- Author
- Date, John C., RANVR (Rtd)
- Subjects
- Naval technology
- Tags
- None noted.
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- September 1988 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
In the 1800s, it is significant that the term ‘battleship’ came into use with the Admiral Class, in place of ‘ironclad’ of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. Also, in 1893, with experimental torpedoes carried by ‘torpedo boats’ proving a just concern, the torpedo- boat-destroyer came into being – the forerunner of the destroyer.
In 1900, the battleship of the day displaced 14,000/15,000 tons, with all steel armoured vitals and waterline belt. They mounted 4×12″ barbette turrets, 5×6″ QF guns (quick firing) on each broadside and a speed around 18 knots. Armoured cruisers were of similar displacements but with a 9.2″ gun fore and aft and 6×6″ QF on each broadside and had a better speed of 22½ knots.
With the Edwardian era, in 1902 ships were painted grey. In 1905, the ‘ultimate’ was reached in HMS Dreadnought, conventionally protected, all big gun armament, cruiser speed of 21 knots by the new steam turbine engine and so could choose her time of engagement outside the effective range of the enemy secondary guns.
A new era naval construction was at hand. The evolution had been completed, steel had now superseded wood and steam had phased out sail.