HMS Hero (1803) facts for kids
The wreck of HMS Hero in the Texel, 25 December 1811
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Hero |
| Ordered | 24 June 1800 |
| Builder | Perry, Blackwall Yard |
| Laid down | August 1800 |
| Launched | 18 August 1803 |
| Honours and awards |
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| Fate | Wrecked, 1811 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fame-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1743 (bm) |
| Length | 175 ft (53 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m) |
| Depth of hold | 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 530 |
| Armament |
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HMS Hero was a powerful Royal Navy warship. She was a 74-gun third rate ship, which means she carried 74 cannons and was a medium-sized warship of her time. The ship was built and launched on August 18, 1803, at Blackwall Yard in England.
Contents
The Story of HMS Hero
HMS Hero was an important part of the British fleet during the early 1800s. She was designed to fight in naval battles and protect British interests at sea. These ships were known as "ships of the line" because they fought in a line formation.
Famous Battles
In 1805, HMS Hero took part in two important naval battles.
Battle of Cape Finisterre
First, she was involved in the Battle of Cape Finisterre. This battle happened in July 1805, off the coast of Spain. It was led by Admiral Robert Calder against a combined French and Spanish fleet.
Battle of Cape Ortegal
Later that same year, HMS Hero joined a group of ships led by Captain Sir Richard Strachan. This group won a big victory at the Battle of Cape Ortegal in November 1805. These battles were part of the larger Napoleonic Wars.
The Final Voyage
HMS Hero's career ended sadly on December 25, 1811. While sailing under Captain James Newman-Newman, the ship ran into a terrible storm. She was wrecked on the Haak Sands, which are sandbanks near the mouth of the Texel river.
The storm was so strong that the ship was completely destroyed. Tragically, almost everyone on board was lost. Only 12 of her crew members survived the shipwreck.
