The newest Dutch torpedo boat Hr. Ms. Zeeslang built by Kon. Mij. De Schelde
On 16th May 1908 wrote Van Leeuwen (1) to the shipyard that on next Monday or Tuesday the minister of navy would present the Chamber a program(2) for purchasing mainly torpedo boats and coastal defence vessels. As soon as more details became known, he would inform the Dutch shipyard. Despite all efforts the Kon. Mij. De Schelde never succeeded in obtaining orders in South-America for building torpedo boats and/or submarines.
Notes
1. W. van Leeuwen&Co., Buenos Aires, Argentina, representatives of the Dutch shipyard Kon. Mij. De Schelde, Vlissingen, Netherlands.
2. Probably the Argentinean government which came in those days with an extensive program including torpedo boats. The last torpedo boat built by the Kon. Mij. De Schelde was the Hr.Ms. Zeeslang on account of the Dutch Department of Colonies to serve in the Dutch East Indies. Displacement 89,32 tons and as dimensions 39,632 x 4,124 x 2,514 (hold) x 1,155-2,06 (draught) metres or 130.0 x 13.6,25 x 8.3 x 3.9,5-6.9 1/8 feet. Laid down on 15 November 1906, in the thrushes on 31 January 1907, launched on 27 April 1907 and handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy on 6 July 1907. Speed 24,048 miles. Armament consisted of 2-3,7cm guns, 1 torpedo tube and 1 torpedo gun. Crew numbered 20 men.
Source
Archive Kon. Mij. De Schelde 1875-1960 (Municipality Archive Vlissingen) T. 214.258.
