An item reported that as a result of a secret order of the minister for navy dated 6 December 1886 no. 406 the rudder of the river vessels (1) was to be broadened to make to improve the handling. Furthermore was ordered to make a plan for a protection of the same vessels against floating torpedoes. This plan was made in the meantime and now to be tested. Such a n equipment was still tested in the period 1887-1888.
Note
1. Probably the river monitors Isala, Rhenus, Mosa and Merva designed by the Dutch engineer Tideman using a German design for the Rhein and Mosel. The German vessels were indeed notorious for their worse handling. The Dutch vessels were to serve on the Geldersche Ijssel and upper rivers.
Source
Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht 1886-1887.
