HMS Shah (1873)

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The first HMS Shah was an unarmoured iron hulled frigate designed by Sir Edward Reed. She was originally to be named HMS Blonde but was renamed following the visit of the Shah of Persia in 1873.

She was laid down in 1870 at Portsmouth, launched in 1873 and commissioned on 14 August 1876.

Her complement was 469 Officers and Men, 46 Boys and 87 marines.

She was only in service for three years, but during that time was the Pacific Flagship under Admiral de Horsey, where she fired the first torpedo in anger against the Peruvian rebel ship Huáscar at the Battle of Pacocha (it missed – being outrun by Huáscar!).

During her time as Flagship she also visited Pitcairn Island. On her voyage home she was diverted to South Africa to assist in the Anglo-Zulu War.

[edit] External link

• The Bluejackets - Victorian Naval Landing Party (click on ships for additional information on HMS Shah)