HMS Algerine (1895)

As built the class were rigged with a barquentine sail plan (square rigged on the foremast, but fore-and-aft rigged on main and mizzen). This was removed in later years, leaving her dependent on her engines alone.[1] However, the masts were never removed.[3]

Algerine was provided with a three-cylinder vertical triple-expansion steam engine developing 1,400 indicated horsepower (1,000 kW) and driving twin screws. The machinery was provided by Devonport Dockyard. This gave the vessel a maximum speed of 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph).[1]

Her armament consisted primarily of six 4-inch quick-firing guns weighing a ton each and firing a 25-pound (11 kg) shell. In addition she was fitted with four 3-pounder guns and three machine guns.[1] The machine guns were .45 calibre Maxim guns.[3]

The ship was laid down at Devonport Dockyard on 25 July 1894 and launched on 6 June 1895.[1] Algerine was deployed to the China Station, under Commander Edmond Slade from 1898. She was recommissioned at Hong Kong on 15 February 1900 by Commander Robert Hathorn Johnston Stewart,[4] and served in Chinese waters during the Boxer Rebellion.[2] In June 1900 Algerine was involved in an attack on the Taku Forts by an international naval force, including contributing to a multi-national landing party, and had six men wounded.[5] She also landed a 4-inch gun, and this was used in the capture of Tientsin.[6] Commander Rowland Nugent was appointed in command on 1 May 1902.[7]

Algerine in China Station white paint in 1904

Algerine served on the Pacific Station at Esquimalt and on the West Coast of the Canada.[6][8] At the onset of the First World War, Algerine and Shearwater were deployed as part of an international squadron off the coast of Mexico, protecting foreign interests during their civil war. Two German cruisers, SMS Leipzig and SMS Nurnberg were reported on the west coast of North America on 4 August 1914 when news of the war broke. HMCS Rainbow was ordered south to cover their withdrawal to Esquimalt, with Algerine making contact with Rainbow only on 14 August after having run short on coal. They entered Esquimalt on 15 August.[9][10] Following her arrival at Esquimalt, her crew was sent to man HMCS Niobe, and the ship lay unused in harbour for most of the First World War.[11][8]

In 1917 Algerine was lent to the Royal Canadian Navy to serve as a depot ship at Esquimalt.[8] She was sold on 11 April 1919 for use as a salvage vessel.[1] In her new guise she was wrecked on 13 October 1923 in the Principe Channel, British Columbia.[8] when she ran aground on Brodie Rock. She was then towed to Victoria and sold for scrap in January 1924. (Provincial Archives). The sixth vessel to bear this name.[12]

• Chesneau, Roger; Kolesnik, Eugene M. (1979). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1860-1905. New York: Mayflower Books. ISBN 0-8317-0302-4.
• German, Tony (1990). The Sea is at our Gates: The History of the Canadian Navy. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Incorporated. ISBN 0-7710-3269-2.
• Johnston, William; Rawling, William G.P.; Gimblett, Richard H.; MacFarlane, John (2010). The Seabound Coast: The Official History of the Royal Canadian Navy, 1867-1939. Vol. 1. Toronto: Dundurn Press. ISBN 978-1-55488-908-2.
• Macpherson, Ken; Barrie, Ron (2002). The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910-2002 (Third ed.). St. Catharines, Ontario: Vanwell Publishing. ISBN 1-55125-072-1.
• Winfield, R.; Lyon, D. (2004). The Sail and Steam Navy List: All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815–1889. London: Chatham Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86176-032-6. OCLC 52620555.