French ship Intrépide (1800) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 France |
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| Name | Intrépide |
| Launched | 20 November 1790 |
| Acquired | April 1801 |
| Captured | 21 October 1805 |
| Fate | Scuttled on 23 October 1805 |
| General characteristics | |
| Armament | 74 guns |
The Intrépide was a powerful warship with 74 guns. She was a "ship of the line," meaning she was a large, strong warship used in naval battles. She was first built in Ferrol, Spain, in 1790. Her original name was Intrepido, and she was part of the Spanish navy.
In 1801, the Intrépide was given to the French Navy. This happened because of a special agreement called the Second Treaty of San Ildefonso. This treaty was signed in 1800 between France and Spain.
The Battle of Trafalgar
On October 21, 1805, the Intrépide took part in a very famous sea battle. This battle was called the Battle of Trafalgar. Captain Louis-Antoine Infernet was in charge of the Intrépide during this battle.
The Intrépide was part of a group of ships led by Rear-Admiral Pierre Dumanoir le Pelley. This group was at the front of the French fleet. Other ships in this group included the Scipion, Duguay-Trouin, Mont Blanc, and Neptune.
Joining the Fight
During the battle, the British fleet, led by Admiral Nelson, attacked the main part of the French fleet. This left Dumanoir's ships a bit far away from the main fight. At first, Dumanoir did not quickly follow orders to return to the battle. When his ships finally turned back, most of them only fired a few shots before leaving the fight.
However, Captain Infernet and his crew on the Intrépide really wanted to join the main battle. They decided to go against Dumanoir's orders and bravely sailed into the thick of the fight. The Spanish ship Neptuno also joined them.
A Brave Stand
The Intrépide faced many British warships. She fought against Leviathan, Africa, Agamemnon, Ajax, Orion, and Conqueror. The battle was very fierce.
Around 5:00 PM, the Intrépide was badly damaged. About half of her crew had been lost. She had to lower her flag, which meant she was giving up the fight.
After the Battle
Two days later, on October 23, 1805, the Intrépide was scuttled. To "scuttle" a ship means to sink it on purpose. Admiral Collingwood gave the order to sink her.
This was done for two main reasons. First, a group of French ships was trying to get back some of the captured ships. Sinking the Intrépide stopped her from being recaptured. Second, a very strong storm made it impossible to save most of the damaged ships that had been captured.
See also
- List of ships captured in the 19th century
