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.

20 March 1892

At number 12 buoy in Bombay Harbour. Wind calm with broken cloud. Barometer 29.93 inches rising to 30.02 at noon before falling to 29.94 at 2000 and finishing at midnight at 29.96 inches. 0400. Steam up in cutter. 0700. Sent Roman Catholics to chapel. 0930. Mustered by Divisions. Sent Wesleyans to chapel. 1100. Performed Divine Service. Noon wind WSW force 2. 1715. Mustered at Quarters and read prayers. Coal expended 6 cwt. Number on sick list 5.

21 March 1892

At number 12 buoy in Bombay Harbour. Wind calm with broken cloud. Barometer 29.98 inches rising to 30.00 at Noon.

0400. Steam up in cutter. Received 123 lbs of fresh beef and 58 lbs of vegetables plus 214 lbs of bread.
1000.  Captain C.S.  (?) (Unable to read thick handwriting) came onboard to pay off ship. Paid money to Ship’s company.

Coal expended 6 cwt. Number on sick list 5.

Log entry ends at noon.

22 March 1892

Re-commissioned at Bombay under the command of Commander Chas. H. Cross. Crew of late commission proceeded to P & O SS Shannon. Lost accidently one boathook and ash staff.

07 December 1892

In old Dock Bombay. Employed returning stores and as requisite. Exercised Fire Quarters. Mr P.J. Falkner – Engineer – died.

08 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Half – masted Ensign. Funeral party at drill. 1530. Funeral party for Mr Falkner went ashore. 1900. Funeral party returned.  2200. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 12.

09 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side. 2200. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended 2 cwt. Number on sick list 12

10 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side and drawing stores. 2200. Exercised Fire quarters. Coal expended 2 cwt Number on sick list 12

11 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Divisions1700. Quarters. Exercised Fire Quarters 2300. Mustered Fire Party.  Coal expended nil. Number on sick list 11.

12 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended nil. Number on sick list 10.

13 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side.1800. Quarters. 1900. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 10.

14 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side and as requisite.1800. Quarters. 1900. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 11.

15 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side. Getting out Quick Fire Guns. 1800. Quarters Exercised Fire Quarters.  Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 11.

16 December 1892

In Old Dock Bombay. Employed chipping ship’s side and as requisite.  1800. Quarters.  2000. Exercised Fire Quarters. Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 11.

11 August 1893

At single anchor at Negapatain (Nagapattinam). Wind SW2 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.94 at 0800 and falling to 29.89 at noon and to 29.84 at 1600 before rising to 29.90 at 2000 and finishing at 29.92 at midnight. Temperature at noon 87F. 0500. Received 120 lbs of beef and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 228 lbs of bread. 0800. Wind SW force 2 with broken cloud. Employed as requisite. 1010. Weighed and proceed as requisite for Trimacolee. Exercised at General Quarters firing …

At single anchor at Negapatain (Nagapattinam). Wind SW2 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.94 at 0800 and falling to 29.89 at noon and to 29.84 at 1600 before rising to 29.90 at 2000 and finishing at 29.92 at midnight. Temperature at noon 87F. 0500. Received 120 lbs of beef and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 228 lbs of bread. 0800. Wind SW force 2 with broken cloud. Employed as requisite. 1010. Weighed and proceed as requisite for Trimacolee. Exercised at General Quarters firing shell at target. Noon.  Proceeded for anchorage. 1250. Slipped. Came to port bower. 4 fathoms. Veered to 15 fathoms. 1515. Weighed and proceeded at 74 revolutions. Put Patent log overside. 1600. Wind SW force 2. 1630. Course S18E.  1700. Quarters. 200. Wind SW force 22030. Manned and armed ship. Exercised firing with 3 ponder Quick fire guns. 2200. Proceeded on course S52E. Coal expended 11 tons 0 cwt. Number on sick list 18.

12 August 1893

At sea. Negapatain (Nagapattinam) to Trincomalee Course S52E at 5.4 knots with a smooth sea. Wind SW force 4 with overcast sky. . Barometer 29.89 inches falling to 29.79 at 0800 and then rising to 29.88 at noon before falling to 29.86 at 1600, then rising to 29.96 before finishing at 30.10 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 86F.  0030. Came to slow. Sounded in 25 fathoms. 0056. Proceeded at 78 revolutions. Lost the line carrying away heaving lead. Exercised closing watertight doors. 0400. …

At sea. Negapatain (Nagapattinam) to Trincomalee Course S52E at 5.4 knots with a smooth sea. Wind SW force 4 with overcast sky. . Barometer 29.89 inches falling to 29.79 at 0800 and then rising to 29.88 at noon before falling to 29.86 at 1600, then rising to 29.96 before finishing at 30.10 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 86F.  0030. Came to slow. Sounded in 25 fathoms. 0056. Proceeded at 78 revolutions. Lost the line carrying away heaving lead. Exercised closing watertight doors. 0400. Course S21E. 0745. Course S66E. Increased to 85 revolutions. 0800 Wind SW force 2 with broken cloud. Changed course to S21E. 0930. Changed course to S25E. Cleaning ship. Tested life buoys. Found correct. Noon. Position 8.59N. 81.9E. course S25E at 7.8 knots. Wind SW force 2. Employed as requisite. 1600. Wind SW force 2. Stopped and came to port bower in 12 fathoms. Veered to 21 ½ shacles. Anchorage bearings. Anchor was dropped on mark bearing.  1700. Quarters. Draught 12 feet 7 inches forward. 15 feet 9 inches aft. Coal expended 15 Tons 2 cwt. Number on sick list 20.

13 August 1893

(Sunday). At Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 to 4 with broken cloud and squalls. . Barometer 29.95 inches rising to 29.98 at 0800 and to 29.99 at noon before falling to 29 .91 at 1600 and then rising to 29.97 before finishing at 29.96 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon. 89F. 0200. Received 128 lbs of bread and 64 lbs of vegetables.  0600. Landed Wesleyans and Roman Catholics for chapel. 0800. Divisions and Divine Service. Noon. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. 1600. Quarters. Coal expended …

(Sunday). At Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 to 4 with broken cloud and squalls. . Barometer 29.95 inches rising to 29.98 at 0800 and to 29.99 at noon before falling to 29 .91 at 1600 and then rising to 29.97 before finishing at 29.96 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon. 89F. 0200. Received 128 lbs of bread and 64 lbs of vegetables.  0600. Landed Wesleyans and Roman Catholics for chapel. 0800. Divisions and Divine Service. Noon. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. 1600. Quarters. Coal expended 4 cwt. Number on sick list 20.

14 August 1893

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.92 inches rising to 29.95 at 0800 and dropping to 29.90 at noon and to 29.83 at 1600 before rising to 29.95 at 2000 and finishing at 29.94 at midnight. Temperature at noon 92F. 0200. Received 120 lbs of beef and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 249 lbs of bread. 0400. Landed Small Arms Company for drill. 0600. Divisions. Inspected arms. 0800. Wind SW force 2 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 1 with broken cloud. 1300.…

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.92 inches rising to 29.95 at 0800 and dropping to 29.90 at noon and to 29.83 at 1600 before rising to 29.95 at 2000 and finishing at 29.94 at midnight. Temperature at noon 92F. 0200. Received 120 lbs of beef and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 249 lbs of bread. 0400. Landed Small Arms Company for drill. 0600. Divisions. Inspected arms. 0800. Wind SW force 2 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 1 with broken cloud. 1300. Employed as requisite. Training class at instruction.1700. Quarters. Washed clothes. Coal expended 4 ½ cwt. Number on sick list 20.

15 August 1893

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 2 to 4 with broken cloud squalls and rain. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.94 at 0800 and to 29.96 at noon and then falling to 29.88  at 1600 before rising to 29.92 at 2000 and finishing at 29.98 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 89F. 0200. Received 120 lbs of meat and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 120 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed drawing provisions and lifting davits for inspection. 0800. Wind SW force 2. With broken cloud and squalls. Noon.…

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 2 to 4 with broken cloud squalls and rain. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.94 at 0800 and to 29.96 at noon and then falling to 29.88  at 1600 before rising to 29.92 at 2000 and finishing at 29.98 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 89F. 0200. Received 120 lbs of meat and 60 lbs of vegetables plus 120 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed drawing provisions and lifting davits for inspection. 0800. Wind SW force 2. With broken cloud and squalls. Noon. Wind SW force 4 with broken cloud and squalls. 1300. Employed as in the forenoon. 1600. Wind SW force 4 with broken cloud and squalls. 1700. Quarters. 2000. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Coal expended 5cwt. Number on sick list 19.

16 August 1893

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.91 at noon and then falling to 29.85 at 1600 before rising to 29.94 at 2000 and finishing at 29.93 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 89F. 0200. Received 118 lbs of meat and 59 lbs of vegetables plus 201 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed coaling ship. 0800. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 5 with broken cloud. Received 100 tons of coal. 1600. Employed cleaning sip. Draugh…

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Barometer 29.90 inches rising to 29.91 at noon and then falling to 29.85 at 1600 before rising to 29.94 at 2000 and finishing at 29.93 inches at midnight. Temperature at noon 89F. 0200. Received 118 lbs of meat and 59 lbs of vegetables plus 201 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed coaling ship. 0800. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 5 with broken cloud. Received 100 tons of coal. 1600. Employed cleaning sip. Draught before and after coaling – 12 feet 10 inches forward. 13 feet 3 inches aft.  16 feet 10 inches forward 16 feet aft. Coal expended 5 cwt. Number on sick list 20.

17 August 1893

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force SW force 4 with broken cloud and lightning.  Barometer 29.88 inches rising to 29.89 at 0800 and then falling to 29.88 at 1600 before rising to 29.90 inches where it finished at midnight.  Temperature at noon 87F. 0200. Received 116 lbs of meat and 58 lbs of vegetables plus 222 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed cleaning ship. 0800. Wind SW 4 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. 1300. Make and mend clothes. 1600. Wind SW force 3 wi…

At single anchor at Trincomalee. Wind SW force SW force 4 with broken cloud and lightning.  Barometer 29.88 inches rising to 29.89 at 0800 and then falling to 29.88 at 1600 before rising to 29.90 inches where it finished at midnight.  Temperature at noon 87F. 0200. Received 116 lbs of meat and 58 lbs of vegetables plus 222 lbs of bread. 0600. Employed cleaning ship. 0800. Wind SW 4 with broken cloud. Noon. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. 1300. Make and mend clothes. 1600. Wind SW force 3 with broken cloud. 1700. Quarters. Washed clothes. Coal expended 3 tons 8 cwt. Number on sick list 21.

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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