Historical information
HMVS Lonsdale is significant as one of only three surviving second-class torpedo boats that were used in the defence of the Australian and New Zealand colonies.
Significance
HMVS Lonsdale is historically significant as a rare representative of a Victorian second-class torpedo boat. Lonsdale demonstrates technical significance as an early example of the development of the fast attack torpedo craft.
Physical description
Round brass pressure gauge from HMVS Lonsdale with white face and black numbers.
range: 0-350 lbs/sq. inch
Inscriptions & markings
E.Boudon's Pantent
Trade Mark: Delta
Hannan & Buchcanan
Subjects
References
- n 1884 the Australian colony of Victoria added two Second Class Torpedo boats to its navy. The vessels were named Lonsdale & Nepean and were built by the English shipbuilder Thornycroft and Co, Chiswick, London. Lonsdale was completed in 1884 and together with Nepean she was transported to Australia as deck cargo aboard SS Port Darwin arriving in Melbourne on 7 July 1884. HMVS Lonsdale now lies buried under sand on the grounds of the Queenscliff maritime Museum.
