Pelayo - Guide 420

The Pelayo, a unique ironclad/pre-dreadnought of the Spanish Imperial Navy, is today's subject.

Read more about the ship here:
EL ACORAZADO PELAYO - A. Alamillo
Buques de guerra españoles 1885-1971 - A. Aguilera

[mitchm]

I half-expected something about how, after it was sold for scrap, the scrap somehow got in one last bombardment of Morocco.

[davidg]

"Sold for scrapping". [Morocco breathes a sigh of relief]

[iffracem]

Well... she definitely *looks* French built

[markmaki]

When the length of your admiral's name is longer than the list of your navy's combat ships, there's a problem.

[VintageCarHistory]

Starting your day with Drach... That's sailoring.

[paulgoyne]

One of my favorite pre-dreadnoughts - no particular reason, I just like the way she looks!

[khaelamensha]

Quite disappointed to learn that after she was sold for scrap she did not pay another visit to Morocco 😂

[The_Fishy_Fish]

Spain has two cities on the North Moroccan coast, Ceuta and Meilila, both established in the early to mid 15th century, both still part of Spain today, and at the time of Pelayos antics had a small protectorate they were attempting to pacify and subdue connecting these two cities and containing the surrounding lands. Spain would fight a serises of small campaigns through the first two decades of the 20th century before the big one kicked off. In 1921 the Disaster at Annual would see the largest defeat of a European power at the hands of a native force, and kick off the Rif War. A fascinating conflict for those interested.

[jimutermark]

Hi Drach! I hope you, Mrs. Drach & Baby Drach had a wonderful Christmas together. Just taking the opportunity to thank you for the phenomenal content you’ve produced over the years. It has been interesting, edifying & very entertaining! Wishing you the very best for 2025!

[gbcb]

“….Dozens of small auxiliary warships” and, presumably, a partridge in a pear tree

[TheNinjaDC]

Looks like a surprisingly competent pre dreadnaught for a French built ship.

[Doc_Tar]

Good on the Spanish for getting the most out of this warship.

[Dave-syrg]

It could have been interesting for Admiral Dewey if the Spanish had managed to get the Palayo out to Manila before the US showed up.

[Torquemada]

With that name, it’s Morocco bombing destiny was sealed. Pelagius of Asturias is the man credited with stopping the Muslim expansion and beginning the Reconquista period back in 8th century Iberia.

[questionmark]

A very interesting period of ship construction. An intresting topic, needed that this week, thanks Drach.

[casey]

Pelayo has ironically been the bane of Morocco since 718.

[roelantverhoeven]

as far as pre-dreadnoughts (especially early ones) go, she is a great looking ship!

[beaglemusiclabs]

Took one look at the ship, saw it was 5-Minute Guide 420, and just nodded with a smile. 😆

[chrisf]

I love these one-off ships made for/by smaller navies. Sure, the British and US navy ships are cool, but after you ctrl-v them a dozen times the fascination starts wearing off.

[zlatanclovecic]

I'm happy that you've focused on this interesting warship, a serious attempt to bring Spanish naval force back to 1st league.