The very distinctive central grouping of the main armament of this ironclad coupled with the full rig and eliptical stern, identifies her as either H.M.S. Swiftsure or H.M.S. Triumph. These sister ships were laid down in 1868 and launched in 1870 although Swiftsure (6910 tons) was completed just ahead of Triumph (6640 tons) and was therefore the first to enter service. Both fast ships, they were 280 feet long and armed with 10 9-in. and 4 6-in. guns. The two ships saw extensive service on various stations including the Mediterrranean, and each survived into this century.