HMS Thames  renamed SATS General Botha  HMS Thames - Twin screw protected corvette. Named and launched at HM Dock Yard Pembroke December 2nd 1885. The ship did not see any action as a cruiser, and in 1903, was converted to a submarine depot ship.She was sold to the Jersey-born South African entrepreneur TB Davis, who purchased the ship in November 1920 as a memory to his son who died during World War I. He donated it to a trust, with the stipulation that it be used exclusively for the nautical training of British and South African boys, so that they could subsequently serve in ships of the British Empire.HMS Thames was renamed South African Training Ship (SATS) General Botha. She directly contributed to the establishment of the South African Navy. and was based at the Simonstown naval base.  Original (1525 x 903)
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