HMS Amaranthe (1804) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Amaranthe |
| Ordered | 15 October 1803 |
| Builder | John Dudman, Deptford, London |
| Launched | 20 November 1804 |
| Honours and awards |
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| Fate | Sold in 1815 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Cruizer-class brig-sloop |
| Tons burthen | 38621⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 30 ft 8 in (9.3 m) |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft 9 in (3.9 m) |
| Sail plan | Brig-sloop |
| Complement | 121 |
| Armament |
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HMS Amaranthe was a fast and powerful 18-gun warship of the Royal Navy. She was a type of ship called a Cruizer-class brig-sloop, built by John Dudman in Deptford, London. She was launched in 1804.
Amaranthe served mostly in the Caribbean Sea. Her crew took part in important battles and campaigns. For their bravery, many crew members later received the Naval General Service Medal (NGSM). The ship was eventually sold in 1815.
Contents
Life at Sea: Amaranthe's Service
Amaranthe began her service in January 1805. Her first commander was Edward Pelham Brenton. She started her duties in the North Sea.
Early Captures
In 1806, Amaranthe captured a ship named Juno. She also captured another ship called Hoffnung when fighting began with Prussia. In 1807, she captured the Louisa Wilhelmina.
Adventures in the Caribbean
In April 1808, Amaranthe sailed to the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. She joined other British warships near Barbados. Their mission was to block French ships from entering or leaving the French West Indian islands. This is called a blockade.
During this time, Amaranthe helped capture several ships. These included the American vessel Intrepid and another ship called Mary and Allen. She also helped capture a French ship named Bonetta.
Battle at Pearl Rock
On December 13, 1808, Amaranthe joined two other British ships, Circe and Stork. They were fighting to destroy a French schooner (a type of sailing ship) called Cygne near Pearl Rock, Saint-Pierre, Martinique.
The Cygne and shore batteries had already caused many injuries to the British ships. When Amaranthe arrived, her powerful cannons forced the French crew to leave Cygne. Men from Amaranthe then boarded the French ship and set it on fire.
During this fight, Amaranthe lost one sailor and had five others wounded. Her sailing master, Joshua Jones, was also badly hurt while helping to destroy another French schooner. For his leadership in this battle, Commander Brenton was promoted to post-captain. Years later, in 1847, the sailors who fought here received the NGSM with a special clasp for "Off the Pearl Rock 13 Decr. 1808".
Campaigns and More Captures
In December 1808, Commander George Pringle took command of Amaranthe.
Invasion of Martinique
Amaranthe played a part in the successful invasion of Martinique in February 1809. During this campaign, Commander Brenton even served on land with soldiers. For their service, those who survived this campaign received the NGSM with the "Martinique" clasp.
Capturing the Îles des Saintes
In April 1809, a strong French fleet arrived at the Îles des Saintes, islands south of Guadeloupe. British forces quickly surrounded them. Amaranthe was among the ships that helped capture these islands.
Capture of Guadeloupe
Amaranthe also helped in the capture of Guadeloupe in early 1810. This was another important victory for the British. For their efforts in this campaign, surviving sailors received the NGSM with the "Guadaloupe" clasp.
Commander Richard Yates took command of Amaranthe in July 1814.
End of Service
Amaranthe did not see much more action after 1810. The British Admiralty, which managed the Royal Navy, sold her at Woolwich on October 12, 1815. She was sold for £900.
