HMS Charybdis, Royal Navy cruiser. HMS
Charybdis was launched in 1893 and was part of the Special Flying Squadron
under Captain John McQuhae. She also took part in the blockade of
Venezuela in 1902 while in the Particular Service Squadron under Commodore
Montgomerie. In 1906 she was put into reserve at Chatham after a refit in
Sheerness. In November 1910 Charybdis was transferred to the 4th Division
of the Home Fleet and later recommissioned in the 3rd Fleet at Devonport
in 1913. She was in the 12th Cruiser Squadron at the outbreak of world war
one but was laid up in Bermuda following a collision on 9th January 1915.
Charybdis was then used for harbour duties in 1917, being converted to a
cargo carrier in March 1918 when loaned to merchant shipping. Sold in
Bermuda in 1922 but was resold for breaking and towed to the Netherlands
in 1923.
Displacement: 4,360 tons I.H.P:
9,000 Length: 320 feet. Beam: 46ft
6ins. Maximum draught: 19 ft. Armament: two 6in
quick firers, protected by steel shields. Speed: 19.5 knots.
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| The fourth “CHARYBDIS” is a 10-gun
twin-screw cruiser, launched at Sheerness in 1893.
She is of 4360 tons, 9000 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.
Her length, beam, and draught were 320ft., 49ft., and 19ft. In 1896 the “Charybdis,” commanded by Captain John McQuhae, was
one of a squadron of six ships which was specially commissioned as a reply
to a congratulatory telegram from the German Emperor to President Paul
Kruger on the occasion of Dr. Jameson’s raid.
The ships were called the Particular Service Squadron, and were
commanded by Rear-Admiral Alfred Taylor Dale with his flag in
“Revenge.” In December
1902 the “Charybdis,” flying the broad pennant of Commodore R.A.J.
Montgomerie, was at the head of a combined English and German fleet which
established a blockade of the Venezuelan coast which they divided between
them for the purpose. This
retaliatory measure was taken on account of outrages on British ships and
subjects for which no satisfaction could be obtained.
Nine Venezuelan gunboats or small craft were seized by the boats of
the fleet, and two were taken to sea and sunk.
Presidents Castro immediately imprisoned all British and German
subjects, but he was forced to release them by the American Consul.
A British merchant ship was seized by the mob at Puerto Cabello,
but the “Charybdis” at once proceeded to the place, and having
released the ship, bombarded the fort.
After an eight weeks blockade the Venezuelans consented to
arrangements, that brought the blockade to a conclusion, Commodore
Montgomerie having acted with great tact and firmness throughout.
A small Italian force also assisted in the blockade. |
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HMS
Charybdis - Name History |
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HMS Charybdis, 1896.
A
large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available. Reproduced
from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright
holder. A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price
Ł25. Order photograph here. Order Code
XMP1017
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price Ł5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP1017 |
HMS Charybdis, 1896.
A
large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available. Reproduced
from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright
holder. A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price
Ł25. Order photograph here. Order Code
XMP1018
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price Ł5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP1018 |
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HMS Charybdis, 1917. Thanks to Hugh Muir. |
HMS Charybdis.
A
reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x
7" approx available. Order photograph here © Walker
Archive. Order Code PHC777 |
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HMS Charybdis of the Special Flying Squadron
The Charybdis was a steel, copper sheathed second-class cruiser of
the Naval Defence Act Programme, and was launched in 1893. She was built
at Sheerness Dockyard, and engined by Messrs. Earle. The Charybdis hoisted
the pennant in the Special Flying Squadron and was commanded by Captain
John M McQuhae.
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