HL Deb 23 June 1893 vol 13 cc1749-50
THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I would ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, whom I see in his place, whether he is in a position to give the House any information concerning the news which has spread consternation as well as deep sympathy throughout the country with regard to the reported loss of Her Majesty's ship Victoria? I will not attempt to comment upon circumstances which I do not know, but I hope the noble Earl will be able to give the House some information beyond that which we possess.

* THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Earl Spencer)

I am obliged to the noble Marquess for asking me this question. I came down to the House intending to make a statement to your Lordships on the terrible calamity which has already been reported. I will read to your Lordships the latest information which the Admiralty possess about it. It is a telegram dated Tripoli, Syria, from Roar-Admiral Markham— June 22nd, 8 p.m. Regret to report whilst manœuvring this afternoon off Tripoli Victoria and Camperdown collided. Victoria sunk, 15 minutes after, in 80 fathoms, bottom uppermost. Camperdown's ram struck Victoria before the turret starboard. Following officers drowned:—

  • Commander-in-Chief.
  • Clerk Allen.
  • Lieutenant Munro.
  • Chaplain Morris.
  • Chief Engineer Foreman.
  • Engineer Harding.
  • Assistant Engineers Deadman, Hatherly, Seaton.
  • Gunner Howell.
  • Boatswain Barnard.
  • Carpenter Beall.
  • Midshipmen Inglis, Grieve, Fawkes, Lanyon, Henley, Gambier, Scarlett.
  • Naval Cadet Stooks.
  • Assistant Clerk Savage.
  • Fleet Paymaster Rickcord.
Two hundred and fifty-five men saved; will report their names by telegraph. Injury to Camperdown not yet fully ascertained, but damage so serious as to necessitate docking. Propose to send survivors to Malta at once. Await instructions. MARKHAM. According to the latest return, which is dated May 25, there were 718 persons on board the Victoria. Of this number upwards of 430 are believed to have been lost. No exact statement of the number drowned can be given until more precise information has been received. Unfortunately, within the last few days the return in possession of the Admiralty of the names of those on board, which usually includes those of the supernumeraries carried on board for other ships, was sent back to the Victoria for further information; and there may, therefore, be, I regret to say, some little delay here in obtaining the names of those who have been lost. My Lords, I do not think that this is the occasion on which to enter upon a discussion of this terrible occurrence, nor would it be right for me to hazard any conjecture as to the cause of the disaster. The nation has suffered a terrible loss. We mourn to-day the loss of over 400 gallant officers and men of the Navy and Marines, and at their head one of the most distinguished Admirals in the Service. Where the loss is so general I hardly like to dwell upon any individual, but I may say this—that Sir George Tryon, the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, was known far and wide, not only by your Lordships, but in every place where the British Flag flies, for he has held, and held with eminent success, many positions both at home and abroad. I lately had an opportunity of seeing him at his post, and I think I may say this—that he not only had the fullest and highest confidence of my colleagues at the Admiralty and myself, but he also had the fullest confidence of every officer and man who served under his command, and who were proud to have him as their leader. The nation in him alone has suffered a most serious and grievous loss. I know that your Lordships will sympathise in the most hearty manner with the relatives of those who have been lost so tragically and suddenly whilst serving Her Majesty and their country. ["Hear, hear!"]