HMS Amphion (1883)

HMS Amphion was a second-class cruiser of the Leander class which served with the Royal Navy. She was built at Pembroke Dockyard, being laid down in 1881, launched in 1883 and completed in financial year 1885–86, and then lay in ordinary at Devonport. She was commissioned for the 1887 and 1888 annual manoeuvres. She was recommissioned in December 1888. served in the Pacific until 1890, in the Mediterranean from 1890 to 1895, in ordinary in Devonport from 1895 to 1897 and in the Pacific once more from 1897 to 1904, having a refit in 1900.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Amphion.

Amphionmoored at Coal Harbour, Vancouver, while serving on the Pacific Station in British Columbia, Canada, 1900.
History
United Kingdom
Name: HMS Amphion
Ordered: 1880 [1]
Builder: Pembroke dockyard [2]
Laid down: 25 April 1881 [2]
Launched: 13 October 1883 [2][3]
Commissioned: 5 July 1887 [2][4]
Decommissioned: 25 May 1904 [5]
Fate: Sold 1906 [2]
General characteristics
Class and type: Leander-class second-class partially protected cruiser
Displacement: 4,300 tons (4,400 tonnes) load.[2][3]
Tons burthen: 3,750 tons (B.O.M.).[6]
Length:
  • 300 ft (91 m) between perpendiculars.[2]
  • 315 ft 96.01 m) overall.[2][3]
Beam: 46 ft (14 m).[2][3]
Draught:
  • 20 ft 8 in (6.30 m) aft, 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m) forward
  • with 950 tons (970 tonnes) of coal and complete with stores and provisions.[7]
Propulsion: Sails and screw. Two shafts. Two cylinder horizontal direct acting compound engines, 12 cylindrical boilers, 5,500 IHP.[2][3]
Speed:
  • 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph) designed [2]
  • 17-18 knots after funnels raised [2]
Range:
  • 11,000 nmi (20,000 km; 13,000 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[2]
  • 725 tons coal normal, 1000 tons maximum = c. 6,000 nmi at economical speed.[8]
Complement: (1885): 275 [7][9]
Armament:
Armour:
  • 1.5 in (40mm) steel armoured deck (with sloped sides) over 165 ft.[2][8]
  • 1.5 in (40mm) gun shields.[2][8]
Notes:
  • Carried 2 second class torpedo boats.[7]
  • Carried 7-pounder and 9-pounder boat guns and field guns.[7]

Construction

Amphion was built at Pembroke Dockyard, and completed in financial year 1885–86.[10]

The December 1885 Navy List, listed Amphion at Devonport, with her commissioned and warrant officers borne in the Nanking as follows:[11]

Post Name Date of appointment
Staff Commander Bertram E.W. Gwyne 5 September 1883
Chief Engineer Thomas W.H. Ramsay 29 April 1885
Engineer James J. Frost 14 August 1885
Gunner George Morrison 5 September 1883
Boatswain Josiah Boulton 5 September 1883
Carpenter Thomas Slaney 20 November 1884

Sea-going career

Annual manoeuvres 1887

Amphion was commissioned for the annual manoeuvres on 5 July 1887, and paid off on 31 August 1887.[4]

Annual manoeuvres 1888

Amphion was commissioned for the annual manoeuvres on 4 July 1888, and paid off on 31 August 1888.[12] In the manoeuvres, hostilities broke out at noon on 24 July 1888, and ended at noon on 20 August.[13]

In the manoeuvres, Vice Admiral John K.E. Baird's force represented the British fleet, and England, Scotland and Wales were considered friendly to the British fleet and hostile to the enemy. Opposing Baird was the 'Achill' fleet, led by Rear Admiral George Tryon, and based in Berehaven on the south-west coast of Ireland and Lough Swilly on the north coast. All Irish territory was considered hostile to the British fleet and friendly to the enemy. At the outset Baird's fleet was concentrated on keeping Tryon's fleet shut up in their base ports. They failed. Both Tryon and his second in command broke the blockade on 4 August, and swooping round the extremities of Ireland, made a descent on British commerce and British ports.[13]

Amphion was part of Rear Admiral George Tryon's 'Achill' fleet.

"The Amphion left Lough Swilly with the [new battleship] Rodney, and broke the blockade with her on the night of 4th-5th August. During her cruize in the Channel and up the East Coast of Great Britain she claims the destruction of much shipping; and the capture of the coastguard stations at Scarborough and Wick, also, after leaving Lough Swilly the second time, to have visited Bude with a hostile purpose.

As Scarborough had already been attacked by Severn five days earlier, her visit there could not have been of much effect, neither does it seem that nay useful purpose was served on the occasion of her visit to Wick, as she was taken there in order that her captain might telegraph to the Achill Admiral through the enemy's wires, an impossible condition in wartime. In no case, according to her log, does it appear that the Rules as to Capture of shipping were adhered to."[14]

1888-1892

Amphion was commissioned at Devonport by Captain Edward G. Hulton on 11 December 1888.[15][16] The January 1889 Navy List, listed Amphion at Devonport, fitting out for service on the Pacific Station,[16] and listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows:[16]

Post Name Date of appointment
Captain Edward G. Hulton 11 December 1888
Lieutenant (N) Francis W. Barrett 4 November 1887
(G) George S.J. Warrender 11 December 1888
William H.du.C. Chads 11 December 1888
Ivan G. Humphreys 11 December 1888
Richard H. Story 11 December 1888
Frank Hammond 11 December 1888
Staff Paymaster William S. Watson 11 December 1888
Staff Engineer Thomas W.H. Ramsay 29 April 1885
Surgeon James A. Vassey
(In lieu of a Staff Surgeon)		 11 December 1888
Alfred T. Rimell 11 December 1888
Engineer William Whittingham 13 November 1888
Assistant Engineer Henry J. Turner 16 March 1888
Thomas C. Morris (act) 31 October 1888
William A.J. Davies 11 December 1888
Gunner John McCarthy 14 September 1886
(T) Theodore Bye 11 December 1888
Boatswain Edward Davis 4 August 1886
William Burns 11 December 1888
Michael Brady (act) 11 December 1888
Carpenter Thomas Slaney 20 November 1884
Clerk Henry Horniman 11 December 1888

1892-1895

Amphion was re-commissioned at Malta, by Captain John R.E. Pattisson, on 26 January 1892.[17][18][19] The January 1892 Navy List listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows:[18]

Post Name Date of appointment
Captain John R.E. Pattisson 18 December 1891
Lieutenant Herbert W. Meredith 18 December 1891
(N) Thomas F.C. Dundas 18 December 1891
(G) Cuthbert E. Hunter 18 December 1891
Charles E. Fenwick 18 December 1891
Allan F. Everett 18 December 1891
Frederick J. Davis (act) 29 May 1891
David C. Gregor (act) 18 December 1891
Staff Surgeon Gilbert Kirker M.D. 18 December 1891
Paymaster Innes W. Taylor 18 December 1891
Staff Engineer James C. Larg 5 January 1891
Surgeon William J. Colborne 18 December 1891
Engineer William W. Hardwick 18 December 1891
Assistant Engineer Oliver R. Paul 18 December 1891
Thomas H. Turner 18 December 1891
Gunner William H. Donovan 22 December 1891
Boatswain John C. Cowdrey 21 December 1891
(T) Daniel R. Phair 22 December 1891
John Peain 23 December 1891
William Winds 23 December 1891
Carpenter Charles R. Vincent 21 December 1891
Clerk Richard B. Brooks 24 December 1891

1895-1897

Amphion laid in ordinary at Devonport from 1 March 1895 to 6 January 1897.[20]

1897-1900

Amphion was commissioned at Devonport by Captain Frank Finnis, on 7 January 1897[21][22] She served on the Pacific Station. She paid off at Devonport on 13 February 1900,[23][24] Captain Finnis was appointed to HMS Illustrious.[25]

The January 1898 Navy List listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows:[22]

Post Name Date of appointment
Captain Frank Finnis 7 January 1897
Lieutenant Hon Stanhope Hawke 7 January 1897
(G*) Francis M. Leake 7 January 1897
(N) Alexander K. Jones 18 December 1896
Langton W. Browell 7 January 1897
William Hamilton 7 January 1897
Barnard R.S. Winter 7 January 1897
Quentin C.A. Craufurd
(In lieu of a Sub-Lieutenant)		 7 January 1897
Lieutenant Marine Henry M. Howard 29 April 1897
Chaplain Rev, Thomas Roberts M.A. 7 January 1897
Paymaster Henry W. Braddon 7 January 1897
Fleet Engineer William H.C. Gale 3 July 1897
Surgeon Frederick W. Stericker B.A. M.B. 7 January 1897
Assistant Paymaster Charles E. Lynes 7 January 1897
Engineer Harry G. Andrews 7 January 1897
Assistant Engineer William J. Ford (tempy) 7 January 1897
Gunner (T) John Edwards 7 January 1897
Boatswain William Sweeney 7 January 1897
Carpenter Albert A.B. Tozer 7 January 1897
Clerk Arthur C. Roe 15 April 1897

1900 refit

Amphion was refitted at Devonport immediately after she paid off. On 25 February 1900 it was reported that: "The refit of the Amphion at Devonport is to be completed at the earliest possible date. Although the cruiser only paid off last week she has been dismantled and the work is well advanced. She only recently returned from the Pacific station, and it is understood she is to be sent back to that station to relieve the Phaëton or the Leander, which will complete their three years/ commission in June. The Amphion's engines and boilers are in capital condition, although she has served over nine years on foreign stations, and it is believed that her refit can be carried out for £3,000 less than the sum provided for it."[25]

1900-1904

Amphion was commissioned at Devonport by Captain John Casement, on 20 September 1900.[26][27] She served on the Pacific Station. This commission was the subject of a book in the 'Log' series, entitled: HMS Amphion, Pacific Station, 1901–1904. She arrived at Colón, Panama in late December 1900.[28] In January 1902, it was reported that Amphion had struck on a reef while on her way from Panama to Callao, was seriously damaged, and had to proceed to Valparaíso for repairs.[29] In early August that year she was back at the station headquarters at Esquimalt.[30]

The March 1901 Navy List listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows:[27]

Post Name Date of appointment
Captain John Casement 20 September 1900
Lieutenant Montague L. Hulton 21 January 1901
(G) Walter H.C. Caltrop 20 September 1900
Basil E.M. Waters 20 September 1900
(N) James D.D. Stewart 20 September 1900
Lieutenant R.N.R. Arthur Greenstock (act) 20 September 1900
Lieutenant R.M. Charles L Hall 20 September 1900
Chaplain Rev. John B. Bourne M.A. 20 September 1900
Staff Surgeon John W. Slaughter B.A. M.B. 20 September 1900
Paymaster James Murray 20 September 1900
Chief Engineer John B. Butcher 20 September 1900
Sub-Lieutenant Aubrey E.D. Moore 20 September 1900
Assistant Paymaster Joseph T. Gedge 20 September 1900
Assistant Engineer Walter W. Newton (tempy) 20 September 1900
Edwin Cole 20 September 1900
Gunner (T) John Chisholm 20 September 1900
Boatswain James J. Webber 20 September 1900
Robert W. Brown (act) 20 September 1900
Carpenter Henry J. Soper 20 September 1900

Disposal

Amphion was sold in 1906.[2]

Footnotes
  1. Lyon & Winfield The Sail and Steam Navy List, All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815-1889 pages 270-271
  2. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1860–1905, page 75.
  3. www.worldnavalships.com Leander class
  4. The Amphion's first logbook covers 5 July 1887 to 31 August 1887, and is UK National Archives catalogue reference ADM 53/12451
  5. The Amphion's final logbook covers 1 August 1903 to 25 May 1904, and is UK National Archives catalogue reference ADM 53/17022
  6. Navy List,December 1884, page 230.
  7. Log of HMS Leander 29 May 1885 – 22 May 1886, UK National Archives file ADM 53/14282
  8. Jane, All the World's Fighting Ships, 1900, page 102.
  9. Conway's lists her complement as 278, which appears to be an error. See Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1860–1905, page 75.
  10. Navy Estimates for the Year 1889-90, page 281.
  11. Navy List, December 1885, page 194
  12. The Amphion's second logbook covers 4 July 1888 to 31 August 1888, and is UK National Archives catalogue reference ADM 53/12452
  13. New York Times, 2 July 1893, Tryon's brilliant tactics; dazing his opponents in the manoeuvres of 1888
  14. The Naval Annual, 1888-89 – extracts from the report of the committee on the naval manoeuvres, 1888, pages 422.
  15. The UK National Archives has logbooks for Amphion covering 11 December 1888 to 25 January 1892, catalogue reference ADM 53/12453-12454.
  16. Navy List, January 1889, corrected to 20 December 1888, page 194
  17. The UK National Archives has logbooks for the Amphion covering 26 January 1892 to 28 February 1895, catalogue reference ADM 53/12455-12457.
  18. Navy List, January 1892, corrected to 20 December 1891, pages 197-98.
  19. Navy List, January 1895, corrected to 18th December 1894, page 198.
  20. The UK National Archives does not have logbooks for Amphion for the period 1 March to 6 January 1897 listed in its catalogue.
  21. The UK National Archives has logbooks for Amphion covering 7 January 1897 to 13 February 1900, catalogue reference ADM 53/12458-12461.
  22. Navy List, January 1898, corrected to 13th December 1897, page 198.
  23. The UK National Archives has a logbook for Amphion covering 7 January 1900 to 13 February 1900, catalogue reference ADM 53/12461. The next logbook is ADM 53/12462, which covers from 20 September 1900 to 20 September 1901.
  24. "Naval & Military intelligence". The Times (36065). London. 14 February 1900. p. 11.
  25. www.pbenyon.plus.com Naval Database Amphion, 1883.
  26. The UK National Archives has logbooks for Amphion covering 20 September to 25 May 1904, catalogue reference ADM 53/12462-12463 and 17021-17022.
  27. Navy List, March 1901, corrected to 18 February 1901, page 223.
  28. "Naval & Military intelligence". The Times (36342). London. 3 January 1901. p. 8.
  29. "Naval & Military intelligence". The Times (36665). London. 15 January 1902. p. 11.
  30. "Naval & Military intelligence". The Times (36845). London. 13 August 1902. p. 8.

References
  • The Naval Annual, various issues.
  • Brown, David K. Warrior to Dreadnought, Warship Development 1860–1905, published Chatham Publishing, 1997. ISBN 1-86176-022-1
  • Blueprints
  • Chesneau, Roger, and Eugene M. Kolesnik, eds. All the World's Fighting Ships 1860–1905, published Conway Maritime Press, 1979. ISBN 0-8317-0302-4
  • Jane, Fred T All the World's Fighting Ships, 1900
  • Lyon, David and Winfield, Rif The Sail and Steam Navy List, All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815–1889, published Chatham, 2004, ISBN 1-86176-032-9

Amphion Logbooks in the UK National Archives
Catalogue Number Start End
ADM 53/12451 5 July 1887 31 August 1887
ADM 53/12452 4 July 1888 31 August 1888
ADM 53/12453 11 December 1888 30 June 1890
ADM 53/12454 1 July 1890 25 January 1892
ADM 53/12455 26 January 1892 4 June 1893
ADM 53/12456 5 June 1893 9 July 1894
ADM 53/12457 10 July 1894 28 February 1895
ADM 53/12458 7 January 1897 6 January 1898
ADM 53/12459 7 January 1898 6 January 1899
ADM 53/12460 7 January 1899 6 January 1900
ADM 53/12461 7 January 1900 13 February 1900
ADM 53/12462 20 September 1900 20 September 1901
ADM 53/12463 21 September 1901 20 September 1902
ADM 53/17021 21 September 1902 31 July 1903
ADM 53/17022 1 August 1903 25 May 1904


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