HMS Gannet (1878)

Step aboard the HMS Gannet, a splendid reminder of Britain's maritime heritage, nestled in the historic Chatham Dockyard. This majestic vessel, with its towering masts and pristine white hull, offers a captivating journey through time, transporting visitors back to the late 19th century when it sailed the world's oceans as a symbol of British naval power.

The History of HMS Gannet

The HMS Gannet was laid down in 1877 in Sheerness and launched on August 31, 1878. This three-masted sloop of the Doterel-class was commissioned on April 17, 1879, under the command of Admiral Algernon Frederick Rousde Horsey. Her maiden voyage took her from Portsmouth to Madeira, and then onward to Rio de Janeiro, navigating the treacherous waters of the Magellan Strait and rounding Cape Horn before reaching Valparaíso on August 31, 1879.

During her service, the Gannet played a significant role in the Pacific Ocean, particularly during the Saltpeter War between Chile and the Peruvian-Bolivian alliance. She was present in Callao when the Peruvian fleet scuttled their own ships to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. After a grueling four years and covering over 95,000 kilometers, the Gannet returned to Sheerness in July 1883 for a much-needed overhaul.

Recommissioning and Mediterranean Service

After her refurbishment, which included the addition of an aft deck and new armament, the Gannet was recommissioned on September 3, 1885, for service with the Mediterranean Fleet. Her duties included patrolling the Red Sea to enforce the ban on the slave trade. In September 1888, she was dispatched to Suakin to relieve the HMS Dolphin and support British and Egyptian troops under siege by Osman Digna, a former slave trader and Mahdist supporter.

The Gannet's time in Suakin was marked by intense action, including the firing of 200 shells and 1,200 rounds from her Nordenfelt guns. After being relieved by the HMS Starling in October, she sailed to Malta and was decommissioned on November 1. However, her service was far from over. She was recommissioned on November 10 for continued patrol duties in the Red Sea and Mediterranean until December 1891.

Transition to Training and Museum Ship

In December 1891, the Gannet returned to Sheerness and was placed in reserve in Chatham in March 1895. She found a new lease on life in 1900 when she was leased to the South Eastern & Chatham Railway Company as an accommodation ship at Port Victoria on the Isle of Grain. In 1903, she became a training ship for the Royal Naval Reserve and was renamed President in 1909.

By 1913, the Gannet had transitioned to a school ship for naval recruits under the leadership of Charles Burgess Fry. After several modifications, including the addition of a full deck, she was moved to the Hamble in 1914. The Gannet remained in service until 1968 when she was returned to the Royal Navy and subsequently transferred to the Maritime Trust in 1971. She finally found her permanent home at the Chatham Historic Dockyard in 1987, where extensive restoration work began to return her to her 1886 appearance.

Exploring the HMS Gannet Today

Visitors to the Chatham Historic Dockyard can step aboard the HMS Gannet and immerse themselves in her storied past. The ship's restoration has meticulously recreated her original decks, cabins, masts, and spars, providing a vivid glimpse into life aboard a Victorian Royal Navy vessel. As you wander through the ship, you can explore the officers' quarters, the gun deck, and the engine room, each area telling a unique part of the Gannet's history.

The Gannet's armament, including her 64-pounder muzzle-loading guns and 177mm muzzle-loading rifles, are on display, showcasing the firepower that made her a formidable presence on the high seas. The ship's elegant lines and intricate rigging are a testament to the craftsmanship of her builders and the skill of her crew.

A Symbol of Naval Heritage

The HMS Gannet is more than just a museum ship; she is a symbol of Britain's rich naval heritage and the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure. Her presence at the Chatham Historic Dockyard serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that ships like the Gannet played in shaping the world we know today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a maritime aficionado, or simply curious about the past, a visit to the HMS Gannet promises an unforgettable experience.

As you stand on her deck, with the wind in your hair and the sound of the rigging creaking gently in the breeze, you can't help but feel a connection to the sailors who once called this ship home. The HMS Gannet invites you to step back in time and discover the stories of bravery, resilience, and adventure that have made her a cherished part of Britain's maritime legacy.