HMS Proselyte (1804) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Ramillies |
| Builder | Unknown, North Shields Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Launched | 1804 |
| Acquired | June 1804 |
| Renamed | HMS Proselyte |
| Fate | Crushed by ice 5 December 1808 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sixth rate |
| Tonnage | 40392⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 29 ft 6 in (8.99 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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HMS Proselyte was a ship that served in the Royal Navy, the navy of the United Kingdom. Originally, she was a merchant ship called Ramillies, built in 1804. The Royal Navy bought her in June 1804.
After buying her, the navy changed Ramillies into a warship. She became a "sixth-rate" ship, which meant she was a smaller warship with 28 guns. She was officially named HMS Proselyte in September 1804. Later, between 1806 and 1808, she was changed again into a special type of warship called a bomb vessel. Sadly, in 1808, Proselyte was destroyed by thick ice near the island of Anholt. At the time, she was helping other ships by acting as a lightvessel, which is like a floating lighthouse.
What Was HMS Proselyte's Service?
Proselyte began her naval service in September 1804. Her first captain was George Hardinge. In January 1805, Captain George Sayer took command of the ship. He sailed Proselyte to the West Indies. She was escorting a large group of 150 merchant ships and three groups of soldiers.
This convoy of ships reached Barbados safely. They managed to avoid a French naval group that was looking for them. In July, Captain Sayer left Proselyte. Captain John Woolcombe then took over command. He sailed the ship back to Portsmouth, England, in November. When Proselyte arrived, she was taken out of active service for a while.
Between December 1806 and April 1808, the navy worked on Proselyte. They changed her into a bomb vessel. These ships were designed to fire large bombs at land targets or enemy ships.
In February 1808, Proselyte was ready for duty again. Captain Henry James Lyford became her new commander. She then sailed to the Baltic Sea. This was during a time known as the Gunboat War.
Proselyte's Role as a Lightvessel
On October 2, 1808, the navy announced a new job for Proselyte. She was ordered to stay near the island of Anholt. This island is in a sea area called the Kattegat. Her job was to carry a light to help guide other ships safely.
The Danes had turned off their lighthouse on Anholt when the war started. So, Proselyte became a temporary floating lighthouse. She arrived at her station in early November.
How HMS Proselyte Was Lost
On December 5, 1808, Proselyte got stuck in thick ice. The ice was so strong that it pushed the ship onto her side. She was wrecked at the edge of the Anholt reef.
The crew had to leave the ship because of the ice. They walked about 8 nautical miles (about 15 kilometers) across the ice to Anholt Island. It was a very difficult journey, but thankfully, no one was lost.
Because Proselyte was lost, the British decided to take action. In May, they sent a group of warships to Anholt. This group included HMS Standard and HMS Owen Glendower, along with some smaller ships. Their goal was to capture Anholt and get the lighthouse working again.
