- 352 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
British Battleships, 1889–1904
About This Book
A comprehensive look at Royal Navy warships in the pre-dreadnought era, with extensive photos and illustrations. The Russian war scare of 1884 and the public's anxiety about the Royal Navy's ability to fight a modern war at sea resulted in the Naval Defense Act of 1889 and a vast program of warship construction. Over the next twenty years a fleet of 52 battleships was built, construction finally interrupted by the revolutionary Dreadnought design. In this volume, the author presents full details of design and construction, armament, protection, machinery and performance, all backed up with accurate data tables listing design figures, trials results, and full particulars at different stages in the ships' careers. The history of each battleship is chronicled and the reader is reminded of their major contribution in the First World War. They bore the brunt of the action at the Dardenelles, bombarded the Belgium coast, patrolled the North Sea and the Channel, reinforced the Italian Fleet, and served in East Africa, the East Indies, and the White Sea. Most were extensively modified during the war and this variety has made them of special interest to the historian, enthusiast, and ship modeler. With the addition of many new photographs from the author's massive collection, this new edition is a must-have addition to every naval library.
Frequently asked questions
Information
Introduction
Development of the Battleship
- Displacement 9,035 tons. Low freeboard, semi-monitor type hull with raised breastwork amidships enclosing the turrets, but not carried out to the sides. Freeboard 9ft along forecastle, by 4½ft to upper deck abaft this. Short high superstructure on breastwork through which funnel uptakes and hatches would lead; a flying deck for boat stowage and navigating position, etc. Prominent ram fitted, and sides strengthened against such an attack.
- Four 12in (25-ton) guns in two twin turrets, both on centre line on breastwork, one forward and one aft.
- Side armour 12in maximum, decks 2in, turrets 12in.
- Twin screws fitted in the event of a shaft breakage.
- No sail rig, only light poles at end of each breastwork.
- Extension of breastwork right out to sides in the form of a light, enclosed superstructure with wings carried about 30 feet abaft breastwork on each side.
- Substitution of 12in (35-ton) for the original 12in (25-ton).
- Increased protection to the horizontal and internal parts of the ship (total of 874 tons added with all improvements).
Table of contents
- Front Cover
- Title Page
- Acknowledgements
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Royal Sovereign Class 1889 Estimates
- Hood 1889 Estimates
- Centurion and Barfleur 1890 Estimates
- Renown 1892 Estimates
- Majestic Class 1893 Estimates
- Canopus Class 1896/7 Estimates
- Formidable Class 1897 Estimates
- Bulwark Class 1898 Estimates
- Duncan Class 1898/9 Estimates
- Queen Class 1900 Estimates
- King Edward VII Class 1901/2/3 Estimates
- Swiftsure and Triumph Purchase from Chile
- Lord Nelson Class 1904/5 Estimates
- Appearance Changes
- Battleship Forts and Battleship Exterminators
- Conclusion
- Bibliography