Belleisle Class Pre Dreadnought
battleships. History of the HMS Belleisle and HMS Orion. Designed by
Ahmed Pasha for Turkey and named Peki-Shereek (HMS Belleile) and
Boordhi-Zaffer (HMS Orion). But due to the problems in the
region with Russia they were purchased by the royal navy. they were
of little use to the navy as they had been designed as armoured rams
and with poor range and sea going qualities. as they were built with
the Eastern Mediterranean in mind. they were initially re
classified as second class battleships but later classed as Coastal
defence ships.
HMS
Belleisle was built by Samuda, Poplar and laid down in 1874,
launched 12th February 1876 and completed 19th July 1878. served
with he royal navy until 1900 when she became a target until
1903. and finally scrapped in 1904.
HMS
Orion was built by Samuda, Poplar and laid down in 1876, launched
23rd JANUARY 1879 and completed 3RD July 1882. served with
he royal navy and in 1902 moved to Harbour services and i 1909
renamed Orontes. finally scrapped in 1913
