoms. The lower part expands into a box for
the trail-wheel, and the end is finished in a loop for a drag-rope.
At the forward end is a lug for attaching a caisson, and a frame on
the axle outside of the brackets on each side for ammunition-boxes.
The elevating-screw works in a pivoting screw-box. It will be noticed
that the breech-loader has trunnions, while the muzzle-loader has
only a lug, making the forward ends of the two carriages different in
construction.
[Illustration: Iron Field-Carriage for Muzzle-Loaders.]
_Broadside Marsilly Carriage._
The Marsilly or rear-chock carriage is the type used with the broadside
smooth-bore guns. It consists of two plate-iron brackets with a transom
across the front ends and a bed-plate in the rear, giving a support for
the elevating-screw, and being provided with two brass friction-shoes
resting directly on deck. Holes are cut in the brackets to lighten
them. A wooden breast-sweep is bolted to the transom, and there are
four bolts for hooking tackles, one at each end and one at the rear of
each bracket. This carriage differs from European ones in the point of
not having the breeching attached to it; the latter is secured to the
gun.
_Broadside Directing-Bar Carriage._
[Illustration: Broadside Marsilly Carriage. (Elevation.)]
[Illustration: Broadside Marsilly Carriage. (Plan.)]
[Illustration: DIRECTING BAR CARRIAGE FOR 60 Pdr.
(With Circular Brake Compressor.)]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The directing-bar carriage is a broadside-carriage which combines the
compactness of broadside types with the advantages of pivoting and
checking recoil by friction instead of breechings. The top carriage is
similar in type to the Marsilly, differing only in its attachments.
Instead of using an elevating-screw (which with breech-loaders of
medium calibre is unsafe), elevation is secured by geared racks. A rack
is secured to each side of the gun and travels in guides in a similar
manner on both sides; whilst, however, there is a clamp to each rack,
there is but one hand-wheel for elevating, on the right side of the
carriage. Just in rear of the truck-axle, a heavy axle is secured in
the brackets, carrying on its centre a large cogged wheel, and just
inside the left bracket a friction-drum with a gun-metal friction-band
worked by a lever outside the bracket. The lever is held in any desired
position by a rack, thus regulating compression. A stationary double
block is secured to the transom, and a single bolt to the rear of the
bed-plate, for convenience in hooking a tackle. The directing-bar
consists of a long =I= iron having a pivot-centre near each extremity
and eye-bolts at each end for hooking training-tackles. A treble block
fixed at its forward end serves with the double block on the carriage
for reeving an out-tackle. Along the centre of the bar a metal rack
is bolted, in which the cogged wheel of the carriage travels. About
three quarters of the distance to the rear are secured two railroad
buffers, which may be shifted or removed at will. The carriage rests
with its trucks and chocks on deck; when running in and out the chocks
may be lifted from the deck on a roller handspike, and in shifting from
one port or pivot to another the carriage may be run over one of the
pivot-centres and then lifted with the bar entirely clear of the deck.
_Iron Pivot-Carriage and Slide for 11-inch Smooth-Bore._
The carriage consists of two plate-iron brackets with one transom
and two bottom plates connected by angle-irons to the brackets. The
forward trucks are permanently in action, the rear ones being mounted
on eccentric axles. At the rear of the brackets are loops for the in
and out tackles, and secured to the rear bed-plate are loops for a
preventer-breeching. Two projecting lips protrude from the forward
bed-plate beyond the brackets, forming seats for a screw-compressor.
The slide is made up of two heavy double =T= bars connected by bottom
plates and rods. It is mounted on eccentric rollers, and both the
forward and rear pivot-centres are in the bed-plates. The compressors
(one on each side) are of the ordinary screw-press form, composed of
a wrought-iron frame having a lip on its inner lower side which takes
under the slide-bars, whilst a screw in the top of the frame seats on
the projections of the carriage. This type of slide and carriage is
going out of use.
_Iron Pivot-Carriage with Central Recoil Check._
This carriage is the same in general principle as the ordinary
pivot-carriage, the main modification being in the arrangement for
checking recoil. A worm-shaft, attached to the transom of the carriage
and worked by a hand-wheel outside the left bracket, gears in a large
cogged wheel just outside the transom. This wheel has at the lower
end of its axle a screw-sleeve operating a friction-plate which seats
against two heavy bars secured to the slide. Railroad buffers are also
fixed at each end of the slide.
[Illustration: Central Recoil-Check Carriage.]
_Geared Broadside-Carriage and Slide with Hydraulic Recoil Check._
The carriage is very low, its bottom plates coming down inside the
slide-rails, which are given a slope to the front. The slide is
centre-port pivoting. The carriage is run out and in either by tackles
or gearing. For the latter, long screw-shafts are fixed outside of
the slide-rails on each side, geared by mitre-gearing to large cogged
driving-wheels on the rear of the slide. A long lever is pivoted
in wake of the trunnion-sockets, carrying at its lower end a half
screw-sleeve. By heaving out on the lever, the sleeve engages in the
screw-shaft and the gun is drawn in or out. The recoil cylinder is of
the ordinary type, but provided with a circulating pipe and balanced
valve by which the oil passes from one end to the other. The valve may
be regulated for any desired amount of recoil. The training-gear is of
the ordinary type, working a longitudinal shaft having on its outer
end a cogged wheel to gear in a metal rack just inside of the rear
slide-rollers.
_Ericsson’s Broadside-Carriage and Slide with Friction Recoil._[8]
The recoil arrangement of this carriage is made up of two plates
operated by a lever, and jamming between them a flat plate attached
to the carriage. The carriage is run in and out by gearing, the
driving-wheel engaging in racks inside the slide-rails. The
training-gear is of the ordinary type, but gears directly into the
slide-rollers, whose middle sections are cogged, the middle section of
the circle or races being cut in a rack.
[8] See page 299.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: Geared Carriage and Slide with Hydraulic Recoil.]
_Ericsson’s Turret-Carriage._
The slide of the turret-carriage consists of two bars built into the
turret. The carriage is made of double plate-iron worked on a frame.
The compressor is the original of the Elswick compressor (see page
201), working on the same principle. The gun is run in and out by means
of a large cogged driving-wheel gearing in a rack underneath the slide.
[Illustration: Ericsson’s Turret-Carriage. (Top.)]
[Illustration: Ericsson’s Turret-Carriage. (Bottom.)]
_Friction-Drum Recoil-Check Carriage._
The carriage and slide are similar to those of the 11-inch iron
pivot-carriage, except with regard to the recoil check, which is
exactly the same in principle as that of the directing-bar carriage.
[Illustration: Ericsson’s Friction Recoil Carriage.]
GUNPOWDER.
[Illustration: Cubical Powder.]
[Illustration: Hexagonal Powder.]
Gunpowder is classed in accordance with its size of grain as follows:
Hexagonal |
| not less than 70 nor more than 75 grains to the pound.
Cubical |
Mammoth ” ” 0.5 ” ” 1 inch measurement.
Rifle ” ” 0.3 ” ” 0.5 ” ”
Cannon ” ” 0.1 ” ” 0.3 ” ”
Torpedo ” ” 0.1 ” ” .15 ” ”
Small-arm ” ” 0.05 ” ” .06 ” ”
Shell ” ” .02 ” ” .06 ” ”
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used with both smooth-bores and rifles are shot, shell,
shrapnel, and case-shot.
All smooth-bore projectiles are of cast-iron.
All rifle projectiles except the 8-inch shot are common cast-iron; the
shot are chilled-headed.
[Illustration: 100-pdr. Parrott-Shell.]
[Illustration: 8-inch Shell.]
[Illustration: 8-inch Shot.]
[Illustration: 8-inch B. L. Shell.]
Rifled projectiles for the boat-guns (B. L.) are provided with rotating
grooved belts cast on them. They also have a rear centring ring. The
rotating-rings for the larger calibres are brass rings screwing on
the base of the projectile, and having an expansion groove or cup
on the rear end. In the Parrott projectiles the ring is cast on the
base around a heavy dovetailed score, having jogs to prevent the ring
turning on the base of the shell.
The shrapnel for the boat-guns is of the simplest description, having a
thin shell and a central powder-chamber throughout its length. Shrapnel
for the heavy calibres is similar to the English type. Case-shot is of
the ordinary construction.
[Illustration: 12-pdr. Smooth-Bore Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: 3-inch B. L. Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: Fixed Charge for Boat-Gun. (Shell and Cartridge.)]
FUSES.
[Illustration: Navy Time-Fuse.]
The fuses used in the navy are both time and percussion. There are
three types of time fuses. The navy time-fuse, used in rifled and
smooth-bore projectiles, consists of a brass fuse-case pierced by a
centre hole, the bottom of which is closed by a small leaden plug
simply jammed into place, called a safety-plug. On the top of this
is the column of fuse composition driven in a paper case. Over this
screws a small metal plug, called a water-cap, having angular passages
cut through it to prevent the passage of water to the flame. These
holes are filled with igniting composition. Over the water-cap is
secured a leaden patch, sealing the fuse. This patch is torn off when
the projectile is put in the gun; the flame of discharge ignites the
composition, and the projectile starting from its seat drives the
safety-plug out of its place into the shell, leaving the passage clear
for the flame.
The Bormann fuse is used with the smooth-bore shrapnel. In this, the
composition is driven in a horizontal cavity opening into a centre
magazine. The top of the fuse is sealed, and its periphery marked to
fractions of seconds. When inserting the projectile this fuse is cut,
laying the composition bare at the desired time.
[Illustration: Bormann Fuse.]
[Illustration: Boxer Time-Fuse.]
[Illustration: Schenkl Percussion Fuse.]
The Boxer fuse is a wooden-cased fuse similar to its English original.
There is but one type of percussion fuse used in the service. It
consists of a brass case containing a small iron hollow cylinder filled
with composition, and having at its head a small anvil on which an
ordinary percussion-cap is fitted. This cylinder is suspended midway
of the case by a small brass screw through the wall of the case. The
top of the fuse is closed by a small screw-cap, one side of which is
hollowed in a small cavity. Ordinarily this cap is screwed in place
with the cavity turned downward, so that in case the cylinder breaks
from its fastening the cap cannot be struck as it enters the cavity,
while the shoulders bring it up before striking. To prepare it for
firing, the cap is unscrewed and reversed, putting its flat side down.
When the time-fuse is used in rifled shells, the safety-plug is removed
before inserting the fuse.
PRIMERS.
Both percussion and friction primers are used. The percussion primer
consists of a quill tube, the upper end of which is split and spread
out to form a wafer. The body is filled with fine powder, the lower
end being sealed with shellac, and the wafer is filled with detonating
composition, covered and sealed with shellac.
The friction primer is a quill tube filled with fine powder, and having
in its head a wire igniter in contact with detonating composition.
The end of the wire is twisted into a loop for the purpose of hooking
a firing laniard. A small preventer-loop is attached to the primer,
hooking over a small pin just forward of the vent.
[Illustration: Percussion Primer.]
[Illustration: Friction Primer.]
LOCKS.
Percussion-locks are used with all smooth-bores. They are of the
ordinary type of heavy brass gun-locks, the pivot-hole being slotted so
that in firing, after the lock strikes the primer it is drawn clear of
the vent.
SIGHTS.
The smooth-bore broadside-guns are provided with centre-breech and
reinforce sights, pivot-guns with centre and tangent sights, and the
rifled guns with tangent-sights. The smooth-bore breech-sights are
rectangular bars shipped with an angle to the rear so that two sides
may be seen. These sights are marked on one side for ordinary and on
the other for heavy charges, corresponding to shot and shell. The
reinforce sights are of the ordinary pattern. The Parrott tangent-sight
does not slide in a sight-box, but has a stem which seats in a casing.
It is cylindrical, and the sight-notch, fixed to a ring, slides up and
down the sight-bar. The sight-notch itself is a small capstan-head
having four radial notches, and working on a screw perpendicularly to
the sight-bar to allow for drift. The tangent-sight for the 8-inch
M. L. R. is set at a permanent angle of deflection of 1° 50´, and is
provided with a sliding leaf. The graduation on all sights except
the Parrott rifles and the boat-guns is in hundreds of yards. In the
remainder it is in fractions of degrees.
MACHINE-GUNS.
[Illustration: Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon.]
This gun is introduced into naval services with the especial objects
of, first, repelling torpedo and boarding attacks; second, for use
against light merchant vessels where a light, long-range artillery fire
is most effective. The gun has five barrels, and can be fired at a rate
of from 60 to 80 shots per minute without forcing. Its ammunition is
shell and case-shot, the weight of projectile ranging from one and a
half pounds in the light calibre to four pounds in the heavy one. The
extreme range is about 4500 yards. The barrels are assembled about
and revolve around a central axis, the cartridges being fed through a
chamber in the left upper side of the breech-casing. There is but one
lock, and each barrel fires once during a revolution. The cartridge on
falling into the chamber is carried forward by a cam into its barrel,
being pushed close home and receiving good support when passing in
front of the firing-pin. The latter is retracted by a cam, plunging
forward as the centre of each cartridge comes in front of it. The rim
of the cartridge-case is then seized by an independent extractor,
withdrawn, and dropped to the ground. Although the crank is turned
steadily, there is a certain amount of lost motion in the revolution
of the barrels. This takes place as the cartridge reaches the
firing-point, and during this short time of rest one cartridge is fired
and another empty case is ejected. No elevating-screw is used with this
gun. It is mounted on trunnions in a saddle, and projecting from the
rear of the breech-case is a wooden shoulder-piece, while underneath
is a handle to allow a support with the left hand. The cartridges are
permanently attached to the rear of the projectiles. The shells are
of steel with a percussion fuse. The barrels of the gun are made of
Whitworth compressed steel of the finest quality. This gun has up to
the present time proved the most effective torpedo-gun in existence.
Its only rival at present is the Nordenfeldt gun, which is not yet
thoroughly developed.
[Illustration: Chamber. (Longitudinal Section.)]
[Illustration: Chamber. (Vertical Section.)]
_The Gatling Gun._
[Illustration: Long Pattern.]
[Illustration: Short Pattern.]
This gun, which has as yet been unequalled as a mitrailleuse, finds a
place in the armament of nearly all the navies of the world. Hitherto
the object of the gun in naval use has been simply to aid the small-arm
fire whenever the latter was made necessary, but at present it is the
design to increase the calibre of the gun so as to enable it to fire
projectiles of two or more pounds. What modifications will be required
in the present type of gun are not as yet known; but although the
Gatling and Hotchkiss guns are both American inventions, they must
not in their present stages of development be considered as rivals.
The Gatling is as a rule confined to the use of small-arm ammunition;
on the other hand, the Hotchkiss is to be in reality classed with
boat-guns.
[Illustration: Lock, Extractor, and Breech-Cover.]
[Illustration: Breech Mechanism.]
[Illustration: Chamber.]
The Gatling has ten barrels grouped about a central axis. Each barrel
is provided with its own separate lock and extractor, retracted by
a cam, the barrels being each fired as it comes to a certain point.
The speed of firing can be carried as high as between 400 and 500
cartridges a minute without much forcing. There are two patterns of
this gun, known respectively as the long and the short gun, the latter
being designed especially for use in ships’ tops, while the former is
used in landing and long-range firing. The cartridges are fed to the
gun in tin cases holding 40 each, and which are rapidly put in position
and changed so that there is no especial time lost in removing one case
and shipping another. In case that one barrel should become fouled or
a lock be broken, the lock can be extracted very quickly and so no
hindrance is offered to the working of the mechanism, as cartridges
dropping into the faulty chamber are carried around and dropped out
without being fired. Notwithstanding the great rapidity of the fire
there is no danger of the barrels becoming too much over-heated, and
the great difficulty experienced in most guns of the mitrailleuse
pattern of sticking and refusing to work, through the expansion of the
barrels and mechanism due to the heat of rapid firing, is either fully
avoided or compensated in the Gatling.
[Illustration: Barrels, Chamber, and Revolving-Gear.]
[Illustration: Frame and Covered Breech.]
SMALL-ARMS.
Breech-loading small-arms are used in all the navies of the world,
and, as with great-guns and machine-guns, although the greater nations
strive to develop patterns of their own, many use the same pattern;
small-arms of American manufacture being used by the majority. In many
navies these arms are of two patterns, generally one of them being some
system of conversion from old smooth-bores, whilst the other is a gun
of a new pattern.
_Types of Small-Arms in Use in the Different Navies._
COUNTRY. TYPE.
ARGENTINE Remington.
AUSTRIA Werndl.
BRAZIL Remington.
CHILI Remington.
CHINA Peabody-Martini.
DENMARK Remington.
-------------------------------------------------
Snider (converted),
ENGLAND Peabody-Martini.
-------------------------------------------------
Tabatière (converted)
FRANCE Chassepot.
-------------------------------------------------
GERMANY Mauser.
HOLLAND Beaumont.
GREECE Chassepot.
ITALY Vetterlin.
JAPAN Remington.
NORWAY AND SWEDEN Remington.
PERU Remington.
PORTUGAL Peabody-Martini.
-------------------------------------------------
Krnka (converted),
RUSSIA Berdan.
-------------------------------------------------
SPAIN Remington.
-------------------------------------------------
Snider (converted),
TURKEY Peabody-Martini.
-------------------------------------------------
Remington,
UNITED STATES Hotchkiss (Magazine),
Springfield (Marine Corps).
The United States Navy is the only one in which the magazine rifle has
been introduced. The Springfield, used in this country by its Marine
Corps, is a converted rifle. The Beaumont rifle, used in Holland, the
Peabody-Martini and Snider, used in England, and the Berdan, used in
Russia, are all modifications of original American types.
CONVERTED BREECH-LOADERS.
_Snider. Tabatière._
[Illustration: Snider.]
[Illustration: Tabatière.]
These two systems of conversion are almost identical, differing only
in one or two of the minor points. The breech-block is hinged to open
transversely, the lug of the hinge being somewhat shorter than the
axle, the intermediate space being filled by a spiral spring which
holds the block forward. By drawing back the block against the spring
after opening, the extractor which is attached to the forward part
withdraws the empty cartridge-case. There is no lock on the block, the
pressure of the hammer on the firing-pin holding it down.
_Krnka._
[Illustration: Krnka.]
[Illustration: Breech-Block.]
This system is a Russian invention, and is exceedingly simple and
compact. The breech-block revolves transversely, and the movement
of opening causes the extractor, which is a simple lever, to throw
the cartridge-case out of the chamber. Two lugs rise in rear of the
breech-block, leaving a cavity between them for the insertion and
ejection of cartridges. The breech-block when closed is held down by
the hammer on the firing-pin.
_Springfield._
[Illustration: Springfield.]
In the Springfield system the breech-block hinges at the upper forward
end and is turned up. The extractor is operated by a small spring which
ejects the cartridge-case forcibly on throwing open the breech-block.
The firing-pin passes diagonally through the breech-block to the axis
of the bore. A catch holds the rear of the block down when closed, and
the bottom of the block is hollowed out to lighten it.
NEW SYSTEMS.
_Peabody-Martini._
[Illustration: Martini-Henry.]
In this system the breech-block is hinged at its upper rear end and
drops down in opening. It is opened and closed by a bent lever in
rear of the trigger-guard. The extractor is a bent lever, the lower
front of the breech-block striking it in opening and causing it to
violently eject the cartridge-case. The firing-pin is in the axis of
the breech-block, and is retracted and cocked by the motion of opening
the breech. By means of a small slide just in front of the trigger the
firing-pin can be secured at full cock. A small pointer on the left
outer face of the receiver serves as a tell-tale to show when the piece
is at full cock.
_Werndl._
[Illustration: Werndl.]
The breech-block of this piece revolves about an axis just below the
barrel, and by its revolution works the extractor and throws the
empty cartridge-case out. The firing-pin is of the ordinary type,
held back by a spring and operated by the blow of a hammer. The head
of the bolt in which the breech-block revolves has for its section a
segmental shape, and a flat spring presses upwards against it. One of
its flat sides presses on the spring at each extreme position of the
breech-block, and by this means the block is held secure when open or
shut, whilst the movement of opening is made with a snap, assisting in
the ejection of the empty case.
_Mauser._
The breech-block of this piece is a cylindrical block travelling
lengthwise, and turned and moved by a projecting thumb-piece. A part
of the right side of the slot-way in which it travels is cut away, so
that in pushing forward the block to close the breech it may be turned
also; projections on the thumb-piece cut with a slant, taking against
the sides of the cut so as to force the block, close up wedge-fashion
and hold it secure. The extractor is secured to the nose-piece of
the block. The firing-pin travels in the axis of the block and is
retracted, or rather the spring is pressed forward, as the block is
drawn back, being held cocked by the sear when the block is pushed
forward again. This gun is a modification of the old Chassepot.
[Illustration: Mauser.]
[Illustration: Chassepot.]
_Le Gras (modified Chassepot)._
This gun is the same in principle as the one just described, it
being in reality a system of conversion from the old needle-gun used
in connection with a paper cartridge, to the new one using brass
cartridge-cases. The principal differences between the Mauser and the
Le Gras are in the details of the trigger and in the use of a rubber
gas-check.
_Berdan._
The breech-block of this system is pivoted at the upper forward end,
and is opened by drawing back the locking-bolt to its full extent
and then throwing the breech-block up. In drawing the bolt back the
firing-pin is cocked, as in the Mauser pattern, and throwing the
breech-block up operates the extractor.
[Illustration: Berdan.]
_Remington._
The breech-block of this system is pivoted at its lower extremity, and
is held fast by a hammer-block. Cocking the latter, the breech-block
may be thrown back, working the extractor.
[Illustration: Remington.]
_Hotchkiss Magazine._
The breech-block of this system is on the principle of the Chassepot,
being turned by a thumb-piece to unlock it and then retracted, the
operation of retracting, cocking the firing-pin, withdrawing and
ejecting the old cartridge-case, and opening the magazine, from whence
a fresh cartridge is pushed in front of the block by a spiral spring.
The magazine runs along the axis of the butt-stock, and is provided
with a feed-stop by which the supply may at any time be shut off.
[Illustration: Hotchkiss Magazine.]
RECAPITULATION OF NAVAL ORDNANCE.
NATION.| TYPE OF ORDNANCE. | CALIBRES.
--------+-----------------------------------+-----------------
| | Inches.
| Krupp steel breech-loaders | 11, 10¼, 9¼, 8¼, 5⅞
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9, 7
| Austrian bronze breech-loaders | 3½, 2½
Austria | Werndl (small-arms) | 0.42
| Hotchkiss revolving cannon | 1½
| Gatling machine-guns | ½
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Whitworth muzzle-loaders | 10¼, 9½, 7, 6, 4½
Brazil | Brazilian cast-iron smooth-bores | 8, 6
| Gatling machine-guns | ½
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 9¼, 8¼
Chili | Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9, 4½
| Gatling machine-guns | ½
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.50
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 12½, 12, 10, 7
China | Vavasseur muzzle-loaders | 12
| Gatling machine-guns | ½
| Peabody-Martini (small-arms) | .45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 12, 10¼, 6½
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 10¼, 9, 7¾
Denmark | Nordenfeldt machine-guns | 1¾
| Palmcrantz machine-guns | ½
| Beaumont-Remington (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Woolwich muzzle-loaders | 16, 12½, 12, 10, 9, 8,
| | 7, 6¼, 3
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 17, 7
England | Palisser converted muzzle-loaders | 6¼
| Armstrong breech-loaders | 7, 4¾, 3¾, 3, 2½
| Gatling machine-guns | 1½
| Snider converted (small-arms) | 0.57
| Peabody-Martini (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| French breech-loaders | 13¼, 12½. 10¾. 9½. 7½,
| | 6½, 5½
France | French bronze muzzle-loaders | 4¾, 3½
| Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾, 2
| Chassepot (small-arms) | 0.42
| Tabatière (converted small-arms) | 0.50
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 12, 11, 10⅜, 10¼,
| | 9¼, 8¼,
| | 6¾, 5⅞, 4¾, 3¼
Germany | Palmcrantz machine-guns | 0.50
| Mauser (small-arms) | 0.42
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9, 7
Greece | Chassepot (small-arms) | 0.42
| Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 11, 6½, 7, 4¾
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 11, 9
Holland | Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Remington-Beaumont (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 17, 11, 10, 9, 8
| Italian breech-loaders | 4¾, 3½, 3
Italy | Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾
| Albertini machine-guns | 0.50
| Vetterlin (small-arms) | 0.42
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| |
| Krupp breech-loaders | 9½, 6¾
Japan | Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9, 7
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.50
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 10¼, 6
| Finspong, breech-loaders | 10⅞, 9½, 6½
Norway | Cast-iron muzzle-loaders | 6½, 4½
and | Nordenfeldt machine-guns | 1¾
Sweden | Palmcrantz machine-guns | 0.50
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Whitworth muzzle-loaders | 8½, 7, 6
Peru | Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9, 7
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.50
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 10¼, 6
Portugal| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 6, 4¾
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Peabody-Martini (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Krupp breech-loaders | 12, 11, 9, 8, 6, 4, 3½
| Russian bronze muzzle-loaders | 4, 3½
| Rodman cast-iron smooth-bores | 20, 15, 10¾, 7½, 7, 6½
Russia | Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾
| Krnka (converted small-arms) | 0.50
| Russian Berdan (small-arms) | 0.40
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 9⅞, 9, 7⅞
Spain | French breech-loaders | 9, 7, 6¼, 4¾
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| Armstrong muzzle-loaders | 10, 9, 8, 7, 4¾
Turkey | Krupp breech-loaders | 10⅜, 9¼, 6¾, 5⅞, 3¼
| Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Peabody-Martini (small-arms) | 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------
| French breech-loaders | 7½, 5¼, 4¼, 4, 3½, 3
| Dahlgren smooth-bores | 15, 11, 9, 8, 6½, 3
| Parrott muzzle-loaders | 8, 6½, 5¼, 4¼, 4, 3
United | Hotchkiss machine-guns | 1¾
States | Gatling machine-guns | 0.50
| Hotchkiss magazine (small-arms) | 0.45
| Remington (small-arms) | 0.45
| Springfield (converted small-arms)| 0.45
--------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------
[Illustration: PENETRATING POWER OF ENGLISH PROJECTILES
Showing the Penetrating power of Projectiles fired
from English Guns against Iron-clad Ships of war.
Each target represents a certain class of vessel at a distance of
70 yards except where the range at which projectiles would penetrate
is stated.
NOTE.—Where the target is shown pentrates but no range given it includes all
distances up to 2000 yards.]
[Illustration: DIAGRAM SHOWING THE PERFORATING POWERS OF PROJECTILES
FIRED AT VARIOUS RANGES FROM GERMAN AND FRENCH BREECH-LOADING RIFLED
GUNS.]
[Illustration: NOTE.—The upper scale is for guns ³/₁₄ of an inch to 1
foot. The lower scale is for targets ¼ of an inch to 1 foot.]
[Illustration: SHOWING THE PENETRATING ENERGY, IN FOOT-TONS PER INCH OF
SHOTS CIRCUMFERENCE, OF FOREIGN ORDNANCE. AT RANGES FROM 70 YARDS FROM
THE MUZZLE OF THE GUN TO 2000 YARDS.]
PART III.
TORPEDOES.
The torpedoes used by and against the different navies of the world may
be classed under two general heads, viz., offensive and defensive.
Offensive torpedoes may be classified in accordance with the manner in
which they are used, as Locomotive, Towing, Spar, and Drifting.
LOCOMOTIVE TORPEDOES.
_The Whitehead Torpedo._
The Whitehead torpedo consists of a projectile, or more properly
speaking a boat, containing a heavy explosive charge, an engine driven
by compressed air, screw propellers, and mechanism for regulating the
speed, depth of flotation, distance of run, and security of firing
arrangements. The general exterior appearance of the torpedo is that of
a spindle of revolution, its greatest diameter being in the middle and
the lines being so curved as to present a surface of minimum resistance
to the water. The dimensions of the torpedo range from fourteen feet
in length by sixteen inches in diameter to nineteen feet by seventeen
inches. The speed ranges from seven knots for a distance of eight
hundred yards up to twenty-five and a quarter knots for two hundred
yards, the most powerful combination being fifteen and a half knots for
one thousand yards.
[Illustration: Whitehead Torpedo and Firing-Tube.]
This torpedo, if adjusted to run at any desired depth of water of
from five to fifteen feet, and if it be projected from either above
water, at the water-line, or below the surface, will rapidly attain the
desired depth and maintain it throughout the run. If fired in still
water, it will make a straight run in the line of projection, allowance
being made for the sweep of currents. It can be adjusted to stop after
having run any distance up to its extreme range, and after stopping, it
will sink, float, or explode as desired.
The gun-cotton charge is placed in what is termed a cartridge-case,
which is a wooden case similar in shape to the forward section of the
torpedo, somewhat smaller, and held in place in its compartment by
wooden wedges. This charge is ignited mechanically, the arrangement
being as follows: Extending from the nose of the torpedo to the
cartridge-case is a tube terminating in a copper case, in which is
placed the priming charge and the detonating composition; within the
tube is a steel rod, two feet long, fitted with a needle-point at its
inner end and having its outer end screwed into a frame; this frame is
capable of moving in and out, and is connected with a spiral spring
which tends to force it, and consequently the steel rod, inwards,
the action being similar to that of the firing-pin of breech-loading
small-arms. By compressing this spiral spring, the inner end of the
frame is brought forward to a catch and held retracted. If now this
catch is disengaged in any manner, the rod flies back, acting like an
ordinary firing-pin on the detonating composition. The extreme forward
point of the torpedo, called the nose-piece, is so fitted that it is
capable of being forced inwards, but in a position of rest its inner
edge is just clear of the catch. This nose-piece is provided with short
horizontal and vertical arms, so as to insure good contact with the
body struck. The collision of the nose-piece against any resisting
body forces it back and releases the firing-pin. In order to secure
against accident, the nose-piece is provided with a safety-wedge and
key. Before discharging the torpedo the key is removed, and after the
discharge the wedge is withdrawn by the action of mechanism, and is
so arranged that it may be replaced automatically and thus disarm the
torpedo after its run, in case it is desired to recover it.
The arrangement for adjusting the length of range and for drawing and
replacing the wedge is as follows: Two cog-wheels, a large one and a
small one, are fixed on the upper part of the after-end of the torpedo,
just in front of the propellers. The small wheel has thirty teeth,
gearing in an endless screw attached to the propeller-shaft, and of
such a pitch that one revolution of the propeller moves the wheel one
tooth. The big cog-wheel is so arranged as to move one tooth for each
revolution of the small wheel. In front of this gearing is a small
stud that works fore and aft in a slot, being provided with a spring
which tends to force it towards the after-end of the slot. This stud
is connected by a rod to the valve which admits the compressed air to
the cylinders of the engine. When the stud is in the forward part of
the slot the valve is open, in the after part it is closed. By means
of a lever the spring of the stud is compressed, and the stud is moved
to the fore part of its slot; the big wheel is then moved around until
a stud on its face is the desired number of teeth above the lever. Now
for every thirty revolutions of the propeller, or one tooth of the big
wheel, a certain known distance is travelled, varying according to the
pattern of the torpedo, slip, etc. When the propeller has made the
number of revolutions corresponding to the desired length of range,
the stud on the big wheel presses against the lever of the spring
and releases the latter, forcing the valve-rod back and closing the
valve. Attached to the axle of the big wheel is a small brass arm which
is connected by means of a brass rod to the safety-wedge, and is so
arranged that after any required number of revolutions of the propeller
the safety-wedge will be drawn out; or it may be drawn out at the
instant of discharge. By means of an additional lever at the fore port
of the torpedo, which is connected by means of a rod to the valve of
the engine, and by arranging the attachment of the safety-wedge to the
brass rod from the big wheel so that on the wedge being withdrawn it
is released from the brass rod, the action of the closing of the valve
after the run of the torpedo is completed, forces the wedge into its
securing position again.
Naturally the torpedo would float at the end of its run from its
difference of buoyancy, owing to the compressed air used in working the
engines.
To sink the torpedo at the end of its run, a spiral-spring valve is
placed in the after wall of the adjustment chamber, which can be
attached to the brass rod working the engine-valve in such a way that
when the latter valve is closed the spring-valve is opened, admitting
water to the chamber and thus sinking the torpedo. If it is desired to
explode the torpedo at the end of the run, the nose-piece is connected
to the engine-valve, which, on closing, draws it violently back and
releases the firing-pin. To adjust the depth of flotation, a small
wheel, the face of which is marked in feet, is placed in the adjustment
chamber, and is turned by means of a key until the number of feet
desired comes under a pointer.
The secret of the Whitehead is in the mechanism by which the torpedo
maintains a desired depth. The adjustment chamber, which is next abaft
the explosion chamber, is connected by screw to the forward and after
chambers in such a manner that by means of a number of small holes
bored around the circumference the faces of the chamber are exposed
to the pressure of the outside water, which varies with the depth to
which the torpedo descends. Within the adjustment chamber is an endless
strong spiral spring, attached to the after face of the chamber,
and so arranged that after being set to a certain tension, capable
of resisting an equivalent pressure on the outside of the face, any
increase or decrease in this pressure will cause this spring to work
a rod by which the horizontal rudders of the torpedo are regulated.
Within this adjustment chamber is also placed an automatic balance,
which assists in maintaining the torpedo at the desired depth by
swinging forward on the torpedo’s descending or aft on ascending, and
thus assisting the rudders.
The Whitehead may be discharged through a submerged tube in the stern
or in broadside, from a carriage above the water-line, or from the
surface.
For discharging under water a tube is fitted to an orifice in the stern
or broadside, closed by a water-tight valve; the inner end is closed by
a water-tight door. The torpedo, being prepared, is placed in the tube,
the door is shut, water is admitted to the interior, and the valve is
opened. The torpedo is then shot out and started by means of a piston
bearing against its rear end and worked by compressed air. To prevent
it from slipping out before the time, a stop is provided at the forward
end of the tube, which is removed automatically at the same time that
the compressed air is admitted to the piston. In the case of broadside
discharge, the tube works inside an iron casing, through a stuffing-box
at the inner end and in a shield at the outer end. The shield, placed
on the forward side of the orifice, is of such a length as to protect
the torpedo from the pressure of the water passing the vessel.
In projecting from above water, an iron carriage is used, which is
fitted with a frame in which the torpedo rests. The outer end of this
frame is provided with a lip a few feet long, by means of which the
rear end of the torpedo is slightly canted up on leaving the frame,
preventing undue strain on the extreme end. The frame is mounted in
the carriage in such a way that it can be elevated or depressed by
means of a screw, like a gun. The torpedo is ejected by means of a
piston as before, the carriage being provided with a small reservoir of
compressed air so that it may be moved to any point aboard ship.
To project from the surface, no tube is necessary; all that is required
is to set it for the depth, point it, and turn back the lever by hand,
when it starts off of its own accord.
For discharging from boats, the torpedo is either mounted on its
carriage forward or carried in iron slings suspended from davits. In
the latter case the davits are pivoted, so that normally the torpedo
rests in a cradle on deck; but the cradle being removed, the davits are
swung over, lowering it to about two feet below water, where it is held
securely until discharged.
The propeller is worked by means of a pair of Brotherhood engines,
working to 60 indicated horse-power and giving 1000 revolutions a
minute. Weight of charge, 33 lbs. gun-cotton; weight of torpedo, 500
lbs.
THE LAY TORPEDO.
The shape of the Lay torpedo is quite similar to that of the Whitehead,
although it is considerably larger. As in the Whitehead, the forward
section forms the explosion chamber. Next abaft this is a chamber for
holding the gas reservoirs, carbonic-acid gas being the motive power.
Next aft is the compartment for holding an electrical cable, which
forms a constant connection between the torpedo and the operator. In
rear of this is the compartment for the engines and steering apparatus.
These sections are separated from each other by water-tight bulkheads.
The torpedo is propelled by double screws, the propellers working in
opposite directions and being placed one abaft the other, the shaft of
the forward one being hollow and that of the after one passing through
it. The torpedo has four horizontal fins or wings, two forward and two
aft; these wings are mounted on shafts or spindles passing transversely
through the boat. A guide-rod or short staff is provided at each end
of the torpedo to enable the operator to regulate the course. At night
lanterns are hung on these rods. The electrical cable, made up of two
insulated wires, is wound on a reel, and pays out through a hole in
the bottom of the compartment as the boat advances. By means of one of
these wires the boat is started, stopped, and steered, and by the other
it is fired.
[Illustration: Lay Torpedo.]
A double steering-rudder is used, one half being above and the other
below the line of the propellers; these rudders are worked by means of
a small auxiliary, engine, which is started, stopped, and reversed by
means of the electrical current. The current passing in one direction
starts the engine ahead, putting the helm to starboard. If the current
is broken, the engine stops and the rudder swings amidships. The
current passing in the opposite direction reverses the engine and puts
the helm to port.
In the firing circuit there are two resistance-coils, one in the boat
and one by the operator; the charge may be fired through either one of
the coils, but not through both. When the nose of the torpedo strikes
a resisting object the coil in the boat is cut out of circuit and the
charge is exploded. If the operator desires to fire before striking,
he can at any moment cut the coil near him out of the circuit and thus
fire.
The propelling engines have a throttle-valve which controls the
admission of gas from the reservoirs to the cylinders, the valve being
in connection with a balanced lever. The current passing one way draws
down one end of the lever, opening the valve, and passing the other
draws the other end down, closing it.
In one modification of this torpedo the forward compartment or magazine
is made detachable, so that on striking an object it breaks adrift
and sinks a short distance before exploding, thus gaining the best
depth of water. In launching these torpedoes from a vessel, a tube
is provided opening below the water-line and being provided with a
forward water-gate and a rear loading-door. The torpedo being put in
place, the rear door is closed, the gate raised, admitting the water,
and the torpedo launches itself after the engine is started. In order
to sink or raise the boat, a water-chamber is supplied having a valve
for admitting outside water and another for the admission of gas. By
sending a current one way, the water-valve is opened and water is
admitted until the torpedo is sunk to the required depth. By sending
the current the other way, the gas-valve is opened and the pressure of
the gas forces the water out and the torpedo rises.
The Lay torpedo may be used for clearing river obstructions, by laying
out small charges in any position or by dragging a grapnel. In the
latter case, an exploding charge is attached to the upper end of the
grapnel-chain. When the grapnel holds fast to any obstruction the
operator is notified, and by means of an electrical current he detaches
the charge, which slides down the grapnel-chain and explodes at the
obstruction, blowing it away.
TOWING TORPEDOES.
_The Harvey Torpedo._
[Illustration: Harvey Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Towing-Reel.]
[Illustration: Levers.]
[Illustration: Firing-Bolt.]
The general form of the Harvey torpedo is that of a box of a
rectangular vertical and trapezoidal horizontal section, intended to
float on end and tow at an angle from the ship’s keel. The case is
generally made of copper or Muntz’s metal sheathed with wood; the upper
inner edges being provided with shackles for attaching a towing-span.
The body of the torpedo is also the magazine, large enough to hold from
33 to 58 lbs. of gun-cotton. The firing-bolt with its fuse attachment
enters the magazine from the middle of the top or deck of the torpedo.
This bolt is acted upon by a series of levers so arranged that if
the torpedo strikes in any position, one of the levers will drive
the bolt down and explode the fuse. In the later patterns of Harvey
torpedoes there is also a small rudder attached, by which the course
of the torpedo is regulated when the tow-rope is suddenly slacked.
The sling is made with four legs going to the corners of the torpedo
and of a length to bring the centre of effort in the right position
for towing the torpedo at a good angle of divergence. The firing-bolt
is so arranged that the torpedo may be fired in three different ways:
electrically on contact, mechanically on contact, or electrically at
will. The mechanical arrangement is an ordinary chemical fuse placed
in the firing-bolt in connection with a small vial of sulphuric acid.
When the firing-bolt is forced down by the contact of the levers with
any resisting substance, the vial is broken by coming in contact with a
stout needle and the acid ignites the fuse. For firing electrically at
will, a platinum-wire fuse is used; one terminal going to earth at the
torpedo, and the other passing through the firing-bolt and attaching to
the insulated wire core of the tow-rope leading aboard ship. To fire on
contact electrically, a resistance-coil is introduced in the circuit
at the fuse in such a manner that by forcing the firing-bolt down the
resistance-coil is cut out of the circuit and the fuse is fired by the
short circuit.
The firing-bolt is fitted to act with a pressure of from 30 to 40 lbs.
on its head, and under ordinary circumstances is secured by a key in
the ordinary manner of keying bolts. If these torpedoes are left to
sink of themselves, they will explode at a depth of about 60 fathoms
from the pressure of the water on the head of the bolt.
In order to hold the torpedo steady when towing, it is provided with
cork buoys which tow astern of it. The buoy-rope is rove through a ring
at the after-end of the torpedo, and has an eye spliced in its end to
which the tow-rope knots after reeving through the eye of the sling.
The firing-bolt key has a small line attached to it by which it is
withdrawn whenever desired after the torpedo has been launched. The
tow-rope coming from the torpedo reeves through a leading-block on a
spar lashed about 25 feet above the deck, and, coming inboard through
another leader, passes to a reel secured on deck and controlled by
friction-brakes.
To launch this torpedo, it is hoisted by its tow-rope clear of the
side, and the rope then being rapidly veered until the torpedo strikes
the water and then gradually checked, it diverges at once. Veering
then slowly, the torpedo takes its position at an angle of about 45°
from the ship’s side. In attacking a vessel, when the torpedo has been
towed to within a short distance of the desired point, the tow-rope
is rapidly veered and the torpedo dives; checking the rope, it rises
almost immediately, and at a very sharp angle bringing up against the
vessel’s bilge. In case it becomes necessary to get rid of the torpedo,
the tow-rope is cut at the reel and unreeves and the torpedo sinks.
There are two rings for reeving the buoy-rope through, a large one and
a small one. If the rope is rove through the large ring, the torpedo
is lost when the tow-rope is cut; if rove through the small ring, the
knot connecting the buoy-rope and the tow-rope brings up against it,
and the torpedo is held up and buoyed the length of the buoy-rope below
water. In securing the torpedo after the key has been withdrawn from
the firing-bolt, a pair of tongs is used to grasp the bolt and keep it
from being forced down.
_The Menzing Towing Torpedo._
This is a modification of the Harvey, used in the German service,
intended to overcome objections to the original in regard to facility
of use. The general shape is slightly different, the forward end being
wedge-shaped so that the torpedo may be towed on either side. This
torpedo has two tow-ropes, each rove in a similar manner. The ends
of the ropes are provided with two legs which are made fast to the
after-end of the torpedo, where is a small rudder, the ropes coming
to it and acting on it in such a manner that when a strain is brought
on one it turns the rudder in the opposite direction. Secured to the
bow of the torpedo is a crane, having at its end an eye through which
the main part of both tow-ropes reeves. If it is desired to tow on
the starboard side, the starboard tow-rope is slackened, bringing the
entire strain on the port one; the crane at the bow of the torpedo
swings around by the strain until it brings up against a knot at the
splice of the legs, thus forming with the legs a complete bridle; the
divergence of the torpedo is at the same time assisted by the action
of the rudder. Levers for firing mechanically are applied in much the
same manner as in the Harvey. A circuit-wire for electrical firing and
buoys for steadying the torpedo are also used. By these arrangements
the torpedo may be towed astern until required for use, and then by
slacking the necessary tow-rope it may be swung out on either quarter
desired.
[Illustration: Menzing Torpedo.]
_The French Towing Torpedo._
This torpedo is in the shape of a long box tapered at the forward end.
It is made of wood, with a cork bow, the powder-chamber being hung
between the cork and the main body in such a manner that it may be
detached automatically. This is secured by a bolt projecting from the
top of the powder-case, whose head is held by a movable plate. The
slot in the plate through which the bolt-head passes is larger than
the bolt-head, so that when the plate is knocked back the bolt slips
through and the magazine is detached. Two curved whiskers project
forward from the plate as contact-points. In order that the torpedo may
be exploded at the proper depth, two shafts are pivoted to the bottom
of the float and attached to the magazine. When the latter is detached
it drops down the full length of the shafts (9 feet below the surface),
and on reaching that position the electrical circuit is closed and
the charge is fired automatically. To fire the torpedo at will, a
miniature gun is mounted on the after-part of the plate, which is fired
by electricity; the recoil draws the plate back and thus releases the
chamber. The magazine of this torpedo holds 33 lbs. of dynamite.
[Illustration: French Torpedo.]
SPAR-TORPEDOES.
_The American Torpedo._
[Illustration: American Spar-Torpedo.]
American spar-torpedoes are of two general forms. The first,
for gunpowder charges, is in the shape of a long cylinder with
hemispherical ends. The second, for dynamite charges, is in the shape
of a large double convex lens. The powder torpedoes have a capacity for
a charge of from 75 to 100 lbs. of small-grain powder; the dynamite
ones have a capacity of from 15 to 30 lbs. In the gunpowder torpedo a
large hollow spindle passes through the axis, closed and secured at
one end by a large nut. This spindle is pierced with flame-holes at
short distances, so as to permit the flame from the fuse to penetrate
and ignite all parts of the powder-charge at once. Around this spindle
is a guard of wire gauze to prevent the powder from the charge sifting
into and choking the flame-passages. This spindle projects some little
distance beyond the inner end of the torpedo-case, forming a handle
or support by which the case is attached to a spar. At the inner end
on each side of the spindle is a loading-hole secured by nuts and
washers. There are also four handles, two on each side of the case,
for convenience in transporting. The 100-pdr. torpedo loaded and fused
weighs about 360 lbs. The torpedo-fuse, which is an electric one,
finds a place by itself inside the spindle, the terminal wires passing
through a simple water-tight gland.
[Illustration: Socket for American Spar-Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Wood and Lay’s Spar-Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Boat-Fittings for American Spar-Torpedo.]
On the end of the torpedo-spar is lashed a cast-iron sleeve into which
the end of the spindle is keyed. The torpedo-spar for use on the bows
or broadsides of vessels varies in length from 20 to 50 feet, and is
supported and pointed by guys and lifts in the same manner as is common
with swinging spars generally. The wires from the fuse are brought in
along the spar to the electrical machine and firing-keys arranged in
suitable positions.
The spars used in boats are generally arranged on a different principle
from those attached to the bows or beams of high-sided vessels.
Arranged to work in a swivelled sleeve with a martingale at the rear
end to regulate the depth to which they shall sink, the spar is either
launched or dropped over and is permitted to swing without guys, the
operator watching and exploding it as it is brought abeam and into the
desired position by the driving ahead of the boat.
[Illustration: Fitting for Heel of Spar Ship-Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Chafing-Plate for Heel of Spar-Torpedo.]
The spar used with the dynamite torpedo is an iron or steel bar of
diminished cross-section in order to offer a minimum resistance to the
water, with a hinged piece at its rear end bolting to the keelson of
the boat and acting as a martingale.
TORPEDO VESSELS.
In several of the navies of the world gun-boats have been designed for
the purpose of using torpedoes, either locomotive or spar, to the total
exclusion of battery—or, in some cases, with a limited artillery—fire.
_Pietro Micca_ (Italian).
This vessel, having a displacement of about 530 tons, is built very low
in the water, with a curved deck or cover, and is not armored except as
regards a deck under the curved cover and over the engines, intended
to resist the penetration of plunging projectiles, and which is of
laminated steel 2¼ inches thick. Her estimated speed is 18 knots, and
she is provided with tubes for discharging Whitehead torpedoes ahead,
abeam, and astern.
_Rau_ (Swedish).
_Ziethen_ (German).
_Vesuvius_ (English).
_Uzreef_ (Russian).
Whitehead torpedo gun-boats of from 400 to 700 tons displacement and an
estimated speed of from 13 to 16 knots. The peculiarity of the Vesuvius
is in having an elbowed smoke-stack carried along the deck. The Rau
carries a light rifled gun. All carry machine-guns.
_The Alarm_ (American).
The Alarm is an iron ram gun-boat, built on the transverse bracket
system, with a double bottom and water-tight bulkheads every 25
feet. Her dimensions are: length, 173 feet; beam, 28 feet; draft, 11
feet—which may be increased by sinking the vessel to the level of the
upper-deck beams, arrangements having been made for the admission and
ejection of water in the compartments formed by the double hull. The
torpedo system of this vessel consists of three hollow steel tubes,
one projected from the end of the ram a distance of 30 feet, and one
from each broadside, 17 feet. These tubes slide in and out on frames,
and are worked by small auxiliary engines and winches; the torpedo
is fitted to the end of the spar and is fired by electricity. The
port from which the spar is projected, being below the water-line, is
provided with a water-box and double doors and heavy rubber washers,
which grip the spar water-tight as it is run out.
In addition to the torpedo system, this vessel is arranged to carry
a 10-inch rifle forward. Her ram is strengthened, and her bow is
protected for some distance by a plating of 4½ inches. On her rail
she carries machine-guns to resist the attack of torpedo-boats.
Her propeller is of a novel pattern, serving as steering-gear and
propelling power. This vessel was originally fitted with a propelling
apparatus known as the Fowler steering-wheel, a novel propeller which
both gave the vessel headway and steered her. The blades of the
propeller were worked by means of a simple steam-valve arrangement
manipulated by the helmsman. The steering qualities with this apparatus
were little short of marvellous, as she could be driven and steered
with as great facility astern as ahead, and could even be worked
sideways. Her speed, however, was deficient, never reaching ten knots.
At present the vessel has been fitted with the Mallory steering
propeller, a form of screw with a jointed shaft so that it may be
revolved about a vertical axis. This screw promises to give a speed
more nearly warranted by the fine lines of the vessel.
_The Intrepid_ (American).
This vessel is a gun-boat of about the dimensions of the Alarm, having
a short, heavy ram bow and an armored belt at the water-line of five
inches thickness all around. Her load draft brings her upper deck to
within three feet of the water-line. This vessel carries no armament
except a few Gatling guns on the rail, and her torpedo system consists
of four ordinary swinging-spar torpedoes, two on each beam. Ordinarily
these spars lie in crutches alongside, and they are manipulated by
topping-lifts and guys in the ordinary way. The torpedoes are exploded
by electricity.
_The Destroyer_ (American).
[Illustration: Ericsson’s Torpedo Vessel (Destroyer).]
This vessel is 130 feet long by 12 feet beam and 10 feet draft, built
with a straight bow, bow and stern lines being the same and very sharp.
She has no upper-deck rail, this deck being very low, with a long
superstructure rising amidships. There are no openings in the sides of
this superstructure, so that if desirable the vessel may be run with
her upper deck completely under water. Thirty-two feet from the bow
a heavy armored bulkhead crosses the vessel, inclined at a vertical
angle of 45°, and intended as a thorough protection to the engines and
boilers, enabling the vessel to approach bows on with impunity. Her
armament consists of a bow-torpedo, which is projected from a tube in a
manner not unlike the firing of a projectile from a gun. This torpedo
consists of a solid block of light wood having inserted in its forward
end a heavy bursting-charge in a steel case. The transverse section of
this torpedo is square; longitudinally it is a rectangle with sharpened
ends. Ignition of the charge is obtained by means of a percussion fuse.
To project this torpedo, it is inserted in a tube provided with
water-gates, fixed in the bow of the boat just above the keel. A steam
piston-rod fits against the after-end and pushes the torpedo out with
a velocity sufficient to send it at least 100 feet. The weight of the
torpedo is about 1400 lbs. This vessel has been tried, but the system
is not yet perfected.
_The Uhlan_ (German).
This vessel is of a novel type, consisting of two separate hulls, one
within and abaft the other, the intervening space being filled with
cork. She carries affixed to a ram which projects ten feet forward
from the stem a dynamite contact torpedo. Arranged to travel at a high
speed, the idea is to carry her at full speed against the enemy, the
crew finding refuge on a small raft which she carries and which is
detached just before her striking. It is not expected that the main
hull, in which are the engines and steering-gear, will be injured by
the explosion. The raft, it is understood, is not completely detached
from the vessel, but a long tow-line is paid out rapidly, and after
the explosion of the torpedo the crew haul alongside and take the boat
clear ready for another attack.
TORPEDO-BOATS.
_The Thornycroft Torpedo-Launch._
This boat is built to combine great speed with a moderate seaworthiness
and resisting power. The dimensions range as follows: length, 57 to 85
feet; beam, 7½ to 10 feet; draft, 3 to 4 feet. They are built of steel
of an average thickness of ³/₁₆ an inch, being completely decked over.
Generally they are divided into six separate water-tight compartments.
The forward and after ones are store-rooms; the second one is arranged
for the accommodation of the crew; the third is the pilot-house;
fourth, engine and fire room; and fifth, for the accommodation of
officers. The single-screw shaft projects some distance beyond the
stern-post to allow the double rudder to work forward of it. The screw
itself is of a peculiar construction, so built as to project the water
straight aft instead of radially. These launches are fitted for either
spar or Whitehead torpedoes. In the former case the swivelled sleeve in
which the spar works pivots abreast the pilot-house. In the latter case
two methods are in use. By one, a Whitehead is carried on deck on each
side mounted on a carriage running on rails, by which they may be run
up to a firing-case on the forward part of the deck. This firing-case
is mounted on a pivot-carriage and has depressing-gear, so that the
torpedo may be pointed in any desired direction. A pointing apparatus
is provided in the pilot-house by means of which allowance of angle may
be made for the movements of the boat or of the attacked vessel. The
pivot-circle is graduated so that the torpedo may be correctly aimed
with but little difficulty. By the other arrangement, a Whitehead is
carried on each side on pivoted davits in a sling, so that it may be
lowered into the water; the machinery is then started by hand, and the
torpedo moves off without being projected. In this case the torpedo can
only be fired right ahead.
[Illustration: H. M. Steam Torpedo Launch "Lightning".
Thornycroft Torpedo-Launch.
Length (extreme) 84 6
Beam 10 10
Draught 5 0
Speed 18 Knots]
_The Yarrow Torpedo-Boat_
[Illustration: Yarrow Torpedo-Launch.]
This is a launch of the same general construction as the Thornycroft,
although a higher rate of speed is attained by this type, and there
are several important modifications. The fire-room, or stoke-hole, is
completely separated or bulkheaded off from the boiler, except the
front part, so that in case the boiler collapses or is pierced by a
shot there is no danger of scalding the crew. The pilot-house is placed
aft in the compartment occupied by the officers. There is no visible
smoke-stack. Two ports are cut in the sides of the launch, one on each
side, and the products of combustion may be carried through either or
both. The ports are provided with valves, which are held open by the
force of the blast, but which close immediately if struck by a wave.
The helmsman can direct the smoke through either port, so that in
approaching a vessel the one on the side next to her is closed and the
smoke through the other port is partially masked by the side of the
boat. When running in a seaway both these ports may be closed, and a
temporary smoke-pipe is shipped in the usual place.
These boats are provided with a rudder at each end, both rudders being
operated by the wheel at the same time. The forward rudder may be
drawn up into a well, if desired, or in case that it gets fouled it
can easily be dropped overboard. These boats have attained in smooth
water a speed of 22 knots an hour. The torpedo arrangements are similar
to those of the Thornycroft. Above 18 knots there is no noticeable
vibration of the frame.
_The Herreshoff Torpedo-Boat._
[Illustration: Herreshoff Torpedo-Launch.]
The general type of hull is the same as that of the Yarrow and
Thornycroft, except that it is of composite construction, having
a steel frame with wood planking below water and steel above. The
propeller is a single two-bladed screw, placed under the keel just
abaft the middle of the boat, the hollow steel screw-shaft being put
in on a curve. The rudder is of the balanced type, and is suspended
underneath the after-part of the keel. The pilot-house is abaft the
smoke-pipe. The boiler of this boat is of a novel character. It
consists of a cylindrical combustion chamber about 4 feet in diameter,
within which is a spiral coil of about 300 feet of two-inch pipe.
This coil is continued at the top so as to form a kind of dome under
the cover of the combustion chamber. By the side of the boiler is a
separator into which the steam passes before it goes to the engine. The
water from the feed-pump is admitted at the top of the coil, and during
its course to the bottom the greater part of it becomes converted into
steam. Having passed through the entire length of the coil, the steam
and water are discharged together into the separator, in such a manner
that the water is entirely separated from the steam and can be blown
off as required. The steam is taken from the top of the separator and
returns through a short coil placed inside the combustion chamber,
where it becomes superheated and is led thence to the engines. By means
of this boiler a good working pressure can be obtained in about five
minutes from the time of lighting the fires. This boat may be rigged to
carry either the Whitehead or the spar torpedoes. Its speed is about 18
knots, equal to that of the Thornycroft.
[Illustration: Herreshoff Boiler.]
SHIPS’ BOATS.
Steam-launches are at present, as a rule, fitted with spar or Whitehead
torpedo-gear of a general and simple type. It is not intended that
these boats should be classed as fighting torpedo-boats, as they
lack the requisite speed and protection, and, as a rule, are too
noisy to be of use except in a general or concentrated attack. Such
boats find their greatest sphere of usefulness in clearing channels
of obstructions and countermining. For the former work many are now
provided with electrical valve-gear and steering apparatus, by which
they may be controlled from a boat towed some distance astern, as in
the manipulation of the Lay torpedo.
SUBMARINE BOATS.
At different times during the development of torpedo warfare there
have been many attempts to construct and perfect submarine boats
of different types, but in no case has an attempt to use one been
successful. The United States corvette Housatonic was sunk off
Charleston Harbor in 1864 by a submarine torpedo-boat, but there are
excellent reasons for believing that she was at the time of the attack
used as an ordinary surface-boat with a bow-torpedo on a spar. In
most cases the boats used, or rather designed, have been propelled by
hand-power, their rate of speed being very low. Attempts are being made
in all countries to perfect some form of submarine boat, and, judging
from the experimental success attained heretofore, it is fair to
suppose that some type will finally prove successful, although in any
case its use would be extremely limited.
DRIFTING TORPEDOES.
Torpedoes of this description have been used in great numbers in time
of war, but only with indifferent success. The especial function of
the drifting torpedo is the destruction of vessels lying at anchor,
the torpedo being sent adrift at a convenient point and allowed to
float either at the surface or by means of a buoy at some distance
below, and by the action of the current to be carried into contact with
the vessel, being exploded by a contact-fuse. There is no especial
shape considered superior for this type, and generally the torpedoes
are extemporized from the most convenient materials at hand. Of the
many types that have been tried there are two which may be considered
especially dangerous.
The first of these is a torpedo intended to be dropped by a vessel
being chased, to be caught by the one in her wake. This type may be
described in general as two torpedoes of a size sufficient to contain
20 or 30 lbs. of dynamite, connected by a rope or light chain bridle,
and floated by flat water-colored buoys. Dropped from the stern of
a vessel, the bridle is caught by the bow of the chaser, and the
torpedoes being swept alongside explode against the bilges.
_Lewis’s Drifting Torpedo._
[Illustration: Lewis’s Beam Torpedo.]
This torpedo, intended to reach a vessel at anchor and surrounded by
a boom of logs, consists of a case of powder or dynamite resting
loosely on a small shelf attached to one extremity of a heavy pine
beam, ballasting it in such a manner that it will float on end with the
top just above water. The torpedo is attached to the beam by a loose
chain bridle, the ends of which are stapled respectively to the lower
end and just above the centre of gravity of the beam. The shelf itself
is hinged, and is held in position by a catch operated by a small
bell-crank lever on top of the beam. This beam on coming in contact
with a boom is canted slightly, and the lever being tripped the shelf
drops from under the torpedo, which, hanging by its bridle, cants the
beam almost horizontally, thus allowing it to slip under the boom and
float on against the ship’s side, where the torpedo explodes on coming
in contact.
DEFENCES AGAINST OFFENSIVE TORPEDOES.
Vessels at anchor in protecting themselves against torpedoes
establish three separate lines of defence. The outer line consists
of guard-boats; the boats of the ship, either carrying machine and
boat guns or having their crews armed with rifles, patrolling the
approaches to the ship at such a radius as may be well guarded by the
number of boats employed. The second line consists of a boom of logs or
spars arranged around the ship at a distance of from twenty to fifty
feet, having in addition, wherever practicable, heavy nets which hang
down below the level of the keel. The third and inner line consists
of the machine-guns and small-arms of the crew, the double hull and
compartment construction of the vessel itself, and powerful electric
lights which at intervals sweep the water in the vicinity of the
vessel, lighting up every approaching object.
DEFENSIVE TORPEDOES.
Torpedoes of this class may be described generally as being either
heavy cases of explosive material resting on the bottom of shallow
channels and fairways, and usually exploded at will by electrical
fuses, or smaller torpedoes anchored and either buoyed or supported
at from three to twelve feet below the surface. The first class of
torpedoes is of crude and varied construction, being simply heavy cases
of boiler-iron of a capacity for from 100 to 200 lbs. of dynamite or
1000 to 2000 lbs. of powder, caulked water-tight and sunk generally
within easy range of a heavy battery, in a position where a vessel
would probably stop or anchor to open fire, or else in a shallow
channel where a ship must pass directly over it.
The buoyant torpedoes are of different form; the most successful types
being
_The Frame-Torpedo._
This consists of a row of heavy beams planted across a channel similar
to a “chevaux de frise.” The inner ends of the beams are securely
anchored to the bottom, the latter giving them a support when they are
ran into. The outer ends carry each a single torpedo shaped like a
large rifled shell and holding from 60 to 100 lbs. of powder; bolted to
it so that the tops of the torpedoes are about eight or ten feet below
water. These ends are moored so as not to swing about too much in the
current. Just under the outer ends a frame is constructed to support
the beams in case they get waterlogged. Contact-fuses are used with
these torpedoes, and the whole arrangement serves the double purpose of
acting as a torpedo and as a construction defence. These beams are also
used singly in many cases.
[Illustration: Frame-Torpedoes.]
_Brooks’s Torpedo._
This form of torpedo is intended to baffle attempts at removal by
sweeping with drags and grapnels. The beam used in this case is of a
length sufficient to allow the top of the torpedo to be at the proper
distance below water when it is vertical. The heel of the spar is shod
with a pointed iron casing having a ring in the end connected to an
anchor-shackle, the anchor being completely buried. In this manner
the beam is free to oscillate. The torpedo, which is conical with a
dome cover, ships on the upper end of the beam, all sharp corners and
edges where a rope or grapnel might catch being avoided. In the top
of the torpedo are placed five contact-fuses. In order to make this
torpedo still more difficult of removal, it is placed in connection
with a heavy ground-torpedo called a turtle-back in such a manner that
any attempt to remove it from its berth causes the explosion of the
turtle-back.
_Singer’s Torpedo._
This torpedo contains an air-chamber in the upper part, whilst all the
lower portion is devoted to the charge, varying in weight from 50 to
100 lbs. of powder. On top of the case is a heavy conical iron cover
loosely secured, so that if the torpedo is struck a violent blow or is
canted well over it will fall off. This cover is secured by a wire to a
mechanical fuse (there are several different types) in such a way that
the jerk given to the wire when the cover falls off will explode it.
[Illustration: Brooks’s Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Singer’s Torpedo.]
[Illustration: Barrel Torpedo.]
_Barrel Torpedoes._
Barrels are frequently used as torpedoes, being thoroughly caulked and
pitched and strengthened as much as possible. They are slung with rope
or chain slings, moored in position, and exploded either by contact or
electrical fuses. In the majority of cases with defensive torpedoes at
present, they are so arranged as to be fired either by contact or at
will.
TORPEDO-FUSES.
Torpedo-fuses may be classified under four different heads; viz.,
Percussion, Friction, Chemical, and Electric.
A percussion fuse is one in which the flame is produced by a blow on
some fulminating compound. Of such a type is the fuse of the Whitehead
torpedo, which in principle is precisely that of the firing arrangement
of breech-loading small-arms. The shock on the nose of the torpedo
starts it back, releasing the firing-pin spring, which driving against
a cap or fuse of fulminate, explodes it. The fuse of Singer’s torpedo
cannot depend directly on the shock of collision to explode it, as the
shock might be very light. As an intermediary, therefore, the heavy
cover of the torpedo is used, which falls off when the torpedo is
tilted, and by its descending weight releases the lock mechanism. This
consists of a firing-pin and spring secured vertically underneath the
torpedo and held retracted by a small pin. This pin is withdrawn by the
falling cover, permitting the firing-pin to drive forward against the
bottom of the torpedo. Just over the spot where it strikes is a short
rod travelling in guides, the upper end being in contact with a small
capsule of fulminate, which is exploded by the shock of the outside pin.
_The Torpedo Time-Fuse_
is in principle a lock mechanism in which the firing-pin catch is in
connection with a train of clockwork. This clockwork being set to
run for a certain length of time, the torpedo is set adrift to float
against the vessel or obstruction, and the torpedo explodes at the end
of the time for which it is set. The original and most crude form of
this type of fuse is a candle cut to a certain length, the bottom being
connected to a quick-match. It is not in this case a percussion fuse,
as the quick-match communicates directly with the charge.
[Illustration: Clockwork Fuse.]
_McEvoy’s Fuse_
consists of a percussion system in connection with a small propeller.
As long as the torpedo drifts with the current the propeller does not
revolve, but if it is brought up in any way the force of the current
starts the propellers, which after a few turns release the firing-pin
spring.
The torpedo by means of which the Albemarle was sunk (see cut, page
335) was exploded by a percussion fuse of still a different nature.
The torpedo itself was attached to the end of a spar, but just before
explosion it was intended to detach and capsize. A hollow tube passed
through the axis of the torpedo, having at the nose-end an ordinary
percussion-cap arrangement. The rear half of the torpedo formed an
air-chamber, and at the rear end of the tube an iron ball, free to move
along the tube, was held in place by a small pin to which a laniard was
attached to be pulled by hand. The torpedo being thrust by the spar
under a vessel was detached, and the air-chamber caused it to tumble
bottom up immediately. The pin then being withdrawn by the laniard, the
ball dropped on the percussion-cap and fired it.
[Illustration: McEvoy’s Propeller-Fuse.]
[Illustration: English Dynamo-Electric Fuse.]
_Hill’s Fuse_
consists of a brass body having a percussion anvil screwed into its
lower end. A spiral spring surrounds this anvil, projecting slightly
above it and forming a seat for a light case holding the fulminate,
which is of a very sensitive composition. Covering the top of the
fuse-case, and just clear of the fulminate-case, is a light copper
dome. A slight blow on this dome presses it in and drives the fulminate
down on the anvil.
_McEvoy’s Improved Percussion Fuse_
consists of a fuse-case containing an ordinary spring gun-lock, nipple,
and percussion-cap. The hammer of the lock is held back by a vertical
rod free to travel in a guide. On top of the rod is a ball held in
place lightly by the upward pressure of a spring. In case that the
torpedo is struck and tilted over the ball falls from its seat on the
rod, the latter is forced up by the spring, releasing the hammer and
exploding the percussion-cap.
_Friction-Fuses._
Friction-fuses as a rule consist of some arrangement by which an
ordinary friction cannon-primer is exploded. This is done by attaching
a firing laniard to the friction-bar of the primer and either leaving
it free, so as to fire at the will of the operator, or attaching it
in such a way that the momentum of a vessel catching it will pull it.
McEvoy’s improvement on Singer’s percussion fuse consists in attaching
the laniard of a friction primer to the heavy cover.
[Illustration: Barrel Torpedoes with Friction-Fuses.]
_Chemical Fuses_
[Illustration: Chemical Fuse.]
are those in which substances separated until required for action are
then brought into contact and unite chemically with an explosive effect.
_Sulphuric-acid Fuse._
This fuse consists of a brass fuse-case containing the magazine and
crowned by a thin lead cylinder containing the chemicals, which consist
of a small closely sealed glass phial of sulphuric acid placed in the
tube and packed with a mixture of potassium chlorate and loaf-sugar. A
slight blow on the lead cylinder breaks the bottle, thus permitting a
contact between the explosive mixtures.
_Harvey’s Torpedo-Fuse._
The principle of this fuse is precisely similar. The bottom of the
firing-rod is in this case hollowed and partially packed with the
potassic chlorate and loaf-sugar mixture. Over it a small bulb
containing a few drops of sulphuric acid is placed and packed carefully
with raw cotton. The mouth of the hole is then sealed with a lead
capsule. The firing-rod is itself suspended over a firing-pin against
which it is driven by the levers on the top of the torpedo.
_Electrical Fuses_
depend upon the heating powers of an electrical current to ignite
certain explosive substances, preferably gun-cotton. Although there
are many modifications of the electrical fuse, they almost without
exception agree entirely in general make. Two current wires are
necessary, called terminals, and having their inner ends separated, in
order that some substance offering a high resistance to the passage
of the current may be inserted between them. The terminals are of
copper wire; the resistance material or bridge is generally of fine
platinum wire, although other substances are used in different types.
The terminals are as a rule separated by a small block of hard wood
which forms an insulator and a support. Around the bridge a wisp of
gun-cotton is generally wrapped, although here again other explosives
are used in modified forms. This combination is called an exploder,
and it is inserted in a fuse-case or magazine containing powder or
gun-cotton. The exploder and magazine together form the fuse. One of
the terminals is generally attached to the exterior of the torpedo,
which forms an earth; the other one is connected with an insulated wire
or cable leading to the electrical battery. These fuses are made to
explode either at will or on contact. If they are to explode at will,
the firing circuit as a rule is not completed until the moment desired
for explosion. If they are to explode by contact, the general manner
of use is to insert in the circuit at some part a resistance-coil
of sufficient force to weaken the current below the firing point.
At the moment of contact, the resistance coil is automatically cut
out and the torpedo is fired. Another way is to use what is called a
circuit-closer, which normally leaves the circuit broken, but on being
touched the circuit is closed and the torpedo is fired.
[Illustration: American Dynamo-Electric Fuse.]
[Illustration: English Dynamo-Electric Fuse.]
One advantage of the electrical fuse is the facility with which the
whole circuit may be examined at any time to test its condition. It is
simply necessary to send a very weak current through the circuit, and,
the resistance being known, the length of the circuit can be measured
electrically and the position of flaws may at any time be located. The
modifications of the different fuses depend in a great manner upon the
type of generator of the current, as voltaic batteries, dynamo- and
magneto-electric machines are used according to the position of the
torpedo.
CLEARING CHANNELS OF TORPEDOES.
The greatest skill and care is necessary in attempting to clear
a channel of mines and torpedoes. Light-draught boats, launches,
gun-boats, drag-nets, grapnels, and materials for handling torpedoes
at a distance of thirty or forty feet are indispensable. Torpedoes of
the Brooks class may be dragged over many times and escape notice. The
frame-torpedo requires the aid of counter-mines or large torpedoes
extemporized and sunk on them to blow them to pieces. The shallow water
both sides of the channel must be carefully and thoroughly dragged for
leading wires. Boats on search must proceed with frames rigged from
their bows to catch and explode torpedoes in advance. Deep-draught
frames of timber must be dragged up or floated down a channel. Muddy
bottoms must be thoroughly sounded, and after the search is complete
deep-draught vessels cannot pass through suspected channels without
torpedo-catchers rigged from their bows. Too close an examination of a
torpedo after it is picked up must be avoided. It may almost invariably
be easily and safely exploded, and no better disposition can be made of
it.
EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF TORPEDOES DURING THE PAST TWENTY YEARS.
_Whitehead._
Sent from the British frigate Shah against the Peruvian iron-clad
Huascar, May 29th, 1877. During the running fight between these
vessels, the Shah discharged a Whitehead from a bow tube under water,
which failed to reach the Huascar, the reason given being that at the
moment of firing the latter changed her course. It is to be presumed
that the torpedo in this case was carefully aimed, as there was no
cause for great hurry. The Huascar could not be aware of the moment of
firing, and the failure appears to demonstrate the great difficulty of
using this type of torpedo between rapidly moving vessels at distances
of eight hundred yards or over.
Sent from Russian steam-launches against Turkish iron-clads off Batoum,
December 28th, 1877. The Turkish vessels in this instance were lying
at anchor, surrounded by booms of logs and vertical timbers, and
having guard-boats out. The Russian launches succeeded in passing the
guard-boats and approaching to within less than a hundred yards of the
Turks before they were discovered. Two Whiteheads were then launched at
one iron-clad, missing their mark completely, both being found on the
beach, unexploded, next morning. The attributed causes of the failure
were non-familiarity with the complications of the torpedo itself,
darkness, and a slight swell.
Sent from Russian torpedo-launches against a Turkish revenue vessel,
January 26th, 1878. In this instance the torpedo-launches were entering
Batoum harbor with the intention of attacking the iron-clad fleet,
when they were met by a revenue steamer coming out. Whiteheads were
discharged at a distance of less than one hundred yards, and the
steamer was struck and sunk.
The Lay torpedo has never been used in war.
Towing-torpedoes were used on several occasions by the Russians against
the Turks, but never successfully.
_Spar-Torpedoes._
Attack by a steam-launch armed with a spar-torpedo on the Confederate
iron-clad Albemarle, October 27th, 1864. The Albemarle in this instance
was secured to a wharf and surrounded by a boom of logs at a distance
of about thirty feet. The Federal steam-launch approached within one
hundred yards of the boom without being discovered. Fire then being
opened on her, she started ahead full speed, _passed_ the ram, and made
a complete turn in order to get speed and direction for striking the
boom a fair blow. Hitting the boom, the launch breasted it in several
feet and mounted it, evidently coming to a stand-still. At this moment,
and whilst under a close fire, the torpedo-spar was pushed under the
ram and the torpedo was exploded fairly, thus sinking her. In this
case success was due entirely to a cool and deliberate execution of a
thoroughly developed plan.
Attack by Russian launches armed with spar-torpedoes on the Turkish
monitor Duba Saife, on the Danube, May 26th, 1877. In this attack the
launches passed the guard-boats without being seen. The monitor was
not protected by booms, and two launches, making a dash at her from
opposite sides, planted their torpedoes fairly, exploded them, sank the
monitor and escaped.
Attack by Russian spar-torpedo boats on the Turkish fleet at Sulina,
June 10th, 1877. There were six torpedo-boats arranged in two divisions
in this attack, the two fastest boats leading. These leaders reached to
within thirty yards of the Turks before being discovered.
Fire was then opened on them. The first boat, coming down on the bow of
one of the monitors, fouled her cable and swung alongside; her torpedo
was exploded, but not being put in proper position no damage was done.
The boat succeeded in getting clear, but was sunk by the Turks and the
crew captured. The other boat succeeded in exploding her torpedo, but
also failed to get it in position. The other division of boats did not
follow up the attack.
Attack on a Turkish monitor off Rustchuk by a Russian Thornycroft
boat. In this attack the Russians approached very closely before being
discovered. Fire was opened on the boat and the circuit-wires of the
torpedo were cut, rendering it harmless; the boat escaped.
Attack on Turkish monitors at Soukum Kaleh, August 24th, 1877. Four
torpedo-boats, taking advantage of an eclipse of the moon, dashed into
the Turkish fleet. They were discovered at a distance and a heavy fire
was opened on them, driving them off. One boat exploded her torpedo,
but it was not properly placed and did no harm.
Attack by a spar-torpedo boat on the United States frigate Minnesota,
April 9th, 1864. In this attack the Minnesota was unprotected; the
torpedo-boat was discovered about fifty yards away and fire was opened
on her. Her torpedo was properly planted and exploded, damaging the
frigate considerably, but the charge was not heavy enough to sink her.
Attack by a spar-torpedo boat on the United States corvette Housatonic,
February 17th, 1864. The boat used in this attack was in reality a
submarine boat, but there are good reasons for believing that on this
occasion she was used as a spar-torpedo boat. She was discovered about
fifty yards away, but there was no time to open fire on her. She
planted her torpedo fairly and exploded it, sinking the vessel and
herself at the same time.
Besides these attacks there were several during the American civil war,
in which the boats were discovered at a distance and driven off.
PART IV.
ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION.
[Illustration: American Revolving Turret (Ericsson’s System).]
[Illustration: English Revolving Turret (Coles’ System).]
[Illustration: French Revolving Turret.]
[Illustration: French Barbette Fixed Turret and Revolving Gun
Carriage.]
UNARMORED FLEETS.
ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
Ever since the introduction of steam propulsion in ships of war,
England, France, and the United States have taken the lead in the
development of types of naval vessels, and in examining the various
methods followed it is necessary to at first fully understand the
conditions under which each nation acted and the obstacles against
which each had to contend.
In Great Britain the navy has always been considered the main defence.
Its support and development have for over two hundred years been
considered of the first importance, and, in legislating for its
maintenance, expense has seldom been spared. Since the Crimean war, no
sudden strain has been imposed upon its administration tending to limit
development to certain especial types. Experiments have been carried
on with equal profusion in all types, from the line-of-battle ship to
the gun-boat, and as each experiment resulted in the addition of a
vessel to the fleet whose lifetime could be estimated safely at fifteen
years, we find in this immense navy a most heterogeneous collection of
ships, which it would be impossible to classify distinctly. Although
this heterogeneousness is a certain sign of extravagance, it by no
means follows that it is a sign of weakness in the fleet itself. In all
this range of liberal experiment there has been but one point where
Great Britain has been really hampered, and the true advantage of a
certain amount of restraint is well exemplified in the superiority of
development brought about by it in this instance. In order to keep the
fleet constantly up to the standard in number of vessels, a greater
expenditure of timber was required than could be supplied by home
production. It was easily foreseen that in case of a foreign war no
dependence could be placed upon a constant supply from abroad, and
to remedy this evil we find Great Britain the first to utilize iron
in ship-construction, and battling against the first and apparently
insurmountable obstacles to carry iron ship-building to perfection,
making it immeasurably superior to wood, and through its use extending
the range of architectural development far beyond the old limits.
In France there has always been a generous system of legislation for
the support of the marine, but in this country the navy has never
been considered of the vital importance to the safety of the nation
that it has in England; consequently naval controllers have always
been obliged to exercise a much greater economy in development, and
the rigidly mathematical system of the French in the exercise of all
control is nowhere better exemplified than in the development of their
fleet. The ships of the fleet will be found most rigidly classified,
each type being clearly distinct. Reconstruction and development is
carried on as it were _en masse_ in accordance with the prescriptions
of fleet programmes carefully studied out to meet the exigencies of
the time, and once settled upon being rigidly followed to the end. It
is on this account that the French are found as a rule backward in
introducing radical changes of detail. Whilst keeping to their systems
of classification, the French have kept close to the English in the
matter of fleet strength. There has been one period in which France
fell so far to the rear as almost to take third place in strength of
fleet, whilst development ceased entirely. This was caused by the
disastrous Franco-Prussian war, from whose effects the navy still
suffers, although it has fully regained its former position close to
that of Great Britain.
In the United States, naval development has been constantly hampered
not only by parsimonious legislation but by a constant legislative
meddling, imposing a restraint far more injurious than lack of funds
or the distractions of war itself. At no time has the strength of the
fleet been sufficient to bear a comparison with that of either England
or France, but in the matter of architectural development the United
States has repeatedly passed to the front at a single stride. In spite,
however, of the advantages gained, parsimoniousness and political
meddling have invariably interfered to hold the navy fast at its single
stage of advance until its first developments sank into insignificance
beside the modifications and perfections applied in Europe. During the
Crimean war American architects laid down a programme for an efficient
steam fleet and led the world in the development of the steam frigate
and corvette. Notwithstanding this start, the outbreak of the civil war
in 1861 found the navy with but the nucleus of a steam fleet. Whilst
sailing war-vessels had almost disappeared from European navies, giving
place to steam types founded mainly upon the principles which had given
American architects the lead, the bulk of the United States Navy was
still composed of the old sailing frigates and sloops. The turreted
iron-clad, the river gun-boat, and the rapid cruiser again showed the
way to the world; but the close of the war brought demoralization to
all systems of development.
In 1865 the United States possessed a fleet fully able to protect the
whole line of its immense sea-coast against foreign aggression; in 1870
the fleet was reduced to a handful of vessels that, whilst showing
heterogeneousness equal to the English fleet, did not possess a single
element of strength.
At the date of the outbreak of the Crimean war, the building of sailing
war-vessels may be said to have ceased throughout the world. Steam
corvettes and frigates formed the bulk of the effective fighting
fleets, whilst steam line-of-battle ships were being slowly introduced,
as yet scarcely beyond the experimental stage. The introduction
of steam propulsion and the advancement in the science of naval
architecture had given rise not only to improvements in design,
strength, and seaworthiness of men-of-war, but also to a gradual
increase in dimensions of the different classes. The extent of this
advancement is well shown in comparing the English line-of-battle ship
Victory, Nelson’s flag-ship at Trafalgar, having a displacement of less
than 2900 tons, with the _average_ displacement of English first-class
frigates in 1854, which was not less than 2800 tons; the battery power
of the frigates being more than twice as effective, steam-power being
added, and handiness and speed under sail alone being much superior.
Progress in this direction had been made to the extent that in 1854 the
French had laid the keel of the Imperatrice Eugènie, a frigate of 3600
tons displacement, designed for a speed of 12 knots and a battery of 56
guns (five and six inch smooth-bores). At the declaration of war with
Russia neither the English nor the French navy was in a condition to
meet the suddenly created exigencies; both fleets were in a transition
state from sail to steam. The necessity for steam-power on all ships
was suddenly made forcibly apparent, and architectural development
ceased almost entirely in the work of converting all the available
line-ships and frigates of the old sailing fleet into steamers.
This total extinction of sailing vessels as fighting war-ships made
its effects felt across the ocean, and an attempt was made in the
United States to create an efficient steam navy. With but a limited
supply of funds for its creation, American architects were forced to
study fully the necessities of the fleet before embarking on the new
work. Since the foundation of the navy it had been always one of the
principles of American construction to build ships whose measurement
exceeded those of similar types in Europe. Carrying out this principle
in the development of the new fleet, there appeared in 1855 four
steam frigates superior in every way to any European vessels of their
class that had yet appeared. The importance of these vessels did not
lie simply in their excess of measurements over European frigates,
but in the combination of all those parts which go to make up the
efficient lighting vessel. The Imperatrice Eugènie with her 3600
tons displacement had surpassed previous frigate developments, but
had made no impression on other types of vessels. On the contrary,
the appearance of the Minnesota, Wabash, Colorado, and Merrimac was
the signal for the disappearance of the line-of-battle ship. The
displacement of these ships was about 4700 tons, or 1100 tons in excess
of the Eugènie. The battery was of the same _number_ of guns as in the
French ship, but exceeded by an inch in calibre that of any broadside
afloat, the combination of numbers and weight giving these ships
superiority even over three-deckers. Whilst the design of the Eugènie
called for a speed of 12 knots, her coal supply was sufficient for but
1500 miles. The Americans, with a speed of 9½ knots, carried coal for
2500 miles. The sail-surface of these ships was enormous, ranging as
high as thirty times the area of the immersed midship section. In 1858
a fifth vessel was added to this type (Niagara), the displacement in
this instance being carried to 5500 tons, speed 12 knots, with a coal
capacity for steaming 2500 miles, full sail-power, and a battery in
which calibre had been carried to the extreme limit of broadside fire
(11 inches).
Whilst the French were engaged on their Eugènie type the English had
laid down a type of 3000-ton frigates (Emerald class) which reached a
speed of 13 knots. On the appearance of the Wabash in European waters,
the English at once designed a type to surpass her, and completely
overshot the mark in the Mersey and Orlando, in which displacement
was carried to 5600 tons; but in the attempt to realize a speed of 13
knots, they gave the vessels proportions that were unfit for wooden
construction. With their profusion of experiments, however, we find
between 1857 and 1860 a succession of types ranging from 2500 to 4600
tons, the majority averaging about 3800 tons. In these ships may be
seen the constant search to find the one combination that shall possess
all the excellences. All of these vessels were thorough cruisers,
and in no case except in the Mersey type do we find the experiment
resulting in worthlessness; still, an examination of the frigates will
show the impossibility of giving a distinct classification to them.
Beyond the Crimean war it has been already stated that the development
of the line-of-battle ship had scarcely passed the experimental stage,
and after 1857 the sudden increase in power of the frigate, combined
with the introduction of the sea-going iron-clad, stopped almost
entirely the development of this type, although their construction was
carried on until 1860.
In France a new fleet programme was laid down in 1857, in which the
heavy American and English frigates were entirely ignored, and whilst
new frigates of the Eugènie type were built almost without change,
the increase in vessels of this class was confined almost exclusively
to lengthening and converting the old frigates of 2500 tons into
steamers of 3000. Development of wooden ships was found only in the
corvette class. The reason for this independent departure was, in
all probability, due to the original start made by France in the
development of the iron-clad frigate in this same year, combined with
a dissatisfaction on the part of the French with the speed realized in
the Wabash and Orlando.
In 1858 the United States Navy put forth a type of vessel new in every
particular, and one whose value, although not immediately recognized,
has by its development become the true standard for effective medium
unarmored cruisers. The Hartford, Brooklyn, Richmond, and Pensacola
combined all the advantages of both the second-class frigate and the
sloop-of-war. With a displacement of 3000 tons, which placed them in a
line with light frigates, their steam-power was fully developed, whilst
steaming capacity and sail-power were kept at a maximum, and strength
of battery combined, in the best manner, calibre and number of guns. In
the civil war, which soon followed, no class of vessels proved itself
of so much fighting value as this. These vessels formed a distinct
class in the navy, and contemporaneously with them appeared a third and
lighter class (Iroquois, Wyoming, Mohican, and Narragansett), with a
displacement ranging from 1600 to 1900 tons.
In France this latter type had appeared in the navy at the same time,
the Cosmao and Dupleix, with a displacement of 1800 tons, realizing a
speed of nearly two knots greater (12 knots), whilst steaming capacity
and sail-power were the same, and the battery was inferior in about the
same proportion as the speed was superior.
In England the development of this class was an extension of the
old steam-sloop, realizing in the Challenger and Barossa type a
displacement of 2350 tons, with the disadvantages of excessive draught
of water, lack of development of speed and steaming capacity. No better
evidence of the complete demoralization of architectural development
in the United States can be found than in the movement made in 1872,
in which the Hartford class, after having established thoroughly its
great utility, was by the addition of a spar-deck reduced to the plane
of the Challenger, with increased draught, reduced speed and steaming
capacity, and in fact a reduction of all the qualities which had
rendered it superior, notwithstanding the total disappearance of the
type not only in the English but in all foreign navies.
During the Crimean war a great number of gun-boats, ranging between 500
and 800 tons displacement, had been hastily but well constructed, and
the type was continued after the war until 1860 almost without change.
The same types with but slight modifications were contemporaneously
introduced in France, those of the French Navy, as a rule, possessing a
superiority in speed of about one knot.
With the Immortalité frigate, the Challenger sloop, and the Britomart
gun-boat, the development of wooden war-vessels ceased in England in
1859, giving place to composite and iron construction.
In 1860 a new range of types appeared in the French Navy, the prominent
feature throughout being the extreme development of speed and steaming
capacity, combined with medium sail-power and a minimum battery-power,
although here the French introduced the rifled gun as an offset to the
heavier calibres of American smooth-bores, the primitive type of the
rifle leaving it inferior to the latter in power. In the first rate
appears a development of the English Challenger class.
========+========+=============+======+=====================
RATE. | NAME. |DISPLACEMENT.|SPEED.| BATTERY.
--------+--------+-------------+------+---------------------
| | Tons. |Knots.|
First |Venus | 2,700 | 12.7 | XIV 6½-inch rifles,
| | | | VIII 6-inch smooth.
| | | |
Second |Decrès | 1,770 | 12 | II 6½-inch rifles,
| | | | IV 5¾-inch rifles.
| | | |
Third |Talisman| 1,300 | 12.4 | II 6½-inch rifles,
| | | | IV 4¾-inch rifles.
| | | |
Gun-boat|Adonis | 730 | 9.3 |IV 4¾-inch rifles.
--------+--------+-------------+------+---------------------
The corresponding new types of the United States Navy as they appeared
in 1862, excluding the frigates, although the Franklin appeared after
this date as the last of this type, were:
========+==========+=============+======+=====================
RATE | NAME. |DISPLACEMENT.|SPEED.| BATTERY.
--------+----------+-------------+------+----------------------
| | Tons. |Knots.|
| Hartford | 2,900 | 10.5 | II 11-inch,
| | | | XVIII 9-inch smooth,
| | | | I 5¼-inch rifle.
Second +----------+-------------+------+----------------------
| | | |
|Shenandoah| 2,100 | 12 | II 11-inch,
| | | | VIII 9-inch smooth,
| | | | I 5¼-inch rifle.
--------+----------+-------------+------+---------------------
| | | |
Third | Iroquois | 1,575 | 10 | II 11-inch,
| | | | IV 9-inch smooth,
| | | | I 4½-inch rifle.
--------+----------+-------------+------+----------------------
Gun-boat| Saco | 900 | 9.5 | IV 6½-inch smooth.
--------+----------+-------------+------+---------------------
From these lists the aims of the constructors in France and the
United States may be seen. In the former, displacement was kept at
a medium whilst speed was developed to the extreme, the balance in
battery-power being sought in the introduction of rifles. With the
latter, displacement and battery-power were carried to the extreme,
speed being sacrificed, although in this respect great attention was
paid to retaining fine under-water lines and a maximum of sail-power.
From 1860 to 1873 an interregnum in the development of French wooden
types occurs corresponding to the length of time intervening between
the fleet programmes.
At the outbreak of the civil war, the Hartford, Shenandoah, and
Iroquois types were being built upon slowly, with every prospect
of completing a small but compact and efficient cruising fleet.
Whilst, however, this fleet had been designed especially for ocean
cruising, the unforeseen exigencies of this war demanded the immediate
introduction of a type of light-draught gun-boats for river service, as
well as an immediate increase in the numbers of vessels for blockade
duty. During the first two years blockading and river vessels were
extemporized from whatever material could be found in the merchant
service. It was this war, however, which gave birth to the Saco type of
gun-boats, these vessels being of a greater tonnage and better fitted
for blockade duty on the open coast than the gun-boats of foreign
types. Although the vessels of this type, hastily constructed and of
poor material, were completely worn out in five or six years’ service,
the type was renewed and has remained in the service. Two types of
river gun-boats, both of which passed out of existence with the war,
demand attention from their great usefulness. The first of these was
the ordinary river ferry-boat. These vessels, having a displacement of
less than 300 tons and a draught of water of seven feet, possessed two
valuable qualifications for river fighting. They were built to run
either end foremost with equal facility, their speed being moderate and
manœuvring qualities excellent. Their decks, intended to carry heavy
moving weights, needed no especial bracing to prepare them for heavy
batteries. These ferry-boats, without undergoing any transformations
except those made necessary for the proper accommodation of the crew
and the manœuvring of the guns, carried successfully throughout the war
heavier proportional batteries than any vessels afloat before or since.
The type itself, enlarged and modified so as to permit the vessel to
do cruising duty as well as river service, appeared in 1863 in what
was known as the double-ender, a vessel standing between the gun-boat
and the second rate, but not to be classed with the regular third-rate
cruiser.
The total ruin of American commerce, brought about by the depredations
of half a dozen Confederate cruisers, led to the introduction of four
new types of ships, and in these types American constructors sought in
general to realize the maximum of speed without reducing any of the
other qualities.
The first of these (in point of rate) was designed entirely with a
view to securing the highest possible speed and steaming capacity, all
other qualities being made subordinate. The displacement of this type
was between 4800 and 5000 tons, ranging about 300 tons higher than
the frigates of 1855, and they were designed for a speed of 17 knots,
with a steaming capacity of 5600 miles at 10 knots. The speed alone
was realized. The ships themselves being built of white oak rotted
almost before they could be launched; the frame was not of sufficient
strength to resist the powerful working of the engines or the wear and
tear of cruising, failing in this particular as the English frigates
Mersey and Orlando had in 1858. The consumption of fuel was beyond the
calculations, reducing the steaming power to less than 3500 miles.
The second type was that of a fast frigate, or more properly first-rate
(Piscataqua), in which strength of battery and sail-power were
raised to their old proportions with regard to the displacement.
The displacement of this type was 4000 tons, battery 25 nine-inch
smooth-bores, and speed 12 knots, with a steaming capacity of 3000
miles at 10 knots. These ships were also built of white oak and soon
rotted, and their general unhandiness combined, with the great expense
of keeping them in commission, caused the type to drop out of existence.
The third type (Congress), having a displacement of 3000 tons, came
nearer to the requirements of a large fast ocean cruiser than either
of the others, proving fast under steam or sail, handy, and carrying a
well-proportioned battery. This type died out with the others in the
general demoralization following the reduction of the fleet after the
war.
The fourth type (Plymouth), having a displacement of 2400 tons,
with a battery of 12 guns and a speed of 12 knots, was in reality a
development of the Shenandoah class, having for an increase of 300
tons a gain in battery proportional, and a maximum of speed both under
steam and sail without any increase of draught. Of the four types, this
one alone, which was a development of the Shenandoah class, the latter
being modified from the Hartford, was the only real step in advance;
but even this type has passed from the active list at present.
Between 1865 and 1873 England was the only country in which real
development was carried on. The French, keeping closely within the
limits of their programme, were engaged in developing speed and testing
subordinate modifications in the lower rates of their vessels. By this
is meant such modifications as testing the value of the topgallant
forecastle, leading to its adoption in all rates; the suppression of
the poop-cabin, the test of the long ram bow for furnishing additional
buoyancy forward, the merits of double and single screw propulsion,
etc.—particulars which were subordinate to the main architectural
development. The United States Navy from 1865 to 1873 passed through a
period of uninterrupted decadence. Millions were spent in the futile
effort to patch up the fast-rotting fleet of white-oak ships that had
been hastily constructed during the war, while not a single attempt was
made to benefit by the rapid development of the English.
Between 1860 and 1866 English attention had been almost exclusively
turned to the development of the iron-clad fleet; that of the unarmored
fleet consisted almost entirely of experiments in composite and iron
construction, bringing out no new types, but perfecting constructional
development. In the latter year, however, directly following the
appearance of the Wampanoag, the same course was followed as with
the Wabash ten years before. Before the world had had time to form
any judgment with regard to the real value of the type, the lines
of the Inconstant were laid down and the ship was pushed rapidly to
completion. In this case the development of iron construction saved
England from the blunder committed in 1858 with the Orlando. It was
the American vessel that had overshot the mark in measurements for
wooden construction. The English turned out a seaworthy ship, but her
real utility is questionable owing to her unhandiness and the expense
of keeping her in service. The displacement of the Inconstant is 5800
tons, battery ten 9-inch and six 7-inch rifles, speed 16 knots, and
steaming capacity 2160 miles at 10 knots. The Americans attained
superior speed and steaming capacity by a sacrifice of battery-power.
The English attempted to realize all the qualities.
At the same time two other fast cruisers approaching the rate of the
Congress were built (Volage and Active). Between 1870 and 1873 is seen
the same search amongst dimensions to find the ones which will best
satisfy the demands of speed, steaming capacity, and battery-power. The
Shah, Raleigh, Boadicea, Bacchante, Euryalus, and Rover, ranging in
displacement from 3500 to 6000 tons, overshooting the mark at first,
and apparently best satisfied with dimensions falling between the
Piscataqua and Congress types. All of these ships belong more properly
to the Piscataqua than to the Wampanoag type; the latter appearing
fully developed in the Iris and Mercury, in which, as in the Wampanoag,
all is sacrificed to speed. The modifications in this case consist,
first, in the steel construction, giving a strength of frame sufficient
to withstand the engine-power; second, the reduction of dimensions,
giving a displacement of 3700 tons; third, the increase in speed to 18
knots.
In France is found, on the programme of 1873, provision for first-rate
fast cruisers; accepting the necessity for this development of the
general frigate type, this country deliberates and studies the birth of
the type in 1865 in the United States, its development for six years in
England, and finally crowns the English modifications with what to-day
must be regarded as the most perfect development of the Piscataqua and
Shah type. The Duquesne and Tourville have a displacement of 5400 tons,
speed of 17 knots, and steaming capacity of 5000 miles at 10 knots. In
these ships France borrows the English constructional development of
iron sheathed with wood, while by an excellent arrangement she secures
a full battery-power with an almost perfect command.
Next in order of rate in England, but last in development, is what is
known as the C class of corvettes. Built of steel, with a displacement
of 2380 tons, they truly represent the last development of the type
whose foundation was the Hartford, and this type is apparently as great
a favorite in the English Navy as the Hartford in her day was in that
of the United States. In France the second-rate of the programme of
1873 is a distinctly new type. The Duguay-Trouin in one respect is
a departure from French custom, her dimensions being carried to the
maximum for this rate, giving her a displacement of 3200 tons, which
is an increase over her own immediate predecessors of 1200 tons. Her
battery-power is if anything lighter than the proportional French
average and below that of the English and American vessels of lighter
displacement. She is designed for a speed of 16 knots and a steaming
capacity of 3500 miles at 10 knots. The main architectural peculiarity
of this vessel is the arrangement for securing great command of fire.
Her battery is all carried on the upper deck, whilst she has a clear
flush main-deck; the opening of fore-and-aft fire by carrying the
gun-platforms beyond the upper-deck rail is also a modification.
Contemporaneously with the Duguay-Trouin the Americans introduced a new
type which comes nearer a modification of the Raleigh than any other
class, although it springs directly from the attempted modification of
the Hartford class referred to above by which spar-decks were added
to them. The present Hartford, with her spar and main decks, and the
development of the type in the Trenton show two ships wherein is
well exemplified the absurdity of, as it were, putting new wine into
old bottles. The Trenton has a displacement of 3900 tons, a battery
of eleven 8-inch rifles, and a speed of 13 knots, with a steaming
capacity of 3500 miles at 10 knots. In this ship, as in the Trouin,
the dimensions of the second rate are carried to an extreme, although
in this case the Americans hold fast to the idea of combining moderate
speed with a maximum of battery-power and general cruising qualities.
The Hartford, however, having proved herself possessed of all the
excellences of her day, and these excellences having been secured by
a wise distribution of architectural elements, was sacrificed to the
crude development of a new type by the addition of a new deck. Although
these two ships belong to the same type and rate, no comparison can
be instituted between them, and at the very time that the English
perfect the Hartford type in the C class of corvettes a blunder of the
Americans disrates the original.
Below the C class in England appeared the Opal class of 1900 tons,
a modification of the earlier Blanche type corresponding and
following close after the American Plymouth type. At the same time a
corresponding type appeared in France and the United States. In the
former the Rigault de Genouilly has a displacement of 1640 tons, an
increase of 400 tons over her immediate predecessors, a battery of
eight 5½-inch guns, and a speed of 15 knots, with a steaming capacity
of 4000 miles at 10 knots. In America the Marion has a displacement of
1900 tons, a battery of one 8-inch and seven 5½-inch guns, and a speed
of 12 knots, with a steaming capacity of 2500 miles at 10 knots. The
French in this class show the same difference in qualities from the
English and American types that appeared twenty years before.
The English development closes with the gun-boats whose types come
more directly from those commenced during the Crimean war. The
displacement of these vessels ranges from 400 to 900 tons, with a
diversity that scarcely admits of a distinct classification. The
American gun-boats are reductions of the Iroquois class of corvettes,
exceeding the English in average displacement, or rather showing no
types below 500 tons. The French gun-boats are more closely allied to
English than to American types, although there is but little difference
between the three, the English showing greater diversity, the Americans
greater measurements, and the French greater precision of rating.
[Illustration: _Chart of Architectural Development.—Unarmored Vessels._]
CONSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Previous to 1857 wood construction was universal in the building of
war-vessels. About this date England introduced iron frames in her
first armored vessels, passing rapidly to the full development of iron
construction in armored ships, composite construction in the medium and
light classes of unarmored vessels, and iron or steel sheathed with
wood in the first and second unarmored rates. By 1867 the old wood
construction had been entirely discarded.
[Illustration: French Corvette La Clocheterie.
(Wooden System.)]
[Illustration: United States Corvette Plymouth.
(Wooden System.)]
In France the wooden construction was almost exclusively used until the
development of the programme of 1873. Iron was then introduced in the
armored hulls, iron sheathed with wood in the first and second rate
unarmored ships, and composite construction in the gun-boats of less
than 700 tons, leaving the light second-rates and the third-rates to
the old wood construction.
In the United States the wood construction is still invariably
followed. There are no composite vessels in the navy, nor has any
attempt been made to build one. There are two or three iron vessels
of 1000 tons displacement, built during the period of greatest
demoralization, and on account of political pressure brought to bear in
the interest of iron merchant-ship building. These vessels can scarcely
be pointed at with pride, since, throughout the naval world, pure iron
construction is found only in transports and troop-ships. In England,
where iron ship-building had its birth and development, constructors
have never proposed this very excellent type of _merchant-ship_
construction for war-vessels.
_Wooden Construction._
The keel in the wooden construction is sided to a certain proportion
to the beam of the vessel, the pieces composing it being generally
connected by a plain scarf, the stem carrying the form up forward
being hook-scarfed to the forward end of the keel and supported by
the timbers of the deadwood and apron, forming a solid mass at the
fore-foot. The stern boundary is carried up in the main stern-post,
which seats with two tenons on the after-end of the keel, being
supplemented in some vessels by a rudder-post, but generally in the
larger classes of vessels the latter gives way to the equipoise rudder.
The angle of the stern-post and keel is made up into a solid supporting
mass by the after-deadwood. The junction of stern-post and keel is
further strengthened by bronze castings bolted on each side. The keel
is rabbeted each side to receive the garboard strake of planking, and
the stern-post and apron prolong the rabbet at either end for the
hooding-ends of the outside planking. The floor-timbers cross the keel,
giving an alternate long and short arm on either side, the frames
being carried up by futtocks and top-timbers shifting butts. Over the
floor-timbers in the plane of the keel a heavy keelson is laid with,
generally, sister-keelsons on each side, the system of keel and keelson
forming the rigid back-bone of the ship.
The longitudinal supports of the ship are the boiler-keelsons, parallel
to the main-keelson and forming the supports to the boilers; the
diagonal bracing, composed of iron ribbons of about three fourths of an
inch in thickness, crossing each other at an angle of 45°, and forming
a complete lattice-work for the ship extending from the spar-deck to
the turn of the bilge. These braces are generally worked on the inner
side of the frames, but in certain cases they have been worked on the
outside or on both sides. The inner planking, formed of the thick
strakes, bilge-strakes, and ceiling; the deck-clamps, ranges of heavy
plank for the support of the ends of the beams; water-ways, covering
the beam-ends and corresponding to the deck-clamps underneath; and the
outside planking.
[Illustration: Diagonal Braces.]
The transverse supports are the beams with their connecting systems
of knees and carlings, the breast-hooks and transoms, and finally
the decks themselves, which furnish both longitudinal and transverse
support. Of late years it has been the custom to make the beams,
knees, breast-hooks, and transoms of iron, and it is a very general
idea amongst those who have not paid especial attention to the subject
that this modification, taken in conjunction with the introduction of
diagonal braces, constitutes composite construction, which is by no
means the case. In the wooden construction the American and the English
systems are very closely allied, whilst the French differs from both
in many details. These differences are, however, in the detail work,
a description of which would be scarcely warranted in the general
summarizing of a system.
The outside planking is made up of a series of strakes differing in
thickness of plank in accordance with the points at which the greatest
strains are brought by the motions of the vessel. Next the keel on each
side, and tending to give it thorough support, are ranges of plank
firmly secured in the rabbet of the keel and thicker than the planking
in general, called the garboard strakes. Outside of the gun-deck
beams is another range of heavy planking called the main wales, and
in two and three decked vessels other strakes called middle wales are
worked abreast the other beams. In the same way a great longitudinal
strengthening is gained in the deck-planking by the outer range of
planks next to the water-ways, called the thick strakes.
It is considered that all these points are generally understood, and
they are simply referred to on account of the necessity of bearing them
in mind in following the developments.
_Diagonal Construction._
This system of construction is found only in the English royal yachts
and in their heavy wooden steam and sailing launches, but it is the
opinion of an eminent English naval architect that had it not been
for the very general introduction of iron in ship-building it would
probably have taken precedence over the ordinary wooden construction.
Its only objectionable feature is its expensiveness, while it is much
superior in point of lightness and structural strength. Whilst in the
ordinary wooden construction the weight of hull ranges between 46 and
54 per cent of the displacement, it is reduced in the diagonal system
to between 32 and 40 per cent.
[Illustration: Diagonal Construction.]
In this system the keel, keelsons, stern and stern posts, and
floor-timbers are similar to the ordinary construction. The heavy
frames, however, stop with the floor-timbers, and there is no
diagonal iron framework. The outer and inner planking of the ship are
the same as in the old construction except that the thick strakes
of outer planking forming the wales are done away with, retaining
only the heavy garboard-strakes. In place of the futtocks and
top-timbers of the old construction a double course of diagonal
planking is introduced. That part of the inner planking which covers
the floor-timbers is of the ordinary thickness, whilst beyond the
timber-heads the planking is increased in thickness to give a smooth
turn to the bilge ceiling. These four or five strakes are rabbeted
into each other and into the timber-heads. The clamps and water-ways
are as in the old type. In order to give transverse strength to this
system, the knees are constructed in a peculiar manner. The lower leg
of the orlop-deck hanging knee is carried down beyond the head of the
floor-timber. Every other knee is forked, giving a housing to the
beam-end, the two legs following the curve of the clamps and water-ways
and rising with a spread of half the height between decks and beyond
the foot of the hanging knee over it.
This system of construction has found great favor in England in the
construction of yachts, and it has been very successfully applied to
sailing merchant-ships and steamers.
_Composite Construction._
[Illustration: Jordan’s Composite Construction.]
The object of this construction is to combine, as far as possible,
all the advantages of the wooden and the iron ship. There are three
main systems of English types ranging from a close approximation to
the wooden construction to that of the iron sheathed with wood, which
latter forms the connection between composite and iron construction.
In McLain’s system, which is the closest approximation to the wood
construction, the keel, stem and stern posts, frame, and outer planking
are of wood. The ceiling or inner planking, however, is of iron,
forming a complete iron inner skin; the beams, knees, stringers,
keelsons, transoms, and breast-hooks being also of iron. The wooden
frames are of a smaller scantling than in the wooden system, being
supplemented by angle-iron frames, by means of which the iron skin
is secured to them. The outer planking bolts directly to the wooden
frames, being kept entirely clear of the iron inner hull. In Jordan’s
system the frames are entirely of iron, inner and outer skins being
of wood, whilst the keelsons, stringers, and transverse supports are
of iron. In Scott’s system the frames are made of T-iron instead of
angle-iron as in Jordan’s system, and a modification is introduced by
which the frames are spaced much farther apart. Between the frames oak
or teak chocks are fitted, bolted to the frames and calked throughout,
thus forming a complete water-tight course. These are the main types
as represented in England. In Russia is found another system which,
doing away with diagonal braces, which it must be remembered are
used with all the systems just described, makes use of the McLain
system in connection with Mr. Scott Russell’s method of longitudinal
strengthening. In this, the keel, stem and stern posts, and outer
planking are of wood, whilst the frame is of iron with an iron skin
outside of it, which in general terms would class the type with that of
iron ships sheathed with wood. To the outside of this iron skin Z-iron
stringers are bolted, the space between them being filled up by chocks
to form a complete wooden sheathing. These chocks are made shorter than
the spaces, and are wedged in their seats. Outside of this sheathing is
run the wooden outer planking in the ordinary way. It will be seen by
the descriptions following that this system can scarcely be classed as
a true composite.
[Illustration: Scott’s Composite Construction.]
[Illustration: McLain’s Composite Construction.]
[Illustration: Russian System.]
[Illustration: French Gun-boat Crocodile. (Composite.)]
[Illustration: French Transport Annamite. (Composite.)]
The French system as applied in their light gun-boats has the same
wooden outer skin, with the ordinary iron frame. The outer planking is
double, gaining great longitudinal strength by breaking seams. There
is no diagonal bracing. This system of outer planking is the one used
in the English Navy. In the French transports of the Annamite class a
system of alternate framing is followed, with wooden ceiling and double
outside planking. In these vessels additional longitudinal strength is
gained by the use of heavy iron box-stringers in place of the ordinary
water-ways.
_Iron Construction._
In tracing the development of iron construction it is necessary to
pass from the consideration of unarmored vessels to the armored types,
as the pure iron construction is limited almost exclusively to these
vessels. The advantages of iron over wood may be summed up as being,
1st, lightness combined with strength; 2d, durability when properly
treated; 3d, ease and cheapness of construction and repair; 4th, safety
when properly constructed and subdivided. Its disadvantages are: (1)
easy penetration of the bottom by rocks or by other pointed substances;
(2) fouling of the bottom and consequent loss of speed; (3) the immense
holes made, not only by taking out solid pieces, but, what is worse,
the long rents or tears made by a penetrating shot through the thin
side-plates and frames. Fast cruisers cannot be built of iron alone
on account of the fouling, and the smaller the ship the greater the
harm from this cause. War-vessels of any kind are excluded from this
construction on account of the vulnerability of the sides, combined
with the impossibility to stop a shot-hole which is starred with long
rents. In the heavy iron-clad, however, the third disadvantage is done
away with by the application of armor. The second is partially overcome
by the surplus engine-power, and the first is neutralized by the double
bottom, wing passages and compartments which the large roomy hull
allows to be introduced.
The Brazilian iron-clad corvette Brazil, although built as late as
1866, is a good example of the primitive iron construction as applied
to vessels of war. The keel of this vessel is what is known as the
solid-bar type, the plates forming the garboard-strakes turning down
on each side of it. The frames, made of upper and lower angle-irons
strengthened from the amidship line to the turn of the bilge by a
deep web, abut against an interior keel formed of a single plate
surmounted by a flat plate-keelson, the frames, keels, and keelson
being thoroughly bound together by angle-iron. The stem is scarfed
into the keel, rising as a continuation of it and being rabbeted for
the reception of the bow-plates. The main longitudinal strengthening
consists in an iron bulkhead rising from the bilge to the under side
of the main-deck and running fore and aft, forming water-tight wing
passages. Just outside of the edges of the plate-keelson is what is
called an intercostal longitudinal frame, consisting of short plates
between the webs of the frames and secured to them by angle-irons;
these frames run fore and aft. In addition to these longitudinal
supports, a wide stringer-plate is carried along underneath the
water-ways of both decks. In the formation of the armor-shelf, the
exterior angle-irons of the frames, turned back along the edge of
the web, form the shelf, while the interior angle-irons are carried
up unbroken to the plank-sheer. The plating is the system generally
applied of every other plate lapping on both edges.
[Illustration: Brazil.]
[Illustration: Warrior.]
In the Warrior the solid-bar keel gives way to the plate-keel, which
in this case is double, the garboard-strakes butting against the
edges of the internal plate, while the external one laps well over
the joint. The continuous internal keel is found in this ship similar
to the Brazil, secured by angle-irons to the inner keel-plate and
the broad plate-keelson. The lower angle-irons in this case are
continuous, while the upper ones are in short lengths, permitting the
upper angle-irons of the _frame_ to pass across and form a continuous
length from plank-sheer to plank-sheer. The web of the frame is
here shown increased in depth to a maximum, being lightened as far
as possible by circular sections cut out. The assemblage of a frame
consists of the continuous inner angle-irons, one on each side of a
narrow strip to which the deep web-pieces are bolted, and the lower
angle-irons bounding the webs. In the Warrior will be noticed six
longitudinal frames similar to the continuous inner keel, and it will
be noticed that the third of these frames, forming the seat of the
wing-passage bulkhead, and the sixth, running along the outer edge of
the floor-plates, project beyond the angle-irons of the transverse
frame, being slotted to permit these angle-irons to pass them. The
wing-passage bulkhead forms another longitudinal support, extending
fore and aft from the turn of the bilge to the lower side of the
main-deck. The armor shelf-plate in this instance consists simply of
a broad plate bent at right angles and secured by angle-irons to the
inner plating. This is a noticeable feature, as the extreme strain on
the plate in the sharp bend is a plane of weakness.
[Illustration: Bellerophon.]
The Bellerophon shows the same arrangement of keel and keelson with the
addition of wooden bilge-keels secured lightly to the bottom plates by
angle-irons. The framing of this ship, however, is of the type known as
the bracket-plate system. The features of this system are the adoption
of a double bottom and of angle-irons connected by bracket-plates
instead of by solid forged iron-work. The web of the frame in this
instance is much deeper, giving a large space between the outer plating
and the bottom formed by plating the floor edge of the transverse
frames. In the Warrior it will be noticed this plating only extended
to the third longitudinal on each side, while in the Bellerophon it
reaches to the wing-passage bulkhead. The transverse inner angle-iron
is continuous from bulwark to bulwark, the outer one being in short
lengths to allow continuous longitudinals. The upper angle-irons of
the longitudinal frames notch down over the transverse frames, while
the lower ones are continuous. The spaces between the bracket-frames
lighten the assemblage a great deal, while the longitudinals, being of
continuous plate like the inner keel, are lightened by having holes cut
in them. In this manner large water-tight compartments are secured; for
the inner keel, the third longitudinal, and the wing-passage bulkhead
longitudinal are solid. The web just underneath the armor-shelf is of
the old-style solid plate, to give better support than would be gained
by bracket-plates. The double-bottom arrangement continues throughout
two thirds of the length of the ship, the frames outside of this
being reduced in dimensions. The armor-shelf of the Warrior proving
a weak construction, that of the Bellerophon was better worked. The
outer angle was formed by an angle-iron bolted to the vertical outside
plating, and to a flat plate forming the armor-seat, the iron being on
the inside of each plate. This left an open joint between the lower
edge of the plating and the upper edge of the side-plate, but the joint
is one easily calked.
[Illustration: Filled Wing-Passage of Hercules.]
[Illustration: Floor of Hercules.]
In the Hercules the bracket-plate system is quite similar, and
additional strengthening was put in by partially filling the
wing-spaces with a strake of heavy teak backing. Two box-keelsons
were also run on each side of the main keelson, and the main keelson
itself was strengthened by being carried up above the floor and braced
by brackets on each side. The armor-shelf in this instance was also
slightly modified.
In the Invincible the wing-passage and its bulkhead is done away
with, and in place of it the web of the transverse frame is deepened
considerably, carrying the double-bottom arrangement up to the
armor-shelf; and whilst retaining a good depth as security against the
outer skin being broken by ramming, much space is gained in the hold.
These ships, being constructed for ramming, require a firmly braced
stem. The stem itself is a solid forging, and attaches to the flat keel
by a plain scarf, the outer keel-plate being carried some distance
farther along the turn of the fore-foot than the inner one. The whole
length of the stem is deeply rabbeted to receive the forward ends of
the side-plates and armor, which all house in it. For a distance of
forty or forty-five feet from the bow the bottom plates are doubled to
give additional stiffness, each plate housing in a separate rabbet.
The rear side of the stem is cut square, the breast-hooks seating
fairly on it.
Stern-posts are now invariably made in single solid forgings, and are
plain scarfed to the keel as with the stem. Compartment bulkheads
form an element of great transverse strength. There is no fixed rule
for their application in war-vessels, but the usual number is seven.
Of these, one is placed well forward, called the collision bulkhead,
another is far enough aft to just enclose the screw-shaft stuffing-box,
two others are respectively forward of the boilers and abaft the
engines, and the others divide the remaining space as is best suited.
Above the water-line, doors of a sufficient size to render free passage
are worked in the bulkheads and are on hinges having clamps by which
they may be screwed up water-tight. Below the water-line the doors
slide either horizontally or vertically, being worked by gearing on
the main-deck. The wing-passages are provided with small sliding doors
generally kept closed. The compartments of the double bottom are
connected by sluice-valves worked from the main-deck.
These points constitute the main peculiarities of iron ship-building
as it is at present carried on. There are constant modifications
made in details, many of which are of the greatest importance, but a
description of them would be out of place except in a work on iron
ship-construction.
_Iron Sheathed with Wood._
It has been stated that in no navy (except that of the United States)
are there to be found iron ships of the pure construction. When iron
ship-building was first introduced in England, two iron sloops were
laid down and experiments were carried on with targets representing
their sides, to find out the effect of shot upon them. The frames of
these vessels were spaced only one foot apart, and it was found that a
very serious amount of splintering took place when a shot penetrated.
It was also found that for thicknesses beyond half an inch the
projectile was broken to pieces on contact. This advantage for iron
was, however, soon counterbalanced by the rapid increase of calibre,
change to rifled guns and high velocities, and the introduction of
steel and chilled projectiles. The great advantages offered by iron
construction, however, rendered its introduction an absolute necessity
when it became a question of speed. The rapid fouling of bottoms, with
its consequent loss of speed, could only be overcome by coppering, and
this necessity introduced another and far more serious difficulty,
that of galvanic action. The introduction of the system of sheathing
iron with wood is due directly to Mr. Grantham, an English builder. The
main principles laid down by him were to have widely spaced transverse
frames, and on the exterior of the iron skin to work a system of
angle-irons which should in themselves bring up the strength of the
hull to the standard, making up for the loss by wide spacing. The iron
skin having been covered with pitch, a wooden filling was introduced
between the angle-irons, wedged solid so as to form a complete wooden
casing. Over this was placed a layer of tarred paper, and then the
sheathing proper of the ship was fastened by brass screw-bolts to the
wooden filling, completely insulating the iron hull. This sheathing
could then be coppered. These exterior angle-iron frames, being worked
as a support to the inner ones, take, as a rule, an opposite direction.
Thus if the main inner frames are transverse, the exterior ones are
longitudinal, and vice versa. Grantham’s method is in reality the one
shown in the description of the Russian composite system.
The English Admiralty method is somewhat different. Here the sheathing
is in two thicknesses, the inner course being tap-bolted to the iron
skin, the bolt-heads being sunk well into the planks and covered with
pitch. The outer course shifts seams and butts with the inner one and
is secured with brass screw-bolts. Over this course comes the copper.
The Admiralty system is the one followed in France in the construction
of the first and second rate fast cruisers. The difficulties of
insulation are not yet solved by any means. Could the sheathing be
absolutely excluded from moisture the system would be perfect, but as
yet no means have been devised by which the wood can be prevented from
becoming wet and thus serving the part of the porous jar in a voltaic
cell.
In examining and discussing different systems of construction it
is necessary to always keep in mind the great distinctions between
composite, iron, and iron sheathed with wood. Those who cry down the
wooden construction, in view of the rapid deterioration of the American
unarmored fleet, must bear in mind that this fleet was constructed
of the worst possible material. In discussing the advantages of the
composite system, those of the diagonal system must not be lost sight
of. Above all, it must be remembered that the disadvantages of the
pure iron construction, as evidenced by English and French target
experiments, have never been overcome. The iron and steel sheathed with
wood is an amelioration, but as yet it is by no means a satisfactory
one. Although England has totally discarded the wood construction,
it must be remembered that France holds her own with but a partial
introduction of iron and composite in her highest and lowest rates.
The subject of constructional development is still in its experimental
stage, and to those nations who, unlike Great Britain, cannot depend
upon legislative support and sympathy, nothing is more dangerous to
the healthy development of an efficient unarmored fleet than a hasty
adoption of a new constructional type.
ARMORED VESSELS.
ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
It would be useless to attempt to assemble in chronological order the
many propositions that have been submitted to or even entertained by
different maritime governments looking towards the building of armored
vessels. The first serious attempt made and effectually carried out
was by France in 1855, when there were built five floating batteries
carrying an armor of five inches, which, although almost totally
unmanageable from their bad lines and realizing a speed of but four
knots, went into action on the 17th of October in that year and
silenced the batteries of Kinburn.
These vessels taught nothing with regard to architectural development,
but at the instance of France the English Government built nearly at
the same time some vessels quite similar, and the attention which this
movement caused led to a consideration of the suggestions of Captain
Coles, who, in the same year, sent into action the little cupola vessel
Lady Nancy.
Had it not been for the dire necessity for an armored vessel to hold
the Merrimac in check, Ericsson would not have won for the United
States the credit of introducing the monitor type of vessel. Whilst
he was designing the lines and arrangements of the Monitor, Coles was
engaged in almost precisely the same work for the Danish Government,
designing the Rolf Krake.
From the successful work of the French floating batteries that
government passed at a stride to the Gloire, laid down in 1858.
Scarcely was this vessel’s frame up before the keel of the Warrior
was laid in England. In designing these two ships the honors of
development are divided between the countries. England introduced iron
ship-construction, France combined thickness and disposition of armor
as well as dimensions of vessels which required the least change as
development progressed. Before the end of 1862 all Europe had been
aroused to the new marine development. France and England already
possessed iron-clad fleets, whilst Spain, Italy, Austria, Denmark,
Russia, Holland, and Sweden were ordering ships wherever they could be
obtained. In the United States a powerful fleet of monitors and armored
river gun-boats was being rapidly formed, whilst to this country the
eyes of the world were turned for the actual warfare tests of the new
idea.
In England the development of the broadside sea-going iron-clad extends
from 1858 to 1867. Commencing with the Warrior, there is a gradual
increase in dimensions until the maximum of unwieldiness is reached in
the Minotaur, the false development ceasing at her and falling back in
the Bellerophon and Lord Warden, the last of the pure broadside type,
to nearly the dimensions laid down by the French at the commencement
of their work. In disposition of armor the English departed in the
same manner from true development. Commencing with simply an armored
battery in the Warrior, altering to a fully armored main-deck in the
Valiant, changing again in the Achilles to an armored water-line and
battery, and ending with a full water-line and main-deck armor in the
Minotaur and Bellerophon—the system adopted by France at the start.
During this period Coles’s turret-ship development commenced with two
different types of ships—a harbor-defence type, represented by the old
line-of-battle ship Royal Sovereign, which was cut down, armored, and
provided with revolving turrets mounted on a low flush deck, and the
Rolf Krake, Scorpion, and Wyvern, constructed for foreign governments,
and intended as low-freeboard sea-going vessels.
In France the lifetime of the pure broadside type was about the same
as in England. Commencing with the Gloire, a tentative development of
iron construction was made in the Couronne, but was not followed up.
Remaining satisfied with the Gloire type as it was perfected in the
Flandre, the French built up a homogeneous and effective fleet, making
but one false step in the development. This was in the attempt to carry
height and weight of battery to a maximum by introducing a two-decked
frigate. In the Magenta and Solferino the armor of the upper gun-deck
was confined to the battery, leaving the ends exposed as in the
Warrior, but with far more injurious consequences; for the upper works
in these ships being of wood were open to the ravages of fire caused by
shell and hot shot, which would have inevitably put these ships _hors
de combat_. The turret-ship development was also commenced at this
period with the ram Taureau, an amplification of Coles’ Lady Nancy;
passing from thence to the Cerbere type, which was closely allied to
the American monitors. In the private ship-yards of France, Germany
had commenced an independent type with the Prinz Adalbert, a false
design which was repeated but once, in the Confederate ram Stonewall.
In comparing the developments of France and England, there is one novel
feature worthy of remark. France, ignoring iron construction, made
no attempt to convert her wooden line-of-battle ships into armored
vessels. England, throwing wood construction out entirely as unfit for
application, converted a number of her wooden vessels into armored ones.
In the United States, attention was turned almost entirely to the
development of the monitor type, passing from the single to the double
turreted class, and overstepping the limit in the three-turreted
converted ship Roanoke. The Confederates having designed an independent
armored battery-ship (Merrimac type), the Federals developed it in the
New Ironsides, carrying it to the end in the Dunderberg.
Spain, Austria, and Italy adopted the French development of the
broadside ship, the latter country making a false step in the
Affondatore, which belonged to the Rolf Krake type. The northern
nations introduced the American development almost unchanged.
In 1867 England struck the death-blow to the pure broadside ship by the
design of the belt and box ship Enterprise, passing rapidly and in a
true line to the Pallas, Penelope, Hercules, Sultan, and ending with
the Audacious. During this period the faulty development of Coles’s
low-freeboard sea-going turret system culminated in the Captain, with
whose loss the inventor perished. His work was not lost, however, for
in the Monarch appears the true development of his system. During this
period also the English, taking the American monitor type in connection
with Coles’s turret, advanced the combination in the Rupert, Cerberus,
Glatton, and Fury (Devastation).
In France the broadside type was modified by introducing the short
main-deck battery, supplemented by the spar-deck barbette turrets in
the Belliqueuse, carried forward in the Alma and culminating in the
Ocean and Richelieu.
In the United States, iron-clad development had entirely ceased. In
Germany the König Wilhelm represented the full development of the
English Enterprise, and the Friedrich Carl entered her fleet as the
model of the second-rate armored cruiser belonging to the Alma type.
Russia failed in an attempt to advance the New Ironsides type in the
cruising iron-clad Perwenec. Holland, with the Buffel, introduced a new
type of high-freeboard monitor, and Turkey appeared developing a fleet
of the Hercules type.
Since 1871 the English have in their sea-going frigates mainly
developed individual ships of different types—the Alexandria,
Temeraire, Nelson, and Shannon. Their turreted ships have advanced from
the Devastation to the Dreadnought and Inflexible, and with these ships
the English have for a time rested.
In France development was stopped for a time by the war, but
recommenced in 1875, when the Alma type was perfected in the
Victorieuse, and the Redoubtable and Duperré commenced a new departure.
Their coast-defence vessels were also remodelled, following closely the
ideas expressed in the Glatton, improving on her in the Tonnerre type.
In Italy independent action appears in the new cruising types Venezia
and Palestro, and her architects rightly claim half the honor of the
last development of turreted vessels. Whether to Italy or to England
belongs exclusively the Duilio and Inflexible type is a question that
probably will never be satisfactorily answered.
Austria develops independently the Custoza and the Tegetthoff.
Russia makes a false development in the Popoffkas, and a true one in
the Duke of Edinburgh.
Germany carries the Monarch development to its highest point in the
Preussen, and the Redoubtable development in the Kaiser.
Chili, with the help of England, produces a new and true type in
the Almirante Cochrane, and Japan and Portugal each appear with a
well-designed reduction of the Redoubtable in the Foo Soo and the Vasco
da Gama.
In this rush of development of twenty years it is true that all fleets
have been immeasurably strengthened, but it has been at a cost far
beyond what the result would warrant. It is only within the past five
years that the development of iron-clad architecture can be said to
have taken any steady course. As yet the full effects of this forced
and feverish course can scarcely be realized; but as fleets grow
now slowly and steadily, those nations who have waited a little and
profited by the true developments of the more hasty ones will be in a
far better position to meet the sudden exigencies of war than those
who have counted on numbers of vessels and gross tonnage displacement
as a true criterion of naval strength. From the number of cautious
nations the United States must be excluded, since in this country the
blow given to the development of private ship-building by the civil war
and to the development of naval architecture by political intrigue and
interference has resulted in the nearly complete destruction of the
science itself.
Nothing is more common amongst naval people than speculations and
arguments with regard to the true methods of developing a fleet, and it
is generally taken for granted amongst those who give the subject but
a superficial study that, since the designs that have been created are
almost countless in their variety, and that amongst those nations that
have attempted an independent development there is not one that does
not count as many failures as successes, the matter of design is one of
pure guess-work, not stopping to think that, as a rule, the designers
themselves are men of the highest abilities, and that with a ship, as
with everything else, there are certain limiting circumstances that the
nature of the vessel itself forbids violating.
In this respect a comparison of the proportions of the different
elements of vessels of varying types affords a useful lesson.
RATIOS OF THE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF IRON-CLAD VESSELS TO THEIR
DISPLACEMENT.
_First-rate, Sea-going, Full-rigged Frigates._
DISPLACEMENT RANGING FROM 10,500 TO 5400 TONS.
====================+=====+======+======+==================+=====+=========
|Hull.|Armor.| Hull |Ordnance.|Engines |Coal.| Spars,
NAMES. | | | and | | and | | Crew,
| | |Armor.| |Boilers.| | and
| | | | | | |Supplies.
--------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Gloire | .472| .144 | .616 | .066 | .114 | .116| .088
Magenta | .474| .161 | .635 | .073 | .107 | .107| .078
French. Provence | .441| .163 | .604 | .065 | .134 | .107| .090
Marengo | .463| .180 | .643 | .063 | .111 | .078| .085
Richelieu | .476| .195 | .671 | .067 | .095 | .085| .082
Devastation| .389| .294 | .683 | .061 | .118 | .064| .074
--------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Austrian.Kaiser | .481| .147 | .628 | .055 | .113 | .083| .121
Tegetthoff | .342| .289 | .631 | .051 | .145 | .087| .086
--------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
German. König | | | | | | |
Wilhelm | .401| .216 | .617 | .066 | .121 | .111| .085
--------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Warrior | .518| .149 | .667 | .059 | .101 | .098| .075
Achilles | .504| .183 | .687 | .048 | .107 | .072| .086
Minotaur | .493| .194 | .687 | .047 | .101 | .072| .093
Bellerophon| .483| .171 | .654 | .054 | .118 | .085| .089
English. Sultan | .428| .209 | .637 | .062 | .133 | .080| .088
Hercules | .431| .199 | .630 | .065 | .138 | .090| .077
Audacious | .437| .221 | .658 | .055 | .117 | .085| .085
Alexandra | .405| .246 | .651 | .072 | .141 | .053| .083
Temeraire | .404| .226 | .630 | .058 | .158 | .060| .096
--------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
_Second-rate, Sea-going, Full-rigged Frigates._
DISPLACEMENT RANGING BETWEEN 5150 AND 2950 TONS.
===================+=====+======+======+=========+========+=====+=========
|Hull.|Armor.| Hull |Ordnance.|Engines |Coal.| Spars,
Names. | | | and | | and | | Crew,
| | |Armor.| |Boilers.| | and
| | | | | | |Supplies.
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Alma | .519| .234 | .753 | .043 | .107 | .062| .035
French. | | | | | | |
Victorieuse| .475| .172 | .647 | .075 | .096 | .068| .114
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Pallas | .488| .153 | .641 | .038 | .162 | .074| .085
English. | | | | | | |
Shannon | | | .655 | .071 | | |
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
German. Hansa | .416| .194 | .610 | .069 | .157 | .067| .097
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Russian. Duke of | | | | | | |
Edinburgh| .379| .112 | .491 | .033 | .197 | .215| .064
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Chilian. Almirante | | | | | | |
Cochrane| | | | .073 | | .073|
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
Austrian. Drache | .526| .133 | .659 | .041 | .086 | .089| .125
-------------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+---------
_Turreted Sea-going Iron-clads._
DISPLACEMENT RANGING BETWEEN 11,550 AND 8400 TONS.
=====================+====+=====+=====+========+=======+====+=====
Devastation |.301|.341 |.642 | .054 | .117 |.146| .041
Dreadnought |.342|.301 |.643 | .048 | .131 |.137| .041
Inflexible |.327|.362 |.689 | .070 | .117 |.103| .021
Duilio |.341|.315 |.656 | .053 | .117 |.108| .066
Peter the Great |.366| | | .051 | .145 |.092|
Monarch |.433|.217 |.650 | .041 | .133 |.072| .104
---------------------+----+-----+-----+--------+-------+----+------
_Turreted Coast-defence Iron-clads._
DISPLACEMENT RANGING BETWEEN 5550 AND 2550 TONS.
================+=====+======+======+=========+========+=====+======
Cerberus | .428| .369 | .797 | .059 | .077 | .036| .031
Hotspur | .430| .309 | .739 | .030 | .133 | .069| .029
Glatton | .320| .352 | .672 | .068 | .114 | .112| .034
Cyclops | .411| .331 | .742 | .068 | .076 | .082| .032
Javary | .288| .373 | .661 | .068 | .106 | .051| .114
Popoff | .291| .384 | .675 | .078 | .150 | .047| .050
Onondaga | .624| .117 | .741 | .059 | .102 | .068| .130
Tonnerre | .359| .371 | .730 | .036 | .118 | .052| .064
----------------+-----+------+------+---------+--------+-----+------
Although these tables are too limited to permit of a just appreciation
of the development of iron-clad architecture, much profit may be
derived from them. For example: it is known that the French have been
slow in adopting iron hulls, and at the first glance many are inclined
to sneer at their backwardness, but an inspection of the table will
show that their caution was well founded. In weight of hull they never
passed 48 per cent, while the English with their iron construction did
not reach that point as a _minimum_ until the Hercules was designed.
Whilst, however, the French had reached the lowest possible limits
with wood (between 44 and 48 per cent), the English by constant
improvement steadily reduced the weight of their iron hulls from 52
per cent in the Warrior to 44 in the Audacious. The gradual perfection
of steel manufacture coming to their assistance permitted the English
by partially introducing it to reduce the weight to 40 per cent. At
this point the French take up the iron hull and with the Devastation
reach 39 per cent. The Austrians, appreciating the value of the
saving in weight of hull, build an all-steel hull in the Tegetthoff,
bringing the weight to its present minimum of 34 per cent. Since iron
manufacture has never been in so advanced a state in France as in
England, it is safe to state that had the Gloire’s hull been of iron,
it would have absorbed at least 52 per cent of the displacement, a very
serious matter in the first stages of iron-clad building. The wisdom
of choosing a wooden hull is then sufficiently shown in this one point
of saving 6 per cent in weight, and as the French had commenced with a
complete armored side, they could not build in iron until the weight
of that system was reduced to that of wood. This necessity was all the
more urgent as the percentage of armor increased more rapidly than
that of hull diminished. From the Gloire to the Richelieu and from the
Warrior to the Hercules the regularity of increase is remarkable, being
about the same in both countries, and yet an examination of the weight
of hull and armor together shows the French to have the advantage.
A strictly true comparison of percentages of armor, however, would
necessitate a closer examination of the system of application than is
permissible in a general summary.
The advantages of a light hull, however, are well shown in the
respective percentages of the Devastation and Tegetthoff. The 39 per
cent of the Devastation is far beyond the English limit, but it also
brings the hull and armor together about the same amount in advance,
which is a clear disadvantage to other factors. By saving on the hull,
however, the Tegetthoff gets the same high per cent of armor, while
weight of hull and armor together are at the very lowest limit.
Passing to the second-rates we find the weight of hull averaging higher
and that of armor lower, bringing the total weight about the same. The
Duke of Edinburgh is of a special type which can hardly be compared
with the others. Her hull of 38 per cent is evidently of iron and steel
in the best combination, whilst her very low percentage of armor shows
at once that it is extremely limited, bringing the total at least 12
per cent below the average, the reason for which is shown at once by
referring to weight of engines and coal, which are carried far beyond
the average. This vessel is intended to steam 16 knots, with a coal
capacity for 6000 miles at 10 knots.
Turreted vessels having a low freeboard should naturally have a smaller
percentage of weight of hull, which is found in the heavier types to
range between 30 and 34 per cent (excluding the Peter the Great, which
is of a comparatively early construction). As an offset to this, armor
is applied until the difference is made up, bringing the total weight
about the same. The Onondaga deserves especial examination, as showing
the attention (?) paid by Americans to this point. Her weight of hull
is 15 per cent more than that of the heaviest wooden hull amongst the
French frigates, and 33 per cent more than that of the Javary, a vessel
of an exactly similar type. Her armor, turrets included, is 3 per
cent _less_ than that of the Gloire, instead of being, as it should,
15 per cent more, and 25 per cent less than that of the Javary. Hull
and armor together are at least 10 per cent above the average. By a
bad construction of hull a clear 30 per cent of weight was completely
wasted.
The very low percentage of ordnance seems no doubt strange to many who
talk loosely of heavy guns and projectiles without thinking that this
element is one of solid dead weight occupying an immense space. From 5
to 7 per cent includes the entire range, from the vessel sacrificing
ordnance to speed to the one with a maximum of ordnance and moderate
speed, the Duke of Edinburgh being again an exception. The limits of
weights of engines and boilers may be placed at from 11 to 13 per cent,
and those of the coal supply from 8 to 11 per cent. Great diversity
should be expected in the percentages of ordnance, engines, and coal
in the second-rates, depending upon their special objects, yet as is
seen there is scarcely 4 per cent difference between the extremes. The
remaining percentage should be about the same throughout, with a slight
variation for the proportion of sail-power, the total allowance for
this latter being from 1 to 3 per cent.
By means of these tables the beginner may get an adequate idea of the
limiting proportions of the main elements of a vessel. It is seen that
the factor absorbing the greatest proportion of the displacement is
the one that calls for a reduction, all others requiring extension.
Weight of hull is an obstacle. In armor, by an increase of percentage
an increase of defensive power is gained; with ordnance, an increase
of offensive power; with boilers and engines, an increase of general
effectiveness; with coal, an increase in endurance; while the
percentage of spars, crew, and stores is a necessary constant. Thus
the development of naval construction is seen to be a matter of vital
importance. Had the Onondaga been properly constructed there would have
been a useful percentage of fully 20 per cent to have been distributed
in making her a sea-going vessel. This fact is plainly brought out
in the breastwork modifications of the monitor type, in which the
breastwork is a clear addition of dead weight on a similarly formed
and proportioned body without being of any assistance as additional
freeboard. From the results attained in the Tegetthoff the lowest
limit of weight of hull attainable with present perfections of steel
construction may be placed at 34 per cent for first-rate frigates and
about the same for second-rates. For turreted vessels it may fall to 28
or 27 per cent.
Although weight of armor is in a manner a direct measure of defensive
power, it is an objectionable feature and one whose difficulty of
counteraction has been almost insurmountable owing to the excessive
cost of steel, whose superiority in the end was extremely doubtful.
Within the past few years, however, a happy combination of iron and
steel has been made which will go far towards saving percentage in
weight, although apparently it will for some time to come make a
saving in this direction of only the percentage between iron and steel
framing. With iron framing and compound armor the same results of
weight of hull and armor together may be attained that now hold with
steel framing and iron armor, with the advantages of an increase in
defensive power at about the same cost.
Wherever it is a question of rearmoring vessels, the compound armor is
a great gain to the fighting power of the vessel, although in general
the expense of the change is more than the result would warrant.
The highest advantages of this armor are reaped by the second-rate
cruisers, who retain their speed and coal capacity with an increase
of defensive power that brings them within the fighting lines of
first-rates.
Capacity for fuel is a matter of the greatest importance in time
of war. England alone of all the maritime nations can afford to
neglect this point. A man-of-war without steaming-power in war-time
is helpless, and yet by the precepts of international law she is
debarred from getting this material in foreign ports. Russia, having a
peculiarly vulnerable home coast, easily closed and hard to reach, has
with great wisdom sacrificed all qualities in her fast cruisers to the
two of speed and coal capacity. Keeping her sail-power as the constant
factor, the two important ratios of ordnance and armor are reduced to
the lowest point, their gain being entirely transferred to the coal
capacity.
In considering the most advantageous method of placing and distributing
armor, problems without end arise whose consideration requires the
most careful weighing of all the different circumstances of its use,
and yet it is in this particular that are generally found the most
positive assertions and criticisms from those who have given but little
or no attention to the subject. For the protection of the battery and
above-water sections of a vessel the extremes of position of armor are
the vertical, giving the greatest possible extent of protection, and
the horizontal, giving none.
Arguments without end are found in favor of this or that type, varying
between the two limits. The truth is, however, that there is scarcely
any choice between these extremes. Experiment has fully proved that
inclining armor at any angle less than 50° is of itself no advantage as
regards preventing penetration. Beyond this angle the great increase of
weight necessary to make up the vertical space required necessitates a
curtailment in extent of armor entirely neutralizing all the benefits
of the inclination. There is left then no choice between the vertical
complete protection and the horizontal or armored-deck system giving
none whatever. In the vertical protection the question of distribution
presents itself anew, varying between the long rectangle and the
circular turret. The minimum turret diameter may be safely taken at
20 feet inside. Here the greatest economy of room is attained, but
this economy involves a reduction in the number of guns, a limitation
in the position, and, unless the French barbette turret be used, the
possibility of disabling at one blow the greater part of the offensive
power of the ship by jamming the turret. With the same amount of armor
that is used in a turret of 20 feet, the broadside may be well covered
for a length of from 15 to 18 feet, giving protection to double the
number of guns. This advantage, however, is purchased at the expense
of a more unfavorable disposition of weight and a complication of
upper-work framing. These points bear directly upon the service
for which the vessel is intended, and are so intimately connected
with the whole general type of the vessel that it becomes the most
complete absurdity to assert that turrets alone or armored broadsides
alone shall be used. As weight of armor increases, the extent of its
protection becomes one of the most serious of questions. In ten years
from the date of its introduction it became impossible to completely
protect the hull of the frigate, and in fifteen years we find it
necessary to commence to strip the turreted vessel with her minimum
of freeboard. If the greatest architects of the world find themselves
almost at a loss to retain the effectiveness of the armor carried
whilst keeping within proper bounds in weight, it is certainly idle
for those who barely appreciate the necessity for covering battery and
steering-gear to assert that armor should be carried thus and so.
The application of horizontal armor presents problems equally abstruse;
more so in fact to the designer who does not fully appreciate all
the obstacles to be surmounted and the real advantages which are to
be obtained. A vessel having a heavy steel deck that shall fully
protect her under-water sections and yet permit of such a division of
above-water spaces as to permit her to be pierced with impunity whilst
that space is left available for the many necessities of circulation
and storage, is a consummation of architectural skill the most
difficult of attainment.
The matter of properly proportioning the vital factors of a man-of-war,
be she iron-clad or unarmored, is one of the highest consideration.
To speak of designing ships to carry 40-ton guns and have a speed of
16 knots, and at the same time not to consider what are the absolute
limitations in their construction, is as senseless as to attempt to
rebuild a monitor without first finding out whether she will float or
not after she is built. The Onondaga is an example of the first method
of construction, the Puritan of the second. These two vessels represent
the condition of naval architecture and construction in the United
States for a period of ten years during which the naval architects of
all the rest of the world have been advancing at giant strides.
Whilst then we may leave out of consideration those types of vessels
which have clearly proved failures, there is not a single one that
has been in any way successful that is not deserving of the closest
attention and study. Whilst amongst English types we find the greatest
diversity of application combined with the very highest architectural
skill and development, it must not be forgotten that France, Italy, and
Austria have architects second to none in the world, men whose national
jealousies and ambitions lead them to totally independent lines of
thought and action and whose works are worthy of the highest praise.
PART V.
PERSONNEL.
ORGANIZATION—FLEET DIVISION—BUDGETS.
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
The navy of this country is as yet not fully or independently
developed, its administration and budget being incorporated with that
of the army. All vessels of a larger size than gun-boats have been
purchased from foreign governments, and until lately there have been no
facilities for the repair of ships; at present, however, a dock-yard is
in course of construction at Zarate, which when completed will furnish
docking and repairing facilities for first-rate vessels. This yard is,
however, hardly to be considered a building yard. Engines, boilers, and
ordnance will be purchased from foreign markets for some time to come,
as the mechanical industries are not yet sufficiently developed to
permit the establishment in the country of the necessary machine-shops.
A naval school has been established and measures have been taken to
introduce apprentice instruction.
The personnel of the Argentine fleet is divided into three corps or
divisions:
NAVAL DIVISION.
2 Fleet Commandants.
5 Colonels.
8 Lieutenant-Colonels.
6 Majors.
7 Captains.
26 Lieutenants.
22 Cadets.
43 Midshipmen.
7 Paymasters.
26 Machinists.
748 Men.
—— Apprentices.
——
Total 900
MARINE INFANTRY AND ARTILLERY DIVISION.
2000 Men (National Guard).
TORPEDO DIVISION.
3 Chiefs.
8 Officers.
80 Men.
The yearly budget of the navy is about $700,000, or a little less than
one twenty-fourth of the entire national expense.
There are no cruising squadrons as yet, although more than half of the
fleet is kept constantly in commission, policing the coast of Patagonia
and the home coast.
AUSTRIA.
The Imperial Council being composed of three Ministers only, holding
respectively the portfolios of foreign affairs, war, and finance, the
navy although a branch of imperial control (as distinguished from the
separate cabinets of Austria and of Hungary) is not distinctively
recognized in the Council. The head of the Marine Section of the
Ministry of War is a Vice-Admiral, who is Commander-in-Chief of the
fleet and under whose direct control is placed the superintendence of
all the departments of the navy, the Admiralty of the war station of
Pola, and the command of the maritime district of Trieste.
The personnel of the navy has a double “cadre,” one for war and
another, somewhat reduced, for peace, there being during time of
peace a reserve division of officers composed of those whose services
can best be spared. The corps and grade divisions of the personnel
correspond with those of other navies, the names and cadres being as
follows:
SEA OFFICERS.
WAR. PEACE.
1 1 Admiral (Complimentary Grade.)
3 2 Vice-Admiral.
7 6 Contre-Admiral.
22 16 Linienschiffs Capitän.
21 19 Fregatten Capitän.
25 22 Corvetten Capitän.
146 100 Linienschiffs Lieutenant,
1 Klasse.
73 50 Linienschiffs Lieutenant,
2 Klasse.
216 155 Linienschiffs Fähnrich.
244 163 See Cadet and Aspirant.
MARINE INFANTRY.
1 1 Contre-Admiral.
1 1 Linienschiffs Capitän.
4 4 Fregaten Capitän.
3 3 Corvetten Capitän.
19 19 Linienschiffs Lieutenant,
1 Klasse.
9 9 Linienschiffs Lieutenant,
2 Klasse.
10 10 Linienschiffs Fähnrich.
MARINE PRIESTHOOD.
1 Marine Pfarrer.
2 Marine Curat.
6 Marine Kaplan.
(The Pastor and the Curates have permanent duty on shore.)
MEDICAL CORPS.
1 1 Oberster Marine-Arzt.
2 2 Marine-Ober-Stabsarzt.
4 4 Marine-Stabsarzt.
23 18 Linienschiffs-Arzt.
25 18 Fregatten-Arzt.
29 19 Corvetten-Arzt.
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT.
_Ship Building._
1 Oberster Ingenieur.
1 Oberingenieur, 1 Klasse.
2 Oberingenieur, 2 Klasse.
2 Oberingenieur, 3 Klasse.
8 Ingenieur, 1 Klasse.
8 Ingenieur, 2 Klasse.
8 Ingenieur, 3 Klasse.
4 Élève.
_Engine Building._
1 Oberster Ingenieur.
1 Oberingenieur, 1 Klasse.
1 Oberingenieur, 2 Klasse.
2 Oberingenieur, 3 Klasse.
3 Ingenieur, 1 Klasse.
3 Ingenieur, 2 Klasse.
4 Ingenieur, 3 Klasse.
_Marine Artillery._
1 Oberster Ingenieur.
1 Oberingenieur, 1 Klasse.
2 Oberingenieur, 2 Klasse.
2 Oberingenieur, 3 Klasse.
3 Ingenieur, 1 Klasse.
6 Ingenieur, 2 Klasse.
6 Ingenieur, 3 Klasse.
6 Élève.
_Building and Dock Construction._
1 Oberster Ingenieur.
1 Oberingenieur, 1 Klasse.
1 Oberingenieur, 2 Klasse.
1 Oberingenieur, 3 Klasse.
1 Ingenieur, 1 Klasse.
1 Ingenieur, 2 Klasse.
2 Ingenieur, 3 Klasse.
_Machinists._
2 Ober Maschinist.
20 Maschinist, 1 Klasse.
35 Maschinist, 2 Klasse.
55 Maschinist, 3 Klasse.
COMMISSARIAT DEPARTMENT.
1 Marine-Generalcommissär.
4 Marine-Obercommissär, 1 Klasse.
4 Marine-Obercommissär, 2 Klasse.
12 Marinecommissär.
14 Marinecommissär-Adjunct, 1 Kl.
41 Marinecommissär-Adjunct, 2 Kl.
41 Marinecommissär-Adjunct, 3 Kl.
14 Marinecommissär-Élève.
The number of enlisted men in time of peace is 5836, increased for a
war footing to 11,532. These men are all drawn for service from the
coast provinces, their length of service being three years in the fleet
and seven in the reserve. From the time that men are drafted into the
service until they pass into the reserve a thorough system of education
is followed out. The depot for their reception is at Pola, where the
recruits (received first in shore barracks) are divided into twelve
companies, the arrangement being as nearly as possible in conformity
with the intelligence of the individual. Company No. 6 is made up
entirely of firemen and coal-heavers; Company No. 12, workmen employed
in the gun-foundries and dock-yards. The remaining ten companies are
the sailors of the fleet. Whilst in the company, the recruit is taught
the elements of the drills and discipline, and a certain time is
devoted each day to teaching reading, writing, and more especially the
German language, as a great number of the recruits are totally ignorant
of any tongue except that of their native province.
RELATIVE RANK.
=====================+===========================+==================
Rear-Admiral |Commissary-General |
Line-Ship Captain |Chief Commissary, 1st class|Medical Commandant
Frigate Captain | ” ” 2d ” |Medical Chief of
| | Staff
Corvette Captain |Commissary |Staff Surgeon
Lieutenant, 1st class|Asst. Commissary, 1st class|Line-Ship Surgeon
” 2d ” | ” ” 2d ” |Frigate Surgeon
Ensign | ” ” 3d ” |Corvette Surgeon
Midshipman | |
Cadet |Commissary Cadet |
=====================+===+=======================+==================
| |
Engineer Commandant | |
Chief-Engineer, 1st class| |
” ” 2d ” | |
” ” 3d ” |Chief Machinist |Naval Pastor
Engineer, 1st class |Machinist, 1st class | ” Curate
” 2d ” | 2d ” | ” Chaplain
” 3d ” | 3d ” |
| |
Engineer Cadet | |
-------------------------+-----------------------+------------------
As the recruits advance in instruction, they are picked out for the
formation of classes for instruction aboard ship, and at certain
intervals a class is transferred to the guard-ship Bellona, where their
instruction is extended somewhat, and during the course on this ship
selections are made of those who are best qualified to become helmsmen
and gunners. The course of instruction on this ship lasts for from
six weeks to two months. From the Bellona the classes are transferred
to the different school-ships in accordance with the especial line
of instruction that is to be followed. The seamen go to the corvette
Minerva, to which vessel also recruits who are already sailors are sent
direct from the depot without passing through the Bellona, and men
who have passed either the helmsman’s or gunner’s course come here
for their final course of seamanship. The Minerva is kept cruising
almost constantly for exercise in seamen’s duties, and the course
of a class is about six months. At the end of this course those who
show sufficient aptitude are transferred to the other ships for the
complete course; the remainder, as well as all men who have passed the
entire course, return to the depot, forming one or more of the twelve
companies in readiness for transfer to any ship going into commission.
Those who are found too stupid or vicious to learn within a reasonable
time are transferred from the ships to the depot, where they do the
police work and are drafted as landsmen into cruising ships. The sloop
Saida is the instruction vessel for helmsmen and quartermasters, the
course being about three months. Men passing from the Bellona to the
Saida are transferred to the Minerva for the final seamanship course,
whilst the best of those from the Minerva pass to the Saida and
thence to the gunnery-ship for complete instruction. The Adria is the
gunnery-ship, the term of service being of the same length as that
of the Saida. On board of this ship there is the ordinary gunner’s
course, a superior course for those seamen who are selected for
non-commissioned officers of marine infantry, and an officer’s course,
the higher petty officers who are intended for instructors aboard ship
being admitted to the latter.
There is attached to the depot a school for machinist petty officers,
having for its object the perfection of the theoretical and practical
knowledge of the workmen chosen from amongst the most capable of the
12th company. The length of the course is fixed at one year, at the end
of which time an examination is held, and those who pass successfully
are appointed machinists and embarked in cruisers at once; the
remainder are returned to the depot for subordinate duties. For certain
of those who in depot give promise of final success without having the
knowledge requisite for an immediate entry into the machinist school, a
preliminary six months’ course is provided.
This system is a temporary one to furnish machinists until the thorough
establishment of a new machinists’ apprentice school, the duration of
instruction in the latter being three years. This school is intended
exclusively for the children of persons who have served in the navy.
The entrance age is between fourteen and seventeen, and the children
must already have served a partial apprenticeship in a machine-shop.
They are obliged to serve for ten years in the navy after completing
the course, and in case of failure for any cause except incapacity
they are obliged to render one year of general service for each year
or part of year passed at the school. The number of apprentices is
limited to 50, and whilst at the school they receive in addition to
their clothing and sustenance eight cents a day.
There are in general about 2000 men in depot. The Bellona’s complement
is 300, the Minerva’s 100, the Saida’s 50, and the Adria’s 500. The
remainder of the cadre are embarked or on duty at the dock-yards. In
addition to these and not counted in the general draft are the seaman
apprentices, quartered on board the Schwartzenberg and numbering about
300. This school is open to all boys between the ages of fifteen and
seventeen. The course is three years, with obligation to serve ten more
after finally passing.
On leaving the apprenticeship at the end of the three years, the
boys pass to the Minerva, Saida, and Adria, receiving certificates
and advancement in grade in proportion to their aptitude. In case of
failure to pass through the apprentice course they are transferred to
depot to go through the recruit’s course and serve out their time.
The Naval Academy is established at Fiume. The curriculum of the
school is of the same grade as that of the municipal superior schools.
Candidates are appointed by competitive examination, and must be
between the ages of 13 and 15. The course is four years, at the
expiration of which the student passes into service with the grade of
cadet.
Aspirants are students passing into the service without having gone
through the academy course. They must be between the ages of 15 and 17
and have successfully passed through the course of one of the municipal
superior schools. Upon entering they take the regular course on board
the school-ships, taking the grade of cadet at the final successful
examination.
_One-Year Volunteers._
This institution is a favor accorded to young men who, having prepared
themselves by a course of study for a certain profession, do not wish
to serve full time under their draft. During one year they receive
naval instruction sufficient to fit them as sailors or petty officers
in time of war. Particular attention is paid to as far as possible
follow a course in consonance with their previous studies. At the end
of the course they pass into the reserve. Professional mariners may
enjoy this privilege upon presenting certificates stating that they
have successfully passed examinations before any native or foreign
marine school. They must in addition thoroughly understand German and
one other of the languages spoken generally throughout the empire.
During their year of service they receive the pay of third-class
seamen and their clothing. After passing the different school-ships
they enter the reserve as officers if there are vacancies, otherwise
as cadets. Students who are preparing themselves for engineers follow
the courses of machinists or constructors in the same way. Students
whose professions are in no way in accordance with that of the naval
officer are sent to the Adria for a thorough course of gunnery. They
enter the reserve at the end of a year as petty officers or seaman
gunners, according to the rate of their examinations. Medical students
have their year of service confined strictly to hospital duty, passing
into the reserve as medical cadets, to serve as such in hospitals only,
during war-time. Doctors having diplomas practise for a year in the
hospitals and pass to the reserve with the grade of lieutenant. They
are liable for sea service in time of war.
The depot, school-ships, machinists’ school and apprentice school are
all at Pola, and at the same place there is a school for the children
of both sexes of people in the naval service in indigent circumstances.
In addition to these departments of the navy, there is a Hydrographic
Department, charged with the care of the Observatory, correction
of charts, and preparation of almanacs; the Permanent Artillery
Commission, charged with all ordnance experiments; the Permanent
Commission of Naval Constructions, charged with the examination of
all modifications and improvements in the construction and outfit of
war-vessels; the dock-yard at Trieste; and the arsenal at Pola. The
iron-clads and large wooden vessels of the Austrian Navy are built in
the private ship-yards of San Marco and San Rocco at Trieste, under the
superintendence of constructing engineers. These yards are fully equal
to building iron-clads of the largest type.
Austria has no foreign squadrons in time of peace. Her foreign cruisers
are wooden corvettes which make cruises of from one to two years’
duration. Her iron-clads are commissioned singly to cruise for short
periods in the Adriatic. In time of war her whole iron-clad fleet is
put in commission, the fleet being divided into squadrons of nine
vessels each.
BRAZIL.
==============================+=============================
Almirante |
Vice-Almirante |
Chefe de Esquadra |
Chefe de Divisão |
Capitão de mar é guerra| Cirurgião-mór
Capitão de fragata | Cirurgião de esquadran
Capitão tenente | Cirurgião de divisão
Primeiro tenente | Primeiro cirurgião
Segundo tenente | Segundo cirurgião
Guarda marinha | Pharmaceutico
Aspirante |
==============================+=============================
|
|
|
|
Commissario de numero de não |
|
Commissario de primeira classe|
|
Commissario de segunda classe | Machinista de primeira classe
Commissario de terceira classe| Machinista de segunda classe
| Machinista de terceira classe
------------------------------+-----------------------------
The Emperor of Brazil is Commander-in-Chief of the land and naval
forces of the empire and President of the Supreme Council of War. The
navy has a separate representative in the Cabinet, the Minister of
Marine being always a civilian. In the Supreme Council of War the navy
is represented by four members, naval officers of the highest grades.
The organization of the naval ministry consists of a civil and a naval
department. The head of both departments is the Minister, assisted in
the civil one by a Director-General, four Directors of sections and
the under-officers of the sections. The naval department consists of
a Naval Council having a vice-president, members, and a secretary. In
addition to the Naval Council there is an Adjutant-General’s Bureau
with a vice-Admiral at the head who is the immediate executive, a
Controller’s Bureau and a Finance Bureau, all within the limits of the
Navy Department proper. There are five naval arsenals, situated at Rio
Janeiro, Bahia, Pernambuco, Pará, and Matto Grosso. At the ports of Rio
Janeiro, Espiritu Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Parahyba,
Ceara, Rio Grande do Norte, Pianhy, Maranhão, Pará, Matto Grosso, Rio
Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Santa Catarina, Parana, and San Paulo are
established offices of naval control under the superintendence of a
Captain of the Port, these places being recruiting depots. In addition
to these departments there is a Naval School, Observatory, and Library
at Rio Janeiro.
The naval personnel is divided into two main classes, the active and
the reserve, the latter forming a very small minority. The grade
divisions of rank are as follows:
There is a corps of pilots having no relative rank, and chaplains are
assigned from the different sees without rank.
Warrant officers have the grade of second lieutenant. Machinists are
graded into first, second, and third class, the first class having the
grade of second lieutenant and the others no official grade.
Candidates for entrance into the Naval Academy are required to be
between the ages of 14 and 17. The duration of the course is three
years, during which time the exercises are pursued almost exclusively
on shore. At the date of graduation the cadet takes rank at once as
midshipman. The average complement at the Academy is 100. The cadre of
the personnel of the navy is 821 officers, 100 cadets, 2993 men, 842
men of the marine battalion, and 1528 apprentices; total, 6184.
The Brazilians have no foreign squadrons, their practice being to send
occasional cruisers to different parts of the world. Their own waters
are, however, divided into squadron cruising grounds as follows: Sea
coast, three districts, each employing a squadron of from three to
seven vessels; river stations, five, as follows: Rio Grande do Sul,
Uruguay, Amazon, Paraguay, Rio Plata, each one having a flotilla of
from six to twelve gun-boats and iron-clads.
CHILI.
There is no distinct Navy Department in Chili, that administration
forming one of the sections of the War Department, having one of the
senior naval officers at its head. The central administration is at
Valparaiso, and is in reality controlled by the civil governor of
that district, who has on his staff a naval officer with the title of
Major-General, for the superintendence of maritime affairs. Attached
to the naval section are a Hydrographic Office, Observatory, and Naval
School, and an Apprentice School. The navy is manned in time of peace
entirely from voluntary enlistment. The war cadre is not known. That
for peace is 148 officers and 5400 men, in addition to which there is a
battalion of marine infantry and a battalion of marine artillery of the
Civil Guard, amounting in all to 1200 men, making a grand total of 6800.
The grades of Chilian naval officers correspond to those of other
services, except that there is no grade of Admiral. The Chilians
have neither foreign cruising squadrons nor single cruisers, except
an occasional single ship visiting the northern Pacific ports and
the Brazil coast. There is but one dock-yard for general repairs at
Valparaiso. The vessels composing the fleet with the exception of small
gun-boats are purchased in foreign markets. The navy, although small,
is in excellent discipline, and is rapidly developing in strength and
general efficiency.
CHINA.
The control of naval affairs forms one of the sections of the Ministry
of War, the central administration being at Pekin, whilst the general
administration is divided amongst three coast districts, at each of
which is a dock-yard for construction and repair. To these districts
correspond three distinct fleet divisions; 1st, Canton squadron; 2d,
Foo Chow squadron; 3d, Shanghai squadron. At Foo Chow are the principal
machine-shops and building-yard; at Shanghai the powder factory and
arsenal; at Canton the naval school-ships. The fleet is manned by a
coast conscription, the length of service being indefinite; cadre
unknown.
ENGLAND.
The government of the navy is vested in a board known as the Board of
Admiralty. This board consists of five members, namely: the First Lord,
who is always chosen from civil life and is a member of the Cabinet;
the Senior Naval Lord (naval officer); the Third Lord (naval officer);
the Junior Naval Lord (naval officer), and the Civil Lord (civilian).
Under the board is a Parliamentary Secretary, changing, like the
five lords, with the government in power. The fixed administration,
independent of political parties, consists of one permanent Secretary
(naval), a Controller of the Navy (Vice-Admiral), Accountant General
(naval), Director-General of the Medical Department (naval), Director
of Engineering and Architectural Works (army), Director of Transports
(naval), Director of Contracts (naval), Director of Naval Construction
(naval), Director of Naval Ordnance (naval), and a Superintendent of
Victualling and Stores. The First Lord has supreme authority and all
questions are settled by his decision. The Senior Naval Lord directs
the movements of the fleet and is responsible for its discipline. The
Third Lord has the management of the dock-yards and superintendence of
ship-building. The Junior Naval Lord deals with the victualling of the
fleet and with the transport department. The Civil Lord has control of
the accounts, and the Financial Secretary has charge of the purchase
of all stores. The immediate chiefs under the board are the heads of
bureaus or departments. In addition to those above named there are
others not directly connected with the Admiralty Administration: the
Chief of the Hydrographic Bureau, the Adjutant-General of Marines, the
Astronomer Royal, and the President of the Naval College.
In the central administration the financial secretary assisted by
the Civil Lord exercises a rigorous control over all the expenses,
guarding against extravagance by means of a system of inspection.
For this duty there are two bureaus, the agents of which carry on a
rigorous and personal inspection of all coming within their provinces
in the different dock-yards. The inspectors of the first bureau are: 1
inspector of machinery, 1 inspector of works in progress, 1 inspector
of timber, 2 examiners of completed works, 2 examiners of store
accounts. In the second bureau are: 1 inspector of coal, 3 inspectors
of dock-yard accounts, 1 examiner of shop accounts, and 1 inspector of
buildings and coast-guard posts.
For the general administration there are four naval establishments
of the first class, Portsmouth, Devonport, Chatham, and Sheerness,
and four of the second class, Deptford, Woolwich, Pembroke, and
Haulbowline. In addition to these there are 15 colonial depots:
Gibraltar, Malta, Halifax, Bermuda, Antigua, Jamaica, Ascension, Sierra
Leone, Cape of Good Hope, Trincomalee, Singapore, Hong Kong, Esquimalt,
Sydney, and Queenstown.
The four first-class home stations are each under the immediate
command of a commander-in-chief of the station. The Admiral exercises
a military command over all the personnel of the reserve, the depots,
school-ships, and vessels in commission. The discipline, instruction,
and inspection are under his immediate direction. He has charge also
of the police of the coasts and harbors of his district in time of
peace and their defence and protection in time of war. With regard to
the administration of the dock-yard he is only charged with a general
surveillance, and under ordinary circumstances he never interferes with
its affairs. He has the power to interfere in cases of necessity, but
is obliged under such circumstances to render an immediate account of
his actions to the Admiralty.
The immediate command of the dock-yard is entrusted to a Rear Admiral
superintendent, whose assistants are the heads of the different
departments of works.
The navy is manned entirely by voluntary enlistment. There are two
main cadres of personnel, the active force and the reserve. The latter
force is kept up by voluntary enlistment for periods of five years,
with obligation to serve twenty-eight days in each year. This service
carries with it certain marine privileges, pay, and after twenty years
of service a life pension. Its advantages correspond quite closely to
those of a life insurance. The apprentice system is also a permanent
source of supply to the active personnel.
The period of enlistment in the active service is for five years, with
increase of pay and allowances for continuous service.
GRADES AND RELATIVE RANK IN THE BRITISH NAVY.
====================+======================+======================
EXECUTIVE CORPS | MEDICAL CORPS | SECRETARY’S CORPS
--------------------+----------------------+----------------------
Admiral of| Honorary| |
the Fleet| | |
| |
Admiral | |
| |
Vice-Admiral | |
| |
Rear-Admiral |Inspector-Gen’l of |
| Hospitals |
+----------------------+----------------------
Captain of| | |
the Fleet | Brevet |Inspector-Gen’l |
Commodore | | under 3 yrs |
+----------------------+----------------------
Captain | |Secretary to Admiral
| | of the Fleet
+----------------------+----------------------
|Deputy Inspector-Gen’l|
| of Hospitals |
+----------------------+----------------------
Captain under |Deputy Inspector-Gen’l|Secretary to
3 years | under 3 years | Commander-in-Chief
+----------------------+----------------------
Commander |Fleet Surgeon |Sec’y to Com.-in-Chief
| | under 5 years
+----------------------+----------------------
Lieutenant after |Staff ” |Secretary to Flag
8 years | | Officer
Lieutenant |Surgeon |Secretary to Commodore
| |
Sub-Lieutenant | |
| |
Chief Gunner | |
| |
Chief Boatswain | |
| |
Chief Carpenter | |
| |
Midshipman | |
====================+==============================
PAY CORPS | ENGINEER’S CORPS
--------------------+------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
--------------------+------------------------------
|
|
|
--------------------+------------------------------
Paymaster-in-Chief | Chief Inspector of Machinery
|
--------------------+------------------------------
| Inspector of Machinery afloat
| after 3 years
--------------------+------------------------------
| Inspector of Machinery under
| 3 years
--------------------+------------------------------
Paymaster at 15 | Chief-Engineer at 15 years’
years’ seniority | seniority
--------------------+------------------------------
Paymaster of 8 years| Chief-Engineer of 8 years
|
Paymaster under 8 | Chief-Engineer under 8 years
years |
Assistant Paymaster | Engineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clerk | Assistant Engineer
--------------------+------------------------------
The coast-guard service, although not strictly naval, forms an
auxiliary naval force, and is drawn entirely from the personnel of the
navy. No person is eligible for the coast-guard who has not served
eight years in the Navy and who has not qualified as a trained man or a
seaman gunner.
The effective cadre of the British Navy is as follows:
OFFICERS.
Executive Corps 2,252
Engineer Corps 870
Pay Corps 526
Chaplains 164
Medical Corps 415
Coast Guard 346
Naval Reserve 405
-----
4,978
MEN.
Petty Officers 16,500
Blue Jackets, Firemen, etc. 18,600
Boys 6,300
Coast Guard 3,954
Naval Reserve 18,000
------
Total 63,354
Officers 4,978
------
Grand total 68,332
In addition to this cadre there are two corps of marine troops.
The marine infantry, intended exclusively for service aboard ship,
consists of three divisions of sixteen companies each, comprising in
all 300 officers and 11,092 non-commissioned officers and privates;
the marine artillery, intended for garrison duty and to a limited
extent as gunnery servants on board ship (in the proportion of 32 to a
first-rate), 16 companies, comprising a cadre of 100 officers and 2800
non-commissioned officers and privates.
The number of civil employés in the dock-yards amounts to about 20,600.
Officers of the executive corps are drawn exclusively from the naval
school established on board the school-ship Britannia. Those of the
engineer corps are drawn from the engineer school-ship Marlborough. The
other corps are drawn from civil life.
The Royal Naval College at Greenwich is an institute at which officers
of the executive, construction, and engineer corps take an advanced
course of instruction, for the purpose of raising the standard of
naval education and efficiency. All officers between the grades of
captain and sub-lieutenant are eligible after passing a preliminary
examination. This institution, organized first in Great Britain, is
rapidly being developed in all the other European navies.
At the Portsmouth dock-yard there is a special gunnery and torpedo
school for the purpose of advanced instruction.
The highest grade of officers in the naval reserve is that of
lieutenant. This grade is opened to masters of the merchant service
under 45 years of age. The grade of sub-lieutenant is open to the
chief mates of the merchant service. The grade of midshipman is open
to young gentlemen who have served not less than two years in one of
the mercantile training-ships, and who are not over 18 years of age.
There is an honorary reserve corps in which the grade of commander is
reached, officers of this corps having served in the active reserve.
The course of instruction at the naval school-ship (Britannia) is two
years, and the required entering age is between 12 and 13½.
All cadets, midshipmen, and acting sub-lieutenants in active service
are required to pass a written examination every year on board the
ship where they may be serving. The results of these examinations are
forwarded to the Admiralty, and it is by means of them that these
officers take their rank in the grade of sub-lieutenant. Those officers
who make a specialty of gunnery or navigation and pilotage receive
extra pay while doing duties in these specialties. A premium of extra
pay is also offered to those officers who acquire fluency in some one
of the generally used modern foreign languages.
The squadron divisions for foreign service exclusive of colonial-port
stations are:
Channel Squadron.
Mediterranean Squadron.
North American Squadron.
Pacific Squadron.
China Squadron.
East India Squadron.
Australian Squadron.
Cape of Good Hope Squadron.
East Coast of Africa Squadron.
South American Squadron (Brazil).
The average strength of a squadron during time of peace is eight
vessels, the great majority being light corvettes and gun-boats.
An independent naval establishment has been organized for the
protection of the interests of the Indian Empire, called the Indian
Navy. There are also independent Australian and Canadian services at
the support of the colonies, and regarded as auxiliary forces for
colonial coast-defence.
FRANCE.
The French Navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of Marine,
who is invariably chosen from the active list of Admirals. The Minister
has as his immediate assistant and Chief of Staff a Vice or Rear
Admiral. The central administration of naval affairs is the Naval
Ministry at Paris, composed of a Ministers’ Cabinet and five Sections
or Directions, which are subdivided into Bureaus.
FIRST DIRECTION.
_Personnel._—First Bureau: The Staff of the Fleet, controlling all
affairs of the Admiralty Council, prefectures, officers, naval schools.
Second Bureau: Technical Corps and General Agents, having charge of
construction and engine corps, hydrographic office, commissariat
clerks, chaplains, hydraulic engineers, watchmen, etc. Third Bureau:
Sailors of the Fleet and Maritime Justice. Fourth Bureau: Marine
Infantry and Artillery.
SECOND DIRECTION.
_Matériel._—First Bureau: Naval construction and hydraulic works.
Second Bureau: Ordnance. Third Bureau: Equipment.
THIRD DIRECTION.
_Administrative Service._—First Bureau: Naval inscription and
navigational police (control of merchant service). Second Bureau:
Fisheries and maritime control. Third Bureau: Pay and clothing. Fourth
Bureau: Subsistence and hospitals.
FOURTH DIRECTION.
_Colonies._—The administration of colonial affairs is entirely under
the direction of the Minister of Marine.
FIFTH DIRECTION.
_General Accounts._—First Bureau: Funds and regulations for their
expenditure. Second Bureau: Expenses abroad. Third Bureau: Examination
of accounts. Fourth Bureau: Examination of receipts and expenditures.
Fifth Bureau: Interior service, archives, and libraries.
These being the main divisions of control, there are certain
commissions intimately connected with the regulation of affairs, most
of the committees being permanent in character.
The Council of Naval Works examines the technical points connected with
the introduction or manufacture of naval material.
The Superior Council of Health superintends sanitary matters.
The Council of Captures and Losses regulates prizes and reimbursements.
The Lighthouse Committee controls all lighthouse affairs.
The Forestry Committee has charge of all standing timber and timber
lands.
The Committee of Inspection of Fuel has charge of the purchase,
storage, and issue of fuel.
The Permanent Commission of Control and Revision of the Regulations,
Armament, and Clothing attends to all matters of change of regulation.
The Consulting Commission for the Arrangement of Disputes has general
consultation superintendence.
The Superior Commission of Submarine Defences has control of torpedoes.
The Central Commission for the Examination of Works of Officers is
a committee through whose hands pass all the naval reports made by
officers for the benefit of the service.
The Permanent Commission of Libraries has charge of libraries for naval
stations, ships, and prisons.
The Direction for the Regulation of the Affairs of Pensioners and
retired people of the service forms a separate department of the
Ministry. The Hydrographic Office, Bureau of Longitudes, Museum, Naval
and Apprentice Schools and the Artillery experimental firing-ground of
Gavre form separate departments.
The general administration of affairs is carried on at the naval ports.
The maritime territory of France is divided into five grand districts,
each under the control of a Préfet Maritime, who is a Vice-Admiral,
Commander-in-Chief of the station; the districts are subdivided,
each subdivision being under the control of a Chief and a Captain of
the Port. The First District extends from the Belgian frontier to
Cherbourg; headquarters, Cherbourg; sub-districts, Dunquerque, Havre,
and Cherbourg. The Second District extends from Cherbourg to Quimper,
including adjacent islands; headquarters, Brest; sub-districts, Saint
Servan and Brest. The Third District extends from Quimper to the Loire,
including adjacent islands; headquarters, L’Orient; sub-districts,
Nantes and L’Orient. The Fourth District extends from the Loire to the
Spanish frontier; headquarters, Rochefort; sub-districts, Bordeaux,
Rochefort, and Bayonne. The Fifth District comprises the whole
Mediterranean coast and Corsica; headquarters, Toulon; sub-districts,
Marseilles, Bastia, and Toulon.
The Préfet Maritime, being at the head of maritime affairs in his
district, is assisted by—1st. Major-General of Marine, who has
immediate command of all the personnel in the district, the instruction
of officers and men, details for dock-yard duty, library, observatory,
hydrographic establishment, inspection of vessels fitting out, and
the receipt and transmission of reports. This office is as a rule
filled by a Rear-Admiral. 2d. A Commissary-General, who has control of
the receipt and distribution of funds, enlistment of civil employés,
the direction of the marine inscription, administration of police,
detail of officers of the commissary department, and general charge
of all accounts kept in the district, receiving, arranging, and
forwarding them. 3d. A Director of Port Movements (Captain of the
Port), who has charge of all vessels either in or out of commission,
superintending their movement, anchorages, ballasting, careening,
entrance into basins, etc., charge of fire apparatus, clearing of
channels, placing of buoys, lights, and signals. 4th. A Director of
Naval Constructions. 5th. A Director of Artillery. 6th. A Director
of Hydraulic Works and Buildings. 7th. A Council of Health, composed
of the surgeons stationed in the district. All of these officers are
found at the headquarters port; at the ports of the sub-districts there
are always two naval representatives: 1st. The “Chef de Service,” who
is a Commissary-General and whose principal charge is in relation to
the inscription. 2d. The Captain of the Port, who in general is a
Lieutenant.
The French Navy is manned by voluntary enlistment and by inscription.
Every seafaring person is placed upon the inscription list upon
reaching the age of eighteen, and between that and twenty he is bound
to present himself at the headquarters of the district within which
he lives. Here he passes through a preliminary course of instruction
on board the school-ships lasting for a few months, at the expiration
of which time if his services are not required in the fleet he is
granted a leave of absence, without pay, which may be extended from
time to time. During this period he may make foreign voyages, the only
restriction being that he shall not change his calling. At the end of
five years he passes into the first reserve, where for a period of two
years he cannot leave the country. At the end of this time he passes
into the second reserve and is practically free, being only liable to
service under especial circumstances. Special inducements are held out
for seafaring people. None but those who are or have been inscribed are
allowed to fish in French waters or to be employed on French coasting
vessels. While they are serving their time, troops cannot be billeted
on them; they travel at military rates, and have the benefits of naval
hospitals and naval insurance.
In drafting for active service great care is taken to only draft those
who can be best spared from their homes, leaving the others at almost
entire freedom.
NAMES AND ASSIMILATED GRADES OF THE DIFFERENT NAVAL CORPS.
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
CORPS DE LA MARINE | ART. ET INF. | CORPS DU GÉNIE
| DE MARINE |
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Amiral | |
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Vice-Amiral |Général de Division|
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Contre-Amiral |Général de Brigade | Inspecteur Général
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
| | Directeur
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Capitaine de Vaisseau |Colonel | Ingenieur de 1ʳᵉ clss.
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Capitaine de Frégate |Lieuten’t-Colonel | Ingenieur de 2ⁿᵈᵉ clss.
|Chef de Bataillon |
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Lieutenant de Vaisseau|Capitaine 1ʳᵉ cl. | Sous-Ingé’r 1ʳᵉ cl.
| 2ⁿᵈᵉ ” | 2ⁿᵈᵉ ”
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Enseigne de Vaisseau |Lieutenant 1ʳᵉ cl.| Sous-Ingénieur de
| 2ⁿᵈᵉ ” | 3ᵐᵉ classe
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
Aspirant 1ʳᵉ classe |Sous-Lieutenant | Élève
2ⁿᵈᵉ ” | |
----------------------+-------------------+-----------------------
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
CORPS DU COMMISSARIAT | CORPS DE SANTÉ | MÉCANICIENS
| |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
| |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
| |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
|Inspecteur Général |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
Commissaire Général |Directeur de Santé |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
Commissaire de Marine |Médecin en Chef |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
Commissaire Adjoint |Médecin Principal |Mécanicien en Chef
| |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
Sous-Commissaire |Médecin de 1ʳᵉ classe |Mécanicien Principal,
| | 1ʳᵉ classe
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
Aide Commissaire |Médecin de 2ⁿᵈᵉ classe|Mécanicien Principal,
| | 2ⁿᵈᵉ classe
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
|Aide Médecin |
| |
----------------------+----------------------+---------------------
At Brest there is a special school of instruction for apprentices,
who are received under ordinary restrictions with regard to age and
character, and who are obliged to serve for ten years after finishing
their apprenticeship. The apprentice school and the schools of
instruction for the “inscrits” are amongst the best of their kind in
the world, complete records being kept of every man under instruction
and the system of rewards being such as to render the inscription a
benefit to the seafaring population instead of being a draft on them.
All officers, without distinction of corps, below the grade of
Capitaine de Frégate, are obliged once in two years to submit to
the Minister of Marine an essay on any subject that they may choose
that is of interest to the profession. These essays are examined and
reported upon by a special committee. Those that are unsatisfactory
are returned, and the writer is required to furnish a satisfactory
one within three months. Those that are satisfactory are recorded or
disposed of by being published at government expense in the _Revue
Maritime_ or _Journal Officiel_. Rewards for satisfactory essays range
from an honorable mention to promotion and the gift of the “Légion
d’Honneur.” Officers showing an especial aptitude are placed on a list
for special duty. In this way all departments requiring specialists are
filled by the best talent of the service.
Promotions are by seniority except in the highest grades. Retirement
takes place forcibly after 65 years of age or 45 years of active
service. The officers of every corps are graduates of separate naval
schools, except in the medical corps, where the naval tutelage consists
of a course of naval-hospital practice combined with an advanced
course of medical lectures. In time of peace the grade of Admiral is
honorary, bringing no especial command except that of appointment by
chance to Minister. The marine artillery and infantry do no service
in the fleet. The former have charge of the manufacture of ordnance
and the garrisoning of naval fortifications; the latter do garrison
duty at dock-yards, arsenals, and in the colonies. The Génie Maritime
superintend the construction of ships and engines, hydraulic works,
buildings, hydrographic work, and civil-engineering duty. They have no
duty in the fleet. Machinists have duty almost exclusively in the fleet
or in the schools of instruction of firemen. The effective force of the
fleet is 1783 officers and 46,500 men; in addition to this force there
are 155 officers of Génie Maritime, 825 officers of commissariat, 557
medical officers, 61 chaplains, 63 machinists, 1769 persons connected
with the administration; four regiments of marine infantry, 16,000 men;
4500 men of the marine artillery, and 5 companies of gendarmerie with
a complement of 660, making a grand total of 71,104 exclusive of the
civil employés of the administration. Properly the marine artillery and
infantry should be excluded, as their service is principally colonial
and carried on by the army in other nations.
The French have six foreign-squadron cruising grounds, in which are
included the colonial stations. The squadrons are divided as follows:
MEDITERRANEAN.
1st. Squadron of evolutions; consisting of from nine to twelve
iron-clads and several despatch vessels, having headquarters at Toulon
and cruising throughout the sea. 2d. Station of Algiers. 3d. Levant
division, consisting of one or two vessels stationed permanently on
the Egyptian and Greek coasts, and generally one cruising division of
the squadron of evolutions. 4th. Constantinople station; one or two
vessels stationed permanently at Constantinople and the mouth of the
Danube.
NORTH ATLANTIC.
1st. Subdivision of Newfoundland and station of St. Pièrre and
Miquelon, a small squadron cruising on the fishing grounds. 2d.
Division of the Antilles, a small squadron cruising on the United
States, Mexican, and Central American coasts. 3d. Three stations of
Martinique, Guadaloupe, and Guiana.
SOUTH ATLANTIC.
1st. South Atlantic division, cruising on the Brazilian coast. 2d.
Senegal station, on the west coast of Africa.
CHINA SEAS.
1st. China seas division, cruising on the coast of China and Japan. 2d.
Station of Cochin China, with cruisers on that coast, Siam, and the
Dutch East Indies.
INDIAN SEAS.
Indian station, with cruisers at each of the French possessions.
PACIFIC OCEAN.
1st. Pacific division, cruising on the west coast of South America. 2d.
Tahiti station. 3d. New Caledonia station.
These stations require during peace a total of about 75 vessels and
11,000 men.
GERMANY.
The navies of the different states of the empire are consolidated into
a single one under the chief command of Prussia, controlled by an
Imperial Ministry. The cabinet representative of the navy is chosen
from amongst the General officers of the army, bearing, whilst Minister
of Marine, the honorary title of Admiral, and having naval officers
for his immediate staff. The Imperial Admiralty is divided into three
grand sections: 1st. The Military Section, composed of the Bureaus of
Mobilization, Naval and Military Affairs, General Military Affairs,
Instruction, Exploration and Coast Defence, Justice, Sanitary and
Medical Affairs. 2d. The Technical Section, composed of the Bureaus of
Equipment, Docks, Construction of Vessels, Construction of Engines,
Construction of Ordnance, Construction of Torpedoes and Torpedo
Defence. 3d. The General Section, composed of Bureaus of Constructional
Affairs, Budget and Pay, Administration of Garrisons, Indemnities,
Judiciary, Hydrography, and Observatory. In addition to these
sections there are connected with the Admiralty: 1st. A Commission
for the Examination of Officers of Marine Superintendence. 2d. The
Administration of the Naval Stations of Kiel, Wilhelmshaven, Dantzic,
and Friedrichsort, and the Naval Academy.
The navy is manned by inscription from the maritime districts, the
obligation of service commencing on the 1st of January of the year in
which the age of 20 is reached. Active service continues for three
years, at the end of which time men pass into the First Reserve for a
further period of seven years, during which time they are called for
exercise twice in four years in time of peace, and on the breaking
out of war they are called into active service. At the end of the
seventh year in the first reserve they pass into the second reserve
for a further period of five years (seewehr). The Second Reserve also
includes those who have been subject to service but who have not been
called on: these latter are exercised twice in twelve years. Sailors
of the merchant marine are authorized to present themselves between
the ages of 20 and 24 years. Mariners who have followed the sea for
five years have only to serve for one year; those who have been to sea
four years serve two years. For tradespeople and mechanics the term
of active service may be reduced to one year. The maritime population
of Germany is estimated at 45,000 men, of which number 12,000 may be
called into service at any time, not counting sailors of the merchant
service absent from home.
The cadre of the executive corps of officers is as follows:
1 Admiral (Honorary).
1 Vice-Admiral.
4 Contre-Admiral.
23 Capitän zur See.
45 Corvetten Capitän.
75 Capitän-Lieutenant.
148 Lieutenant zur See.
128 Unter-Lieutenant zur See.
100 See Cadet.
The sailors of the fleet, divided into two divisions, one being
stationed at Kiel and the other at Wilhelmshaven, number 821 petty
officers and 5621 men. There is also one division of apprentices,
numbering 12 petty officers and 400 boys.
Apprentices are entered between the ages of 14 and 16, and engage to
serve for twelve years. The first two years they are placed aboard
cruising school-ships, and for another year they are under general
harbor instruction. At the end of the third year they pass into the
fleet, and if successful in their examinations they are promoted at
once to seamen.
Officers of the Second Reserve are recruited from five different
sources: 1st. From officers who have retired from active service and
who are less than 31 years old. 2d. From masters of the merchant
marine. 3d. From one-year volunteers who are seafaring people.
4th. From certain auxiliary officers. 5th. From young men who have
successfully passed a master’s examination. Persons from the last three
categories must serve for one year at least in the fleet, at the end
of which time they receive the brevet of Sub-Lieutenant of Reserve.
Officers of the Reserve may be promoted after a certain length of
service to the grades of Lieutenant and Lieutenant-Captain, and if they
are under 24 years of age they may pass into the active roster.
Machinists are recruited from volunteers and also from tradespeople
of the inscription, and before entering the fleet they pass through a
course of dock-yard instruction. In the permanent fleet there are 24
Machinist-Engineers, divided into 3 Superior Engineer-Machinists, 9
Engineer-Machinists, and 12 Sub-Engineer-Machinists. The total cadre
of the dock-yard division, which includes machinists, petty officers,
mechanics, firemen, and coal-heavers, numbers 1475 men.
In the Pay Department there are 26 Commissaries and 29 Sub-Commissaries.
The Medical Corps comprises 1 Surgeon-General, 5 Surgeon-Majors, 17
Surgeon-Majors (subs), and 22 Assistant Surgeons divided into three
classes.
The Marine Infantry consists of a single battalion of six companies,
organized in a similar manner to the line of the army, and comprising
in its cadre 47 officers and 984 men, there being a Colonel in command.
The officers are all recruited from regiments of the line.
The detachment of Marine Artillery is composed of three companies
organized similarly to the Fortress Artillery of the army; 112 officers
and 346 men. This detachment mans the batteries and coast-works under
the control of the navy. In time of peace it is employed principally in
the fabrication of munitions. The officers are all recruited from army
artillery regiments.
Attached to the infantry battalion is a small body called the
staff-guard, consisting of 52 Sergeant-Majors and Sergeants, who have
charge of the police duties aboard ship and at the dock-yards.
The Technical Corps of Officers forms two divisions, one of Naval
Constructions and the other of Engine Constructions, having grades not
assimilated with those of officers of the fleet. There are 62 officers
in the corps.
CONSTRUCTION. ENGINES.
Directors 3 3
Superior Engineers 4 3
Engineers 11 11
Sub-Engineers 13 9
At Kiel a Naval Institute has been established on the same principles
as the Greenwich Royal Naval College, for the benefit of officers
of higher rank than cadet. Officers as high as the grade of Captain
are admitted for a course of two years. By this means the standard
of general efficiency is raised. Officers receive instruction in all
branches of their profession.
The men of the fleet are divided into two divisions, one being
stationed at Kiel and the other at Wilhelmshaven. Each division is
subdivided into two classes. To pass from the second to the first
class, good conduct, a service at sea of 48 months, and a certificate
of complete instruction is required. The men of the first class receive
a higher pay and form the body of the petty officers of the fleet.
Firemen and coal-heavers may, by proper application, pass through the
grades of Machinist to the Corps of Engineer Machinists. In general the
Machinists are all drawn from apprentices of that class.
The Germans are just commencing the introduction of permanent foreign
squadrons.
HOLLAND.
The King of Holland is Commander-in-Chief of the Dutch Navy, the Crown
Prince being Rear-Admiral and Chief of Staff. The navy is represented
in the Cabinet by a civilian Minister of Marine, the central control
being divided into sections and bureaus in a similar manner to that of
other European nations. The general administration is centralized at
four dock-yard stations—Amsterdam, Willemsoord, Hellevoetsluis, and
Fijenoord—Amsterdam being the principal building-yard, and Fijenoord
being the boiler and engine factory.
The grades of the Dutch Navy correspond with those of other services,
the names of those of the executive corps being:
Luitenant-Admiraal.
Vice-Admiraal.
Schout-bij-Nacht.
Kapitein ter Zee.
Kapitein Luitenant ter Zee.
Luitenant ter Zee 1ᵉ klasse.
Luitenant ter Zee 2ᵉ klasse.
| 1ᵉ klasse.
Adelborst | 2ᵉ klasse.
| 3ᵉ klasse.
In addition to the dock-yard at Amsterdam there is a Naval School
and school-ships for the instruction of seamen and apprentices. At
Hellevoetsluis there is a school for machinists. Great attention is
paid in Holland to the development of torpedo instruction, a special
corps of officers being drawn from the executive corps.
The cadre of the navy is filled from both volunteer and inscription
methods, the latter resembling the French. This cadre amounts to 788
officers and 6426 men, not including 1000 native sailors and 600
marines in the East Indian local service.
In addition to this force there is a corps of Marine Infantry amounting
to 52 officers and 2100 men.
There are two main divisions of the Dutch fleet, the first for home
service and the second for East India service. The foreign squadrons
are: 1. The Curaçao station. 2d. The Surinam station. 3d. The East
India fleet, which is divided into three main squadrons and four
subordinate flotilla stations for the purpose of patrolling the coasts
of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and the Celebes Islands. Single cruisers are
sent out at short periods to make cruises around the world, whilst a
large division is kept ready for service in the shallow home waters.
ITALY.
The Italian Navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of Marine.
The central administration is divided into four main departments:
1st. The Personnel, under the control of a Secretary-General. 2d. The
Matériel. 3d. Artillery and Torpedoes. 4th. Merchant Marine. There is
an Admiralty Council for the general consideration of naval affairs,
and a Scientific Bureau for the regulation of hydrographic affairs. The
general arrangement of bureaus and superintendencies is similar to that
of France, the whole central department being classed under the head of
the General Staff.
For the general administration of affairs, there are two dock-yard
stations, Spezzia and Venice, with a third in process of formation at
Tarenta.
The grades of the executive corps of the service are as follows:
Ammiragle.
Vice-Ammiragle.
Contro-Ammiragle.
Capitano di Vascello.
Capitano di Fregato | 1ᵃ classe.
| 2ᵃ classe.
Luogotenento di Vascello.
Sottotenento di Vascello.
Guardia Marina di 1ᵃ classe.
All of the officers of this corps are drawn from the cadets of the
Naval School, the course being four years of instruction. At present
the cadets pass two years at Naples and two at Genoa, but it is the
intention to establish a single Academy at Spezzia. There are three
divisions of this corps: the active, the reserve or retired, and the
officers at stationary residence, the latter being those who have
waived promotion in consideration of having fixed duties at a seaport.
The Medical Corps is divided in the same manner as in other countries,
the grades being:
Medico Ispettore.
Medico Direttore.
Medico di Vascello.
Medico di Fregata, 1ᵃ classe.
Medico di Fregata, 2ᵃ classe.
Medico di Corvetta |1ᵃ classe.
|2ᵃ classe.
The Technical Corps or Corps du Génie and the Commissary Corps are
called the naval auxiliary corps.
GÉNIE.
Ispettore Generale.
Direttore delle Costruzioni Navali.
Ingegnere di 1ᵃ classe.
Ingegnere di 2ᵃ classe.
Sotto Ingegnere di 1ᵃ classe.
Sotto Ingegnere di 2ᵃ classe.
Allieve Ingegnere (Cadet).
COMMISSARIAT.
Commissario Generale di 1ᵃ classe.
Commissario Generale di 2ᵃ classe.
Commissario di 1ᵃ classe.
Commissario di 2ᵃ classe.
Sotto Commissario di 1ᵃ classe.
Sotto Commissario di 2ᵃ classe.
Sotto Commissario di 3ᵃ classe.
Sotto Commissario Aggiunto di 1ᵃ classe.
Sotto Commissario Aggiunto di 2ᵃ classe.
Scrivano (Clerk).
These corps at present have relative military rank, but measures
have been taken to give both a strictly civil organization, as it
is considered that their duties are not compatible with military
subordination.
The Machinists’ Corps comprises but three grades—
Machinists.
First Chief Machinists.
Second Chief Machinists.
These grades are entirely recruited from the master-machinists or
petty-officers grade of firemen. The grade of Chief Machinist, which
was the highest until of late years, has been abolished, the duties
being performed by officers of the Corps du Génie.
For the purpose of naval inscription the coast of Italy is divided
into three departments, Spezzia, Naples, and Venice, subdivided into
22 districts, under controls similar to those of France. All persons
interested in a trade bearing upon navigation are liable for service on
reaching the age of 20. They are then drawn into one of two divisions
according to lot. The first is under obligations to render service
for four years either at sea or in the dock-yards, at the end of
which time they are granted a leave for six years, which, though not
confining them to the country, may be rescinded at any time. At the
end of the tenth year they pass into the Second Reserve, and are not
liable except for extraordinary service. The second division receive
at once a leave for ten years, at the end of which time they pass to
the Second Reserve. There is also a system of voluntary enlistment and
apprenticeship.
The Corps of Marine Infantry is recruited from the inscription in the
same manner as the army. The headquarters are at Naples. This corps is
made up of three battalions (one for each department), and the service
is divided between the fleet and the dock-yards. There is no marine
artillery in the Italian Navy.
The effective cadre of the Italian Navy is 1084 officers and 14,200
men, 90 officers of Marine Infantry and 3000 men. In comparison with
the number of petty officers and men, there are fewer officers in this
navy than in any in the world. The Italians have no cruising squadrons;
single vessels do the foreign service, while the home service is
confined to a single large squadron of evolutions.
JAPAN.
The navy is represented in the Council of State by a Minister and
two Vice-Ministers, the central administration being carried on by a
department constructed much in the same manner as in most European
countries. The general administration is at present also almost
entirely directed by the Navy Department. There is but one dock-yard
at present completed and in operation, that of Yokoska in the Bay of
Yeddo, in connection with which there is quite an extensive foundry at
Yokohama.
At Nagasaki, although there is no especial dock-yard, there are
repair-shops, a marine railway, and a partially completed dry-dock. At
Kobi there are repair-shops, and an attempt has been made to establish
a dock-yard at Tokio, but the shallow approaches render it of but
little importance. Connected with the central administration there
is a Hydrographic Office, Observatory, Naval School, and schools of
instruction for Marine Infantry and Artillery. At present the navy is
manned entirely from volunteer enlistment, but a system of inscription
is being perfected by which every person following a maritime trade
will be liable for service between the ages of 18 and 45. The officers
heretofore have for the greater part been educated in foreign naval
schools, but at present the Naval Academy at Tokio is fully equal to
the task of keeping the cadre full. This Naval School is modelled after
the general European plan, the course being four years. Officers, as
a rule, are appointed from the Noble class. The cadre of the navy at
present is 300 officers, 5138 men, and 113 cadets. The grades and
corps correspond closely with those of foreign powers. But very few
foreign officers are now employed in the naval service, none at all
in the fleet, their duties being confined to instructional and yard
superintendence.
As yet the Japanese have not instituted any squadron service whatever,
keeping nearly every vessel of their fleet in constant commission for
instructional service. It is the intention, however, to establish both
home and foreign squadron service as soon as the naval development will
permit it to be done. The cadre of the Japanese Navy is 1180 officers
and 4270 men.
NORWAY AND SWEDEN.
The navies of Norway and Sweden are distinct services, each having
its own complete organization and administration. The Norwegian Navy
is represented in the Cabinet by a Rear-Admiral, Chief of the Marine
Department, who is assisted by a second Rear-Admiral, Chief of Staff.
The central control at Stockholm is divided into three main sections,
with Controllers at their heads, and subdivided into bureaus. The
general administration is divided in control between two dock-yards,
Christiania and Stockholm. There is also a Naval Academy, Hydrographic
Office, and Observatory.
The Swedish Navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of
Marine, the central control having two main divisions, Chancellery and
Command. There is in addition a Commander-in-Chief of Personnel, a
Military Department, Construction Department, Commissariat Department,
Pilotage Department, Naval School, and Hydrographic Office. The general
administration is divided between the two naval stations of Carlskrona
and Stockholm.
The personnel of both navies is recruited by voluntary enlistment,
there being a special arrangement for conscription, in case of war in
the maritime districts, of all persons between the ages of 22 and 35
years.
The grades of officers of the different corps are similar to those of
other services, there being no grade of Admiral. The cadre of the two
navies is:
SWEDEN. NORWAY.
Officers 518 Officers 104
Men 5,051 Men 550
———
Total 6,223
The Norwegian fleet is entirely confined to coast-defence vessels, no
cruisers being now sent out. The Swedish fleet is well provided with
cruisers, but there are no foreign squadrons, the foreign cruising
being confined to single ships.
RUSSIA.
The Russian Navy is represented in the Council of State by the
Admiral-General, a prince of the blood, who is Commander-in-Chief of
the naval force. The head of the central administration is a Minister
chosen from the list of Vice-Admirals. There are six sections or
departments of control: 1st. The Chancellery, having charge of the
expenditure of the Budget. 2d. The Department of the Personnel. 3d. The
Hydrographic Department. 4th. The Technical Committee, divided into
three sections—Construction of Vessels, Construction of Machinery, and
Construction of Ordnance. 5th. The Supreme Naval Tribunal. 6th. The
Direction of the Health Service. The general administration is divided
between the naval stations of St. Petersburg, Sebastopol, Odessa, and
the naval stations of the Caspian and Aral seas and Petropaulovsk on
the Amoor River.
The personnel of the Russian Navy is recruited by inscription
throughout the maritime districts, the inscription carrying with it
certain benefits to the seafaring population, as in other countries.
There are two divisions, active and reserve, the time of service being
seven years in the active division and three in the reserve. The grades
correspond with those of other navies. The effective strength is 4219
officers and 26,683 men.
The fleet is divided into five divisions with squadron sub-divisions:
1st. The Baltic Fleet, divided into the Squadron of Evolutions,
Division of School-ships, Lighthouse and Survey Squadrons, and
Cruisers, the latter being engaged in long foreign cruises
independently. 2d. Black Sea Fleet, Division of School-ships,
Coast Guard-ships, Lighthouse Service, Hydrographic Service, Port
Guard-ships, and Cruisers confined to the Black and Mediterranean
seas. 3d. The Caspian Flotilla. 4th. The Siberian Flotilla. 5th. All
vessels in course of construction at St. Petersburg or Odessa.
SPAIN.
The Minister of Marine is invariably chosen from the grades of Vice
or Rear Admiral, having an officer of one of these grades as an
Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff. The affairs of the Ministry
are controlled by bureaus and sections, with special committees
for the regulation of certain special affairs. For the immediate
superintendence of the naval administration the Spanish coast is
divided into three departments, each commanded by an officer of high
rank. The headquarters of the Department of the East are at Cartagena,
those of the South at Cadiz, and those of the North at Ferrol; the
Eastern Department including the Balearic Isles, and the Southern
the Canaries. Cuba and Porto Rico form a fourth department, with
headquarters at Havana; and the Philippine Islands a fifth, with
headquarters at Manila. The Commander-in-Chief of the department is
also in command of the fleet at the station.
For the purposes of naval inscription the departments are subdivided
into provinces and districts, there being in all 110 districts, each
of which is in charge of a naval officer so far as marine inscription
is concerned. The corps and grade divisions of the active personnel
correspond with those of other nations, the grades of the executive
corps being as follows:
Almirante.
Vice-Almirante.
Gefe de Escuadra.
Capitän de Navio.
Capitän de Fregata.
Teniente de Navio |1ᵃ cl.
|2ᵃ cl.
Alfarece de Navio.
Guardia Marina.
The grades of the Medical Corps are:
Medical Inspector.
Medical Sub-Inspector.
Surgeon-Major.
First Surgeon.
Second Surgeon.
The grades of the Commissary Corps are:
Superintendent.
Purveyor (1st class).
(2d class).
Commissary (1st class).
(2d class).
First Asst. Commissary.
Second Asst. Commissary.
Third Asst. Commissary.
Supernumeraries.
Chaplains have their ecclesiastical rank, and also a naval grade:
Sub Vicar-General.
First Chaplain.
Second Chaplain.
Sacristan (lay official).
Chorister (lay official).
The Technical Corps embraces in one body the ship and engine
constructors, called Engineers of the Fleet, and having the grades of—
General Officer.
Brigadier.
Ship-of-the-Line Captain.
Frigate Captain.
Lieutenant.
Ensign.
For service in working engines aboard ship there is a corps of
machinists:
First Machinists |1st class.
|2d class.
Second Machinists.
Third Machinists.
Fourth Machinists.
Assistant Machinists.
The total active personnel of the fleet is 1792 officers (exclusive of
Midshipmen, Chaplains, and the Technical Corps) and 14,000 men.
In addition to this cadre, there is a corps of Marine Artillery
(Technical).
1 General Officer.
3 Colonels.
7 Lieutenant-Colonels.
16 Captains.
20 Lieutenants.
And a corps of Marine Infantry which is divided into two half brigades
of two battalions each, besides two companies of native infantry at the
Philippines. The strength of this corps is 170 officers and 6256 men,
making a grand total of 1962 officers and 20,256 men.
For the administration of justice each department has a district court,
the maritime superior court being at Madrid.
The Naval Academy, situated at Ferrol, furnishes all the officers of
the executive corps of the service. The age of entrance to the Academy
is between 12 and 14 years, the length of the course at the school
being two years and a half. At the expiration of this time they pass
to a school-ship as second-class midshipmen, where they remain one
or two years according to the needs of the cadre, when they pass to
active service as midshipmen of the first-class, and after one year are
commissioned Ensigns (Alfarece).
There are special schools under naval control for the education of
pilots of the merchant service, another school for machinists, and an
academy for the Artillery and Technical Corps.
At Madrid there is a Hydrographic Bureau and a Naval Museum, and at San
Fernando a Naval Observatory.
The Spanish have five squadron cruising-grounds: the Mediterranean,
South American, West Indian, Asiatic, and Atlantic, and a small African
station limited to the Spanish possessions in the Gulf of Guinea.
At each of the prominent ports both of the home and colonial coasts
there is a naval control under the superintendence of a Captain of the
Port.
Promotion in all grades of the service except to that of Rear-Admiral
is by seniority. Rear-Admirals are appointed by choice from the list
of Line-Ship Captains. All persons in the maritime districts who
follow a calling connected in any way with the sea are subject to the
inscription, and none but those who are inscribed can engage in fishery
or work upon the wharves or piers. The term of service is four years
in the active and four in the reserve division. Each department has a
separate school-ship and divisional formation, so that those persons
who are inscribed are seldom removed from their immediate homes except
for short cruises. There is a system of voluntary enlistment by which
the main part of the active cadre is kept constantly full. In Spain
as in Italy the merchant service is entirely under the control of the
navy. In the headquarter ports of Spain, unlike those of other nations,
the Commander-in-Chief has no flag-ship and does not display a broad
pennant. Flag-ships represent strictly the commands afloat. This is a
point of importance, as all ports visited by foreign men-of-war have a
commanding naval authority of high rank, although there is no visible
sign of such command.
TURKEY.
The navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of Marine and in
the Divan or Chancellery by an Assistant Secretary. For the central
administration there is an Admiralty Council composed of Admirals and
General Officers. The service is divided into four sections: 1st.
Personnel. 2d. Matériel. 3d. Naval Constructions. 4th. Health. Each
control has an Admiral at its head with the title of Director. The
Minister has the supreme control of all naval affairs.
The fleet is recruited by inscription from the maritime districts,
there being no reserve proper. The length of service is eight years.
The personnel of the navy consists of 1868 officers and 30,000 men,
in addition to which there is a corps of marine infantry numbering
91 officers and 4500 men. The grades correspond with those of other
countries except that there is no grade of Admiral, and the grade of
Ensign corresponds closely with that of Midshipman in other services,
there being no Naval Academy and no grade of Cadet.
UNITED STATES.
The navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Secretary of the Navy, who
is invariably a civilian; the President of the United States being the
Commander-in-Chief, but without any immediate naval executive. The
central control is divided into eight bureaus under the superintendence
of naval officers of the different corps having the grade of Commodore:
1st. Bureau of Navigation, subdivided into the Office of Detail, having
charge of the personnel of the fleet; Hydrographic Office, Naval
Observatory, and Signal Office. 2d. Bureau of Ordnance, having charge
of all artillery matters, including the torpedo station at Newport.
3d. Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, having charge of outfits,
recruiting, and the apprentice service. 4th. Bureau of Yards and Docks,
having charge of all naval grounds and buildings. 5th. Bureau of
Medicine and Surgery. 6th. Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, having
charge of supplies and accounts. 7th. Bureau of Steam Engineering,
having charge of the design and care of engines and boilers. 8th.
Bureau of Construction and Repair. The Naval Academy is under an
independent control attached directly to the superintendence of the
Secretary of the Navy.
The general administration is divided into departments at the different
dock-yards, each department corresponding with a bureau of the central
control, and all under the superintendence of a commandant who is an
officer of the executive corps having the grade of Commodore. There
are no naval maritime districts in the United States, naval authority
being limited strictly to the dock-yard government. There are seven
dock-yards: Portsmouth (New Hampshire), Charlestown (Massachusetts),
Brooklyn (New York), League Island (Pennsylvania), Norfolk (Virginia),
Pensacola (Florida), and Mare Island (California). In addition to these
there are three subordinate stations for coaling, recruiting, and
repairing: New London (Connecticut), Port Royal (South Carolina), and
Key West (Florida). The Coast Survey and Lighthouse establishments,
although not under the control of the Navy Department, employ naval
officers almost exclusively.
ASSIMILATED GRADES OF THE CORPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY.
==================================================================
EXECUTIVE CORPS. | MEDICAL CORPS. | PAY CORPS.
| |
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
Admiral | |
Honorary | |
Vice-Admiral | |
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
Rear-Admiral | |
Commodore |Surgeon-General |Paymaster-General
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
Captain |Medical Director |Pay Director
Commander |Medical Inspector |Pay Inspector
Lieutenant-Commander |Surgeon |Paymaster
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
Lieutenant |Passed Asst. Surgeon|Passed Asst. Paymaster
Master | ” ” ” | ” ” ”e
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
Ensign |Assistant Surgeon |Assistant Paymaster
Midshipman | |
Cadet Midshipman | |
Cadet | |
----------------------+--------------------+----------------------
===================================================================
ENGINEER CORPS. |CONSTRUCTORS’ CORPS.| CORPS OF CHAPLAINS AND
| | PROFESSORS.
---------------------+--------------------+------------------------
| |
| |
---------------------+--------------------+------------------------
| |
Engineer-in-Chief |Chief Constructor |
---------------------+--------------------+Officers of these corps
| | bear the names of
Chief Engineer |Naval Constructor | Chaplain and Professor,
| | the grades being
---------------------+--------------------+ from Captain to
Passed Asst. Engineer| Assistant Naval | Lieutenant, except
” ” ” | Constructor | that there is no grade
---------------------+--------------------+ to correspond with
Assistant Engineer | | Lieut.-Commander.
| |
Cadet Engineer | |
Engineer Cadet | |
---------------------+--------------------+------------------------
Officers of the Executive and Engineer Corps are drawn exclusively from
graduates of the Naval Academy. The other corps are drawn from civil
life. Promotion is strictly by seniority in all grades. All officers
except those in the Constructors’ and Professors’ Corps are obliged to
pass a rigid examination in being promoted from one grade to another.
The course of study at the Naval Academy is four years for both
executive and engineer officers; the cadet then passes into the fleet
for a period of two years for active service, at the end of which time
he is eligible for promotion to the next grade. On reaching the age of
62 years or after 45 years of service, officers are retired from the
active list. Officers failing twice in examination for promotion may be
retired as mentally unqualified for active service.
In addition to these grades, in the regular line of promotion there are
five subordinate; grades of what are called Warrant Officers namely,
Boatswain, Gunner, Carpenter, Sailmaker, and Mate.
The cadre of the active list of the navy is 1678 officers, 7500 men,
and 700 apprentices.
There is also a corps of Marine Infantry numbering 75 officers and 2500
men.
The method of enlistment is entirely voluntary, for periods of three
years, with special inducements for re-enlistment. There is no reserve
division of the service, the active cadre representing the entire
disposable force. Apprentices are enlisted between the ages of 14
and 18, with obligatory service until they reach the age of 21. They
are first put in training-ships, where they remain between two and
three years, entering the fleet as soon as they are considered fully
instructed. After entering the fleet they are eligible to advancement
as seamen and petty officers.
The cruising fleet is divided into five squadrons—the North Atlantic,
South Atlantic, European, Asiatic, and Pacific—with one vessel in
constant commission cruising in the chain of great lakes on the
northern boundary, and one in the Rio Grande on the Mexican boundary.
Four ships (one steam frigate and three sailing corvettes) are also
kept constantly in commission as cruisers with apprentices for
instruction. The iron-clad fleet is kept in partial commission ready
for service, but in fresh water, in order to prevent the fouling and
corrosion of the bottoms.
DENMARK.
The navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of Marine, the
central administration having an officer of high rank at its head,
bearing the title of Director-General. The control is divided into
three sections: 1st. The Admiralty. 2d. The Commissariat. 3d. The
Judiciary. The Admiralty is subdivided into departments of Personnel,
Matériel, and Health. Grades of personnel are similar to those of other
navies. The cadre of the navy is 120 officers and 2761 men. There are
no foreign cruisers.
GREECE.
The navy is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of Marine, and the
central control is superintended by an Admiral bearing the title of
Inspector-General of the Fleet. The grades of officers correspond to
those of other navies. The cadre of the personnel of the fleet is 71
officers and 581 men.
PERU.
The navy is not a separate organization, being represented in the
Cabinet by a Minister of War, and having at its head an Admiral
Commander-in-Chief. The control is confined to the port of Callao,
where in time of peace the fleet is kept almost permanently at anchor.
Administration and cadre unknown.
PORTUGAL.
The navy of Portugal is represented in the Cabinet by a Minister of
Marine, who has also the Colonial Service under his jurisdiction, as
with the French. The King of Portugal is Commander-in-Chief of the
navy (taking the rank of Admiral amongst his titles), the immediate
executive control of the naval personnel being superintended by a
Vice-Admiral Commander-in-Chief, assisted by a Board of Admiralty. Both
the central and general controls are at Lisbon, where is situated the
only dock-yard. The grades of the personnel of the Portuguese Navy are
similar to those of other nations. The cadre is 393 officers and 3200
men.
The Portuguese fleet is distributed in squadrons at the different
colonial stations, although they do but little cruising. A squadron is
kept in commission at Lisbon, cruising to Madeira and the African coast
in the fall of the year. In addition to the dock-yard there is a Naval
School and Observatory, and a small repair-yard at Oporto. The navy is
recruited by voluntary enlistment.
NAVAL BUDGETS.
TOGETHER WITH THE PROPORTION WHICH THEY BEAR TO THE ENTIRE
EXPENSES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING YEAR.
(IN DOLLARS OF AMERICAN COIN.)
====+===========+====+===========+====+==========+===+===========+===
| AUSTRIA. | | BRAZIL. | | DENMARK. | | ENGLAND. |
----+-----------+----+-----------+----+----------+---+-----------+---
1875| $5,038,980|¹/₁₁|$10,737,267|¹/₇ |$1,258,180|¹/₁₀|$53,447,020|¹/₇
1876| 4,705,090|¹/₁₂| 11,992,977|¹/₆ | 1,193,700|¹/₁₂| 55,317,245|¹/₇
1877| 4,705,090|¹/₁₂| 5,467,730|¹/₁₁| 1,193,700|¹/₁₂| 56,821,915|¹/₇
1878| 4,805,480|¹/₁₂| 5,467,730|¹/₁₁| 1,323,308|¹/₉ | 54,892,960|¹/₁₁
1879| 4,354,900|¹/₁₆| 6,138,301|¹/₇ | 1,589,418|¹/₈ | 59,811,580|¹/₁₀
====+===========+====+===========+====+==========+====+===========+===
| FRANCE. | | GERMANY. | | GREECE. | | HOLLAND. |
----+-----------+----+-----------+----+----------+----+-----------+---
1875|$27,277,496|¹/₁₉| $4,511,955|¹/₂₂| $360,070|¹/₂₂| $2,617,994|¹/₈
1876| 27,277,496|¹/₁₉| 5,267,120|¹/₁₉| 391,978|¹/₂₀| 2,726,517|¹/₉
1877| 73,253,303|¹/₈ | 7,144,250|¹/₁₉| 422,941|¹/₂₀| 2,781,076|¹/₉
1878| 32,592,387|¹/₁₇| 14,672,671| ¹/₉| 426,941|¹/₂₀| 2,753,677|¹/₉
1879| 32,183,416|¹/₁₇| 11,434,197|¹/₁₂| 749,731|¹/₁₉| 2,627,732|¹/₉
====+===========+====+===========+====+==========+====+===========+===
| ITALY. | | JAPAN. | |NORWAY AND| | PORTUGAL. |
| | | | | SWEDEN. | | |
----+-----------+----+-----------+----+----------+----+-----------+---
1875| $7,468,184|¹/₃₉| $1,800,000|¹/₂₆|$1,526,275|¹/₁₈| $1,468,800|¹/₂₀
1876| 7,543,390|¹/₃₅| 2,700,000|¹/₂₅| 1,725,350|¹/₁₇| 1,554,406|¹/₁₉
1877| 8,326,156|¹/₃₄| 3,549,700|¹/₂₀| 2,204,040|¹/₁₆| 1,878,665|¹/₁₇
1878| 8,870,282|¹/₃₂| 3,217,500|¹/₁₇| 1,944,875|¹/₁₆| 1,876,264|¹/₁₇
1879| 8,864,877|¹/₃₂| 2,636,300|¹/₂₇| 1,896,750|¹/₁₇| 1,952,837|¹/₁₆
====+===========+====+===========+====+==========+====+===========+====
| RUSSIA. | | SPAIN. | | TURKEY. | | UNITED |
| | | | | | | STATES. |
----+-----------+----+-----------+----+----------+----+-----------+---
1875|$20,084,813|¹/₂₂| $6,560,355|¹/₁₈|$2,600,000|¹/₃₈|$23,000,000|¹/₁₄
1876| 20,030,705|¹/₂₃| 6,536,235|¹/₁₈| 3,200,000|¹/₃₆| 21,497,626|¹/₁₄
1877| 19,895,028|¹/₂₃| 5,739,806|¹/₂₃| 3,200,000|¹/₃₆| 18,963,310|¹/₁₆
1878| 18,839,706|¹/₂₅| 5,196,955|¹/₂₈| 2,560,000|¹/₂₂| 14,959,935|¹/₁₇
1879| 20,956,465|¹/₂₄| 5,196,955|¹/₂₈| 2,560,000|¹/₂₂| 17,365,301|¹/₁₄
----+-----------+----+-----------+----+----------+----+-----------+---
KRUPP’S CAST-STEEL COAST AND NAVAL GUNS OF
30 AND 35 CALIBRES LENGTH.
=========================================+================+================+=================
| 12 cm. | 15 cm. | 17 cm.
+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
| Of 30 | Of 35 |Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35
| calib.| calib. |calib. | calib. | calib. | calib.
|length.|length. |length.| length.| length.|length.
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
Calibre mm| 120 | 120 | 149.1 | 149.1 | 172.6 | 172.6
Total length ”| 3600 |4200 |4470 | 5220 | 5180 | 6040
Length of bore ”| 3275 |3875 |4050 | 4800 | 4695 | 5555
Weight of gun kg| 2015 |2260 |4200 | 4750 | 6700 | 7500
Weight of steel shell ”| 20 | 20 | 38.5 | 38.5 | 60 | 60
Battering charge ”| 9 | 9 | 17 | 17 | 26 | 26
Muzzle-velocity m| 575 | 605 | 575 | 605 | 575 | 605
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
total mt| 337.03| 373.12 | 649 | 718 | 1011.1 | 1119.4
Energy per cm. of circumference ”| 8.94| 9.90 | 13.85| 15.34| 18.18| 20.13
per cm². of cross section ”| 2.98| 3.30 | 3.71| 4.1 | 4.32| 4.78
per 1000 kg of weight of gun ”| 167.2 | 165 | 155 | 151 | 151 | 149
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
of 500 m m| 516.5| 543 | 526.7 | 554 | 533.3 | 560.5
Remaining ” 1000 ” ”| 464.5| 487.5 | 482 | 506.7 | 494.5 | 520
velocity ” 1500 ” ”| 418.5| 438.5 | 442 | 464 | 458.6 | 482
of steel ” 2000 ” ”| 380 | 397 | 406.7 | 426.3 | 425.5 | 447
shell ” 2500 ” ”| 348.5| 362 | 375 | 393 | 397 | 415.8
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
” 500 ” mt| 271.9| 300.5 | 544.4 | 602.3 | 869.7 | 960.8
” 1000 ” ”| 219.9| 242.2 | 455.9 | 503.8 | 747.8 | 826.9
total ” 1500 ” ”| 178.5| 196 | 383.4 | 422.5 | 643.1 | 710.5
” 2000 ” ”| 147.1| 160.7 | 324.59| 356.6 | 553.7 | 611.04
” 2500 ” ”| 123.8| 133.6 | 276 | 303.1 | 482 | 528.7
------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
” 500 ” ”| 7.21| 7.97 | 11.62| 12.86| 15.65| 17.28
per cm. ” 1000 ” ”| 5.83| 6.43 | 9.73| 10.75| 13.45| 14.87
Energy of ” 1500 ” ”| 4.74| 5.20 | 8.18| 9.02| 11.57| 12.78
circumfer- ” 2000 ” ”| 3.90| 4.26 | 6.93| 7.61| 9.96| 10.99
ence ” 2500 ” ”| 3.28| 3.54 | 5.89| 6.47| 8.67| 9.51
------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
” 500 ” ”| 2.40| 2.66 | 3.12| 3.45| 3.72| 4.11
per cm² ” 1000 ” ”| 1.94| 2.14 | 2.61| 2.89| 3.20| 3.53
of cross ” 1500 ” ”| 1.58| 1.73 | 2.20| 2.42| 2.75| 3.04
section ” 2000 ” ”| 1.30| 1.42 | 1.86| 2.04| 2.36| 2.61
” 2500 ” ”| 1.09| 1.18 | 1.58| 1.74| 2.06| 2.26
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
When striking at the muzzle at a | | | | | |
at right angles distance cm| 23.5 | 25.5 | 29.5 | 31.5 | 34 | 37
the steel shell of 500 m ” ”| 20 | 22 | 26 | 28 | 30.5 | 33
penetrates a ” 1000 ” ” ”| 17 | 18.5 | 22.5 | 24.5 | 27 | 29.5
wrought Iron-Plate ” 1500 ” ” ”| 15 | 16 | 20 | 21.5 | 24 | 26
of the following ” 2000 ” ” ”| 13 | 14 | 17.5 | 18.5 | 21.5 | 23.5
thickness ” 2500 ” ” ”| 11 | 12 | 15.5 | 16.5 | 19.5 | 21
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+--------
at the muzzle at | | | | | |
a distance cm|10 + 18|10 + 20 |15 + 20|15 +22.5|18 + 22 |18 + 25.5
Or two plates of of 500 m ” ”|10 + 14|10 + 16 |15 + 16|15 + 18 |18 + 18 |18 + 21
the following ” 1000 ” ” ”|10 + 11|10 +12.5|15 + 12|15 + 14 |18 +14.5|18 + 17
thickness ” 1500 ” ” ”|10 + 8|10 + 9 |15 + 8|15 + 10 |18 +11 |18 + 13
” 2000 ” ” ”|10 + 5|10 + 6.5|15 + 5|15 + 7 |18 + 7 |18 + 9.5
” 2500 ” ” ”|10 + 3|10 + 4 |15 + 1|15 + 4 |18 + 3.5|18 + 6
-----------------------------------------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+---------
KRUPP’S CAST-STEEL COAST AND NAVAL GUNS OF
30 AND 35 CALIBRES LENGTH.—(Continued.)
========================================+=================+=================+==================
| 20 cm. | 21 cm. | 24 cm.
+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
| Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35
| calib. | calib. | calib. | calib. | calib. | calib.
|length. | length.| length.| length.| length.|length.
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
Calibre mm| 200 | 200 | 209.3 | 209.3 | 240 | 240
Total length ” | 6000 | 7000 | 6280 | 7330 | 7200 | 8400
Length of bore ” | 5425 | 6425 | 5670 | 6720 | 6480 | 7680
Weight of gun kg|11000 |12500 |12500 |14000 |19000 |21500
Weight of steel shell ” | 95 | 95 | 108 | 108 | 160 | 160
Battering charge ” | 40 | 40 | 45 | 45 | 65 | 65
Muzzle-velocity m | 575 | 605 | 575 | 605 | 575 | 605
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
total mt| 1600 | 1773 | 1820 | 2014.8 | 2700 | 2985
Energy per cm. of circumference ” | 25.5 | 28.25| 27.68| 30.64| 35.8 | 39.6
per cm². of cross section ” | 5.1 | 5.65| 5.29| 5.86| 5.96| 6.6
per 1000 kg of weight of gun ” | 145.5 | 142 | 145.6 | 144 | 142 | 139
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
of 500 m m | 539.5 | 567.5 | 541 | 568.8 | 544 | 572.5
Remaining velocity ” 1000 ” ” | 505 | 532 | 509 | 535.2 | 514.7 | 541.5
of steel ” 1500 ” ” | 474.5 | 498.7 | 479 | 503.3 | 487 | 512.6
shell ” 2000 ” ” | 445.5 | 468 | 451.5 | 473.8 | 461 | 485
” 2500 ” ” | 419 | 439.7 | 426.4 | 447 | 437.5 | 459.3
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” mt| 1409.4 | 1559.5 | 1611.1 |1780.9 | 2415 | 2673
” 1000 ” ” | 1237.4 | 1370.5 | 1426.1 |1576.7 | 2165 | 2391.4
total ” 1500 ” ” | 1090.3 | 1204.3 | 1263 |1394.4 | 1934.2 | 2143
” 2000 ” ” | 961.1 | 1060.6 | 1122.2 |1235.7 | 1732 | 1918.4
” 2500 ” ” | 850.1 | 936.2 | 1000.8 |1099.8 | 1561 | 1720.5
--------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” ” | 22.43| 24.82| 24.50| 27.09 | 32.01| 35.45
per cm. ” 1000 ” ” | 19.69| 21.81| 21.69| 23.98 | 28.65| 31.72
Energy of ” 1500 ” ” | 17.35| 19.17| 19.21| 21.26 | 25.65| 28.42
circumference ” 2000 ” ” | 15.30| 16.88| 17.07| 18.79 | 22.99| 25.44
” 2500 ” ” | 13.53| 14.90| 15.22| 16.73 | 20.71| 22.82
--------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” ” | 4.49| 4.96| 4.68| 5.18 | 5.34| 5.91
per cm² ” 1000 ” ” | 3.94| 4.36| 4.15| 4.58 | 4.78| 5.29
of cross ” 1500 ” ” | 3.47| 3.83| 3.67| 4.05 | 4.28| 4.74
section ” 2000 ” ” | 3.06| 3.38| 3.26| 3.59 | 3.83| 4.24
” 2500 ” ” | 2.71| 2.98| 2.91| 3.20 | 3.45| 3.80
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | | | |
When striking a distance cm| 40.5 | 43.5 | 42 | 45 | 47.5 | 51
at right angles of 500 m ” ”| 36.5 | 39.5 | 38 | 41 | 43.5 | 47
the steel shell ” 1000 ” ” ”| 33 | 36 | 35 | 37.5 | 40 | 43.5
penetrates a ” 1500 ” ” ”| 30 | 32.5 | 31.5 | 34 | 37 | 40
wrought Iron-Plate ” 2000 ” ” ”| 27.5 | 29.5 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 36.5
of the following ” 2500 ” ” ”| 25 | 27 | 26.5 | 28.5 | 31.5 | 34
thickness | | | | | |
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | | | |
a distance cm|25 + 23 |25 +26.5|25 +24.5|25 +28.5|30 +26.5|30 + 31
Or two plates of of 500 m ” ”|25 +18.5|25 + 22 |25 + 20 |25 +23.5|30 +21.5|30 + 26
the following ” 1000 ” ” ”|25 + 14 |25 + 18 |25 + 16 |25 +19.5|30 +17.5|30 + 21.5
thickness ” 1500 ” ” ”|25 + 10 |25 + 13 |25 + 12 |25 + 15 |30 + 13 |30 + 17
” 2000 ” ” ”|25 + 5.5|25 + 9 |25 + 8 |25 + 11 |30 + 8.5|30 + 12.5
” 2500 ” ” ”|25 + 0 |25 + 4.5|25 + 4 |25 + 4 |30 + 3.5|30 + 8
----------------------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
KRUPP’S CAST-STEEL COAST AND NAVAL GUNS OF
30 AND 35 CALIBRES LENGTH.—(Continued.)
=======================================+==================+=================+==================
| 26 cm. | 28 cm. | 30½ cm.
+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
| Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35
| calib. | calib. | calib. | calib. | calib. | calib.
|length. | length.|length. | length.| length.|length.
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
Calibre mm| 260 | 260 | 280 | 280 | 305 | 305
Total length ”| 7800 | 9100 | 8400 | 9800 | 9150 |10700
Length of bore ”| 7020 | 8320 | 7560 | 8960 | 8220 | 9770
Weight of gun kg|25000 |28100 |33200 |37300 |42900 |48400
Weight of steel shell ”| 205 | 205 | 255 | 255 | 329 | 329
Battering charge ”| 83 | 83 | 103 | 103 | 132 | 132
Muzzle-velocity m| 575 | 605 | 575 | 605 | 575 | 605
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
total mt| 3454.5 | 3824.4 | 4297 | 4757.3 | 5544.2 | 6137.9
Energy per cm. of circumference ”| 42.29 | 46.82| 48.85| 54.08| 57.86| 64.05
per cm². of cross section ”| 6.51 | 7.20| 6.98| 7.73| 7.59| 8.40
per 1000 kg of weight of gun ”| 138 | 136 | 129.5 | 127.5 | 129 | 127
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
of 500 m m| 546.8 | 575.3 | 548.6 | 577.3 | 550.7 | 579.4
Remaining velocity ” 1000 ” ”| 519.9 | 547 | 523.5 | 550.8 | 527.4 | 554.9
of steel ” 1500 ” ”| 494.4 | 520.1 | 499.4 | 525.5 | 505.1 | 531.5
shell ” 2000 ” ”| 470.1 | 494.6 | 476.5 | 501.4 | 483.8 | 509
” 2500 ” ”| 447 | 470.3 | 454.7 | 478.4 | 463.3 | 487.5
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” mt| 3123.5 | 3458 | 3912 | 4330.8 | 5085.3 | 5629.9
” 1000 ” ”| 2824.1 | 3126.5 | 3561.2 | 3942.5 | 4664.5 | 5164
total ” 1500 ” ”| 2553.5 | 2826.8 | 3242 | 3589.1 | 4278.5 | 4736.7
” 2000 ” ”| 2308.7 | 2556 | 2951.3 | 3267.3 | 3924.4 | 4334.7
” 2500 ” ”| 2087.5 | 2311.3 | 2686.7 | 2974.4 | 3599.6 | 3083
-------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
per cm. ” 500 ” ”| 38.24 | 42.33| 44.47| 49.23| 49.23| 58.75
of ” 1000 ” ”| 34.57 | 38.28| 40.48| 44.82| 48.68| 53.89
Energy circumfer- ” 1500 ” ”| 31.26 | 34.61| 36.85| 40.80| 44.65| 49.43
ence ” 2000 ” ”| 28.26 | 31.29| 33.55| 37.14| 40.96| 45.34
” 2500 ” ”| 25.56 | 28.29| 30.62| 33.81| 37.57| 41.59
-------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” ”| 5.88 | 6.51| 6.35| 7.03| 6.96| 7.71
per cm² ” 1000 ” ”| 5.32 | 5.89| 5.78| 6.40| 6.38| 7.07
of cross ” 1500 ” ”| 4.81 | 5.32| 5.27| 5.83| 5.86| 6.48
section ” 2000 ” ”| 4.35 | 4.81| 4.79| 5.31| 5.37| 5.95
” 2500 ” ”| 3.93 | 4.35| 4.37| 4.83| 4.82| 5.45
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | | | |
When striking a distance cm| 51.5 | 56 | 55.5 | 60 | 60.5 | 65
at right angles of 500 m ” ”| 48 | 51.5 | 51.5 | 56 | 56.5 | 61
the steel shell ” 1000 ” ” ”| 44.5 | 48 | 48 | 52 | 53 | 56.5
penetrates a ” 1500 ” ” ”| 41.5 | 44.5 | 44.5 | 48.5 | 49.5 | 53.5
wrought Iron-Plate ” 2000 ” ” ”| 38 | 41.5 | 41.5 | 45 | 46.5 | 50
of the following ” 2500 ” ” ”| 35.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 42 | 43 | 47
thickness | | | | | |
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | | | |
a distance cm|35 + 26.5|35 +31.5|38 +26.5|38 +32.5|40 + 34 |40 + 37
Or two plates of of 500 m ” ” |35 + 21.5|35 +26.5|38 + 23 |38 + 27 |40 +26.5|40 + 32.5
the following ” 1000 ” ” ” |35 + 17 |35 +21.5|38 + 18 |38 +23.5|40 +21.5|40 + 27.5
thickness ” 1500 ” ” ” |35 + 12.5|35 +17 |38 + 13 |38 +18.5|40 + 17 |40 + 23
” 2000 ” ” ” |35 + 7.5|35 +12.5|38 + 8 |38 +13.5|40 + 13 |40 + 18
” 2500 ” ” |35 + 2 |35 + 7.5|38 + 2.5|38 + 8.5|40 + 7 |40 + 13.5
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+--------+--------+----------
KRUPP’S CAST-STEEL COAST AND NAVAL GUNS OF
30 AND 35 CALIBRES LENGTH.—(Continued.)
=======================================+==================+==================
| 35½ cm. | 40 cm.
+---------+--------+--------+--------
| Of 30 | Of 35 | Of 30 | Of 35
| calib. | calib. | calib. | calib.
|length. | length.|length. | length.
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
Calibre mm| 355 | 355 | 400 | 400
Total length ”|10650 |12400 |12000 | 14000
Length of bore ”| 9510 |11260 |10700 | 12700
Weight of gun kg|68000 |76500 |97200 |109500
Weight of steel shell ”| 525 | 525 | 740 | 740
Battering charge ”| 210 | 210 | 295 | 295
Muzzle-velocity m| 575 | 605 | 575 | 605
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
total mt| 8847 | 9794.5 |12470 | 13805
Energy per cm. of circumference ”| 79.33 | 87.82| 99.23| 109.86
per cm². of cross section ”| 8.94 | 9.90| 9.92| 10.99
per 1000 kg of weight of gun ”| 129 | 127 | 128.5 | 126.5
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
of 500 m m| 554.3 | 583.2 | 556.3 | 585.4
Remaining velocity ” 1000 ” ”| 534.3 | 562.2 | 538.2 | 566.3
of steel ” 1500 ” ”| 515.1 | 542 | 520.8 | 547.9
shell ” 2000 ” ”| 496.6 | 522.5 | 503.8 | 530.1
” 2500 ” ”| 478.7 | 503.6 | 487.5 | 512.9
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” mt| 8221.5 | 9101.8 |11673 | 12923
” 1000 ” ”| 7640.2 | 8458.2 |10927 | 12097
total ” 1500 ” ”| 7099.8 | 7860.2 |10228 | 11323
” 2000 ” ”| 6598 | 7304.3 | 9574.6 | 10599
” 2500 ” ”| 6131.3 | 6787.8 | 8962.6 | 9922.3
-------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” ”| 73.72 | 81.61| 92.89| 102.84
per cm. ” 1000 ” ”| 68.50 | 75.84| 86.95| 96.26
of ” 1500 ” ”| 63.66 | 70.48| 81.40| 90.11
Energy circumfer- ” 2000 ” ”| 59.16 | 65.49| 76.19| 84.35
ence ” 2500 ” ”| 54.97 | 60.86| 71.32| 78.96
-------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
” 500 ” ”| 8.31 | 9.20| 9.29| 10.28
per cm² ” 1000 ” ”| 7.72 | 8.55| 8.70| 9.63
of cross ” 1500 ” ”| 7.17 | 7.94| 8.14| 9.01
section ” 2000 ” ”| 6.67 | 7.38| 7.62| 8.44
” 2500 ” ”| 6.19 | 6.86| 7.13| 7.90
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | |
When striking a distance cm| 70.5 | 76.5 | 79 | 85.5
at right angles of 500 m ” ”| 67 | 72.5 | 75 | 81
the steel shell ” 1000 ” ” ”| 63.5 | 68.5 | 71.5 | 77
penetrates a ” 1500 ” ” ”| 60 | 64.5 | 68 | 73
wrought Iron-Plate ” 2000 ” ” ”| 57 | 61 | 65 | 70
of the following ” 2500 ” ” ”| 54 | 58 | 62 | 66.5
thickness | | | |
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
at the muzzle at | | | |
a distance cm|50 + 34 |50 +40.5|60 +32.5|60 + 41
of 500 m ” ”|50 + 29 |50 +35.5|60 +27.5|60 + 35.5
Or two plates of ” 1000 ” ” ”|50 + 24 |50 +30.5|60 +22.5|60 + 30.5
the following ” 1500 ” ” ”|50 + 19 |50 + 26 |60 +17.5|60 + 25.5
thickness ” 2000 ” ” ”|50 + 14.5|50 + 21 |60 + 12 |60 + 20
” 2500 ” ” ”|50 + 9 |50 + 16 |60 + 5.5|60 + 15
---------------------------------------+---------+--------+--------+---------
INDEX.
Alabama and Hatteras, duel, 170
Kearsarge, ” , 171
Architectural Development—Unarmored fleets, 361
Conditions affecting English, 361
French, 362
United States, 362
Chart of, 372
Armored fleets, 386
Argentine Confederation Fleets, Table of, 3
Description of, 4
Ordnance, Description of, 180
Type of small-arms used, 311
Personnel, 399
Armor—Table of penetration of English guns, 319
French ” , 321
German ” , 320
Krupp’s new long guns, 435
Application of, 395
Armstrong Breech-loaders, Table of measurements of, 182
Description of, 193, 194
Muzzle-loaders, Description of, 192-194
Projectiles, 209
Fuses, 211
Grooves, 192
Assaults—Fort Sumter, 160
” Fisher, 160
Corean Forts, 161
Assimilated Rank—Grades of Austrian officers, 402
Brazilian officers, 406
English officers, 410
French officers, 416
United States officers, 431
Atlanta and Weehawken, duel, 171
Austrian Fleets, Armored, Table of, 5
General-service, Table of, 9
Armored vessels, Ratios of elements, 390
Ordnance, Table of, 177
Description of, 180
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel, Departmental organization of, 400
Names of grades, 400
Inscription and instruction, 401
Relative rank, 402
Cadre, 400
Austrian cruising stations, 405
Budgets, 434
Bellerophon, Construction of iron hull of, 382
Boat-carriages—English, 197
French, 235
German, 263
United States, 289
Bombardments—Callao, 149
Danube Earthworks, 149
Fort Darling, 142
Donelson, 142
Fisher, 147
Henry, 140
Hindman, 144
Jackson and St. Philip, 152
McAllister, 147
Sumter, 151
Wagner, 146
Grand Gulf Earthworks, 144
Hatteras Inlet, 139
Hilton Head, 140
Kagosima, 146
Roanoke Island, 141
Simonoseki, 145
Bouvet and Meteor, duel, 172
Brazil, Construction of iron hull of, 380
Brazilian Fleet, Armored, Table of, 10
Description of, 11
Unarmored, Table of, 12
Ordnance, Description of, 180
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel, Departmental organization of, 405
Grades and relative rank, 406
Cadre, 407
Cruising stations, 407
Budget, 434
Breech-loaders—Armstrong, 193
French, model 1870, 225
model 1864, 228
Finspong, 276
German, 244
Krupp’s new long guns,
table of measurements, 435
United States, 285
Whitworth, 218
Breech Mechanism—Armstrong, original, 193
improved, 195
French, model 1870, 226
model 1864, 229
Hotchkiss revolving cannon, 306
Gatling machine-gun, 309
Krupp cylindro-prismatic, 246
Small-arms, 311
United States, 287
Whitworth, 218
Brooks’s torpedo for harbor defence, 345
Brookwell broadside gun-carriage, 250
Cadre—Argentine Navy, 399
Austrian ” , 400
Brazilian ” , 407
Chilian ” , 407
Danish ” , 433
Dutch ” , 422
English ” , 411
French ” , 417
German ” , 419
Greek ” , 433
Italian ” , 424
Japanese ” , 425
Norwegian ” , 426
Portuguese ” , 433
Russian ” , 426
Spanish ” , 428
Swedish ” , 426
Turkish ” , 429
United States ” , 432
Cartridges—English, 207
French, 236
Charleston blockaders, Dash at, 166
Chart of architectural development, 372
Chilian Fleet, Armored, Table of, 13
Description of, 13
General-service, Table of, 13
Ordnance, Description of, 181
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel, Departmental organization of, 407
Cadre, 407
Chinese Fleet, Table of, 16
Description of, 16
Ordnance, Description of, 181
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel, 408
Compressors—Elswick, 201
Bow, 202
English hydraulic, 203-206
French friction, 231
Brookwell, 250
Vavasseur, 220
German hydraulic, 257-263
United States boat-carriage, 289
central recoil-check, 295
hydraulic, 296
Ericsson’s friction, 296
turret-carriage, 298
English wooden slide-carriage, 196
German boat-carriage, 264
Construction, Ship, Development of, 373
Wooden, 374
Diagonal, 375
Composite, 377
Iron, 379
Iron sheathed with wood, 384
Iron hull of Brazil, 380
Warrior, 381
Bellerophon, 382
Hercules, 383
Invincible, 383
Gun—Palliser, 217
Armstrong, 192
Whitworth, 218
Vavasseur, 219
Woolwich, 186
Krupp, 244
Finspong, 276
American smooth-bore, 283
Uchatius, 180
American converted, 285
French, 225
Cruising Stations, Squadron—Argentine, 400
Austrian, 405
Brazilian, 407
Dutch, 422
English, 412
French, 417
Italian, 424
Russian, 426
Spanish, 429
United States, 432
Dashes—Passes of the Mississippi, 165
Vicksburg (Arkansas passing
Farragut’s fleet), 166
Charleston blockading fleet, 166
Monitor and Merrimac, 170
Alabama and Hatteras, 170
Weehawken and Atlanta, 171
Kearsarge and Alabama, 171
Meteor and Bouvet, 172
Denmark Fleet, Armored, 17
General-service, 18
Ordnance, Description of, 181
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel, Departmental organization of, 433
Budgets, 434
Directing-bar Carriage—French, 234
United States, 293
Distinguishing marks of English projectiles, 216
Distribution of armor, 395
Elevating-gear—Woolwich rack and pinion, 201
boat-gun, 197
hydraulic, 205
French, 231, 233, 234
German rack and pinion, 252
boat-gun, 250
United States boat-gun, 289
breech-loader, 293
smooth-bore, 293
Hotchkiss revolving cannon, 306
Gatling machine-gun, 308
English Fleet, Armored, Table of, 20
Description of, 23
Fast cruisers, Table of, 36
Description of, 42
General-service, Table of, 48
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 182
Description of, 186
Types and calibres of, 317
Revolving turret, 358
Conditions affecting architectural development, 361
Ratios of elements of iron-clad vessels, 390
English Personnel—Departmental organization, 408
Dock-yards, 409
Enlistment, 409
Grades and relative rank, 410
Coast-guard, 411
Cadre, 411
Royal Naval College, 411
Gunnery and torpedo instruction, 411
Naval reserve, 411
Probationary course of young officers, 412
Indian navy, 412
Cruising stations, 412
Budgets, 434
Ericsson—Torpedo vessel, 338
Development of Monitor, 386
Turret gun-carriage, 298
Broadside slide-carriage, 297
Revolving turret, 357
Field-carriages—United States, 289
English, 196
French, 236
German, 264
Finspong breech-loader, 276
Fleets—Architectural development of armored, 389
unarmored, 361
Argentine, 3
Austrian, 5
Brazilian, 10
Chilian, 13
Chinese, 16
Danish, 17
Dutch, 84
English, 20
French, 51
German, 73
Greek, 82
Italian, 90
Japanese, 96
Norwegian, 99
Peruvian, 103
Portuguese, 104
Russian, 106
Spanish, 116
Swedish, 99
Turkish, 121
United States, 128
French Fleet, Armored, Table of, 51
Description of, 55
Rapid cruisers, Table of, 62
Description of, 65
General-service, Table of, 70
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 221
Description of, 225
Types and calibres of, 317
Towing torpedo, 333
Revolving turret, 359
Barbette fixed turret, 360
Conditions affecting architectural development, 362
Ratio of elements of iron-clad vessels, 390
Wooden hulls, superiority over English iron ones, 392
Personnel—Departmental organization, 412
Maritime prefectures, 414
Enlistment and inscription, 415
Grades and assimilated rank, 416
Official reports, 416
Promotion, 417
Cadre, 417
Cruising stations, 417
Budgets, 434
Fuses—Boxer time, 211
Armstrong time, 211
Pettman percussion, 212
French percussion, 238
time, 238
German percussion, 266
Krupp time, 267
United States Navy time, 302
Bormann time, 303
Boxer time, 303
Schenkl percussion, 304
Torpedo time, 347
McEvoy’s time, 347
percussion, 348
Hill’s chemical, 348
friction, 348
sulphuric-acid, 349
Harvey’s chemical, 349
electric, 349
Gas-checks—Woolwich projectile, 210
French, 227-229
Armstrong, original, 194
improved, 195
Broadwell, 246-248
Gatling machine-gun, 308
General Actions—Memphis, 163
Heligoland, 163
Lissa, 164
Point Tetas, 173
German Fleets, Armored, Table of, 73
Description of, 75
Fast cruisers, Table of, 80
General-service, Table of, 81
Ordnance, Table of measurements, 241
Description of, 244
Types and calibres of, 317
Ratios of elements of iron-clad vessels, 390
Personnel—Departmental organization, 418
Inscription, 419
Cadre, 419
Grades, 419
Fleet divisions, 421
Budgets, 434
Grades—Officers of navy of Argentine Confederation, 399
Austria, 400
Brazil, 406
England, 410
France, 416
Germany, 419
Holland, 421
Italy, 422
Spain, 427
United States, 431
Grand Gulf, Bombardment of earthworks of, 144
Greek Fleet, Table of, 82
Description of, 83
Ordnance, Description of, 272
Types and calibres of, 317
Departmental organization, 433
Budgets, 434
Grooves—French, 187
French modified, 187
Woolwich, 187
English plain, 187
Armstrong, for breech-loader, 192
shunt, 192
French, model 1870, 228
Krupp, 245
Parrott, 288
Dahlgren, 288
Whitworth, 219
Guns—Muzzle-loaders: Woolwich, 186
English converted, 189
Armstrong, 192-194
French, 229
United States smooth-bore, 283
converted, 285
Parrott, 285
Breech-loaders: Armstrong, original, 193
improved, 195
French, model 1870, 225
model 1864-1871, 228
Krupp, government pattern, 244
new long, 435
Finspong, 276
United States, 287
Penetration of English, in armor targets, 319
German, ” ” , 320
French, ” ” , 321
Krupp’s new long, 435
Gun-carriages—Field: English, 196
French, 236
German, 264
United States, 289
Boat: English, 197
French, 235
German, 263
United States, 289
Turret: English, 203
French, 232
German, 263
Razkazoff depression, 279
Ericsson’s, 298
Broadside: French slide, 230
directing-bar, 234
Vavasseur, 220
German Brookwell, 249
slide, 254
German half-slide, 259
United States Marsilly, 292
directing-bar, 293
slide, 296
Ericsson’s slide, 296
United States friction-drum, 299
Mitrailleuse: French, 236
Hotchkiss, 306
Gatling, 308
French centre pivot, 233
German ” ” , 260
United States pivot, 295
Gun-locks—United States cannon, 305
Gatling, 309
Gunpowder—English, 206
French, 236
German, 265
United States, 299
Harvey towing torpedo, 331
Hatteras Inlet, Bombardment of, 139
Heligoland, Action off, 163
Hercules, Construction of iron hull of, 383
Herreshoff torpedo-boat, 341
Hilton Head, Bombardment of, 140
Holland Fleet, Armored, Table of, 84
Description of, 86
Unarmored, Table of, 88
Ordnance, Description of, 272
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel—Departmental organization, 421
Grades, 421
Cadre, 422
Cruising stations, 422
Budgets, 434
Hotchkiss machine-gun, 305
projectiles, 306
magazine rifle, 315
Hydraulic Compressors—English, 203-206
German, 257-263
United States, 296
Loading apparatus, English, 205
Gun-lift, English, 205
Inscription, Maritime—Austrian, 401
French, 415
German, 419
Italian, 423
Japanese, 425
Spanish, 429
Invincible, Construction of iron hull of, 383
Iron-clads _versus_ wooden vessels
Hampton Roads, 167
Roanoke River, 167
Albemarle Sound, 168
Black Sea, 168
Ylo, 169
Iquique Harbor, 169
Italian Fleet, Armored, Table of, 90
Description of, 91
Fast cruisers, Table of, 94
General-service, Table of, 95
Italian Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 269
Description of, 272
Types and calibres of, 317
Personnel—Departmental organization, 422
Grades, 422
Inscription, 423
Cadre, 424
Budgets, 434
Japanese Fleets, Armored, Table of, 96
Description of, 97
Unarmored, Table of, 97
Ordnance, Description of, 272
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 424
Dock-yards, 424
Cadre, 425
Inscription and enlistment, 425
Budgets, 434
Kagosima, Bombardment of, 146
Kearsarge and Alabama, duel, 171
Krupp Guns—Standard German, Measurements of, 242
New long guns of 30 to 35 calibres, 435
Description of standard German, 244
Groove, 245
Lay’s torpedo, 329
Lewis’s torpedo, 343
Lissa, Battle of, 164
Loading-gear, English hydraulic, 205
Loading-plate—French, 239
German, 249
United States, 287
Machine-guns—Gatling, 308
Hotchkiss, 305
Nordenfeldt, 276
Palmcrantz, 276
Marine Infantry and Artillery—Argentine, 399
Brazilian, 407
Chilian, 407
Dutch, 422
English, 411
French, 417
German, 420
Italian, 424
Spanish, 428
Turkish, 429
United States, 432
Memphis, Action off, 163
Menzing towing-torpedo, 333
Meteor and Bouvet, duel, 172
Mitrailleuse, French, 230
Monitor and Merrimac, duel, 170
Muzzle-loading Guns—Woolwich, 186
Armstrong, 192
Whitworth, 218
Vavasseur, 219
French, 229
United States smooth-bore, 283
rifles, 285
Nipping-gear, Scott’s, 202
French, 233
German, 255
Vavasseur, 220
Nordenfeldt machine-gun, 276
Norwegian Fleet, Armored, Table of, 99
Description of, 100
Unarmored, Table of, 101
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 273
Description of, 276
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 425
Enlistment, 425
Cadre, 426
Budgets, 434
Ordnance—Argentine, 180
Austrian, 177, 317
Brazilian, 180, 317
Chilian, 181, 317
Chinese, 181, 317
Danish, 181, 317
Dutch, 272, 317
English, 182, 317
French, 221, 317
German, 241, 317
Greek, 272, 317
Italian, 269, 317
Japanese, 272, 318
Norwegian, 273, 318
Peruvian, 279, 318
Portuguese, 279, 318
Russian, 277, 318
Spanish, 280, 318
Swedish, 273, 318
Turkish, 280, 318
United States, 281, 318
Palliser gun-construction, 217
projectiles, 208
Palmcrantz machine-gun, 276
Passage of Forts—Jackson and St. Philip, 154
Vicksburg (up stream), 156
(down stream), 159
Port Hudson Earthworks, 156
Morgan, 157
Passes of the Mississippi, dash, 165
Penetration of Armor—English guns, 319
French ” , 321
German ” , 320
Krupp’s new 30 and 35 calibre guns, 435
Personnel—Argentine Confederation, 399
Austrian, 400
Brazilian, 405
Chilian, 407
Chinese, 408
Danish, 433
Dutch, 421
English, 408
French, 412
German, 418
Greek, 433
Italian, 422
Japanese, 424
Norwegian, 425
Peruvian, 433
Portuguese, 433
Russian, 426
Spanish, 427
Swedish, 425
Turkish, 429
United States, 430
Peruvian Fleet, Description of, 103
Ordnance, Description of, 279
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel, Departmental organization of, 433
Point Tetas, Action off, 173
Portuguese Fleet—Armored corvette, 104
Unarmored fleet, Table of, 105
Ordnance, Description of, 279
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 433
Cadre, 433
Cruising stations, 433
Budgets, 434
Primers—English friction, 212
electric, 213
French percussion, 239
friction, 239
German friction, 267
United States percussion, 304
friction, 304
Projectiles—Distinguishing marks of English, 216
Woolwich, 208
Palliser, 209
Armstrong segment, 209
German ” , 265
Whitworth, 219
French, 237
German, 265
United States, 299
Hotchkiss, 306
Ratios of elements of iron-clad vessels, Table of, 390
Razkazoff depression gun-carriage, 279
Roanoke Island, Bombardment of, 141
Russian Fleet, Armored, Table of, 106
Description of, 108
General-service, Table of, 112
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 277
Description of, 279
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 426
Inscription, 426
Fleet divisions, 426
Budgets, 434
Scott’s gun-carriage, 200
nipping-gear, 202
Sights—English, 213
French, 239
German, 267
United States, 305
Simonoseki, Bombardment of, 145
Singer’s torpedo for harbor defence, 346
Slides—English upper-deck gun, 198
ordinary broadside, 199
heavy broadside, 200
turret, 205
French ordinary broadside, 232
heavy broadside, 231
barbette turret, 232, 360
centre pivot, 234
German broadside, 251
heavy pivot, 257
half ” , 259
centre ” , 260
United States ordinary pivot, 295
heavy broadside, 296
turret, 298
Slide-rollers—French, 232
German, 255
Small-arms—Snider, 311
Tabatière, 311
Krnka, 312
Springfield, 312
Peabody-Martini, 313
Werndl, 313
Mauser, 314
Le Gras, 314
Berdan, 315
Hotchkiss magazine, 315
Remington, 315
Spanish Fleet, Armored, Table of, 116
Description of, 117
Unarmored, Table of, 118
Description of, 120
Ordnance, Description of, 280
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 427
Grades, 427
Cadre, 428
Inscription, 429
Cruising stations, 429
Budgets, 434
Sumter, Bombardment of, 151
Assault of, 160
Swedish Fleet, Armored, Table of, 99
Description of, 100
Unarmored, Table of, 101
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 273
Description of, 276
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 425
Enlistment, 425
Cadre, 426
Budgets, 434
Thorneycroft torpedo-boat, 339
Torpedoes—Whitehead, 325
Lay, 329
Harvey towing, 331
Menzing ” , 333
French towing, 333
American spar, 334
Wood and Lay’s spar, 335
Lewis’s drifting, 343
Frame, 345
Brooks’s channel, 345
Singer’s ” , 346
Barrel ” , 346
Clearing channels of, 350
Torpedo Boats—Thorneycroft, 339
Yarrow, 340
Herreshoff, 341
Submarine, 343
Launches, 342
Vessels—Pietro Micca, 94, 336
Rau, 102, 337
Vesuvius, 47, 337
Ziethen, 337
Uzreef, 337
Alarm, 130, 337
Intrepid, 129, 338
Destroyer, 338
Uhlan, 339
Fuses—Time, 347
McEvoy’s time, 347
Hill’s, 348
McEvoy’s percussion, 348
Friction, 348
Sulphuric-acid, 349
Harvey’s, 349
Electric, 349
Actions—Shah and Huascar, 351
Russian boats off Batoum, 351
Constantine and Turkish vessel, 352
Cushing’s attack on Albemarle, 352
Russian attack on Duba Saife, 352
at Sulina, 352
Rustchuk, 353
Soukum Kaleh, 353
Confederate attack on Minnesota, 353
Housatonic, 353
Training-gear—German windlass, 253
for cabin carriage, 254
heavy slides, 256
English windlass, 200
rack and pinion, 200
French rack and pinion, 231
barbette slide, 232
centre pivot, 234
United States rack and pinion, 296
Turkish Fleet, Armored, Table of, 121
Description of, 123
Unarmored, Table of, 125
Ordnance, Description of, 280
Types and calibres of, 318
Personnel—Departmental organization, 429
Inscription, 429
Cadre, 429
Budget, 434
Turret—United States monitor, 357
English revolving, 358
French ” , 359
barbette, 360
Carriages: French, 232
English, 203
German, 263
United States, 298
Uchatius gun-construction, 180
United States Fleet, Armored, Table of, 128
Description of, 129
Unarmored, Table of, 131
Description of, 134
Ordnance, Table of measurements of, 281
Description of, 283
Types and calibres of, 318
Conditions affecting architectural development, 362
Ratios of elements of monitor Onondaga, 391
Monitor turret, 357
Personnel—Departmental organization, 430
Dock-yards, 430
Grades and assimilated rank, 431
Cadre, 432
Enlistment, 432
Cruising station, 432
Budgets, 434
Spar-torpedo, 334
Vavasseur construction, 219
compressor, 220
nipping-gear, 220
Vents—French, 227
Armstrong B. L., 193
German, 248
United States, 287
Vent-guards, French, 240
Vicksburg, Dash of the Arkansas past Farragut’s fleet, 166
Wads—English papier maché, 210
French sea-weed, 238
Warrior, Construction of iron hull of, 381
Weehawken and Atlanta, duel, 171
Whitehead torpedo, 325
Whitworth gun-construction, 218
groove, 219
projectiles, 219
breech mechanism, 218
Windlass for in and out gear—English, 200
German, 253
Wood scale, English, 213, 216
Woolwich—Description of guns, 186
Measurements of guns, 182
Groove, 187
Projectiles, 208
Yarrow torpedo-boat, 340
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