Theseus joined a special Flying Squadron assembled during an 1896 war scare before deploying to the Mediterranean. She then reinforced the British expedition against Benin in West Africa. Malaria spread through the force and prompted an unusually thorough disinfection when the cruiser returned to Chatham. The outbreak shows the medical and sanitary burden of global naval service, where ships could carry disease risks home with their crews and equipment.
Chapter · 53:46-55:44
HMS Theseus from the Flying Squadron to Benin
Theseus joined a war-scare Flying Squadron, reinforced the 1897 Benin expedition, and required thorough disinfection after malaria spread through the force.