HMS Cruizer (1852) facts for kids

HMS Cruizer at Malta in 1894 (as HMS Lark)
Quick facts for kids History
United Kingdom
Name	Cruizer
Builder	Royal Dockyard, Deptford
Cost	£25,213
Launched	19 June 1852
Renamed	HMS Cruiser, 1857 HMS Lark, 1872
Fate	Sold at Malta in 1912
General characteristics
Class and type	Cruizer-class screw sloop
Displacement	960 tons
Tons burthen	747+51⁄94 bm
Length	160 ft (49 m) (gundeck) 140 ft 1.75 in (42.7165 m) (keel)
Beam	31 ft 10 in (9.70 m)
Depth of hold	17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
Installed power	60 Nominal horsepower 132 ihp (98 kW)
Propulsion	Two-cylinder horizontal single-expansion geared steam engine Single screw
Sail plan	Barque-rigged
Speed	6.6 knots (12.2 km/h; 7.6 mph)
Armament	(Removed 1872) One 32 pdr (56 cwt) pivot gun Sixteen 32 pdr (32 cwt) carriage guns

HMS Cruizer was a special wooden ship from the Royal Navy. It was a screw sloop, which means it was a smaller warship that could use both sails and a steam engine. This ship had 17 guns. It was built at the Royal Dockyard in Deptford and launched in 1852.

A few years later, in 1857, its name was officially changed to HMS Cruiser. In 1872, it became a ship for training sailors and was renamed HMS Lark'. Finally, it was sold in 1912.

Adventures of HMS Cruizer

HMS Cruizer had many exciting adventures during its time. Its first job was in China, at a naval base called the China station.

Fighting in China

In 1857, some of her crew took part in a big battle called the Battle of Fatshan Creek. This battle was part of the Second Opium War. The ship's commander, Charles Fellowes, was very brave. He was one of the first to enter the city of Canton when it was captured.

The ship also saw more action in China. This included an attack on the Taku Forts in 1858. These forts were located on the Peiho river.

Cruizer fighting against the Tae-Ping rebels. Painting by T.G.Dutton.

On November 20, 1858, Cruizer was sailing with other British ships. They were taking the Earl of Elgin along the Yangtse River. During this trip, they had to fight against rebels from the Taiping Rebellion near Nanking.

In 1860, under the command of John Bythesea, Cruiser helped map the Gulf of Pechili. This was to prepare places for the Allied fleet to land troops. These troops were going to advance on Peking (now Beijing).

Later Years and Training

Cruiser was put out of service in England in 1867 for a while. Then, it was brought back into service for the Mediterranean Sea area.

Cruiser at Fort Saint Elmo, Grand Harbour, Malta.

What Happened to HMS Cruizer

In 1872, the ship's guns and engine were taken out. It was then used as a training ship for sailing. At this time, it was renamed Lark. It served in this role until at least 1903. The ship was finally sold to be taken apart in Malta in 1912.