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NavSource Online: "Old Navy" Ship Photo Archive

CSS Squib

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Civil War Medal
Squib class Torpedo Boat
  • Built, date and location unknown
  • Launched, date unknown
  • Acquired by the Confederates States Navy in 1864
  • CSS Squib operated in the James River
  • On the night of 9 April 1864 LT. Hunter Davidson, CSN, the Confederate torpedo expert, sailed Squib through the Federal fleet off Newport News, VA., and exploded 53 pounds of powder against the side of flagship USS Minnesota before returning up the James River to safety
  • The torpedo was exploded too near the surface to achieve maximum effect, and Minnesota escaped without serious damage
  • For his gallant and meritorious conduct in the performance of this exploit LT. Davidson was promoted to the rank of commander in the Confederate States Navy
  • Final disposition of Squib has not been established.
    Specifications:
    Displacement unknown
    Length 46'
    Beam 6'3"
    Depth of Hull 3'9"
    Draft unknown
    Speed unknown
    Complement 6
    Armament
    one 18' Spar with percussion torpedo
    Propulsion steam
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Squib
    098688201    		 104k Drawing of Confederate torpedo boat CSS Squib which attacked USS Minnesota off Newport News, VA.
    US Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 108833    		 Robert Hurst
    Squib
    098688202    		 258k CDR. Hunter Davidson, CSN, photographed in civilian dress, probably during or soon after the Civil War. He was promoted to the rank of Commander, 10 June 1864, for gallant and meritorious conduct in command of the torpedo boat CSS Squib in passing through the enemy's fleet off Newport News on the night of April 9, 1864, and attacking the steam frigate USS Minnesota.
    US Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 50688    		 Robert Hurst
    CSS Squib
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
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    Last Updated 16 July 2021