About HMS Gannet
HMS Gannet is a notable vessel in the history of the Royal Navy, with several ships bearing this name. The most famous among them is the HMS Gannet launched in 1878, which is a Doterel-class screw sloop-of-war. Here is a detailed overview of HMS Gannet:
Launch and Construction: HMS Gannet was launched on August 31, 1878, at Sheerness Royal Dockyard. She was constructed with a composite build, featuring wooden planks over an iron-framed hull, and was powered by both sail and steam(1)(2).
Pacific Station: Gannet served her first commission from April 17, 1879, to July 20, 1883, on the Pacific Station under Admiral Rous de Horsey. She sailed from Portsmouth across the Atlantic and via Cape Horn to Panama City, spending much of her time shadowing events during the War of the Pacific(1).
Mediterranean Fleet: She recommissioned at Sheerness on September 3, 1885, and sailed to join the Mediterranean Fleet. She supported forces during the first Suakin Expedition in the Sudan and conducted anti-slavery patrols in the Red Sea(1).
Defense of Suakin: In 1888, Gannet played a crucial role in defending the port of Suakin against rebel forces during the Sudanese revolt. Her armament fired over 200 shells and nearly 1,200 rounds from her Nordenfelt machine guns in the defense of the port(3).
Training Ship: In 1903, Gannet was converted into a training ship and renamed HMS President. She served as the headquarters ship of the London Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the South West India Docks(1).
Restoration: In 1987, Gannet was restored and became part of the UK's National Historic Fleet. She is now on display at the Historic Dockyard Chatham(1).
References
Text generated by Mistral Le Chat
