HMS Africa (1905)
HMS Africa was a King Edward VII-class pre-dreadnought battleship of the Royal Navy. Built at Chatham Dockyard, she was laid down on 27 January 1904, launched on 20 May 1905 and commissioned on 6 November 1906. She was the last battleship constructed at Chatham, as subsequent battleship designs were too large for the dockyard’s facilities.
Displacing approximately 16,000 tons, Africa was armed with four 12-inch guns in two twin turrets, four 9.2-inch guns in single turrets and ten 6-inch guns, supplemented by smaller weapons and torpedo tubes. Powered by two triple-expansion steam engines, she could reach approximately 18.5 knots. However, the introduction of HMS Dreadnought in 1906 rendered her design outdated almost immediately.
Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Africa transferred to the Channel Fleet in 1907 and subsequently joined the Home Fleet. In 1912, she participated in an important experiment that helped establish the future of naval aviation.
On 10 January 1912, Lieutenant Charles Samson successfully flew a Short biplane from a temporary wooden platform constructed over Africa’s forward gun turret. The battleship was anchored in the River Medway at the time. This was the first successful take-off by a British aircraft from a Royal Navy ship, demonstrating the potential of aircraft for naval reconnaissance.
Later in 1912, Africa joined the 3rd Battle Squadron, which deployed to the Mediterranean during the First Balkan War.
Following the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Africa served with the Grand Fleet, undertaking patrols and supporting British naval operations. In 1916, she transferred to the Adriatic, before joining the 9th Cruiser Squadron in 1917 for Atlantic patrol and convoy escort duties.
While stationed at Sierra Leone in September 1918, Africa suffered a devastating outbreak of influenza. The epidemic spread rapidly through her crew, resulting in 52 deaths.
Returning to Britain in October 1918, she entered reserve the following month. After briefly serving as an accommodation ship, HMS Africa was sold for scrapping on 30 June 1920.
