HMS Switsure was laid down on the 31st August 1868 and launched 15th June 1870. and completed 27th June 1872.  Commissioned into the Royal navy at Devonport in September 1871 for use for experimental duties with the Channel Squadron.   Took part in the Cartagena incident, ( a demonstration against Mutinous Spanish Ships, also Hornby's passage of the Dardanelle's in 1878. Returning top Devonport for refit in this refit she was given a barque Rig which consisted of 22,750 square feet of sail. Four torpedo Launching Carriage was also fitted. she was also re gunned with the 6 inch guns being removed and replaced with Eight 4 inch BL,s and Four 6 pdr. QF . In march 1882  HMS Swiftsure went to the Pacific to relieve HMS Triumph as Flagship. and remained there until October 1890 when she was relieved by HMS Warspite. going to Devonport to become Flagship of reserve. until August 1891.  between 1891 and 1893 became Guardship  (IN this year during Maneuvers, HMS Swiftsure  asked for permission to sue sail to keep her station with the fleet, This was the last time sail was used by a Royal navy battleship with the Fleet at sea.) then went into Fleet reserve until 1901 when she became The Hulk Orontes.  She was finally sold in July 1908 for £17,550.

HMS Triumph. was laid down on the 31st August 1868 and launched 27th September 1870 and completed on the 8th April 1873. Commissioned into the navy at Devonport in march 1873 into the Channel fleet but being transferred to the Mediterranean. to take part in the Cartagena incident, ( a demonstration against Mutinous Spanish Ships. Went to the Pacific to relieve HMS Shah as Flagship. after  HMS Shah incident with the piratical Peruvian Turret Ship Huascar in may 1878 to October 1882.  She was relieved by her sister ship HMS Swiftsure in October. went into refit at Portsmouth and was re-boilered.  and also re armed .  After refit she returned to the pacific as Flagship of Admiral Baird fro January 1885 to December 1888, again being relieved by HMS Swiftsure. went into reserve at Devonport until February 1900 when she became Flagship at Queenstown until September 1892. went into Fleet reserve at Devonport until July 1900 to become a depot ship at Plymouth, being Hulked in 1903.  renamed Tenedos as a Training ship for Boy Artificers at Chatham. then becoming a tender to HMS warrior in 1905 at Portsmouth. becoming Indus IV at Devonport in 1910 finally being Towed  Invergordon in 1914 A  floating Store. Algiers. sold in 1921 for £10.775

HMS Swiftsure

HMS Swiftsure, 1872.

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 £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP65

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP65

HMS Swiftsure, 1872.

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 £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP66

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP66

HMS Triumph

HMS Triumph, 1873.

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 £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP67

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP67

Officers of HMS Triumph, at Vancouver Island, 1886.

Including Captain H Rose and Vice Admiral Sir McCallum(?) Simpson(?)

Also in the photograph, third from the left in the back row and almost completely faded, is Rev. Morris, who was drowned in HMS Victoria on 22nd June 1893.

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code LGE032

Crew members of HMS Triumph c.1900, with Captain Sewter in the centre.

Contributed by his great grandson, Paul Sewter.

Contact Details
Shipping Info
Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy

Sign Up To Our Newsletter!

Stay up to date with all our latest offers, deals and events as well as new releases and exclusive subscriber content!

This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts.  Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE

Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269.  Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com