The launch of the Japanese battleship Shikshima at the Thames Ironworks.

Repro ID: C6851

Description: The Thames Ironworks built merchant ships and warships for many other countries. The Japanese warship 'Shikishima', launched in 1898, had a displacement of 14,850 tons and was armed with four 12-inch guns, 14 six-inch guns and five 18-inch torpedo tubes. In 1921, the 'Shikishima' was classed as a coastal defence battleship. Two years later she had her armament and machinery removed and was used as a training ship. She was finally scrapped in 1947.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1 November 1898

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London