HMS Decoy (1894) facts for kids
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Decoy
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Decoy |
| Builder | John I. Thornycroft & Company, Chiswick |
| Cost | c.£36,000 |
| Yard number | 288 |
| Laid down | July 1892 |
| Launched | 7 February 1894 |
| Completed | June 1895 |
| Fate | Sunk in collision, 13 August 1904 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Daring-class torpedo boat destroyer |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 185 ft (56 m) oa |
| Beam | 19 ft (5.8 m) |
| Draught | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Installed power | 4,200 hp (3,100 kW) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed | 27 kn (31 mph; 50 km/h) |
| Crew | 46-53 |
| Armament |
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HMS Decoy was a fast warship called a torpedo boat destroyer. These ships were built to chase and destroy smaller, fast torpedo boats. Decoy served with the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. She was launched in 1895 and sadly sank in 1904 after crashing into another destroyer, HMS Arun.
Contents
Building a Fast Warship
Decoy was built by a company called John I. Thornycroft & Company. Their shipyard was in Chiswick, England. The ship was launched on February 7, 1894.
Design Challenges
Decoy had special tubes to fire torpedoes. But one of these tubes, located at the front (bow) of the ship, didn't work very well. When the ship moved too fast, it could actually overtake its own torpedo! This front tube also took up a lot of space. It made the living areas smaller and caused the ship's bridge (where the ship is steered) to get very wet from waves.
Life at Sea
Decoy was an active ship during her time. She took part in important naval exercises and helped train sailors.
In 1896, Decoy joined the British Naval Manoeuvres. These were like big practice drills for the navy. She operated from Berehaven in southern Ireland with the Channel Fleet.
For a few years, Decoy served as a training ship. She helped teach gunnery (how to use ship guns) at a school ship called Cambridge. She was based at Plymouth as part of the Devonport training group.
Royal Event
Decoy was part of a special event in 1902. She joined a large fleet review at Spithead. This was a parade of naval ships held to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII.
The Final Voyage
Decoy was lost during a night exercise in 1904. This was a sad day for the Royal Navy.
Collision at Sea
On August 13, 1904, Decoy was taking part in night exercises. She was off the Scilly Islands when she crashed into another destroyer, Arun.
One sailor on Decoy was killed in the collision. However, the other 40 crew members were saved! They were rescued by Arun and another ship called Sturgeon.
Investigation of the Accident
After the collision, the navy held special hearings called courts martial. These were held on the battleship Conqueror. The first hearing found the commander of Arun responsible for the accident. A second hearing later confirmed that he had caused both ships to be in danger.
