Torpedoes and Torpedo Warfare / Containing a Complete and Concise Account of the Rise and Progress of Submarine Warfare

by Charles William Sleeman

If Chased by a Hostile Vessel, and unable to Face her.—In this case veer a torpedo astern, having first obtained a position a little on the bow of the chasing vessel. When it is known by the length of the tow rope out that the torpedo is about abreast of her bow, hold fast the tow rope, which will cause the torpedo to diverge, and be brought into contact, as shown at [Fig. 116]. As a last resort drop spanned torpedoes.

Torpedoes can be used with a stern board, if necessary. The port torpedo, in this case, will be launched on the starboard side, and the starboard on the port side.

It should be here remarked that, although great speed is essential in the torpedo vessel to come up with the enemy and choose an advantageous position, it is not advisable to tow the torpedoes, if it can be avoided, at a greater speed than 11 knots; because the strain brought upon the towing gear is excessive, and the torpedo would require a large addition of ballast to keep it sufficiently immersed to attain the full divergence.

There is, however, one style of attack in which the highest speed can be maintained, viz. by dropping the torpedo alongside in passing.

This mode of attack is one of the best, particularly under cover of darkness, against a ship at anchor.

The position of the torpedo is known, and the tow line is never in contact with the enemy during the operation; a skilled hand at the brakes is all that is required, the vessel keeping a straight course at the highest speed, passing as close as possible to the enemy, in order to clear away all obstructions. The tow rope must not be checked by the brake too suddenly.

Defensive Purposes.—The Harvey torpedo may be used as a means of defence by large ships against a torpedo vessel attacking with that species of submarine weapon, as the latter would be forced to pass outside the former vessel's torpedo, and thus decrease the chance of a successful dip. Again, in the case of an attack by the ram, these torpedoes afford some protection, as a deterrent.

Night time.—Though a dark night and tempestuous are favourable to a surprise, yet in the case of a Harvey torpedo attack it is essential that the weapon should be seen to dip it at the proper time, therefore daylight is necessary to this species of torpedo attack.

Value of the Harvey Torpedo.—The Harvey torpedo is undoubtedly of considerable value when ably handled, yet the skill and judgment required is very great, and can only be acquired by constant practice.