Unprotected cruiser

For instance, the British Royal Navy tended to refer to larger gunboats and small cruisers as “sloops”.

Most of these ships retained sailing rig and were useful for colonial duties, where dockyards and coal supplies were often inadequate.

The speed and firepower difference between even a small light cruiser and a gunboat had made these categories permanently distinct.

Wireless technology had eliminated message-carrying roles, and specialized torpedo craft were made much lighter and faster (destroyers).

When discarded terms such as “sloop”, “frigate” and “corvette” were used again, it was for small anti-submarine convoy escort craft.