HMS Mallard (1896)

HMS Mallard was a torpedo boat destroyer of the Royal Navy. She was one of three ships of the Mallard class, built by John I. Thornycroft & Company. Mallard was ordered as part of the 1895-1896 shipbuilding programme for the Royal Navy, and was launched in 1896 and completed in 1897.

Design and Construction

The Mallard class destroyers were designed to be faster and more seaworthy than earlier torpedo boat destroyers. Mallard was powered by two Thornycroft water-tube boilers feeding two triple-expansion steam engines, driving two propeller shafts. This powerplant was rated at 4,100 indicated horsepower (IHP) and gave a design speed of 27 knots. Armament typically consisted of a single QF 12-pounder gun and three 6-pounder guns, along with two 18-inch torpedo tubes.

Service History

Upon commissioning, HMS Mallard served primarily in home waters. Her duties involved patrolling the English Channel and participating in fleet exercises. As a relatively early destroyer design, she became somewhat obsolescent as technology advanced, and was relegated to less demanding roles as newer, more powerful destroyers entered service. She remained active throughout the early 1900s.

Fate

HMS Mallard was sold for scrap in 1912. She did not see service during World War I.