HDMS Friderichsværn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 Denmark-Norway |
|
| Name | HDMS Friderichsværn |
| Namesake | Staverns Fortress, an early anchorage and shipyard on the Oslo Fjord |
| Builder | Gerner, Nyeholm, Copenhagen |
| Launched | 1783 |
| Commissioned | 1784 |
| Captured | August 1807 |
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | HMS Frederickscoarn |
| Acquired | 1807 by capture |
| Fate | Sold 1814 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 776 (bm) |
| Length | British:130 ft 2 in (39.7 m) (overall); 107 ft 9+3⁄8 in (32.9 m) (keel) |
| Beam | British:36 ft 9+3⁄8 in (11.2 m) |
| Depth of hold | British:9 ft 10 in (3.0 m) |
| Complement | Danish:226 (when taken) |
| Armament |
|
The HDMS Friderichsværn was a Danish warship called a frigate. It was built in Copenhagen in 1783. A frigate is a fast, medium-sized warship. In 1807, the British Royal Navy captured the ship. They renamed her HMS Frederickscoarn and used her for a few years. The ship was eventually sold in 1814.
Building a Warship
The Friderichsværn was designed by Henrik Gerner. She was built at a place called Bodenhoffs Plads. The ship was launched into the water on July 5, 1783. Her construction was fully finished in July 1784.
Danish Service and Capture
The Friderichsværn spent all her time in Danish service close to Copenhagen. In 1798, she was used to train young naval cadets. From 1802, she served as a guard ship in the sound near Copenhagen.
In August 1807, Captain Henrik Sigismund Gerner was in command. He reported seeing many British warships arriving near Kronborg. More and more British ships and troop transports appeared over the next week.
On August 13, Captain Gerner tried to sail his ship back to the Copenhagen naval base. However, strong winds and tides pushed him north instead. Two British ships, HMS Defence and HMS Comus, chased the Friderichsværn.
On August 15, HMS Comus caught up and fought the Danish frigate near Marstrand. The Friderichsværn had 12 sailors killed and 20 wounded. Five of the wounded later died. HMS Comus had only two men wounded. The British captured the Danish ship. The main Battle of Copenhagen (1807) started a few days later.
After being captured, the Friderichsværn became a British ship. She was renamed HMS Frederickscoarn. She was a "fifth-rate" frigate, which meant she was a medium-sized warship.
The ship arrived at Chatham, England, in November 1807. She was then "laid up," meaning she was stored and not actively used. From March to June 1811, she was refitted to be a "receiving ship." This meant she was used as a floating barracks for new sailors. From 1812 to 1814, she was kept in "ordinary" at Chatham. This means she was in a reserve fleet, ready to be used if needed.
In 1847, many years later, the British Admiralty gave out a special medal. It was called the Naval General Service Medal (1847). Sailors who fought in the battle where Comus captured Friderichsværn could receive this medal.
What Happened Next?
HMS Frederickscoarn was sold in December 1814. She was sold for £1220.
