HMS Skate (1895)

For other ships of the same name, see HMS Skate.
Career
Name: HMS Skate
Builder: Vickers
Launched: 13 March 1895
Fate: Sold on 9 April 1907
General characteristics
Class and type:Sturgeon-class destroyer
Propulsion:Blechynden boilers, 4,000 hp (2,983 kW)
Speed:27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph)
Complement:53
Armament:• 1 × 12 pounder gun
• 2 × torpedo tubes

HMS Skate was a Sturgeon-class destroyer which served with the Royal Navy. Built by Vickers, she was launched on 13 March 1895 and sold on 9 April 1907.

Service history

After her commission she served at the Mediterranean station, and was ordered to return home in early 1902.[1] She left Gibraltar on 9 May,[2] convoyed by HMS Astraea, and arrived in Plymouth on 14 May.[3] She paid off at Devonport.

Used in firing trials as target for 3-inch (76 mm) 12-pdr guns in 1906, it was proved these guns were not heavy enough to stop any destroyer. Sold in 1907, she was the first destroyer of this type to go to the breakers.

References

  1. ↑ "Naval & Military intelligence" The Times (London). Thursday, 20 February 1902. (36696), p. 10.
  2. ↑ "Naval & Military intelligence" The Times (London). Saturday, 10 May 1902. (36764), p. 8.
  3. ↑ "Naval & Military intelligence" The Times (London). Friday, 16 May 1902. (36769), p. 11.