Fabulous Royal Navy Sailors Woolie of the Protected Cruiser HMS Andromeda (c.1899)

HMS Andromeda was one of eight Diadem-class protected cruisers built for the RN, commissioned in 1899. She was initially assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet. In March 1901 the ship was one of two cruisers tasked to escort the ocean liner HMS Ophir, commissioned as a royal yacht for the World tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary), from Gibraltar to Malta, and then to Port Said. Captain Christopher Cradock was appointed in command on 24 March 1902, serving as flagship of the Cruiser Division of the Mediterranean Fleet. After a lengthy refit, Andromeda was assigned to the China Station in 1904 and returned home three years later. The ship was reduced to reserve at Chatham Dockyard upon her return, but transferred to Devonport Dockyard shortly afterwards. In 1907 Lieutenant Quentin Crauford was authorised by the Admiralty to create an experimental radio station to broadcast to the fleet in Chatham – and this was the first wireless broadcast of music and speech for the purpose of entertainment in Britain.

The following year the ship was converted to a boys' training ship and renamed Powerful II on 23 September 1913. She was later renamed Impregnable II in November 1919 and finally, HMS Defiance on 20 January 1931, when she became part of the torpedo school.

The large woolwork is in good condition with some minor marks commensurate with its age. It’s well presented behind glass, in its original frame and depicts the ship in full steam with her flags flying. It measures 33” x 29” and would be a great addition to any collection.

I also have an identically framed HMS Bulwark(c.1902) woolwork in separate listing!

£750

Local delivery, U.K & International shipping available with collections welcome too

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