HMS Diana was a steam paddle steamer constructed in 1823 by Kyds of Kidderpore, Calcutta. She was designed as a merchant vessel with a displacement of approximately 133 tons. Her propulsion system consisted of two side-lever engines, each producing 16 horsepower (around 12 kW), manufactured by Henry Maudslay of Lambeth. Launched on 12 July 1823, Diana was equipped with armament that included Congreve rockets, reflecting her dual role as a merchant vessel and a warship. In 1824, the Bengal Government purchased Diana at the suggestion of Commander Frederick Marryat, recognizing her potential for military use. During the First Anglo-Burmese War, she became the first steam-powered warship of the Honourable East India Company to see combat. She operated in riverine environments, accompanying British naval vessels such as HMS Sophie, HMS Larne, and HMS Liffey from Port Cornwallis in the Andaman Islands to Rangoon, where she took part in an attack. She also participated in operations against Penang on 19 September 1824. Under the command of Lieutenant George Winsor in 1825 and 1826, Diana operated in the Irrawaddy River, with Winsor producing a navigational map of the area. Following the end of the war on 8 March 1826, Diana was transferred to the Burmese Government. Some records suggest she was broken up in 1836, but most indicate she was sold to Singapore, arriving there on 28 February 1836. In 1837, the East India Company reacquired her, appointing Captain Samuel Congalton to command. Under the company's service, Diana was employed to suppress piracy and conduct maritime surveys, operating with a crew that included her captain, two European officers, and around thirty Malays. Congalton commanded her until 1845, after which she was replaced by her successor, the Hooghly. Subsequently, Diana was sold and renamed Eliza Penelope. Her service marked an important milestone as one of the earliest steam-powered vessels to be actively engaged in military and survey operations in Southeast Asian waters, highlighting her maritime significance during the early 19th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.