[2] They were powered by a three-cylinder vertical triple expansion steam engine developing 1,400 horsepower and driving a single screw.

[2] The class was originally designed and built with barque-rigged sails, but both ships were re-rigged as barquentines before 1900 by removing the main yards.

[3][4] She was part of the naval escort for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Australia and New Zealand aboard the chartered Royal liner HMS Ophir during 1901.

In July 1914 Torch, in company with the French cruiser Kersaint, was involved with a native uprising on the Island of Wala, Vanuatu.

While leaving harbour at Kaingaroa on Chatham Island on 17 November 1924 she struck an uncharted rock, and was beached and abandoned.