Swedish Monitor Classes: The John Ericsson and Hildur Series
During the 19th century, the Swedish Navy utilized monitors—a specialized type of low-freeboard coastal defense vessel designed to carry heavy armament while presenting a small target to the enemy. These vessels were critical for protecting territorial waters and maintaining maritime security.
The Swedish fleet operated two primary classes of these vessels: the John Ericsson class and the Hildur class. Each played a distinct role in the naval strategy of the era, eventually being phased out as naval technology evolved toward the early 20th century.
The John Ericsson Class
The John Ericsson class represented an early investment in monitor technology. These ships were commissioned between 1865 and 1872, providing a robust defensive line for the Swedish coast. The class consisted of several vessels with varying fates, ranging from being sold for scrap to serving as target practice.
- HSwMS John Ericsson (1865): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Thordön (1865): Sold in 1922.
- HSwMS Tirfing (1866): Sold for scrap in 1922.
- HSwMS Garmer (1867): Sold for scrap in 1893.
- HSwMS Sköld (1868): Sunk as a target in 1907.
- HSwMS Loke (1869): Scrapped in 1908.
- HSwMS Fenris (1872): Retired in 1903.
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The Hildur Class
Following the initial monitor designs, the Hildur class was introduced. These vessels were commissioned between 1872 and 1875. The Hildur class was characterized by a more synchronized decommissioning period, with the majority of the fleet being sold or retired in 1919.
- HSwMS Hildur (1872): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Gerda (1872): Retired in 1919.
- HSwMS Ulf (1873): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Berserk (1874): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Björn (1874): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Sölve (1875): Sold in 1919.
- HSwMS Folke (1875): Decommissioned in 1919.
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Key Facts
- The John Ericsson class was commissioned over a seven-year span (1865–1872).
- The Hildur class was commissioned over a three-year span (1872–1875).
- The HSwMS Sköld is the only vessel listed as having been sunk as a target (1907).
- A significant portion of the Hildur class was removed from service simultaneously in 1919.
- The HSwMS Garmer was the first of these classes to be sold for scrap (1893).
Summary of Swedish Monitor Vessels
| Class | Vessel Name | Year Commissioned | Final Status/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Ericsson | HSwMS John Ericsson | 1865 | Sold (1919) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Thordön | 1865 | Sold (1922) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Tirfing | 1866 | Scrapped (1922) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Garmer | 1867 | Scrapped (1893) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Sköld | 1868 | Sunk as target (1907) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Loke | 1869 | Scrapped (1908) |
| John Ericsson | HSwMS Fenris | 1872 | Retired (1903) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Hildur | 1872 | Sold (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Gerda | 1872 | Retired (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Ulf | 1873 | Sold (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Berserk | 1874 | Sold (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Björn | 1874 | Sold (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Sölve | 1875 | Sold (1919) |
| Hildur | HSwMS Folke | 1875 | Decommissioned (1919) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two main classes of Swedish monitors?
The two main classes were the John Ericsson class and the Hildur class.
Which vessel was used as a target for naval exercises?
The HSwMS Sköld, commissioned in 1868, was sunk as a target in 1907.
When were most of the Hildur class vessels retired?
The majority of the Hildur class vessels were sold, retired, or decommissioned in 1919.
Which monitor was the first to be sold for scrap?
The HSwMS Garmer was the first to be sold for scrap, occurring in 1893.
How many vessels were in the John Ericsson class?
There were seven vessels in the John Ericsson class: John Ericsson, Thordön, Tirfing, Garmer, Sköld, Loke, and Fenris.