The Gannet
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This vessel was built in1879 and is a product of the transition from sail to steam, She was classified by the Royal Navy as a sloop,and was designed to police the trade routes and colonies of the rapidly expanding British Empire. Having both forms of propulsion meant that she could cruise independently in the remote parts of the Pacific,Indian and South Atlantic Oceans,where coaling stations were few and far between.
The Victorian expression "Send a Gunboat" led to Gannet seeing action in many "hot spots" as well as carrying out anti slavery patrols in the Red Sea. Her operational life ended in 1895 and she survived as static sea training school on the Hamble. She is now fully restored to her orginal finery and is shown here at Chatham Dockyard. The large housings in the background were where the Navy built and maintained her wooden walls and are well worth a visit.
BrianD
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