HMS Avon (1896)

HMS Avon was a River-class torpedo boat destroyer of the British Royal Navy launched in 1896. She was one of three destroyers ordered from Thornycroft in 1894 as part of the Royal Navy's response to the threat posed by large, fast torpedo boats built by France.

Design and Construction:

The River class destroyers, also sometimes referred to as the "E" class, were designed by John Thornycroft. Avon was built at Thornycroft's Chiswick shipyard and launched on 29 February 1896. She was completed later the same year. Key design features included a turtleback forecastle, intended to improve seakeeping, and three funnels.

Service History:

Avon served with the Royal Navy, primarily in home waters. She participated in fleet exercises and patrols. Details of her specific deployments are scarce. Like many early destroyers, she became obsolescent relatively quickly as destroyer technology advanced in the early 20th century.

Fate:

Avon was sold for scrap in 1920.

Characteristics:

• Displacement: Approximately 270 tons.
• Length: 200 feet (61 m).
• Beam: 19 feet (5.8 m).
• Draught: 6 feet (1.8 m).
• Machinery: Two Thornycroft water-tube boilers powering two triple-expansion steam engines.
• Power: Approximately 4,000 horsepower.
• Speed: Designed for 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph).
• Armament: One 12-pounder gun, five 6-pounder guns, and two 18-inch torpedo tubes.