CSS Squib

CSS Squib, also referred to as Infanta, was a small torpedo boat in the service of the Confederate States Navy in 1864. She operated in the James River. Her armament consisted of one spar torpedo.

History
Confederate States
Name: Squib
Operator: Confederate States Navy
In service: 1864
General characteristics
Class and type: Squib-class torpedo boat[1]
Length: 46 ft (14 m)
Beam: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Depth of hold: 3 ft 9 in (1.14 m)
Propulsion:
  • Steam engine[2]
  • single-screw
Complement: 6
Armament:

On the night of 9 April, 1864, Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, CSN, the Confederate torpedo expert, sailed Squib through the Federal fleet off Newport News, Virginia, and exploded 53 pounds of powder against the side of flagship Minnesota before returning up the James River to safety. The torpedo was exploded too near the surface to achieve maximum effect, and Minnesota escaped without serious damage. For his gallant and meritorious conduct in the performance of this exploit, Davidson was promoted to the rank of commander in the Confederate States Navy. The final disposition of Squib has not been established.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

  1. "Squib". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  2. "Confederate Navy Ships: List of Major Classes and Types". hazegray.org. 2003. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
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