HMS Champion

[colin bennett]

Hi! according to the 1881 british census my Gt, Gt, Grandfather was recorded as being a stocker on HMS Champion, Royal navy, England.
His name was James W Fellingham.
Any information regarding this vessel etc would be appreciated. Thanks a grateful Val Bennett, wife of colin

[Geoffers]

I would always suggest trying Paul Benyon's web-site in the first instance, you'll find HMS Champion listed:
http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/18-1900/C/00908.html

The National Maritime Museum may have a photo in its very large collection (if it does, you can purchase copies). Have a look at their web-site
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/
On the left side of the screen under 'Find your way is a link - 'Picture Gallery'
select this, then 'historic photographs collection' and finally the link
'search the historic photographs collection'

You should get two hits, one is of HMS Champion (1878) select this and there are 8 photos listed in the collection.

Geoffers

[colin bennett]

Thank you so much for your reply and information . My wife was so pleased to see the ship and get a little more information about it.
Many regards colin & val

[MARY WHITE]

Dear Colin I was searching the Internet for info on HMS champion when I came across your message. I did this because I have a plant stand C 1930s/ 40s? with a plaque on it that says the wood is from HMS Champion. Jiust thought you might like to know,

Mary

[colin bennett]

Just to say, thanks for your information on the ship Champion.
Colin

[Jim B]

Colin Bennett,

Reading your post ,i can only gather that the ship you are mentioning could only be the one that carried sails as well.

Here IS a link for you .

http://www.photoship.co.uk/JAlbum%20Ships/Old%20Ships%20C/slides/Champion-05.html

regard Jim B

[peter nicholl]

Hi Val & Colin
For 1881 HMS Champion would have been the 2380 ton Screw Corvette, Built by Elder (1 July 1878) Sold 23 June 1919. Her armament was 2 7in Muzzle Loaders and 12 64 Pounders. She went into Harbour Service 1904 and when the next Champion, a 3750 ton Light Cruiser came on the scene, she was designated Champion (Old) in 1915.
Peter

[peter nicholl]

Did a bit more digging, she was ship-rigged (square sails on all 3 masts) and re-armed with 4 6inch Breech Loaders (BL) Mk III, 8 5inch BL MkIII, 4 3 Pounders BL Quick Firing, 2 Light Guns, 6 Machine Guns and 2 Torpedo Carriers. She was Comus Class, the first Cruisers of less than 3000 tons to be given metal hulls. She had a Sick Bay, Bathroom for Ratings and a Library as well as better ventilation than earlier Corvettes.
Peter

[peter nicholl]

Dear Colin I was searching the Internet for info on HMS champion when I came across your message. I did this because I have a plant stand C 1930s/ 40s? with a plaque on it that says the wood is from HMS Champion. Jiust thought you might like to know,

Mary
Hi Mary
Given the date, it may be the later Champion, she was sold off in 1934. Somewhere or other I have a small barrel made from part of the decking of the Battleship HMS Warspite. She was wrecked while under tow in 1947.
Peter