HMS Actaeon (1775) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Actaeon |
| Ordered | 5 November 1771 |
| Builder | Woolwich Dockyard |
| Laid down | October 1772 |
| Launched | 18 April 1775 |
| Completed | August 1775 |
| Commissioned | 19 June 1775 |
| Fate | Lost in action off Fort Sullivan, South Carolina, 29 June 1776 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 28-gun Enterprise-class sixth-rate frigate |
| Tons burthen | 593 89⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 33 ft 6 in (10.2 m) |
| Depth of hold | 11 ft 0.25 in (3.3592 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 200 officers and men |
| Armament |
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HMS Actaeon was a fast sailing ship of the Royal Navy. It was part of the Enterprise-class, which meant it was built to a specific design. This ship was known as a "sixth-rate" frigate, carrying 28 guns. It played a role in the American Revolutionary War before its loss in 1776.
Contents
What Was HMS Actaeon?
HMS Actaeon was a type of warship called a frigate. Frigates were important ships in the 1700s. They were smaller and faster than big battleships. This made them perfect for scouting, protecting convoys, and chasing enemy ships.
A Speedy Warship
The Actaeon was built for speed and agility. It measured about 120 feet long. It had a narrow shape to help it move quickly through the water. Its design allowed it to sail well in different conditions.
Guns and Crew
This frigate carried 28 guns. Most of these were 9-pounder guns on the main deck. It also had smaller 6-pounder guns on the quarterdeck. These guns helped the ship defend itself and attack enemies. A crew of 200 officers and sailors worked together to operate the ship. They managed the sails, fired the cannons, and kept the ship running.
Early Days and First Missions
The construction of HMS Actaeon began in October 1772. It was built at Woolwich Dockyard in England. The ship was officially launched on April 18, 1775. This was when it first floated on the water.
In June 1775, the Actaeon was officially put into service. This is called being commissioned. Captain Christopher Atkins was given command of the ship. He was its first captain. The ship was ready for its duties with the Royal Navy.
An Early Mishap
Just a few months later, in August 1775, the Actaeon faced a problem. It was driven ashore near Lymington, a town in Hampshire, England. This means it accidentally ran aground on the coast. Luckily, the ship was refloated on August 31. It was then taken to Portsmouth for repairs. After these repairs, the Actaeon was ready to sail again.
Action in the American Revolution
The Actaeon's most significant role came during the American Revolutionary War. This war began in 1775 between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies. The Royal Navy played a big part in this conflict. They transported troops and fought against American forces.
The Battle of Sullivan's Island
In June 1776, HMS Actaeon was involved in a major battle. This was the Battle of Sullivan's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. British forces tried to capture Fort Sullivan, which protected Charleston. The Actaeon was part of a group of British warships attacking the fort.
The Loss of HMS Actaeon
During the battle on June 28, 1776, several British ships ran aground. The Actaeon was one of them. It got stuck on a sandbar and could not move. The fort's cannons fired heavily at the stranded ships. The next day, on June 29, the British decided to abandon the Actaeon. They set the ship on fire to prevent it from falling into American hands. The fire destroyed the ship, and it was lost in action.
Legacy of HMS Actaeon
Even though its career was short, HMS Actaeon was part of an important historical event. Its loss at Sullivan's Island showed the challenges faced by the Royal Navy during the American Revolution. The ship's story is a reminder of naval warfare in the 18th century.
