Ambulance surf boat

Model of special hospital surf boat for service on West Coast of Africa

This represents one of the smaller boats, built for the War Department by Messrs. Forrestt & Son, for conveying the sick and wounded from the shore to the hospital ship off Cape Coast Castle, during the Ashantee campaign of 1873-4.

These boats were built sharp at both ends, with great sheer; the keel, stem, and stern post were formed of one length, bent by steam, so as to avoid the weakness due to joints; for the same reason other parts, such as gunwhales, stringers, frames and sheer mouldings, were in single pieces. The boats were copper fastened and constructed with an inner lining forming a second skin. There were platforms forward and amidships, with fittings for ambulance stretchers, and a waterproof awning to protect the patients from the sun and spray.

The boat represented carried 24 passengers and was propelled by 10 workers sitting close to the gunwales and working paddles, the coxswain steering with a sweep. Her dimensions were: length, 25ft; breadth, 5ft; depth, 2.25ft.

Details

Category:
Water Transport
Object Number:
1873-12
Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 635 mm x 135 mm, ,
type:
model - representation and watercraft
credit:
Forrestt and Son (London)

Parts

Model, of West African special hospital surf boat

Model, of West African special hospital surf boat

Model of special hospital surf boat for service on West Coast of Africa

Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 635 mm x 135 mm, ,
Object Number:
1873-12/1
type:
model - representation and watercraft