An item reported that the Vernon (1) torpedo a new design (2) was from several British naval officers and which design was kept secret. Rear Admiral Wilson (3) seemed to be one who came with the idea while other officers completed it. Involved officers were captain W.H. May (4), one of the men behind submerged torpedo tubes and captain C.J. Biggs.(5)
Notes
1. HMS Vernon shore establishment, established on 26 April 1876 for the Torpedo Branch and finally closed on 1 April 1996. HMS Vernon after which the establishment named was a 5th rate launched in 1832 and torpedo school ship since 1876 until 1886 and then replaced.
2. At Vernon were in 1897-1898 RFG Mark IX and Whitehead torpedoes tested.
3. Sir Arthur Knyvet Wilson, 3rd Baronet (4 March 1842 Swaffham, England-25 May 1921 Swaffham, England) served between 1855-1911 and dismissed in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Involved in developing the Whitehead torpedo as member of a special committee in 1870. Assistant Director of Torpedoes at the Admiralty in April 1887. Commanded the torpedo school HMS Vernon in 1876 with as special tasks (re)writing torpedo manuals, improving devices and torpedoes and developing mine warfare. Commanded the Experimental Torpedo Squadron in 1895.
4. Sir William Henry May (31 July 1849 Liscard, Cheshire, England-07 October 1930 Coldstream, Berwickshire, England), served between 1863-1919 and dismissed in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Added to the torpedo school HMS Vernon participating in developing the Whitehead torpedo, commanding officer of the torpedo ram HMS Plyphemus in 1881, became he in 1893 Assistant Director of Torpedoes at the Admiralty and in 1901 Director of Naval ordnance and Torpedoes of the Admiralty.
5. Charles John Briggs (15 July 1858016 July 1951), served between 1872-1917 and dismissed in the rank of admiral. Commanded in the rank of captain since 12 December 1901 the torpedo boat depot ship HMS Vulcan. Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy in 1910.
