armoured steam battery Zr.Ms. De Ruyter
An item paid attention to the discussions dealing with the increase of the naval budget for 1863 especially with the role of the armoured floating batteries in the Dutch defence. It depended where these batteries served in which manner they were armoured. Batteries which were lying anchored and could swing in every directions as a result of wind and current had to have an extended armour to prevent exposing an unarmoured side to the enemy. It would be a real improvement if these batteries were fitted out with steam power. Dealing with the Neptunus, Orkaan and Salamander these batteries were to be used in swallow waters with none of low current causing a swinging around. These ships exposed always the same side to the enemy. Just bow and aft ship needed to be armoured when changing side. It was no problem to wait until 1864 to fit these batteries out with armour.
