World War 1 History- H.M.S. Havock(1893)

The H.M.S. Havock, formally designated a torpedo boat destroyer, was an unusual weapon that although never saw service in World War One, helped develop the future of destroyers. At 275 tons fully loaded, the small craft spanned 185 feet and featured a depth of 11 ft. Travelling at 50 km/h, incredible by 1890s standards, could travel quickely, using her lone 12 pounder to meagerly defend her fourty six man complement. These meagre numbers are howeever distinguished by one thing; three torpedo tubes. The small mobile craft could attack cruisers, yet the small cost of construction and equipment allowed the craft to intercept a torpedo to save a capital ship. The Havock class was outdated quickly by more heavily equipped destroyers.