French cruiser Linois (1894)

The Linois was a protected cruiser built for the French Navy in the 1890s. She belonged to the Charner-class of cruisers, which also included Charner, Bruix, and Latouche-Tréville. The Linois was designed for colonial service and commerce raiding, emphasizing range and speed over heavy armament.

Design and Characteristics

As a Charner-class cruiser, Linois displaced approximately 4,700 tons. She was armed with two 194 mm (7.6 inch) guns in single turrets, one forward and one aft. Secondary armament consisted of six 138.6 mm (5.5 inch) guns, and a number of smaller quick-firing guns for defense against torpedo boats. She also carried torpedo tubes. The ship was powered by coal-fired steam engines that allowed for a top speed of around 19 knots. A protective deck provided armor to vital machinery spaces.

Service History

Linois served primarily in the Far East and was involved in the opening stages of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905. Notably, she was present at the Battle of Chemulpo Bay, observing the destruction of the Russian cruiser Varyag and gunboat Koreets by the Japanese. During the battle, the Linois provided refuge to surviving Russian sailors. Throughout the war, she maintained a neutral stance, observing naval activity in the region.

After her service in the Far East, Linois returned to France and was eventually decommissioned. She was scrapped before World War I. Although not engaged in major combat, the Linois played a role in the tense naval environment of the early 20th century, particularly in the volatile Far East. Her design represented a focus on speed and range, reflecting the French naval doctrine of the time.