NEW IRONCLAD.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2868, 25 April 1878, Page 3

NEW IRONCLAD.

One of the most powerful armour-clad ships afloat has just been added to the British nary by the purchase from the Thames Ironworks Company of the steam ram Memdouhiye, bailt for the Turkish Government, but detained for the last twelve months as contraband in the Victoria Docks, Blackwall. The price paid for the ship has not transpired, but her value is roughly estimated at £500,000. She is much larger than the Bellisle (late Payki SherrefF) and sister-ship, recently purchased of Messrs Samuda, her length being 340 ft, and her beam 60ft. Like most modern ironclads, she carries a raised fighting battery amidships, and the battery which is about 100 ft. by 60ft., is pierced for twelve 18-ton guns; but, now that the vessel is in other hands, she will probably carry much heavier metal. The guns are pot on. board, but if) other respects the

ship is quite ready for sea. The battery ia armed with 12-inch wrought-iron plates, on the usual teak backing, carried down some depth below the w*tor-line, and raised only a few feet above what appears to be the ujiiin-deck, but is really only a spin* deck of unarmoure * timber. The true main deck is below, and is of iron, the saloons and quartprs for officers nnd men being upon it; but it is assumed that in timo of action all bauds will be in the armoured enclosure, leaving the unarraoured portion to ita Fate. The hatchways of the main - deck close by water-tight iron doors, and" there are upwards of sixty water-tight compartments in the lower decks and the double iron skin. It is proposed to mount four 12 ton guns on the main deck, which is about six feet clear of the water, the battery Kuna having a freeboard of ten feet. The engines are by Maudsjay and Field, and are on direct action principle; and 1000----horse power. The ship is fitted with Paul's steam stearing-gear, worked either from the pilot lower, the upper deck, under the battery, with hand gear and reserve appliances ia case of accident. The steering apparatus is very powerful, and the ship is said to have behaved splendidly in her trial trip. The Meoidouliiye was the name given to the ship when launched, in compliment to the late Sultan, but the Admiralty will most likely give her another name. Her saloons are spacious and moat handsomely furnished, and it is probable from her genernl character __ that she will be prepared for an admiral's flagship. She resembles as much as any* thing the Alexandra, the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron; except that the Alexandra has a double battery with two 25-ton guns in the upper portion.—Home News. ■ - :