HMS Cordelia (1881)

HMS Cordelia was a Comus-class screw corvette of the Royal Navy, launched in 1881. As a Comus-class vessel, she was designed for extended service on overseas stations, primarily engaged in trade protection and colonial policing duties.

Cordelia was built at Devonport Dockyard. She displaced 2,380 tons and was armed with a mixed armament of breech-loading guns, reflecting the transition in naval artillery technology during the late 19th century. Her original armament typically consisted of two 6-inch breech-loading guns, four 5-inch breech-loading guns, and several smaller quick-firing guns and machine guns. She was propelled by a combination of steam engine and sail, allowing her to conserve coal on long voyages.

Throughout her service life, Cordelia served on various foreign stations, including the Pacific and China Stations. She participated in various operations related to the maintenance of British interests, often involving diplomatic displays of force and the suppression of piracy and local unrest.

In the early 20th century, Cordelia was converted into a training ship. She was eventually sold for scrap in 1904. While not involved in major naval battles, ships like Cordelia played a crucial role in maintaining British imperial power during the late Victorian era, representing the long arm of British naval influence around the globe.