Attack on USS New Ironsides

Attack on USS New Ironsides
Part of the American Civil War

CSS David approaching the USS New Ironsides.
Date5 October 1863
Location
Charleston Harbor, Charleston, South Carolina
Result Confederate States victory[1]
Belligerents
Confederate States of America Confederate States  United States
Commanders and leaders
Confederate States of America William T. Glassell Stephen C. Rowan
Strength
1 torpedo boat 1 ironclad
Casualties and losses
2 captured
1 torpedo boat damaged		 1 killed
1 wounded
1 injured[2]
1 ironclad damaged

The attack on USS New Ironsides in October 1863 was one of the first successful torpedo boat engagements in history. Confederate forces in Charleston, South Carolina deployed the newly built semi-submersible CSS David to attach a spar torpedo to the hull of USS New Ironsides. Though the attack is regarded as a rebel victory, the Union ship was saved from serious damage.[3]

  1. ^ Roberts 1999, pp. 81–82
  2. ^ US Navy casualties were Acting Ensign C.W.Howard (died of gunshot wound), Seaman William L. Knox (legs broken) and Master at Arms Thomas Little (contusions).
  3. ^ "D.txt" (TXT). Haze Gray & Underway: Naval History and Photography. Retrieved 26 February 2024.