HMS Alacrity (1872) facts for kids
HMS Alacrity – British squadron China Station, 1898
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Alacrity |
| Builder | John Cuthbert, Millers Point, New South Wales |
| Launched | 1872 |
| Acquired | 1873 |
| Fate | Sold in 1882 to Colony of New South Wales. |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | schooner |
| Complement | 27 |
HMS Alacrity was a special type of sailing ship called a schooner. The British Royal Navy bought her in 1872. She was originally a private yacht named Ethel, built by John Cuthbert in Millers Point, New South Wales, Australia.
Contents
The Ship's Early Life
HMS Alacrity started her naval service in 1873. Her first job was at the Australia Station in Sydney. She worked as a "tender" for another ship, HMS Clio. A tender is a smaller ship that helps a larger one. It often carries supplies or messages.
Fighting Against Forced Labor
Later, Alacrity was sent to the South Pacific. Her important mission there was to stop "blackbirding". This was a cruel practice where people were tricked or forced from their homes. They were then made to work on plantations, often against their will. Alacrity helped to stop this illegal trade.
Exploring and Mapping
Besides fighting forced labor, Alacrity also helped explore. She carried out hydrographic surveys. This means she helped to map the waters around Fiji and Australia. These surveys were important for making accurate sea charts. Good charts helped other ships navigate safely.
A Small Accident
On June 3, 1873, Alacrity had a minor accident. She ran aground in Vita Bay, which is in the Fiji Islands. Running aground means a ship accidentally hits the seabed. Luckily, she was refloated, meaning she was pulled free and could sail again.
What Happened Next?
HMS Alacrity finished her naval service in 1882. She was then sold to the Colony of New South Wales. They changed her from a warship into a "powder hulk guardship". A powder hulk was an old ship used to store gunpowder safely.
Later Use
Much later, during the Second World War, Alacrity was used again. She became an "accommodation hulk" at Bantry Bay. This meant she was used as a floating home for people. It shows how useful old ships could be, even after their fighting days were over.
