On board the Royal Navy torpedo ram Polyphemus (1881) while in an unknown Mediterranean anchorage. The photographer is looking aft from the bow showing men hoisting a 14 inch torpedo using the starboard torpedo davit on the forecastle. At the fore end of the flying deck the compass and the bridge wings have been given canvas screens. Men on the flying bridge and on the port bridge wing are looking to port. The top of the mast is out of the picture. Vertical format.