HMS Thrush (1889)

HMS "Thrush" was a "Redbreast"-classwinfield] composite gunboat, [http://www.cmhg.forces.gc.ca/cmh/en/image_565.asp?page_id=595 Canadian Military Heritage site] ] the third ship of the name to serve in the Royal Navy.

Design

The "Redbreast"-class were designed by Sir William Henry White, the Royal Navy Director of Naval Construction in 1888.

Construction

"Thrush" was launched on 22 June 1889 at Greenock. [http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=18917 Entry in Clydebuilt database] ] Her triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine was built by the Greenock Foundry, and developed 1,200 indicated horsepower, sufficient to propel her at convert|13|kn|km/h|abbr=on through her single screw.

Career

Her first station was the North America and West Indies Station based in Halifax where, in 1891, she was commanded by HRH Prince George, later to become King George V of the United Kingdom. In 1896 "Thrush", along with "Sparrow", played a part in the 40 minute Anglo-Zanzibar War. [Harvnb|Patience|1994|p=7.] She was also on active service during the Second Boer War between October 1899 and June 1902 where she was commanded by Lieutenant W H D'Oyly. [ [http://www.angloboerwar.com/rn_ships/thrush.htm Anglo-Boer War site] ]

From 1906 "Thrush" worked for HM Coastguard before becoming a cable ship in 1915. She then became a salvage ship in 1916 before being wrecked off Glenarm in Northern Ireland on 11 April 1917.

References

Bibliography