| Name: | KATOOMBA launched as PANDORA |
| Type: | Cruiser |
| Keel: | 15/08/1888 |
| Launched: | 27/08/1889 |
| Completed: | 24/03/1891 |
| Builder: | Sir WG Armstrong, Mitchell & Co Ltd |
| Yard: | Elswick |
| Yard Number: | 542 |
| Dimensions: | 1490grt, 650nrt, 2575disp, 265.0 x 41.0 x 15.5(draft)ft |
| Engines: | 2 x VT3cyl (30.5, 45 & 68 x 33ins), 7500ihp |
| Engines by: | R & W Hawthorn, Leslie & Co Ltd, St Peter's, Newcastle |
| Propulsion: | 2 x Screws, 19.0knots |
| Construction: | Steel |
| Armament: | 8 x 1 x 4.7ins QF, 8 x 1 x 3pdr guns; 4 x 1 x 14.0ins torpedoes |
| History: | |
| 24/03/1891 | British Royal Navy |
| 10/07/1906 | Broken up |
| Comments: | A member of the Pearl or Katoomba Class of cruisers |
| Launched as PANDORA but renamed KATOOMBA (04/1890) to be flagship of the Auxuiiary Squadron of the Australia Station. The British and Australian Governments in the later years of the 1800s were always concerned about Russian intentions in the Pacific, including a possible attack on Australia. | |
| 29/12/1891 Damaged in a collision with a tug YATALA | |
| 1906: Left the Australia station and returned to the UK | |
| 10/07/1906: Sold for breaking up at Morecambe. Cost £8500 |
Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return
Above photo is courtesy of Photoship
Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum
Above photo is copyright of Allan Green
Layout of the Pearl Class Cruisers from Brassey's Naval Annual of 1897