HMS Mullett (1860) facts for kids
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HMS Pandora, sister ship to HMS Mullett
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Mullett |
| Ordered | 14 June 1859 |
| Builder | Charles Lungley, Rotherhithe |
| Launched | 3 February 1860 |
| Commissioned | 30 April 1862 |
| Fate | Sold at Hong Kong on 25 April 1872 |
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Formosa |
| Acquired |
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| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Philomel-class wooden screw gunvessel |
| Displacement | 570 tons |
| Length |
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| Beam | 25 ft 4 in (7.7 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft (3.96 m) |
| Installed power | 355 ihp (265 kW) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed | 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) |
| Complement | 60 |
| Armament |
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HMS Mullett (or Mullet) was a Royal Navy ship launched in 1860. It was a wooden gunvessel with five guns. The Mullett served in different parts of the world, like the coast of West Africa and near North America and the West Indies.
In 1872, the ship was sold in Hong Kong. Its engines were removed, and it became a sailing ship named Formosa. Later, it was used as a floating storage place for ammunition in Melbourne, Australia.
Contents
Building the Mullett
The Mullett belonged to a group of ships called the Philomel-class gunvessel class. These ships were larger versions of earlier gunboats. The British Navy first ordered a few of these ships in 1857 and 1858.
More ships of this class, including the Mullett, were ordered in 1859. These ships were made of wood by private companies. Then, they were sent to naval shipyards to be finished and equipped.
Construction Details
The Mullett was started on June 29, 1859, at Charles Lungley's shipyard in Rotherhithe. It was officially launched on February 3, 1860.
The ship had a special steam engine that powered a single propeller. This engine could produce 355 horsepower.
Ship's Weapons
The Mullett was equipped at Deptford Dockyard. Its original weapons included a large 68-pounder gun, two 24-pounder howitzers, and two 20-pounder guns.
Later, the 68-pounder gun was replaced with a more modern 7-inch, 110-pounder gun. All ships of this class also had sails, set up in a "barque" style, to help them travel.
Service History
The Mullett was officially ready for duty on April 30, 1862. It then began its service in different parts of the world.
Serving in West Africa (1862–1866)
The ship first sailed to the West Africa Squadron under Commander Cortland Herbert Simpson. It stayed there for several years. During this time, it took part in some military actions.
In October 1862, there was a serious disagreement among soldiers in the Gold Coast. The Mullett was sent to Accra to prevent similar problems there. No one was hurt, and the situation was managed.
In June 1866, the Mullett, led by Captain Robinson, joined another ship, the Dover. They helped land about 400 British soldiers in Bathurst, the Gambia. The soldiers, with local allies, attacked a fortified area after the Mullett had fired its guns for a few hours.
North America and West Indies (1867–1870)
From November 7, 1867, Commander Edward Kelly was in charge of the Mullett. The ship served in the North America and West Indies Station.
In 1869, while the ship was in Jamaica, a sailor named William Wardell showed great bravery. He saved the life of Robert Cleal, another sailor, who had fallen overboard. Wardell jumped into the water and kept Cleal afloat until a lifebuoy was thrown to them. For his actions, Wardell received a Bronze Medal from the Royal Humane Society. The Mullett finished its service on July 19, 1870.
Life as a Merchant Ship (1872–1890)
The British Navy sold the Mullett in Hong Kong on April 25, 1872. It was bought by a company for use as a merchant ship. Its engines were removed, and it became a sailing ship named Formosa.
The Formosa made several trips to Australia and New Zealand. Later, in the late 1880s, the government of Victoria bought the Formosa. They planned to use it as a "blockship," which is an old ship sunk to block a channel during a war scare.
However, the war scare passed. In 1890, the Formosa was changed into a "magazine." This meant it was used as a floating storage place for gunpowder and other ammunition.
