Fonds consists of records relating to the construction of the ship and records created while she was commissioned with the Royal Newfoundland Reserve. The fonds includes three journals relating to the construction of the vessel, HMS Calypso, including details of the vessel's construction kept by J.H. Lovell, carpenter at Chatham Dockyard (1881); a record of weights for the vessel (1883-84); and detailed sketches of the machinery aboard the vessel (1883). Each journal contains detailed hand drawn and painted illustrations. Other files include two pieces of correspondence, one of which is a letter from David Murray to the editor of Shipbuilding and Shipping Record regarding the construction and history of the vessel, 2 Aug. 1952.
The fonds also includes four drill registers created while the vessel was used to train members of the Reserve. These lists individuals and the period of their drill, the training vessel and remarks; a register of trainees; deck logbooks (1914-20); regulations concerning summary punishments and character, conduct, badges etc.(1911-13); and day books recording liquor accounts. A salt delivery book recording deliveries after the vessel was sold to Murray's is also included.
Fonds is arranged in two series: 1. Construction journals, 1881-1884, 1952; 2. Royal Naval Reserve drill registers, 1904-1922.
Calypso (ship)