3-021-204 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of the screw-corvette Druid, Deptford Dockyard [in London]: Princess Louise releasing the dog-shore, 1869. 'The screw-corvette Druid was launched on Saturday at Deptford Dockyard, in presence of Princess Louisa and Prince Arthur. On arriving, their Royal Highnesses were received by Captain Arthur P. E. Wilmot, C.B., Captain Superintendent; Admiral Sir Henry Denham; Captain Edmondstone, C.B., and Mr. R. P. Saunders, the master shipwright. Princess Louisa christened the vessel in the usual style; and with a chisel and mallet cut the cord to which the weight for knocking away the dog-shore was attached, and the ship moved down into the water amid the hearty cheers of a large number of spectators. Their Royal Highnesses and the principal visitors drank success to the Druid, and with this the last of the launches at Deptford was brought to a close. Captain Wilmot called for three hearty cheers for Princess Louisa, which was heartily responded to, and, with the dockyard band playing the National Air, their Royal Highnesses were conducted to their carriages and returned home. The vessel was designed by Mr. E. J. Reed, C.B., Chief Constructor of the Navy. She will be furnished with engines of about 350-horse power'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.