United Kingdom-flagged, homeport Portsmouth, IMO 9261322, MMSI 234605000 and call sign GAAD. Part of River-class preceded by Castle-class. Used for the fishery protection. Ordered in April 2001, launched by Vosper Thornycroft on 1 July 2002, commissioned on 4 July 2003.
An item reffered to an agent message dated 1 August reporting that south of Catania, Sicily, Italy a new seaplane base was to be established.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM-40-622
An item referred to an agent message reporting in the harbour of La Spezia, Italy a number of guard vessels and submarine chasers including two former Dutch steam tugs.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM-40-622
Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 9 June 2026
Norway-flagged, homeport Bergen, IMO 9490856, MMSI 259794000 and call sign LALC7. Built by Yangzhou Dayang Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, Yangzhou, China in 2011. Panama-flagged in 2011. Owner/manager Spar Shipping AS, Bergen, Norway.
According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 21 April due to unknown on the location 70 miles north of Cap Farina. Tonnage 140 tons.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by De Vlijt, Aalsmeer, Netherlands. Date building ordered 3 November 1943. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152.
Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 13 June 2026
Panama-flagged, IMO 9991252, MMSI 352003759 and call sign 3E5859. Built in 2024. Owner Ever Bright Shipping, S.A., Japan.
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship Maria Petronella and whaling tools of commandeur Volkers Claassen, built in 1751, dimensions 100 x 25.9 x 11.4, bookkeeper Nicolaas Anthony van Hoorn, 225 guilders, stroke 25 guilders, N.A. van Hoorn
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship de Vriendschap and whaling tools of commandeur Teunis Cornelis Root, built in 1761, dimensions 107.6 x 29.5 x 12.9, bookkeeper T.H. van Saanen, 325 guilders, stroke 10 guilders, Van Saanen
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
Vlissingen, Netherlands 13 June 2026
Netherlands-flagged, EU 02339675, MMSI 244082008 and call sign PF2830. Completed by De Toekomst, Waspik, Netherlands in 2020.
The information was received from the Latvian General Staff and considered to be reliable. In fact few was known dealing with the personnel of the Central Institutions except that the majority in authority were former naval officers already officers prior to the First World War. The descriptions of the officers were supplied by a former high officer of the Imperial Russian Navy which now stayed in Latvia. Former senior lieutenant. “Squadron gunner (January 1921); very able, a fine officer, good as gunner and as a man; very energetic and of great working capacity; during the war [First World War] was squadron gunner of the Mining Division.”
Source
National Archive. Record Group 165: Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs Series: Security Classified Correspondence and Reports. File Unit. Russia: Navy - MID 2503-16 THRU 2503-265. Roll 1443.
With the First Madagascar Expedition (May 1883-December 1885) started the Franco-Hova War. In December 1885 was a Treaty signed which the French interpreted as being a Protectorate Treaty which was denied by Queen Ranavalona III. The result was the Second Madagascar Expedition December 1894-1 October 1895) ending in Madagascar becoming a French colony (1897-1958). The Malagasy Republic was an autonomous French territory until she became independent as the Democatric Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Leaving, Marseille, France on 29 April with provisions.
Source
Captain Pasfield Oliver, “The Madagascar expedition”: The United Service Magazine, volume XI. New Series. April 1895 to September 1895, p. 136-137.
Vlissingen, Netherlands 13 June 2026
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 5100427, MMSI 24453200 and call sign PDWN. Built at the J.&K. Smit’s Scheepswerven NV, Kinderdijk, Netherlands with yard number 866. Taken into service by L. Smit&Co’s Internationale Sleepdienst on 24 February 1959. Sold to the Association of Maryland Pilots, Baltimore, USA in 1976. Renamed Maryland and USA-flagged was she at the shipyard of Verolme Cork, Ireland rebuilt as a pilot vessel. Given to Greenpeace International Inc. in 1985 and renamed Gondwana but already within 3 weeks renamed Greenpeace. In 1990 transferred to the Stichting Rubicon, Amsterdam, Netherlands and in 4 January 2002 transferred to the Havenmuseum at Rotterdam, Netherlands and rebuilt in original condition and retained her old name Elbe. Tonnage 887 tons and as dimensions 58,05 x 11,22 x 4,45 metres.
An item reported the arrival at Hillo, Hawaii on 17 March of the American whaler Arnolda master Harding 350 barrels sperm oil
An item reported the arrival at Hillo, Hawaii on 19 March of the American whaler Julian master Cleveland 20 barrels sperm oil 1,800 barrels whale oil
An item reported the arrival at Hillo, Hawaii on 17 March of the American whaler Roman master Tripp 300 barrels sperm oil
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9271858, MMSI 245690000 and call sign PAUE. Laid down at the Damen Shipyards Galatz, Romania with yard number 391 on 25 June 2002 and completed at Vlissingen, Netherlands. Displacement maximum 1.875 tons and as dimensions 81,42 x 13,1 x 4 metres. Speed maximum 12 knots. The armament consists of 0.50” machineguns. Of the Snellius-class.
American USS Maine©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
In 1886 was the building of a battleship which became the USS Texas and an armored cruiser which became the USS Maine authorized.(1) The US Navy asked for plans including from parties abroad. For the USS Maine was chosen for an American design although inspired by a Brazilian warship.
The Internal Revenue Record and Customs Journal edition dated 11 April 1887 p. 144 wrote that the Secretary of Navy William C. Whitney on 6 April invited proposals for the building of 5 warships under the Act of 38 March 1887. Further more he considered the details for the Board which was responsible to examine the plans for the two 6,000 tons ships authorized under the Act of 3 August 1886. Expected was that as naval members were to be appointed captain Ramsay, commodore Goodrich and assistant naval constructor Bowles. The names of the civilian members were yet not known. In the meantime were the plans of the Bureau of Construction and Repair his favourite. Of the ten plans for new cruisers were at least six worth of close attention. According to The Nation dated Thursday 7 April 1887 were the plans opened on 1 April.
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, May edition p. 194 reported that the plans for an armored cruiser and an armored battleship were now being studied by a mixed board of naval officers and civilian constructors. The general features were published on page 211: “The armored cruiserwas to have a double-bottomedSteel hull, unsheathed and divided into numerous watertight compartments, fitted with a powerful pumping apparatus, and finished with a perfect drainage and ventilation system throughout. She was to be fitted with a rambow and was to have a steel-armored deck which would run thewhole length of the ship and cover the boilers, engines and magazines. Two-thirds full sail power was required on two or three masts, each with a protected top, carrying one or more machine or rapid-fireguns. The main batterywas to havefour 10-in. guns, each weighing 26½tons, and six 6-in.guns each weighing 5 tons. The secondary battery was to be composed of four 6-pounder, four3-pounder, and two 1-pounder Hotchkiss rapid-fire guns, four 47-millimeters and four 37-millimeters Hotchkiss revolving cannon, and four Gatling guns. The vessel was to be equipped with a torpedo and searchlight outfit, and the guns were to be so arranged as to obtain for bow and stern fire the greates thorizontal and vertical command consistent with other essential conditions. The 10-in. guns were to load in at least two positions,and were to be served and handled by power and protected by at least 10 1/2 inch of steel armor, properly backed, while the 6-in. guns were to be efficiently shielded. The motive machinery was to be below the armored deck and well covered from hostile fire, and the ship was to be driven by twin screws. When fullyequipped and with all weights on board, excluding the reserve coal, she was to maintain 17 knots speed per hour over the measured mile. The coal endurance had to be large, the consump tion economical, and the distance to be covered at mod erate speed as great as practicable. The furnaces were to be arranged to work with forced draught when desired, air for combustion being furnished independently of the ventilating system. Quarters had to be provided for 270 officers and men, with provisions provisi for three months and water for one month. The ship was required to have arrangements for being steered either by power or by hand from several independent positions upon and below the deck. A sufficient number of boats to carry the crew were to be furnished, two of them being second class torpedo boats and two others steam launches or cutters, each of which was able to mount, shielded, one 3 pounder rapid-fire gun. These conditions were to be fulfilled at a maximum draught of 22 feet and on a displacement of about 6,000 tons."
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, July edition p. 311 and 315 reported that the US Navy still considered the building but did not invite yet for bids of shipyards. In the meantime reported the Board to the Secretary of the Navy what the results were of the plans sent by various parties in last April. The Board was appointed on 22 April. Some plans were not conform the requirements and were already rejected. Dealing with the plans of the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, Lieutenant W. I. Chambers. A. H. Grandjean and the Thames Iron Works & Shipbuilding Company was the conclusion that “The marked differences in the essential features of the designs prevent their classification in the order of merit; each exhibits features which strongly commend themselves, but the Board does not consider it advisable for the Government to build a vessel upon any one of these.”
In The Railroad and Engineering Journal, August edition p. 357-359 were the results of the examination discussed. The Board recommended not one of the submitted designs for an armored cruiser. The plans were to be carefully examined before anything could be decided. Yet it was probably the design of the Bureau of Construction of the Navy Department made a good chance to be chosen.
The The Railroad and Engineering Journal May edition p. 211 wrote that he “submitted plans for the cruiser, similar in character to several vessels built by the French Government”.
Note
1. Ordered on 3 August 1886, laid down by New York Naval Shipyard on 17 October 1888, launched on 18 November 1890, commissioned on 17 September 1895 and sunk due to an explosion in the harbour of Havana, Cuba on 15 February 1898 and what was left of her was scuttled in the Strait of Florida on 16 March 1912.
Sources
Engineering. An Illustrated Weekly Journal. London, 1885.
Internal Revenue Record and Customs Journal. Volume XXXIII, January-December 1887.
The Nation No. 113, p. 286.
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, vol. LXI (Volume 1, new series), New York, 1887.
Hamersly, Lewis Randolph. The Records of Living Officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Philadelphia, 1894.
Hai Chi or Hai Qi-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Also spelled as Tchao-Houo. Part of Chao Ho-class consisting of the Chao Ho, Ying Rui and Fei Hong preceded by Hai Chi-class succeeded by Ning Hai-class and the planned Number 64-class (also known as the Monfalcone light cruisers to be built between 1914-1915 by Cantiere Navale Triestino, Montfalcone, Austria-Hungary). Laid down by Vickers Limited on 12 December 1910, launched on 13 July 1911,completed on 2 December 1911, disarmed on 24 October 1937 and sunk in a Japanese air attack on 25 October 1937.
In a letter dated 13 April 1942 No. 1329 to the O.K.M./1 Abteilung Skl. was the so-called ‘Etappen’-organisation of the navy described. In the attachment were the blockade runners decribed used for this purpose. Ms Burgenland. Loaded with 3,370 ton rubber. Left Yawatahama. Japan on 21 September 1941 and arrived at Bordeaux, France on 10 December 1941.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 7/223
With the First Madagascar Expedition (May 1883-December 1885) started the Franco-Hova War. In December 1885 was a Treaty signed which the French interpreted as being a Protectorate Treaty which was denied by Queen Ranavalona III. The result was the Second Madagascar Expedition December 1894-1 October 1895) ending in Madagascar becoming a French colony (1897-1958). The Malagasy Republic was an autonomous French territory until she became independent as the Democatric Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Leaving Marseille, France on 27 April with detachments.
Source
Captain Pasfield Oliver, “The Madagascar expedition”: The United Service Magazine, volume XI. New Series. April 1895 to September 1895, p. 136-137.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Similar Ikusima Maru and Kasuga Maru. Call sign JGOL. Laid downby Osaka Iron Works Ld., Innoshima, Japan in April 1936, launched on 1 September 1936, completed on 10 October 1936, requisitioned by the Japanese navy on 10 November 1941, converted into an auxuliary transport between 12 November-14 December 1941, renamed Kasuga Maru No. 2 on 10 December 1941, torpedoed and sunk by the Dutch submarine Hr.Ms. O 21 off Port Blair, Andaman Islands, on 13 March 1943 and stricken on 20 April 1943. Owner in 1939 Naigai Kisen K.K. Homeport Kobe. Gross tonnage 3,968 tons, netto tonnage 2,332 ons, deadweight 5,524 tons and as dimensions 351.0 x 50.0 x 26.6 x 8 (light)-22 (loaded) feet. Steam turbine propulsion, single screw, horsepower 433 nhp, coal bunker capacity 780 tons, range 7,900 nautical miles/10 knots and speed 10 (normal cruising)-14 (maximum) knots.
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship de Vrouw Catharina and whaling tools of commandeur Andries van Dulst, built in 1741, dimensions 113.10 x 2.5 x 12,7, bookkeepers Luden en Speciaal, 175 guilders, sttoke 20 guilders, H. Moens.
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship de Vrouw Helena and whaling tools of commandeur Daniels Claase Meyer, built in 1733, dimensions 113 1/2 x 29.5 x 12.7, bookkeeper R. Makreel, 175 guilders, stroke 20 guilders, not sold.
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 11 May 2026
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9964039, MMSI 245263000 and cal sign PIGC. Laid down by Song Cam Damen Shipyards, SA, Hai Phong, Vietnam, with yard number 512578 on 19 April 2022. Damen ASD Tug 3212.
The information was received from the Latvian General Staff and considered to be reliable. In fact few was known dealing with the personnel of the Central Institutions except that the majority in authority were former naval officers already officers prior to the First World War. The descriptions of the officers were supplied by a former high officer of the Imperial Russian Navy which now stayed in Latvia. Former draftsman. Squadron wireless operator (April 1921).
Source
National Archive. Record Group 165: Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs Series: Security Classified Correspondence and Reports. File Unit. Russia: Navy - MID 2503-16 THRU 2503-265. Roll 1443.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by De Vlijt, Aalsmeer, Netherlands. Date building ordered 3 November 1943. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152.
Belgium-flagged, homeport Ghent, Belgium. Built in China in 2015. Owner Sarens.
According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 15 April due to bombs on the location Cürte Libica. Tonnage 29 tons.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.
Between July-September 1882 was the United Kingdom in war with Egyptian and Sudanese troops ending in the British occupation of Egypt. The British government chartered between July-August a lot of merchant steamships for transporting troops, stores etc. from the United Kingdom to Egypt including the North Britain.
Source
The Nautical Magazine. Fifty-first year. Volume VII. July 1882.
Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 11 May 2026
Owner Multraship Towage&Salvage. Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9492880, MMSI 246566000 and call sign PBRY. Built by Vega Denizcilik, Sanayi Ve Tic Ltd Sti., Bandirma, Turkey in 2009.
An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 31 March of the American whaling barque Black Eagle master Ludlow from Hilo 50 barrels sperm oil
An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 31 March of the American whaler Minerva master Reynolds from Tahiti
An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 31 March of the American whaler S.H. Waterman master Hall from Lahaina 250 barrels sperm oil 450 barrels whale oil 4,000 lbs bone
Parkkade, Rotterdam, Netherlands >21-25< September 1971
Facebook groep Haven van Vrienden dated 8 June 2026
With our thanks to Fred Bachofner for allowing us to publish
Both anti submarine destroyers were part of Project 57A Grevny called by the NATO Kanin-class which was a modified Project 57bis/NATO named Krupny-class and which were the first Soviet guided missile destroyers Totally eight were built which were finally decommissioned between 1987-1993. Due to the Dutch newspaper Het vrije volk: democratisch nieuwsblad dated 21 September 1971 we know the names of the ships namely the Gremyashchyi and Zhgychyi. Commanding officer was a cerain admiral Valobuev. That should be rear admiral Evgeniy Ivanovich Volobuev. Their host was the Dutch Van Speijk-class frigate Hr.Ms. Van Galen which visited earlier that same year with her sistership Hr.Ms. Evertsen Odessa, Ukraine.
The Gremyashy(i), laid down by Zhdanov Shipyard, Leningrad, Soviet Union on 25 February 1958, launched on 30 April 1959, commissioned on 30 June 1990, part of the Northern Fleet and decommissioned in 1991.
The Zhguchy(i), laid down by Zhdanov Shipyard, Leningrad, Soviet Union on 23 June 1958, launched on 14 October 1959, commissioned on 23 December 1990, part of the Northern Fleet and decommissioned in 1987.
An item referred to a statement of a Spanish sailor reporting the presence end July in the harbour of Palermo, Italy of 20 armed steam fishing vessels and 2 destroyers. The latter departed daily at 11.00 the harbour returning at 18.00 o’clock.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM-40-622
An item reported that according to a regulation of the Spanish cabinet dated 29 July 1917 submarines of the belligerents not allowed to operate in Spanish high sea waters neither to enter a Spanish harbor or they would be interned until the end of the war. Neutral submarines were still allowed to pass Spanish territory showing the proper flag.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM-40-622
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Similar Chen An, Tai An, Tsi Nan and Tung An. Launched in 1944, completed on 1 February 1945, surrendered in August 1945, used for minesweeping until 1946 and handed over to China on 29 August 1947. Former Japanese Kaibokan No. 2 type D at the time handed over disarmed. Displacement 900-1,300 (full load) tons and as dimensions 228 (over all) x 28.25 x 10 feet. Rated as gunboat.
Between July-September 1882 was the United Kingdom in war with Egyptian and Sudanese troops ending in the British occupation of Egypt. The British government chartered between July-August a lot of merchant steamships for transporting troops, stores etc. from the United Kingdom to Egypt including the Lisbon.
Source
The Nautical Magazine. Fifty-first year. Volume VII. July 1882.
According to a letter dated Admiralty, Somerset House 6th September of the Director of Transport Services W.R. Mends to the Under Secretary of State for India was the mule transport Ventia for service in the Mediterranean. Number transport 18. Tonnage 755 tons. Horsepower 150hp. Rate per ton per month. If discharged aA home 34s6d and abroad 44s6d. Date of acceptance 3 September. Likely to sail not yet known. Now being prepared for service with the Abyssinian expedition at Devonport. Engaged for three months certain. The British Abyssinian Expedition found place between 4 December 1867-13 May 1868 against the Ethiopian Empire or Abyssinia to release the imprisoned missionaries and representatives of the British government.
Source
Accounts and papers: thirty-five volumes. Army. Abyssinian expedition. Session 19 November 1867-31 July 1868. Vol. XLIII., p. 115.
Seymour, Parker-class flotilla leader. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Sistership Veteran. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
HMS Amazon D39 (1925-1927). ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Part of Admiralty W-class preceded by S- and Parker-classes succeeded by Thornycroft type destroyer leaders Ambuscade and Amazon. Ordered on 9 December 1916, laid down by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Govan, Scotland with yard number 535 in April 1917, launched on 14 March 1918, commissioned on 27 April 1918, reclaissified as escort destroyer in May 1940 and sold to be broken up on 18 February 1948.
An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 31 March of the American whaler Omega master Fisher from Californian coast 100 barrels sperm oil 1,700 barrels whale oil
An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 28 March of the American whaling barque Alice master White from Hilo 700 barrels whale oil
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Length 68.6 feet. The Chiyozuru-class with as dimensions 95 4/5 (overall) x 18 2/3 x 6 1/2 feeet and a displacement of 130 tons, wood-built between 1943-1945 as auxiliary sub chasers named after birds but which were before known as MS+number?
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship Visser and whaling tools of commandeur Jan Aresz Bakker, built in 1753, dimensions 112.5 x 29 1/4 x 12 3/4 (12 1/4?) feet, bookkeeper J. Visser at Westzaan, 475 guilders, stroke 20 guilders, not sold.
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
An item mentioned that ship brokers sold at Nieuwezyds Heeren Logement at Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 16 November 1767 1/32 part in the Dutch fluytship de Vrouw Helena and whaling tools of commandeur Daniel Claase Meyer, built in 1733, bookkeeper R. Makreel, dimensions 113.5 x 29.5 x 12.7 feet, 375 guilders, stroek 5 guilders, A. Roos
Source
De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius, Volume 22, November, Amsterdam, 1767.
Rotterdam, Netherlands 10 June 2026
Norway-flagged, IMO 1035296, MMSI 259291000 and call sign LAVJ8. Built by CIMCRaffles Shipyard, Yantai, China in 2025. Baptised on 12 May 2026. Part of the fleet of DEME.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by De Vries-Lentsch, Nieuwendam, Netherlands. Date building ordered 3 November 1943. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152.
According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 12 April due to submarine on the location 45 miles south 1/4 south west of Cap Spartivento. Tonnage 187 tons.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.
American USS Maine©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
In 1886 was the building of a battleship which became the USS Texas and an armored cruiser which became the USS Maine authorized.(1) The US Navy asked for plans including from parties abroad. For the USS Maine was chosen for an American design although inspired by a Brazilian warship.
The Internal Revenue Record and Customs Journal edition dated 11 April 1887 p. 144 wrote that the Secretary of Navy William C. Whitney on 6 April invited proposals for the building of 5 warships under the Act of 38 March 1887. Further more he considered the details for the Board which was responsible to examine the plans for the two 6,000 tons ships authorized under the Act of 3 August 1886. Expected was that as naval members were to be appointed captain Ramsay, commodore Goodrich and assistant naval constructor Bowles. The names of the civilian members were yet not known. In the meantime were the plans of the Bureau of Construction and Repair his favourite. Of the ten plans for new cruisers were at least six worth of close attention. According to The Nation dated Thursday 7 April 1887 were the plans opened on 1 April.
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, May edition p. 194 reported that the plans for an armored cruiser and an armored battleship were now being studied by a mixed board of naval officers and civilian constructors. The general features were published on page 211: “The armored cruiserwas to have a double-bottomedSteel hull, unsheathed and divided into numerous watertight compartments, fitted with a powerful pumping apparatus, and finished with a perfect drainage and ventilation system throughout. She was to be fitted with a rambow and was to have a steel-armored deck which would run thewhole length of the ship and cover the boilers, engines and magazines. Two-thirds full sail power was required on two or three masts, each with a protected top, carrying one or more machine or rapid-fireguns. The main batterywas to havefour 10-in. guns, each weighing 26½tons, and six 6-in.guns each weighing 5 tons. The secondary battery was to be composed of four 6-pounder, four3-pounder, and two 1-pounder Hotchkiss rapid-fire guns, four 47-millimeters and four 37-millimeters Hotchkiss revolving cannon, and four Gatling guns. The vessel was to be equipped with a torpedo and searchlight outfit, and the guns were to be so arranged as to obtain for bow and stern fire the greates thorizontal and vertical command consistent with other essential conditions. The 10-in. guns were to load in at least two positions,and were to be served and handled by power and protected by at least 10 1/2 inch of steel armor, properly backged, while the 6-in. guns were to be efficiently shielded. The motive machinery was to be below the armored deck and well covered from hostile fire, and the ship was to be driven by twin screws. When fullyequipped and with all weights on board, excluding the reserve coal, she was to maintain 17 knots speed per hour over the measured mile. The coal endurance had to be large, the consump tion economical, and the distance to be covered at mod erate speed as great as practicable. The furnaces were to be arranged to work with forced draught when desired, air for combustion being furnished independently of the ventilating system. Quarters had to be provided for 270 officers and men, with provisions provisi for three months and water for one month. The ship was required to have arrangements for being steered either by power or by hand from several independent positions upon and below the deck. A sufficient number of boats to carry the crew were to be furnished, two of them being second class torpedo boats and two others steam launches or cutters, each of which was able to mount, shielded, one 3 pounder rapid-fire gun. These conditions were to be fulfilled at a maximum draught of 22 feet and on a displacement of about 6,000 tons."
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, July edition p. 311 and 315 reported that the US Navy still considered the building but did not invite yet for bids of shipyards. In the meantime reported the Board to the Secretary of the Navy what the results were of the plans sent by various parties in last April. The Board was appointed on 22 April. Some plans were not conform the requirements and were already rejected. Dealing with the plans of the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, Lieutenant W. I. Chambers. A. H. Grandjean and the Thames Iron Works & Shipbuilding Company was the conclusion that “The marked differences in the essential features of the designs prevent their classification in the order of merit; each exhibits features which strongly commend themselves, but the Board does not consider it advisable for the Government to build a vessel upon any one of these.”
In The Railroad and Engineering Journal, August edition p. 357-359 were the results of the examination discussed. The Board recommended not one of the submitted designs for an armored cruiser. The plans were to be carefully examined before anything could be decided. Yet it was probably the design of the Bureau of Construction of the Navy Department made a good chance to be chosen. In the end is indeed chosen for this design.
Hamersly wrote dealing with his design: “Mr. Pook had previously made the drawings, upon the call of Secretary Chandler, for a cruising-ship of six thousand tons displacement; the plans were not adopted for the reason that it was thought a smaller ship was more desirable, and such a design was completed under the instructions of the Advisory Board.” Pook (2) worked at the New York Navy Yard when the Maine was laid out on the mould-loft floor. The Railroad and Engineering Journal, May edition p. 211 wrote that he “presented a design for an armored cruiser of the central-box casemate type. ”
Notes
1. Ordered on 3 August 1886, laid down by New York Naval Shipyard on 17 October 1888, launched on 18 November 1890, commissioned on 17 September 1895 and sunk due to an explosion in the harbour of Havana, Cuba on 15 February 1898 and what was left of her was scuttled in the Strait of Florida on 16 March 1912.
2. Samuel Hartt Pook. Appointed Assistant Naval Constructor on 17 May 1866 and Naval Constructor on 15 April 1875. He retired with the relative rank of commodore.
Sources
Engineering. An Illustrated Weekly Journal. London, 1885.
Internal Revenue Record and Customs Journal. Volume XXXIII, January-December 1887.
The Nation No. 113, p. 286.
The Railroad and Engineering Journal, vol. LXI (Volume 1, new series), New York, 1887.
Hamersly, Lewis Randolph. The Records of Living Officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Philadelphia, 1894.
