HMS Torch

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Torch, 1845
Type: Gunvessel ; Armament 1 x 32pdr.
Launched : 25 Feb 1845 ; Disposal date or year : Sep 1856
Disposal Details : Reported to have been sold Sydney in May 1856, but reports in the Shipping Gazette from Sydney (NSW) suggest that she continued to operate under government control and using RN personnnel until at least Sep 1855.
BM: 344 tons ; Displacement: 505 tons
Propulsion: Paddle
Machinery notes: 150
Notes:

Jan, 1846, Torch, iron steamer, Ditchburn and Mare, launched, at Blackwall.

20 Dec 1848 Steam vessel, Woolwich.

3 Jul 1852 It is reported at Sydney, NSW, that Torch will form a part of a 5 year surveying expedition of the Southern Seas with the former frigate Herald. Lieutenant Chimmo in command.

28 Jun - 9 Jul 1852 Madeira.

9 Jul - 24 Sep 1852 Towed the Torch Madeira to Rio, having insufficient coals for steaming.

17 - 29 Jul 1852 St. Vincent.

24 Sep - 20 Oct 1852 Rio.

12 Nov 1852 arrived Tristan de Acunha. Made a running survey of the Island.

26 Nov 1852 arrived at the Cape of Good Hope.

11 Dec 1852 departed from the Cape of Good Hope for Sydney.

28 Dec 1852 Left Simon's Bay.

27 Jan 1853 Parted company with the Herald.

29 Jan 1853 departed from St Pauls.

10 Feb 1853 arrived Swan River.

departed from King George's Sound.

7 Apr 1853 arrived Sydney.

29 May 1853 arrived Hall's Island during a heavy gale.

6 Jul 1853 arrived Sydney from Howe's Island, which she left of 28 June.

26 Jul 1853 Alongside HMS Acheron for coal.

30 Jul 1853 Thursday evening. Whaleboat race to Pinchgut and back between 2 crews from this vessel.
19 Mar 1854 departed from Sydney on a cruise.

28 Mar 1854 left Moreton Bay ; called at Newcastle for coaling.

6 Apr 1854 Left Newcastle at 12 pm.

10 Apr 1854 Departs Sydney on a cruise.

3 Jun 1854 Reported as having left for the Feegees from Anatam.

Jun 1854 Is reported to have gone after pirates who captured the "Lady Franklin" ship. The Commander has information that the pirates have gone to the Feegees and has determined to bring them to justice.

28 Aug 1854 From Sydney an interesting RoP (see page 157 (1854)) of her visit to many of the South Sea Islands including the New Hebrides and the Fejees.

2 Sep 1854 Lt Chimmo, arrives Sydney from a cruise.

11 Sep 1854 RoP of cruise received - interesting. See page 173 (1854).

4 Oct 1854 Sails from Sydney to the Feejees to resume survey duties - but article difficult to read.

4 Oct 1854 Arrives Newcastle.

5 Oct 1854 Resumes her voyage.

1 Dec 1854 arrived Newcastle with survivors of Ningpo, wrecked on Ewart's Island. She has put in for provisions and coals and will proceed to Sydney after being supplied.

10 Dec 1854 Arrives Sydney from Newcastle, which she left of 9 Dec.

11 Dec 1854 Lengthy RoP including recovery of the survivors of the Ningpo(o). Page 241 (1854).

29 Dec 1854 Leaves Sydney for Percy Islands.

8 Jan 1855 arrived Moreton Bay, from Sydney.

13 Jan 55 Has put into Moreton Bay for coal - on completion she proceeds to the Percy Islands in search of Mr Strange and his companions - per Courier.

No dates given: arrived in the bay on Sunday last, from the Percy Islands. She has been successful in her mission, having not only ascertained the fate of Mr Strange and his companions, but also taken prisoners three of the blacks implicated in the murders. see more from RoP See Page 49 (1855).

11 Mar 1855 Returned from a cruise of the Percy Islands in search of Mr Strange and his companions, the result of which has already transpired, but it may be interesting to know that when the Torch arrived at the Second Percy Island, the scene of the catastrophe, the shore party after some difficulty managed to secure three men, three women, and four children, natives, who were living on the island ; the remainder of escaped - see article for more - see page 53 (1855) for details.

11 Mar 1855 Arrives Sydney from Moreton Bay, which she left on 3rd inst.

23 Mar 1855 Arrives Sydney from Newcastle with Governor and suite.

4 June 1855 Wednesday next Torch to be dry-docked in the Waterview Bay Dry Dock.

3 Sep 1855 It is reported that the Torch is now under the command of Mr Dobbins of HMS Juno and manned from HMS Fantome and that she will sail tomorrow for Port Curtis with stores &c.

5 Sep 1855 Arrives at Newcastle.

18 Sep 1855 Arrives Moreton Bay from Port Curtis and departs 24 Sep for Sydney.

29 Sep 1855 Arrives Newcastle from Moreton Bay.

30 Sep 1855 Arrives Sydney, from Port Curtis which she left on 16th, Brisbane 24th, and Moreton Bay 27th ultimo.

30 Sep 1855 Government steamer, arrived here yesterday from Port Curtis. She put into Moreton Bay for coals and also into Newcastle on the 28th ultimo, for the same purpose.