This is the history of the third ship to bear the name HMS Cossack. Launched on 3 June 1886, she remained in service until 1905. Most of her career was spent in the Far East, visiting ports such as India, Aden, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), among others.

The records also provide an interesting insight into daily life aboard, including how the crew were fed. Rations typically included 120 lbs of beef or meat, 60 lbs of vegetables, and 162 lbs of bread per day, with slight variations depending on the number of crew members. There is no reference to the daily tot of rum, which had been issued from 1866. This consisted of 1/8 of an imperial pint of rum at 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV), usually served at midday. Petty Officers and above received their rum neat, while Seamen had theirs diluted with two parts water to make 3/8 of an imperial pint (213 ml).

Year by Year

Discover the history of the HMS Cossack from 1886 to 1905.

You can search the ‘year’ and ‘month’ to find a specific date and also ‘click’ on the date itself to reveal any images and moments from that date.

10 February 1889

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 34.6N 22.9E. Course WNW. Wind westerly force 9 later reducing later to force 7 Cloudy with squalls. Barometer 29.89 inches steady. Temperature at noon 65F. 0930 Mustered by Divisions and performed divine Service. 1210 altered course to SE by E ½ E. Increased to 85 revolutions 8 knots. 1500. Ship rolling heavily. Brought to the wind and reduced to 40 revolutions 1 knot.1600. Mustered at Quarters. Expended 11tons 1 cwt of coal. 18 persons on sick list. Distanc…

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 34.6N 22.9E. Course WNW. Wind westerly force 9 later reducing later to force 7 Cloudy with squalls. Barometer 29.89 inches steady. Temperature at noon 65F. 0930 Mustered by Divisions and performed divine Service. 1210 altered course to SE by E ½ E. Increased to 85 revolutions 8 knots. 1500. Ship rolling heavily. Brought to the wind and reduced to 40 revolutions 1 knot.1600. Mustered at Quarters. Expended 11tons 1 cwt of coal. 18 persons on sick list. Distance ran through the water 48.8 nautical miles course and distance made good N32 E 18 nautical miles.

11 February 1889

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 33.51N 22.50E. Course W to NW 1 knot. Wind 6 to 7 reducing to force 4 at noon and then 2 to 3. Cloudy with squalls becoming broken cloud. Barometer 29.94 rising to 30.12 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 57F. 0500 course NW ½ N. lost overboard by heavy seas night life buoy and hand spike. 0815. Lit fires and raised steam in 3 boiler. Proceeded at 70 revolutions course ESE. 0915 Mustered by Divisions and read prayers. Employed as requisite. Ordinary Sea…

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 33.51N 22.50E. Course W to NW 1 knot. Wind 6 to 7 reducing to force 4 at noon and then 2 to 3. Cloudy with squalls becoming broken cloud. Barometer 29.94 rising to 30.12 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 57F. 0500 course NW ½ N. lost overboard by heavy seas night life buoy and hand spike. 0815. Lit fires and raised steam in 3 boiler. Proceeded at 70 revolutions course ESE. 0915 Mustered by Divisions and read prayers. Employed as requisite. Ordinary Seamen of Watch at Seamanship instruction. 1145 Connected third boiler and increased to 75 revolutions – 9 knots. 1230 altered course to SE by E ¾ E. Employed as requisite. Ordinary Seamen of watch at rifle drill. 1400 mustered at Quarters. Washed clothes. 1715 increased to 85 revolutions – 10.5 knots. Expended 15 tons 16 cwt of coal. 13 persons on sick list.

12 February 1889

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 32.46N 27.38E. Course SE by E ¾ E. 10.5 knots. Wind south force 1 becoming westerly at 0600 force 2 to 3. Slight swell. Broken cloud becoming overcast. Barometer 30.05 rising to 30.18 at midnight. Temperature at noon 62F. 0915. Mustered by Divisions and inspected arms. Read prayers. Exercised landing Party. Seamen of the Watch at rifle drill. Employed as requisite. PM employed variously. 1600 Mustered at Quarters. Exercised man and arm ship. Expended 21 tons…

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 32.46N 27.38E. Course SE by E ¾ E. 10.5 knots. Wind south force 1 becoming westerly at 0600 force 2 to 3. Slight swell. Broken cloud becoming overcast. Barometer 30.05 rising to 30.18 at midnight. Temperature at noon 62F. 0915. Mustered by Divisions and inspected arms. Read prayers. Exercised landing Party. Seamen of the Watch at rifle drill. Employed as requisite. PM employed variously. 1600 Mustered at Quarters. Exercised man and arm ship. Expended 21 tons 1cwt of coal. 13 persons on sick list.

13 February 1889

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 31.28N 32.7E. Course SE by E ¾ E. 11.2 knots. Wind east force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 30.12 inches falling to 30.10 at midnight. Temperature at noon 68F. 0300 Observed Rosetta Light South. 0345 altered course to E ¾ S. 0540 Observed Baltim Light SE ¾ E. 0715. Altered course to E by S ¾ S. Lost overboard by accident one hand lead. 0900 Observed Damietta Light over starboard bow. Mustered by Divisions and read prayers. Exercised stations “man and a…

Malta to Port Said. Position at noon 31.28N 32.7E. Course SE by E ¾ E. 11.2 knots. Wind east force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 30.12 inches falling to 30.10 at midnight. Temperature at noon 68F. 0300 Observed Rosetta Light South. 0345 altered course to E ¾ S. 0540 Observed Baltim Light SE ¾ E. 0715. Altered course to E by S ¾ S. Lost overboard by accident one hand lead. 0900 Observed Damietta Light over starboard bow. Mustered by Divisions and read prayers. Exercised stations “man and arm boats”. Employed as requisite. Noon. Observed Port Said Light on starboard bow.1345. Stopped took pilot onboard and proceed into Port Said. 1415. Stopped and came to in innermost basin. Found HMS F…… here. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 50 lbs of vegetables. Banked fires. 1600. Commenced coaling. 1845 Finished coaling receiving 95 tons. Found here French ironclad Vau…… and corvette Saka (?) Flag. Expended 26 tons 13 cwt of coal. 9 persons on sick list.

14 February 1889

Port Said. Wind North to NE force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 30.07 inches falling to 30.04 inches at noon and 29.86 at midnight. Temperature at noon 62F. 0400. Steam up in cutter 0800. Employed cleaning ship throughout. PM employed as requisite. 1600. Washed clothes. Received 240lbs of fresh beef and 100lbs of fresh vegetables. 2000. Exercised electric search light. Expended 1 ton 13 cwt of coal. 6 persons on sick list.

15 February 1889

Port Said to Suez. In Ismail Basin. Wind south westerly force 1 increasing to force 5 to 6 at noon. Barometer 29.70 rising to 29.90 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 63F. 0400. Stem up in cutter. 0915. Entered canal. Steaming as requisite. Employed variously. 1530 Stopped and proceeded in Kantara Siding. 1600. Lost overboard by accident one iron boathook and stave. 1620. Mustered at Quarters. Expended 6 tons 17cwt of coal. 5 persons on sick list.

16 February 1889

Port Said to Suez. Wind SW becoming W by N at 1600. Force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.92 inches rising to 29.99 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 64F. 0640. Proceeded through canal. 0900 Cleaned ship throughout. 1020. Stopped and came to off Ismailia. Banked fires. PM cleaned ship. 1615. Mustered at Quarters and issued clean hammocks. Expended 1 ton 7 cwt of coal. 6 persons on sick list.

17 February 1889

Port Said to Suez. Wind calm becoming ESE and south at 1600. Force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.94 inches falling 29.85 at midnight. Temperature at noon 66F. 0400. Steam up in cutter. 0745. Weighed and proceeded through the canal. 1010 Mustered by Divisions and performed Divine Service. 1530 Stopped and came to in Suez Bay with sandy bottom in 6 fathoms. Veered to 1 ¾ shackles. Banked fires. 1600 Mustered at Quarters. Expended 7 tons of coal. 6 person on sick list.

18 February 1889

Suez to Jeddah. AM at single anchor. Wind SW becoming west at 0800, SW at noon to S at 1600. Force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.89 inches rising to 30.01 at midnight. Temperature at noon 65F. 0500. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of fresh vegetables. 0900 Employed as requisite. 1100. Running Whitehead torpedoes at anchor. 1330. Weighed. Exercised running Whitehead torpedoes whilst under weigh. 1500. Steaming as requisite. Received 220 lbs of fresh beef and 160 lbs of vegetables. 1…

Suez to Jeddah. AM at single anchor. Wind SW becoming west at 0800, SW at noon to S at 1600. Force 1 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.89 inches rising to 30.01 at midnight. Temperature at noon 65F. 0500. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of fresh vegetables. 0900 Employed as requisite. 1100. Running Whitehead torpedoes at anchor. 1330. Weighed. Exercised running Whitehead torpedoes whilst under weigh. 1500. Steaming as requisite. Received 220 lbs of fresh beef and 160 lbs of vegetables. 1700. Proceeded out of bay at 85 revolutions. Course as requisite. 1720. Shaped course to S ½ W at 6.8 knots. 1900. Altered course to S by E ½ E at 9.8 knots. 2040. Observed Lofasana Light S by W ¼ W. 2100 Altered course to S by E ½ E at 1.8 knots increasing to 9.8 knots. Coal expended 8 tons 17 cwt.

19 February 1889

Suez to Jeddah. Position at noon 27.9N 34.20E. Course S by E ½ E at 9.8 knots. Wind SW force 2 to 3. Barometer 30.01 inches rising to 30.02 at noon before falling to 29.92 at midnight. Temperature at noon 63F. 0150. Observed Koo Sharib Light. 0300. Altered course to SE by S. Koo Light abeam. 0400. Altered course to SE ¾ E. 0550. Speed 10 knots. Observed Ashrafi Light SE by S ¼ S. 0615. Speed. Reduced to 2.5 knots and then increased to 7.5 knots. Altered course to SE ½ S. Washed clothes. 0710…

Suez to Jeddah. Position at noon 27.9N 34.20E. Course S by E ½ E at 9.8 knots. Wind SW force 2 to 3. Barometer 30.01 inches rising to 30.02 at noon before falling to 29.92 at midnight. Temperature at noon 63F. 0150. Observed Koo Sharib Light. 0300. Altered course to SE by S. Koo Light abeam. 0400. Altered course to SE ¾ E. 0550. Speed 10 knots. Observed Ashrafi Light SE by S ¼ S. 0615. Speed. Reduced to 2.5 knots and then increased to 7.5 knots. Altered course to SE ½ S. Washed clothes. 0710. Ashrafi Light abeam 1 ½ nautical miles. 0800. Wind WNW force 3. 0915 altered course to SE by S ½ S. 10.oo Mustered by Divisions and said prayers. Passed French transport standing to the northward. 1140. Passed an American corvette standing to the northward. 1st and 3rd guns crews at drill. Noon. Wind NW by N force 4 to 5. 1300 9.8 knots. Employed as requisite. Guns crews of watch at drill. 1615. Wind NW force 2. Mustered at Quarters. Inspected cleaned hammocks Exercised “man and dress ship”. 1625 observed Brathus Lighthouse S by E ½ E. 1800. Altered course to SE by S ¾ S. Coal expended 15 tons 13 cwt. 6 persons on sick list.

20 February 1889

Suez to Jeddah. Position at noon 23.41N 36.36E. Course SE by S ¾ S. 10 knots. Wind NW force 2 to 3 becoming force 4 later with broken cloud. Barometer 29.97 falling to 289.85 at midnight. Temperature at noon 71 F. Sea temperature 76F. 0230. Observed Daedalus Light SE by E. 0300. Altered course to SE by S ½ S. 10 knots. 0800 wind increased force 3 to 4. . 0915 mustered by Divisions for prayers. 3rd guns crew at drill. Employed as requisite. Lost overboard by accident 1 hand lead and line 20 fat…

Suez to Jeddah. Position at noon 23.41N 36.36E. Course SE by S ¾ S. 10 knots. Wind NW force 2 to 3 becoming force 4 later with broken cloud. Barometer 29.97 falling to 289.85 at midnight. Temperature at noon 71 F. Sea temperature 76F. 0230. Observed Daedalus Light SE by E. 0300. Altered course to SE by S ½ S. 10 knots. 0800 wind increased force 3 to 4. . 0915 mustered by Divisions for prayers. 3rd guns crew at drill. Employed as requisite. Lost overboard by accident 1 hand lead and line 20 fathoms. 12 40 altered course to SE by S ¼ S. Reduced to 78 revolutions – 5.5 knots. 1st and 3rd guns crews of watch at drill. Employed as requisite. 1600 Wind NNW force 3 to 4 with broken cloud. Reducing to force 1 at midnight. 9 knots. 1615. Mustered at Quarters. Exercised at General Quarters. 1620 Reduced to 75 revolutions – 6.5 knots.1845 Altered course to SE by S ½ S and increased to 8.5 knots. Coal expended 14 tons 16 cwt. 6 persons on sick list.

21 February 1889

Suez to Jeddah. Course SE by S ½ S. 8.5 knots. Wind NW force 2 to 3 increasing to 4 at noon. Barometer 29.82 rising to 29.93 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon. 79F. 0445. Eased to slow. 7 knots then 2 knots. 0545. Increased to 75 revolutions and altered course to E ½ S at 8 knots.. 0800 Observed land ENE. 0845 Altered course to E ½ N. 0915 Mustered by Divisions. Inspected arms and read prayers. Watch at rifle drill. Speed 6.5 knots as required for Jeddah. 11.40. Stopped and came to in J…

Suez to Jeddah. Course SE by S ½ S. 8.5 knots. Wind NW force 2 to 3 increasing to 4 at noon. Barometer 29.82 rising to 29.93 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon. 79F. 0445. Eased to slow. 7 knots then 2 knots. 0545. Increased to 75 revolutions and altered course to E ½ S at 8 knots.. 0800 Observed land ENE. 0845 Altered course to E ½ N. 0915 Mustered by Divisions. Inspected arms and read prayers. Watch at rifle drill. Speed 6.5 knots as required for Jeddah. 11.40. Stopped and came to in Jeddah Harbour. 1230 Weighed and shifted berth. 1245. Came to with sandy bottom in 13 fathoms. Veered to 4 ½ shackles. Banked fires. Made mended clothes. 1600. Wind NW force 3. 1615. Mustered at Quarters. Exercised watch “Use of collision mat”. Draught – fore 13 feet 0 inches. Aft 15 feet 3 inches. Coal expended 7 tons 11cwt. 6 persons on sick list.

22 February 1889

Jeddah to Aden. At single anchor in Jeddah harbour. Wind N by E force 3. Barometer 29.89 inches rising to 29.86 at midnight. Temperature at noon 74F. AM. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of vegetables. 0800. Weighed and proceeded out of harbour. 0815 increased to 85 revolutions – 4 knots. Increased as required to 9.5 knots. 0900. Mustered by Division for prayers. Employed as requisite. 100 shaped to S ¼ E. Position at noon. 21.6N 38.55E. PM. Employed scrubbing canvas gear and as requ…

Jeddah to Aden. At single anchor in Jeddah harbour. Wind N by E force 3. Barometer 29.89 inches rising to 29.86 at midnight. Temperature at noon 74F. AM. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of vegetables. 0800. Weighed and proceeded out of harbour. 0815 increased to 85 revolutions – 4 knots. Increased as required to 9.5 knots. 0900. Mustered by Division for prayers. Employed as requisite. 100 shaped to S ¼ E. Position at noon. 21.6N 38.55E. PM. Employed scrubbing canvas gear and as requisite. 1600. Speed 9.5 knots. Wind NW 3 with broken cloud. 1615. Mustered at Quarters. Exercised watch with collision mats. Washed clothes. 0815

Altered course to S by E ½ E. Coal expended 11 tons 29 cwt. 6 person on sick list.

23 February 1889

Jeddah to Aden. Position at noon 17.15N 40.15E. Course S by E ½ E. Speed 10 knots. Wind light becoming WNW force 1 with broken cloud at 0800. Barometer 29.85 inches rising to 2986 at midnight. Temperature at noon 86F. 0930 Altered course to SE by s ¼ S. 1000. Altered course to SE by S. Employed cleaning ship throughout. PM cleaning ship.1615. Mustered at Quarters. Coal expended 19 tons 13 cwt. 7 persons on sick list.

24 February 1889

Jeddah to Aden. Positon at noon 14.15N 42.38E. Course SE by S 10 knots. Wind SE force 1. Moderate sea. Barometer 29.81 inches rising to 29.84 at midnight. Temperature at noon. 81F. 0110. Observed ????? Island SE by S ½ S? 0115. Altered course to S by E 3/4 E. 0415. Observed ??? Island ESE. 0540. Altered course to SE by S ¼ S. 10 knots. 0800. Wind SSE force 3. 0930 Mustered by the Open List. Performed Divine Service. 1000. Altered course to SE by S ¾ E.. 1025 altered course to SSE.1130 Observe…

Jeddah to Aden. Positon at noon 14.15N 42.38E. Course SE by S 10 knots. Wind SE force 1. Moderate sea. Barometer 29.81 inches rising to 29.84 at midnight. Temperature at noon. 81F. 0110. Observed ????? Island SE by S ½ S? 0115. Altered course to S by E 3/4 E. 0415. Observed ??? Island ESE. 0540. Altered course to SE by S ¼ S. 10 knots. 0800. Wind SSE force 3. 0930 Mustered by the Open List. Performed Divine Service. 1000. Altered course to SE by S ¾ E.. 1025 altered course to SSE.1130 Observed J??? Z????? ahead.1150 Altered course to SE by S ¼ S. 1300. Course as required through the ?????.1345. Shaped to S by E. 1400 S by E 2.5 knots. 1500 9 knots. 1600 Wind south force 5 increasing to 7. Cloud and squalls. 1615 Mustered at Quarters. 1630. Altered course to S by E. 1930. Altered course to SE by S ¾ S. 2200. Observed Pu???Island Light ahead. 2225. Altered course to SE ¾ S. Midnight. Course as required through the Straits of Bab al-Man. Coal expended 19 tons 6 cwt.

25 February 1889

Jeddah to Aden. Position at noon 12.28N 44.43E. Course SE 2 Knots. Wind SE force 3 to 4 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.82 inches rising to 29.90 at midnight. Temperature at noon 80F. 0045. Shaped course to SE. Lost by fouling screw propeller one lead hand line of 20 fathoms.. 0400. Altered course to E by S. Exercised at General Quarters. Fired blank cartridges. 0740. Eased to “slow” 6 knots. 0750. Over target. Exercised at General Quarters. 0900. Found target. 0940 Picked up target. 1000. C…

Jeddah to Aden. Position at noon 12.28N 44.43E. Course SE 2 Knots. Wind SE force 3 to 4 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.82 inches rising to 29.90 at midnight. Temperature at noon 80F. 0045. Shaped course to SE. Lost by fouling screw propeller one lead hand line of 20 fathoms.. 0400. Altered course to E by S. Exercised at General Quarters. Fired blank cartridges. 0740. Eased to “slow” 6 knots. 0750. Over target. Exercised at General Quarters. 0900. Found target. 0940 Picked up target. 1000. Course NE ¾ E 2.5 knots. Cleaning ship as required. 1130 Observed land NE by E. 1230. Altered course to NE ¾ E. 5.5 knots. 1310 increased to 100 revolutions.1350. Altered course to E by N. 1500. Made number to HMS Osprey. 1530 Stopped and came to in Aden Harbour. Broken bottom with 3 ½ fathoms. Veered to 2 ½ shackles. Secured stern to buoy with wire hawser. Let fires die out. Found here HMS Osprey and Russian sloop Nauncljous. Draught forward 12 feet. Aft 15 feet 5 inches. Expended Cartridge SC 6 inch 21lbs 30 in number. Cartridge Quick Firing 3 pounder shell 22 in number. Cartridge Quick firing Steel shell 10 in number. Shot palleses 6 inch BL 12 in number. Shell shrapnel 6 inch 6 in number. Fuzes middle 6 in number tubes 40 in number. Coal expended 14 tons 8 cwt. 8 persons on sick list.

26 February 1889

Aden Harbour. Wind ESE force 2 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.88 inches increasing to 29.90 at midnight. Temperature at noon 83F. 0400. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of vegetables. 0630 commenced coaling. 1115 finished coaling receiving 137 tons. PM Cleaning ship. Watered ship receiving 16 tons. 1600. Washed clothes. Special leave to watch. Coal expended 3 cwt. 8 persons on sick list.

27 February 1889

At Aden Harbour. Wind E by S force 2 becoming NNE at noon and East force 1 at 1600. Broken cloud. Barometer 29.89 inches rising to 29.92 at midnight. Temperature at noon 82F. 0500. Received 110 lbs of fresh beef and 50 lbs of vegetables. 0900. Employed as requisite. General leave to port watch. PM. employed as requisite. 1600. Arrived HMS Tamar. 1615. Mustered at Quarters. Coal expended 3 cwt. 9 persons on sick list.

28 February 1889

At Aden Harbour. Wind East force 1 with broken cloud becoming SSE at 1600 and e by n at 2000. Barometer 29.94 inches rising to 29.99 at midnight. Temperature at noon 84F 0600. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef and 60 lbs of vegetables. 0900. Mustered by Divisions. Read prayers. General leave to starboard watch. Employed as requisite. PM Employed as requisite. 1400. HMS Tamar sailed. 1615 Mustered at Quarters. Expended 3 cwt of coal 9 persons on sick list.

01 March 1889

At Aden Harbour. Wind E by N force 1 becoming E by S at 1600. Barometer 29.96 inches rising to 30.01 at midnight. Temperature at noon 79F. 0900. Mustered by Divisions. Prayers. Exercised at General Quarters. 1045. Arrived Russian Corvette Vitiary?. Saluted with 21 guns. Employed scrubbing canvas gear and as requisite. 1300. Mustered by the Open List. Paid monthly money to Ship’s company and issued soap and tobacco. Employed as requisite. 1600. Special leave to watch. Washed clothes. 2000. Rece…

At Aden Harbour. Wind E by N force 1 becoming E by S at 1600. Barometer 29.96 inches rising to 30.01 at midnight. Temperature at noon 79F. 0900. Mustered by Divisions. Prayers. Exercised at General Quarters. 1045. Arrived Russian Corvette Vitiary?. Saluted with 21 guns. Employed scrubbing canvas gear and as requisite. 1300. Mustered by the Open List. Paid monthly money to Ship’s company and issued soap and tobacco. Employed as requisite. 1600. Special leave to watch. Washed clothes. 2000. Received 92 tons of fresh water for boilers. 18o lbs of fresh beef and 70 lbs of vegetables. Coal Expended 1 ton 11 cwt. 9 persons on sick list.

Hidden Gems

Unsurprisingly, on the 24th December 1894 over 15 crew members were on the sick list. The day before Christmas!

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1806-1816

This is the account of the first vessel named HMS Cossack, a title that would be passed on to five later ships and commemorated by the Royal Navy in the Cossack Building at HMS Raleigh.

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1854-1875

The second Cossack was originally ordered by Russia for the Black Sea Fleet in December 1852 at a cost of 290,000 silver roubles. However, when relations between Britain and Russia deteriorated, Russia sold the vessels to the Hamburg trading firm Henry Mersk & Co.

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1886-1905

This account covers the third vessel named HMS Cossack. Launched on 3 June 1886 and in service until 1905, she spent the majority of her career in the Far East, calling at India, Aden, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and other ports.

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1907-1919

The fourth HMS Cossack received the first Battle Honour for participating in operations along the Belgian coast from 17 October to 8 November 1914. This section contains copies of the original construction contract and detailed plans showing her launch, deck arrangements, and machinery.

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1938-1941

Credited with battle honours including Baltic 1855, Witu 1890, Dover Patrol 1914–1919, Narvik 1940, Norway 1940, Atlantic 1940–1941, the Bismarck Action 1941, and the Malta Convoys 1941, the HMS Cossack in service from 1938 to 1941 was a formidable presence.

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1944-1960

During Warship Week in February 1942, the town of Esher raised £1,192,211, contributing to the construction of the warship HMS Cossack. The funds were collected by the public depositing money into a rubber-type float in a pool. Remarkably, the surplus was enough to fund a submarine as well. The story continues.

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