Section of a three-decker, showing Captain Coles's mode of altering the same into a shield... 1862. Creator: Unknown

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Section of a three-decker, showing Captain Coles's mode of altering the same into a shield... 1862. Creator: Unknown

Section of a three-decker, showing Captain Coles's mode of altering the same into a shield-ship, 1862. The dotted lines show the old decks of the ships, with their cannon mounted one above the other, but now proved to be perfectly useless against a steam-ram like the Merrimac, and harmless when antagonising an iron-clad raft like the Monitor...it will be further seen that no horizontal fire can strike a vessel altered on Captain Coles's plan above the water-line, except at an angle of 40 deg.; it is thus completely protected against vertical fire by its arched roof...The superiority which such vessels as these would have over any seagoing craft...must be evident to all. No ships or transports which could cross the water to attack us could have a moment's chance against them...we must conclude with Captain Coles, and with the Admiralty, who have ordered more than one ship of his construction, "that in future fleets must fight in armour, and supremacy afloat must depend on superior ability to produce the ships required. The first outlay will be enormous, but it will be inevitable...The most economical ship will be that which is the most invulnerable and the most durable." This was said by Captain Coles in 1860'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862

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Media ID 35121299

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Armaments Artillery Cannon Crimean War Defence Diagram Heavy Artillery Invention Naval Ship Warships Illustrated London News Warship White And Black

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1862 showcases a section of a three-decker ship, providing a visual representation of Captain Coles's innovative method for transforming it into a shield-ship. The image reveals the obsolete nature of traditional decks and cannons when confronted with formidable adversaries like the steam-ram Merrimac or an iron-clad raft such as the Monitor. By following Captain Coles's design, this vessel effectively eliminates vulnerability to horizontal fire above the water-line, thanks to its arched roof that shields against vertical attacks. The photograph underscores the immense advantage these types of ships would possess over any seagoing craft, making them virtually impervious to enemy assaults. In fact, no opposing ships or transports attempting to cross waters for an attack could stand even a fleeting chance against these fortified vessels. Such superiority in naval warfare becomes evident upon considering Captain Coles's assertion that future fleets must engage in battles while encased in armor; thus, securing dominance on water hinges on each nation's ability to produce these specialized ships. While acknowledging that initial costs will be exorbitant, both Captain Coles and the Admiralty have recognized the inevitability and necessity of investing in this new era of maritime warfare. The most economically viable ship is one that combines invulnerability with durability – attributes inherent in vessels constructed according to Captain Coles's visionary plan. Preserved within "Illustrated London News" and brought back to life through this remarkable print by an unknown creator, this historical artifact serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of progress and innovation. It invites viewers into an era where naval supremacy hinged not only on strategic prowess but also on technological advancements capable of reshaping entire battlefields at sea.

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