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HMS Talbot was a Eclipse class second class cruiser that served in Home Waters, at Gallipoli and off the coast of East Africa during the First World War. She started the war with the 12th Cruiser Squadron, under Admiral Wemyss. This combined with the French 2nd Cruiser Squadron, to force Cruiser Squadron “G”, guarding the western approaches to the channel and the first Canadian troop convoy.
During the Gallipoli landings of 25 April 1915, the Talbot was attached to the First Battle Squadron of the fleet, supporting the landings at the tip of the Peninsula. On 26 April she was one of four cruisers that supported the battleship Goliath, during attempts to support the landing on “Y Beach”. In June she was the Senior Naval Officers ship at Gaba Tepe. During the Sulva landings she was the flagship of the 3rd Squadron. She remained at Gallipoli to the end of the campaign, covering the evacuation of Anzac beach in December 1915 and of Helles in January 1916.
From 1916 until the end of the war, the Talbot was part of the Cape Command. In January 1917, when the second period of German commerce raids began, she was at Kiswere (Tanzania). At the end of the war she was at the Cape.
Displacement (loaded) |
5,600t |
Top Speed |
19.5kts |
Armour – deck |
3in-1.5in |
- gunshields |
3in |
- engine hatch |
6in |
- conning tower |
6in |
Length |
373ft |
Armaments as built |
Five 6in quick firing guns |
Armament after 1905 |
Eleven 6in guns |
Crew complement |
450 |
Launched |
25 April 1895 |
Completed |
15 September 1896 |
Captains |
Captain Fawcett Wray |
Sold for break up |
1921 |