HMS Perseus (1897)

Career
Name: HMS Perseus
Namesake: Perseus
Builder: Earle's Shipbuilding, Hull
Laid down: May 1896
Launched: 15 July 1897
Fate: Sold for scrap, 26 May 1913
General characteristics
Class and type: Pelorus-class cruiser
Displacement: 2,135 long tons (2,169 t)
Length: 313 ft 6 in (95.55 m) o/a
300 ft (91 m) p/p
Beam: 36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Draught: 16 ft (4.9 m)
Propulsion: Triple expansion engine, 2 shafts, 5,000 ihp (3,728 kW)
Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement: 224
Armament: • 8 × QF 4 in (100 mm) guns
• 8 × QF 3-pounder guns
• 3 × machine guns
• 2 × 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes

HMS Perseus was a Pelorus class cruiser of the Royal Navy. There were eleven "Third class" protected cruisers in the class, which was designed by Sir William White. While well armed for their size, they were primarily 'workhorses' for the overseas fleet on "police" duties and did not serve with the main battlefleet.

They displaced 2,135 tons, had a crew complement of 224 men and were armed with eight QF 4 inch (102 mm) (25 pounder) guns, eight 3 pounder guns, three machine guns, and two 18 inch (457 mm) torpedo tubes. With reciprocating triple expansion engines and a variety of boilers, the top speed was 20 knots (37 km/h).

HMS Perseus was laid down at Earle's Shipbuilding, Hull, on May 1896, launched on 15 July 1897, and sold for scrap on 26 May 1913.

References