Edward Reed's breastwork-monitor concept raised the turrets and protected the bridge, funnels, and working spaces inside an armored enclosure, improving on the very low American monitor form. HMVS Cerberus defended Melbourne, while Magdala and the related Abyssinia served at Bombay. Their slow speed, four 10-inch muzzle-loading guns, deep subdivision, and layered steel-and-teak protection made them specialized harbor guardians rather than cruising warships.
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Cerberus-class monitors for colonial harbor defence
HMVS Cerberus and her relatives adapted the monitor into a heavily protected harbor-defence ship for Victoria and British India.