Instructions for the Management of Harvey's Sea Torpedo

by Frederick Harvey

Kell Bros. Lith. London.

CASE 9.—ATTACKING A VESSEL IN MOTION BY CROSSING THE BOW.

In conclusion, it should be stated that a dark night and tempestuous weather are in favour of the attacking torpedo vessels; and these conditions are especially advantageous when attacking large, long, unwieldy vessels, and the greater the number of them together, the more easily can they be disabled or destroyed, by reason of consequent confusion. Though the sea torpedo can be used in the light of day, or darkness of night, by vessels of the present navies, armed with cannon, it is nevertheless earnestly advised that fast vessels be built of comparatively small size and cost, adapted to the service of and armed with torpedoes, by reason that such vessels can keep at sea for long periods without replenishing supplies of coals and provisions; and in conflict upon the ocean, can easily destroy or render unseaworthy vessels, how large soever they may be, and armed with any cannon and projectiles at present known. Hence the necessity of being prepared with vessels suited to the change in naval warfare, and with officers well practised in an arm which, sooner or later, will be adopted by all Maritime States, by reason of its economy and efficiency. In the tactics, here attempted to be rendered intelligible, it is presumed that the various modes of attack are by small handy vessels adapted to the service, and armed with torpedoes, against large unwieldy vessels, armed with cannon. When it shall have been clearly demonstrated, in actual war, that large vessels can be disabled or destroyed by small vessels, with something like impunity, torpedo warfare will then take another form, that of torpedo vessels against torpedo vessels, whose tactics will, in due time, be a subject for another study.

FREDERICK HARVEY,
Commander R.N.

The subjoined is a Remark upon the Description of Vessel adapted to the Service of the Sea Torpedo.

Vessels adapted to the service of the sea torpedo should be about 400 tons burthen; her extreme length, over all, from taffrail to figure-head, about 150 feet. The form of body to be such as to attain the greatest practicable speed.

Speed being the essential condition of a torpedo vessel, a perfectly flush upper or weather deck, without any bulwarks, is advisable; instead of bulwarks, life-lines, supported by stanchions, supply their place to prevent accidents of falling overboard. Thus fitted, there would be nothing to hold wind that could retard speed, as there is in vessels of ordinary build. So covered in, the vessel would not, under any condition of weather, ship water; she would not, from such cause, be in any danger of foundering.

The height of the weather-deck above the water-line at midships, 9 feet; the height of the main deck above the water-line, 18 inches; leaving a clear height between decks of 6 feet 6 inches. There should be two water-tight bulkheads, one about 50 feet from the stem, and the other about 20 feet from the stern-post; the two water-tight bulkheads come up to the under side of the main deck, with which the bulkhead form perfectly water-tight compartments. In the fore compartment, empty water-tight cases would occupy the lower part, over which would be stowed the cork buoys and some light resisting material, rendered uninflammable, so that in the event of the fore body being ripped open below the water-line, there would be no space for the admission of water; the trim of the vessel would therefore be preserved. The after compartment would be similarly stowed. There would be a capacious engine-room to allow of powerful engines to work twin screws; there would also be capacious coal-bunkers and a coal-hold before the engine-room; and before the coal-hold a small hold for the stowage of cables and various articles. There would also be a pilot-house, in which would be protected the officer in command, who would be so placed as to have his orders immediately obeyed. The torpedo-room, to contain about one hundred torpedoes of various destructive powers, the weight of which may be about 10 tons, would be in the after body, and as low down as may be convenient. Upon the orlop deck, which covers the magazine, would be the towing gear, and machinery for working such gear. On the orlop deck would also be a steering wheel, by which the vessel would be steered when in action. The space between the decks of the entire length of the vessel would afford ample accommodation for officers and crew, embracing, also, stowage for provisions and means of cooking. Ventilation and light would be obtained by hatchways, fitted with skylights; and there would also be side scuttles, which, from their height above water, would admit of their being generally open. The rig would be that of a three-masted schooner, having fore, main, and mizen gaffsails, with a fore staysail and two jibs, inner and outer. When going into action, the sails would be lowered and stowed; the vessel would then be entirely under steam. To each mast there would be a yard of suitable dimensions, for the double purpose of towing the torpedoes and setting flying square sails. The rigging would not be rattled; the ascent to the masthead would be by a Jacob’s ladder before the mast; there would be a small top to each masthead, principally for the use of the look-out men. The crew would be stationed upon the orlop deck, each man being provided with a life-belt. With regard to boats, there may be a small stern boat, and two larger boats, stowed on deck; and upon going into action, gripes or lashings should be cast off so that the boats would instantly be disengaged from the vessel.