HMS Coromandel (1795) facts for kids
Approaching Dover, by Thomas Whitcombe
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Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} East India Company |
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| Name | Winterton |
| Builder | Perry & Co., Blackwall Yard |
| Launched | 9 May 1795 |
| Fate | Sold to the Royal Navy in 1795 |
.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Coromandel |
| Acquired | 1795 by purchase |
| Fate | Sold 1813 for breaking up |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fourth rate in Royal Navy service |
| Tons burthen | 1290, or 133441⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 42 ft 5+1⁄4 in (12.935 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft 2 in (5.23 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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HMS Coromandel was a special ship that served the Royal Navy a long time ago. Originally, she was a merchant ship named Winterton, built for the East India Company. In 1795, the Royal Navy bought her while she was still being built. She became a fourth-rate ship, which meant she was a medium-sized warship. Later, she was used as a troopship to carry soldiers and even as a hospital ship. She was eventually sold in 1813.
Contents
The Story of HMS Coromandel
From Merchant Ship to Warship
The ship we know as HMS Coromandel started her life as the Winterton. She was built by Perry & Co. at Blackwall Yard in England. This yard was famous for building many ships. The Winterton was launched on May 9, 1795.
However, the British Admiralty (the government department in charge of the Royal Navy) decided they needed more ships. So, they bought Winterton before she was even finished. They changed her name to HMS Coromandel in June 1795. Her first captain was Captain John Inglis.
Life as a Troopship
The Navy soon decided that Coromandel would be better suited for carrying troops. In May 1796, she was transferred to the Transport Board. This board was responsible for moving soldiers and supplies. She was recommissioned as a troopship in July 1796.
Lieutenant Richard Harrison became her commander. He even received a "letter of marque." This was a special document that allowed a private ship to capture enemy ships during wartime. Later, Richard Simmonds took command in 1797. He also had a letter of marque.
Important Missions
HMS Coromandel took part in some important events. On November 7, 1798, she was involved in the capture of Minorca. Minorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Her crew received "prize money" for the goods and supplies captured during this event. Prize money was a reward given to sailors for capturing enemy ships or goods.
Just eight days later, on November 15, Coromandel captured a Spanish ship called Misericordia. This ship was carrying a cargo of paper. She also helped in the recapture of another British ship, HMS Peterel, on November 13.
In July 1799, Commander John Mortimer took over in the West Indies. Between March and April 1801, Coromandel helped capture several islands. These included St Bartholomew, Saint Martin, St Thomas, and St. Croix. These captures were part of a larger expedition led by Lieutenant General Thomas Trigge and Admiral John Duckworth.
In January 1802, the ship ran aground in Jamaica but was successfully freed. She then sailed to Martinique.
End of Service
By August 1802, Coromandel was back in Britain. She was fitted at Chatham to continue her role as a troopship. Later, from June to October 1807, she was refitted again at Chatham. This time, she was prepared to be a "convalescent ship" for service in Jamaica. A convalescent ship was like a floating hospital, used to help sick or injured sailors recover.
Finally, HMS Coromandel was sold in Jamaica on July 24, 1813. She was bought by Mr. William Barnes for £700. The condition of the sale was that she had to be broken up. This means she was taken apart for her materials.
