Though paddle-vessels are almost invariably referred to as “paddle
steamers”, some had distinctly more modern forms of propulsion. I found this
somewhat of a surprise recently when, in the process of researching 19th
Century paddlers, I came across a layout drawing – as shown here – from the mid-1930s.
This shows the world’s first diesel-electric propelled paddle vessel, the Talisman. She was designed for service
on the Clyde and owned by the London and North Eastern Railway. She was
commissioned in 1935 and served until 1966, being based at Craigendoran and
sailing to Dunoon, Rothesay and the Kyles of Bute.
Talisman's most dramatic service was however during WW2 when she
was impressed into the Royal Navy as HMS Aristocrat.
She served not only as an anti-aircraft ship but as a headquarters command ship
during the D-Day landings in 1944. It’s hard to imagine such a peaceful looking
vessel acting in a warlike role!
Talisman’s details were:
Dimensions 215 ft X 27.5 ft (excluding paddleboxes)for 5.25
ft draught
Power: 4 Diesel engines, supplying 400 hp and driving a single
electric motor with two armatures, driving the paddle wheels directly
There are several good photographs of her on http://www.paddlesteamers.info/Talisman35.htm
but I have not included them as they appear
to be copyrighted. If you are interested however they are well worth viewing.
A first-hand account of HMS Aristocrat’s service off the Normandy beaches can be found on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/75/a2717075.shtml
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