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$366.85
HM Gunboat William (CC9016)
Purchased by the Royal Navy in 1795, HM Gunboat William, under the direction of Sir Sidney Smith, was fitted as a hoy rigged gunboat at Plymouth Yard. As fitted, William was armed with 1x24pdr cannon, 2x12pdr carronades and a compliment of 25 men. Of special interest is the innovative design of an early form of turret mounting for the 24pdr cannon. The cannon and carriage were mounted onto a bed which in turn sat on a bearing race made up of cannon balls, allowing the whole assembly to rotate on the flat (camber less) forecastle. Although capable of sail, with a fore-and-aft style hoy rig, William would have been more commonly rowed.
This is further illustrated not only by the evidence of rowlocks and oars but by the way the mast is mounted on a pivot allowing it to be rotated down to deck, extending aft, guided by the fore and aft mast carlings. The mast would have been lowered in this manner in order to lower the centre of gravity and reduce resistance making the boat far more manoeuvrable by oar power. Built for anti-invasion duties, HM Gunboat William was manned by 25 men. These men would usually be members of the ‘Sea Fencible’, the maritime equivalent of the Militia and volunteers.Although unclear, William is believed to have been wrecked in Guernsey Roads on 4th November 1801.
Kit includes: Double plank on bulkhead construction in lime and walnut; all decking in high quality maple strip ; 1x24pdr cast bronze cannon complete with integral trunnion bar, reinforcing rings, gun lock and Kings Monogram; walnut 24pdr cannon carriage and rotating platform; 2x12pdr carronades complete with integral trunnion bar, reinforcing rings, sights, touch hole, training handle and brech ring; walnut carronade carriage and sliding bed; gunnery equipment including rammers, sponges, ladle and worm; Cast bronze stove and chimney with hatch and hinge detailing; 3 cast bronze buckets with individual ‘slat’ detailing of the planks bound by two iron straps; highly detailed brass etched components; precision CNC cut and profiled walnut and ply components; all required blocks, black & natural hemp to rig the model as shown; high quality birch dowel for the masting; fully detailed actual scale plan sheets and two comprehensive step by step color instruction manuals including technical drawings and constructional photos of the prototype.
Scale: 1:32 Length: 760mm
The HM Gunboat William was a formidable vessel that played a significant role in the British Navy during the late 19th century. Built in 1874, it was named after King William IV of England and was one of the first gunboats to be equipped with a steam engine, making it a revolutionary addition to the British fleet. This 97-foot long vessel was designed to operate in shallow waters and had a shallow draft, allowing it to navigate through rivers and coastal areas with ease. Its sleek and sturdy design made it a force to be reckoned with, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile gunboats in the Royal Navy.
The HM Gunboat William was armed with two 64-pounder muzzle-loading guns, four 20-pounder Armstrong guns, and six 6-pounder quick-firing guns. This impressive arsenal made it a formidable opponent in battle and gave it the ability to engage in both long-range and close-quarter combat. The gunboat was also equipped with armor plating, providing protection for its crew and ensuring its durability in battle. Its steam engine allowed it to reach a top speed of 10 knots, making it a swift and agile vessel on the water.
Despite its small size, the HM Gunboat William played a crucial role in several important naval battles, including the Second Opium War and the First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars. Its ability to navigate through shallow waters allowed it to provide support to larger ships in the fleet and conduct surprise attacks on enemy vessels. The gunboat’s presence in these conflicts helped secure British victories and solidified its status as a vital asset in the Royal Navy.
Aside from its military duties, the HM Gunboat William also played a significant role in exploration and scientific expeditions. In 1875, it was sent on a mission to the Arctic to search for the lost British explorer Sir John Franklin. The gunboat’s powerful steam engine and sturdy design allowed it to navigate through treacherous icy waters, making it an essential part of the expedition’s success.
After nearly three decades of service, the HM Gunboat William was decommissioned in 1902. However, its legacy lives on, as it paved the way for the development of more advanced gunboats in the British Navy. Its contributions to the Royal Navy and its significant role in numerous historical events make the HM Gunboat William a highly revered and respected vessel in naval history.
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$366.85
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