Protector was a flat-iron gunboat that had served in China during the Boxer Rebellion before returning from reserve in 1914. By 1943 she was again in commission as a lighter and was subsequently taken over by the Americans. Neither duty required her to match a modern warship, yet the hull continued to carry out work that otherwise would have consumed another vessel or shore capacity. Her career illustrates the reserve argument through useful service across very different conflicts and roles.
Notable Point · 17:22-18:36
HMS Protector outlived her original gunboat role
The flat-iron gunboat HMS Protector moved from Boxer Rebellion service to World War I activation and lighter duties during World War II.