Insect Class Gunboat

Insect Class Gunboat

The Insect class gunboats (or large China gunboats) were a class of small, but well-armed Royal Navy ships designed for use in shallow rivers or inshore. They were intended for use on the Danube (the name was to disguise their function). The first four ships—Gnat, Mantis, Moth and Tarantula—were actually first employed during the World War I Mesopotamian Campaign on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

The ships were designed to operate in shallow fast-flowing rivers, with a shallow draught and a good turn of speed to counter river flow. They were fitted with two reciprocating (VTE) engines operating two propeller shafts to offer some redundancy. The propellers were housed in tunnels to minimise the operating draught.