Thursday 29 March 2012
Heritage Meeting - The Wasp that stirred up a Hornets Nest - Tasmania's Torpedo Boat
| Donald Chisholm-Smith will give a presentation titled "The Wasp that stirred up a Hornets Nest - Tasmania's Torpedo Boat". Don has had a life-long love of old machinery, including steam locomotives, veteran and vintage transport etc. | |
| Venue | Royal Engineers Building 2 Davey Street, Hobart, |
| Date | Thursday, 29 March 2012 7.30pm to 9.00pm |
| Event Contact | Catherine Reading |
| Contact Phone | 6234 2228 |
| Contact Email | creading@engineersaustralia.org.au |
| Downloads | heritage_mtg_29032012.pdf(465KB) |
After the gradual draw-down of the British Garrison from 1850 to 1870, and the perceived threat of a Russian invasion, senior Royal Engineer defence experts, Sir William Jervois and Colonel Peter Scratchley were sent to the Australasian Colonies to advise them of their best means of defence. Among Scratchley’s recommendations was the purchase of Torpedo boats, and the Tasmanian Government obtained one 2nd. Class torpedo boat from celebrated British builder, J.I.Thornycroft & Son.
This presentation covers the launching, sea trials and use of TB1 and ultimate disposal.
