HMS Galatea (1776) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Galatea |
| Ordered | 15 April and 1 December 1773 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | October 1774 |
| Launched | 21 March 1776 |
| Completed | By 26 May 1776 |
| Fate | Broken up in April 1783 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sphinx-class sixth-rate post-ship |
| Tons burthen | 429 23/94 bm |
| Length |
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| Beam | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 140 |
| Armament | 20 × 9-pounder guns |
HMS Galatea was a British warship built in the 1770s. She was a 20-gun Sphinx-class post-ship, which means she was a smaller warship with a specific number of guns. She was designed by John Williams and built at Deptford Dockyard. Galatea was launched on 21 March 1776 and served during the American War of Independence.
Contents
The Ship's Story
Early Missions
In 1776, HMS Galatea was sent to North America. Her captain was Thomas Jordan. The ship had a crew of 200 sailors. During her time there, she helped capture 30 American ships.
On January 1, 1778, Galatea captured a merchant schooner named Jolly Robin. Just two days later, on January 3, she captured a Dutch schooner called St. Ann. This ship was carrying cargo from Virginia to Curacao. Later that year, on May 15, 1778, Galatea captured an American sloop named Black Joke. This happened near the coast at (33°36′N 77°35′W / 33.600°N 77.583°W).
Facing the Americans
Galatea was involved in a naval action near St. Simons Island. An American naval group, led by Samuel Elbert, attacked the British ships. The Americans managed to capture three other British escort ships. However, Galatea's crew bravely ran their ship aground. This allowed them to escape without being captured by the American forces.
Captured Sailors
On April 28, 1779, Galatea captured an American ship called Revenge. The captain of Revenge was Gustavus Conyngham. After being captured, Captain Conyngham and his crew were held on board Galatea. He later reported that his journey to an English prison was very difficult.
The End of Her Journey
HMS Galatea served the Royal Navy for several years. In April 1783, the ship was taken apart. This happened at a place called Sheerness.
