3-077-969 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

H.M.S. Thrush, new gun-vessel, to be commanded by Prince George of Wales, Lieutenant R.N., 1890. 'An Admiralty order has been issued directing the new composite gun-vessel Thrush, 805 tons burthen, 1200-horse power, carrying six guns, attached to the First Division of the Medway Steam Reserve, to be prepared in Chatham Dockyard for commission by Lieutenant Prince George of Wales [future King George V], for service on the North American and West Indies station. The Thrush is to take the place of the second-class gun-boat Forward, Commander Scott W. H. Gray, which is to return to England to be put out of commission. It is understood that the Thrush is to be commissioned at Chatham Dockyard so that the Prince may have the benefit of the experience of Captain H. F. Stephenson, C.B., who is Equerry to the Prince of Wales, and is in command of the Medway steam reserve'. Prince George served in the Royal Navy from 1877, until his elder brother's unexpected death in January 1892 put him directly in line for the throne. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.