HMS Pactolus (1896) facts for kids
Pactolus
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Pactolus |
| Builder | Armstrong, Elswick |
| Laid down | May 1896 |
| Launched | 21 December 1896 |
| Christened | Mrs. George Noble (later Lady Noble and later still Mrs Randall Wells) |
| Completed | 1899 |
| Fate | Sold for scrap 25 October 1921 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Pelorus-class protected cruiser |
| Displacement | 2135 tons |
| Length | 313 ft 6 in (95.6 m) (overall) |
| Beam | 36 ft 6 in (11.1 m) |
| Draught | 16 ft 0 in (4.9 m) |
| Propulsion | 2-shaft reciprocating triple-expansion engines, Blechynden boilers, 5000hp |
| Speed |
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| Complement | 224 |
| Armament |
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| Armour |
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HMS Pactolus was a special type of warship called a protected cruiser that belonged to the Royal Navy (Britain's navy). She was part of the Pelorus class, which included eleven "Third class" cruisers. These ships were designed by Sir William White. Even though they had good weapons for their size, they mostly worked as "police" ships far from home, rather than fighting in big battles. Pactolus was eventually taken apart for scrap metal in 1921.
Contents
What Was the Pelorus Class?
The Pelorus class cruisers were built to be useful ships for the Royal Navy around the world. They were not the biggest or strongest warships, but they were important for keeping peace and order in different parts of the British Empire.
Ship Size and Crew
These ships weighed about 2,135 tons. That's like the weight of over 2,000 small cars! Each ship had a crew of 224 sailors.
Weapons and Speed
The Pelorus class ships, including Pactolus, had several weapons:
- Eight 4-inch (102 mm) guns
- Eight 3-pounder guns
- Three machine guns
- Two 18-inch (457 mm) torpedo tubes
They were powered by special triple expansion engines and could reach a top speed of about 20 knots (about 37 kilometers per hour).
Building and Launching Pactolus
HMS Pactolus was built at a place called Armstrong, Elswick.
- She started being built in May 1896.
- She was launched into the water on December 21, 1896.
- Mrs. George Noble, whose husband was important at the Armstrong company, officially named the ship.
- The ship was fully finished and ready for duty in 1899.
Life at Sea: Pactolus's Service
Pactolus served with the Channel Fleet, which was a group of ships protecting the waters around Britain.
Early Commands
- In early 1900, Captain Francis John Foley was in charge of Pactolus.
- Captain Francis Alban Arthur Giffard Tate took command on March 20, 1900.
- Commander Gerald Charles Adolphe Marescaux became her commander on March 20, 1902.
Special Events and Missions
Pactolus took part in some important events:
- She was part of a big fleet review at Spithead on August 16, 1902. This was a special parade of ships for the coronation of King Edward VII.
- Later in 1902, she joined other ships visiting places like Nauplia and Souda Bay in Crete. This was for practice battles between different navy groups.
- She also visited Tetouan with two other ships, HMS Furious and HMS Prometheus. This was a "show of force" to help keep peace in the area.
End of Service
HMS Pactolus was sold for scrap metal on October 25, 1921. She and another ship, HMS Pomone, had some problems with their Blechynden boilers, which were not very reliable. Because of this, they were taken out of active service a few years before other ships in their class.
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