HMS Bermuda (1813) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Launched | June 1812 |
| Captured | c.1813 |
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | HMS Bermuda |
| Acquired | By gift of a prize |
| Fate | Broken up 1817 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 43, or 4445⁄94 by calc., or 90 (bm) |
| Length |
|
| Beam | 15 ft 0 in (4.6 m) |
| Depth of hold | 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m) |
| Armament | 1 × 6-pounder gun |
HMS Bermuda was a small sailing ship called a schooner. It started its life helping other ships on the Delaware River in the United States. During the War of 1812, it was captured by the British. They then gave it to the Royal Navy, which is the British navy.
Contents
From Pilot Boat to Warship
The Bermuda was originally a pilot boat. A pilot boat helps guide larger ships safely into and out of harbors. It was built in June 1812. The British captured this boat around 1813. They decided it would be useful for their navy. So, in 1813, they presented it as a gift to the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy officially added it to their fleet on April 28, 1814.
The Great Escape of 1814
In 1814, something exciting happened involving the Bermuda. Eleven American prisoners of war were being held on another British ship, HMS Goree, near Bermuda. On April 21, 1814, these prisoners were taken in a small boat to collect fresh water. This was their chance to escape!
How the Escape Happened
The prisoners quickly overpowered the Gorees bosun (a ship's officer) and two guards. They then rowed their small boat towards the Bermuda. There were only five people on the Bermuda: its captain, a pilot, and three sailors. The American prisoners chased these five people below deck. They put the bosun and guards they had captured into the Bermudas small boat. Then, the Americans quickly set sail on the Bermuda.
Reaching Freedom
The escaped prisoners sailed the Bermuda all the way to Cape May, New Jersey, in the United States. They arrived there on April 28. Several British warships chased them as they got close to shore. To avoid being captured again, the escapees ran the Bermuda aground (onto the shore). They then quickly got off the ship and escaped on land.
Even though the American prisoners escaped, the Royal Navy managed to get the Bermuda back. Commander John Sykes took command of the ship in November 1814. The Bermuda then served on the Jamaica station, which was a naval base area in the Caribbean. The ship continued its service for a few more years.
The End of Bermuda
Finally, in February 1817, HMS Bermuda was "broken up." This means the ship was taken apart. Its useful parts were saved, and the rest was discarded. This was the end of its journey as a pilot boat and a Royal Navy schooner.
