The Torpedo Boat Destroyer Ardent at Malta.

ANV02107. The Torpedo Boat Destroyer Ardent at Malta.

The Ardent was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet during the 1890s as tender to the flagship Ramillies, with the idea of being used among other things, for the training of as many as possible of the stokers of the Fleet in the management of water tube boilers. She was a 27 kt torpedo boat destroyer of 250 tons displacement 4,500 horsepower, built at Thornycroft at Chiswick in 1894. Her top speed was in excess of her nominal best speed - practically 28 knots and over. The Ardent, to fulfill her special purpose, carried a 12 pdr quick-firing gun forward, mounted above the conning tower, and five 6 pdrs also quick-firers mounted on the broadside and aft, she also had two torpedo tubes, and was manned by 45 officers and men.

Digital Download.

Size approx 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm)