#gunboat

HTMS Sukhothai was a gunboat of the Royal Siamese Navy, built in the United Kingdom by Vickers Armstrong in Barrow-in-Furness. Laid down in December 1928 she was launched in 1929 and entered service in December 1930. The vessel formed part of Siam’s efforts to modernise its naval forces during the reign of King Vajiravudh and the early years of King Prajadhipok.

Designed primarily for coastal defence and patrol duties, HTMS Sukhothai displaced around 1,000 tonnes and was armed with a battery of medium-calibre naval guns suitable for protecting Siam’s coastline and maritime approaches. Although modest in size compared with contemporary cruisers and destroyers, she represented a significant enhancement of Siam’s naval capabilities and was among the most modern warships in the fleet at the time of her commissioning.

Throughout her career, Sukhothai undertook routine patrols, training exercises, and ceremonial duties. She served during a period of considerable political and military change in Siam, including the 1932 revolution that transformed the country from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.

Gunboat

USS WATER WITCH (1851), circa 1861-64.

The third ship to carry the name, she "was a wooden-hulled, sidewheel gunboat in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. She is best known as the ship fired on by Paraguay in 1855. In 1864 she was captured by the Confederate States Navy, and subsequently was taken into their Navy as CSS Water Witch." She was burned on December 19, 1864 by the Confederates to prevent her recapture.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 60353

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