HMS Cynthia (1796) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Cynthia |
| Ordered | 16 September 1795 |
| Builder | Wells & Co., Rotherhithe, London |
| Laid down | October 1795 |
| Launched | 23 February 1796 |
| Commissioned | March 1796 |
| Honors and awards |
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| Fate | Broken up in October 1809 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 16-gun sliding-keel sloop-of-war |
| Tons burthen | 40765⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 28 ft 6 in (8.7 m) |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 121 |
| Armament | 16 x 6-pounder guns + 14 x ½-pounder swivel guns |
HMS Cynthia was a special kind of warship called a ship sloop. She was launched in 1796. Cynthia was involved in many exciting events. Her crew helped capture enemy ships and even took part in land attacks on forts. She was also present when the Dutch fleet surrendered and when Alexandria was captured. The ship was taken apart in 1809.
Contents
Ship Design and Features
The ship Cynthia was built by Wells & Co. in Rotherhithe, London. She had a special design with a shallow bottom. This design used three daggerboards, also known as John Schank's sliding keels. These helped the ship stay steady in the water.
Cynthia was first planned to have 18 guns. However, during building, this was changed to sixteen 6-pounder guns. She also carried fourteen smaller half-pound swivel guns. Later, these smaller guns were likely replaced with carronades, which were powerful short-range cannons.
Service During the French Revolutionary Wars
Cynthia began her service in March 1796. Her first commander was Micajah Malbon.
Early Captures (1797)
In April 1797, Cynthia teamed up with other British ships like Diamond and Minerva. Together, they captured an American ship named Favourite.
Later that year, in October, Cynthia and her companions captured a Spanish ship called Nostra Senora Del Carmen. She also helped recapture an American vessel named Betty. In November, Cynthia and the ship Cormorant captured a French merchant sloop called Necessaire.
Dutch Fleet Surrender (1799)
In February 1798, Cynthia and Cormorant captured a Prussian ship named Welwaert. A year later, in August 1799, Cynthia was part of a large British fleet. This fleet captured several Dutch ships and hulks (old ship bodies) in Holland.
This event was part of the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland. It happened just before the Vlieter Incident. In this incident, a large part of the Dutch navy surrendered to the British without a fight. Cynthia was among the ships that shared in the prize money from these captured Dutch vessels.
Attacks on Forts (1800)
In June 1800, Cynthia joined a squadron led by Captain Edward Pellew. They attacked forts at Quiberon in France. Cynthia, along with Thames and other small ships, silenced the forts.
British troops then landed and destroyed the forts. The British captured or sank several enemy vessels. Sadly, Cynthia had two men killed and one wounded during this attack.
Cynthia also benefited from prize money from other captures made by Pellew's squadron. She shared in the money from ships like Vigilant and Lancaster.
Ferrol and Vigo Bay (1800)
In August 1800, Cynthia was under Commander John Dick. She joined a squadron led by Rear-Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren. They attacked a fort near Ferrol, Spain.
Cynthia and other ships silenced the fort's guns. Sailors from the ships then landed to help soldiers move the guns. However, Ferrol was too strong, so the British forces had to leave.
Just four days later, in Vigo Bay, a group of boats from several British ships, including Cynthia, launched a daring attack. They captured a French privateer (a privately owned warship) called Guêpe. The fight lasted only 15 minutes. Guêpe had 18 guns and 161 men.
The French lost 25 men, and 40 were wounded. The British had four killed and 23 wounded. Years later, in 1847, a special medal called the Naval General Service Medal was given to those who survived this brave "Boat Service" action.
More Captures and Egyptian Campaign (1800-1801)
In December 1800, Cynthia and the gunvessel Urchin teamed up with Florentina. Together, they captured several French ships carrying rice and coffee from Alexandria to France. These included the Union, Bon Pasteur Retrouve, and Heureuse Clairon.
In 1801, Cynthia was involved in more captures off Alexandria. She helped capture the Rosa, Felicite, Josephine, and Almas di Purgatoria.
In August 1801, Cynthia took part in the important Egyptian operations. After the Battle of Alexandria and the siege, Cynthia was among the first British ships to enter the harbor. Because of her service in this campaign, her crew members could receive the "Egypt" clasp for their Naval General Service Medal.
Final Tasks
Around 1801 or 1802, Lord Elgin asked Cynthia to help transport some ancient Greek sculptures, now known as the Elgin marbles. However, Cynthia's captain, Commander Wright, was unable to help.
One of Cynthia's last duties was to transport ten soldiers who had caused trouble. She took them from Gibraltar to Portsmouth in January 1803. Some of these soldiers were then sent to Australia.
Ship's Fate
In February 1803, Cynthia was placed in ordinary (meaning she was kept in reserve) at Chatham. She was eventually taken apart, or "broken up," in October 1809.
