An early answer to torpedo-boat warfare

Although rated as third-class cruisers, the roughly 1,800-ton Archers were meant to defeat torpedo boats, scout for the fleet, and operate in shallow water. The hull measured about 73 metres long and 11 metres in beam, drew roughly 4.5 metres, and used four boilers with an unusual machinery arrangement. Six 6-inch guns, six 3-pounders, and two machine guns gave them heavy firepower against smaller craft. Their apparent sponson mounts gave the guns useful fields of fire. The torpedo battery placed one 14-inch tube in the bow and two tubes on each broadside. They could fire ahead or send two torpedoes from either side. The cruiser label therefore covered duties later associated with destroyers.