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HMS Firm (1759) facts for kids

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History
Royal Navy EnsignGreat Britain
Name HMS Firm
Ordered 11 August 1756
Builder Perry, Blackwall Yard
Launched 15 January 1759
Fate Sold out of the service, 1791
Notes Harbour service from 1784
General characteristics
Class and type Edgar-class ship of the line
Tons burthen 1297 tons
Length 154 ft (47 m) (gundeck)
Beam 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
Depth of hold 18 ft 4 in (5.59 m)
Propulsion Sails
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Armament
  • 60 guns:
  • Gundeck: 24 × 24 pdrs
  • Upper gundeck: 26 × 12 pdrs
  • Quarterdeck: 8 × 6 pdrs
  • Forecastle: 2 × 6 pdrs

HMS Firm was a powerful warship that served in the Royal Navy of Great Britain. It was a "ship of the line," which meant it was a large warship designed to fight in a line formation during battles. This ship was built and launched in London in 1759.

Meet HMS Firm

HMS Firm was a 60-gun ship. This means it carried 60 cannons on its decks. It was part of the Edgar class of warships. These ships were important for protecting Britain's interests around the world.

The ship was built at Blackwall Yard in London. It was launched on January 15, 1759. This was a time when sailing ships were the main way to travel and fight at sea.

Life Aboard a Warship

As a "ship of the line," HMS Firm was built for battle. Its many guns could fire heavy cannonballs at enemy ships. The ship had different types of guns on its decks. The largest guns were on the lower gundeck.

Life on a warship like HMS Firm was tough. Many sailors lived and worked together in a small space. They had to be ready for anything, from storms to enemy attacks.

A Link to Famous Explorers

HMS Firm has an interesting connection to a famous explorer. From 1775, the ship's carpenter was a man named James Wallis. A carpenter on a ship was very important. They were responsible for keeping the ship in good repair.

Before joining HMS Firm, James Wallis had sailed with Captain James Cook. He was on Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Cook was famous for exploring new lands. So, HMS Firm had a crew member who had seen amazing parts of the world!

The End of Its Journey

After many years of service, HMS Firm was no longer needed for active fighting. From 1784, it was used for "harbour service." This means it stayed in a port and helped with tasks there. It was not sent out to sea for battles anymore.

Finally, in 1791, HMS Firm was broken up. This means the ship was taken apart. Its materials were likely reused for other purposes. This was a common end for old warships.

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