HMS Himalaya (1854)

HMS Himalaya carrying Armstrong Guns to the Second Opium War, 1860, from the Illustrated London News
History
United Kingdom
NameHimalaya
NamesakeThe Himalayas
OwnerPeninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, London
RouteSouthamptonAlexandria
BuilderC. J. Mare & Co., Leamouth, London
Laid downNovember 1851
Launched24 May 1853
Completed9 January 1854
Out of service14 July 1854 sold to British Government
History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Himalaya
Acquired14 July 1854
Out of serviceSold 28 September 1920
RenamedC60 in December 1895
ReclassifiedCoal hulk, December 1895
FateSunk by Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers of the German Luftwaffe 12 June 1940
General characteristics
Type
Tonnage3,438 GRT, 2,327 NRT
Displacement4,690 tons
Length339 ft (103 m)
Beam46 ft (14 m)
PropulsionSingle expansion steam, single screw
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Speed
  • 14 knots under steam
  • 16.5 knots with sails assisting
Capacity3000 troops
Complement213 crew

HMS Himalaya was built for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company as SS Himalaya, a 3,438 gross register ton iron steam screw passenger ship. She was purchased by the Royal Navy in 1854 for use as a troopship until 1894 and was then moored in the Hamoaze, Devonport to serve as a Navy coal hulk until 1920, when sold off. She was sunk during a German air attack on Portland Harbour in 1940.