HMS Simoom was an iron frigate converted to an iron screw troopship. She was laid down in October 1845; however, on 23 April 1847 her frigate design was abandoned as this type of iron warship was considered to be unsuitable against cannon fire and she was ordered to be completed as a troopship. She was launched by Robert Napier and Sons in Govan, Yard No 17, on 24 May 1849, then sold to Collings, Dartmouth in June 1887.[1]
Design and description
Simoom was designed to serve as an iron frigate; however, testing under heavy gunfire, carried out on the paddle steamerRuby,[2] "demonstrated unmistakably that the splintering characteristics of the iron then used in shipbuilding rendered unprotected ships built of this material totally unsuitable as warships".[3] Consequently, Simoom and HMS Megaera were reduced to serve as transport ships.[2] The Royal Navy used troopships to carry soldiers and supplies to conflicts in British overseas interests. Other contemporary examples included the Euphrates-class troopships, that were designed to support operations in India and Crimea.
Simoom was armed with eight guns and powered by 604 bhp (450 kW) Boulton & Watt, Birmingham steam engines, driving one propeller shaft.
Construction and career
HMS Simoom (1849) was designed as an iron frigate but launched as an iron troopship. The following notes for Simoom's career below are compiled from the RootsWeb Naval Database.[2]
2 Apr 1851 At her trial along the measured mile on Friday, attained to a mean speed of 8½ nautical miles per hour, the engines making an average of forty-seven revolutions per minute. She was very low down in the water during the trial, particularly by the steam, having ballast on board equal in weight to what her stores, &c., would be. A doubt existed previous to the trial as to whether her engines would work up to their full speed, but the above result has removed that doubt. The Simoom will now be fitted with a topgallant forecastle and a poop, and otherwise adapted for a troop ship, for the duties of which her great size and tonnage strongly recommend her.
1852 Troopship
HMS Simoon, John Kingcome, Esq. Captn R.N. Latitude 51o 31'N - Longitude 39o 30W on 4 May 1852
8 May 1852 It is reported in Sydney that the Simoom has been fitted with a ship's cooking galley, which can cook food for a 1,000 men and distill 90 gallons of fresh water from salt water per hour.
1855 Refitted and re-engined at Portsmouth Dockyard with a 2-cyl, 1,699ihp engine giving 11.589kts. Her original Napier engine was fitted to the first rate, screw ship of the line, Duke of Wellington.
25 May 1855 Kertch and Yenikale (Crimea) were captured, along with thousands of tons and coal and provisions, along with factories etc., by some 60 French and British vessels, and allied troops, for which no prize money appeared to be payable, contrary to the Queen's instructions. See Hansard for more details, and approval for a Parliamentary Grant in lieu.
9 Jan 1874 Departed Cape Coast Castle. Is reported to have been to Cape Palmas to recruit Kroomen, but they are reported to be reluctant to serve on RN vessels during the current Ashanti War.
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United Kingdom