HMS Reindeer (1804) facts for kids
Woodblock of the action between USS Wasp and HMS Reindeer
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Reindeer |
| Ordered | 23 May 1804 |
| Builder | S(amuel) & D(aniel) Brent, Rotherhithe |
| Laid down | June 1804 |
| Launched | 15 August 1804 |
| Commissioned | September 1804 |
| Fate | Captured and burnt by USS Wasp on 28 June 1814 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Cruizer-class brig-sloop |
| Tons burthen | 385 bm |
| Length | 100 ft 0 in (30.48 m) |
| Beam | 30 ft 7+1⁄2 in (9.335 m) |
| Draught | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) forward; 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m)aft |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | two-masted brig-sloop |
| Armament |
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HMS Reindeer was a British warship, an 18-gun brig-sloop, launched in 1804. She was built quickly using fir wood. Reindeer fought in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. Sadly, she was captured and burned by the American ship USS Wasp in 1814.
Contents
Adventures in the Caribbean Sea
In September 1804, Commander John Fyffe took command of Reindeer. He sailed her to the Jamaica station, a key naval base.
Chasing Privateers
On March 7, 1805, Reindeer and Hunter chased and captured a Spanish privateer schooner named Santa Rosalía Golondrina. Privateers were private ships allowed by a government to attack enemy ships. This one had 57 crew members.
Later that year, on September 13, Reindeer captured the French privateer Renommée. Her crew had to row for six hours in the hot sun to catch the enemy ship. Renommée had 40 men on board.
In March 1805, Reindeer and Magicienne sent small boats to capture a 4-gun schooner in Aguadilla Bay, Puerto Rico. This daring mission was led by Lieutenant John Kelly Tudor.
Battles with French Ships
On March 24, 1806, off Puerto Rico, Reindeer fought two French brigs, Phaéton and Voltigeur. Each French ship had sixteen 6-pounder guns. The ships exchanged fire for about four hours. Reindeer damaged the French brigs, but they managed to escape. Two days later, Pique captured both French ships. The British Navy later used them as their own ships.
On April 21, Reindeer captured the French privateer schooner Creole. This ship was known as the fastest vessel in those waters. Reindeer also destroyed another small privateer.
New Commanders and More Captures
In February 1807, Commander Peter John Douglas took over from Commander Fyffe. On October 13, Reindeer captured the privateer Amor de la Patria. She had three guns and 63 crew members.
On December 21, Reindeer captured the French privateer Experiment after a 10-hour chase. She had two guns and 40 men. On January 25, 1808, Reindeer chased and captured the French privateer Lyonnaise. This ship had five guns and 85 men. Two days later, Douglas found another privateer and forced it ashore. Reindeer was able to pull the 3-gun ship off the shore.
Capturing Samana
On November 10, 1808, Reindeer joined forces with other British ships. They decided to capture the town and port of Samana to help Spanish allies. The British took control of the harbor the next day.
During that week, the British captured two French privateer schooners, Guerrière and Exchange. They also captured three merchant ships carrying fish and coffee.
In 1809, Reindeer sailed to the North Sea. On March 8, she captured the French naval schooner Mouche №13. This ship was carrying important messages. Later that year, Reindeer sailed back to Jamaica under Commander Christopher Crackenthorp Askew.
Patrolling the English Channel
In 1811, Commander Nicholas Lechmere Pateshall took command of Reindeer. Later, Commander Daniel Ross and then Commander William Manners led the ship.
Capturing Enemy Ships
During 1813, Reindeer captured several enemy vessels. On February 2, Reindeer and Iris captured the American schooner Cashier. This ship was armed with six guns and had a crew of 40.
On March 19, Reindeer captured the French brig Pandour. Then, on April 6, Reindeer and Helicon captured the American privateer Shadow. On November 22, Reindeer captured the French 14-gun privateer Spéculation.
The Final Battle
On June 28, 1814, Reindeer met the American sloop USS Wasp, commanded by Johnston Blakely. This happened about 500 miles west of Ushant, an island off France.
A Fierce Fight
In the battle, Reindeer suffered heavy losses. Twenty-five of her crew were killed, including her commander, and 42 men were wounded. Reindeer had a total of 98 men and 20 boys. She was forced to surrender to the Wasp.
Two main reasons for Reindeer's defeat were:
- The Wasp had many more crew members than Reindeer.
- The Wasp's guns were much more powerful. Reindeer had older, weaker 24-pounder carronades instead of her original 32-pounder ones.
Fate of the Ship
The day after the battle, on June 29, 1814, Commander Blakely of the Wasp decided that Reindeer was too badly damaged to keep. He ordered her to be set on fire.
