HMS Siren (1745) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | HMS Siren |
| Namesake | Siren |
| Ordered | 27 August 1744 |
| Builder | Thomas Snelgrove, Limehouse |
| Laid down | September 1744 |
| Launched | 3 September 1745 |
| Commissioned | November 1745 |
| Decommissioned | December 1763 |
| Fate | Sold, 26 January 1764 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | 20-gun sixth-rate (1741 Establishment) |
| Tons burthen | 498 36⁄94 tons bm |
| Length |
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| Beam | 32 ft 1 in (9.78 m) |
| Depth of hold | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Complement | 140 |
| Armament | 20 × 6-pounder guns |
HMS Siren (often called Syren in old records) was a British Royal Navy ship. She was a "sixth-rate" ship, which means she was a smaller warship. Siren was in service from 1745 to 1763. During this time, she took part in two big wars: the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War.
Contents
Building and Early Days
Siren was built in a place called Limehouse by Thomas Snelgrove. Her construction cost about £4,600. She was finished and ready for duty at Deptford Dockyard by November 1745.
First Commander
After being completed, Siren was officially put into service, or "commissioned." Her first commander was Captain John Stringer. The ship's job was to patrol the waters near the River Thames and an important anchorage called the Downs.
Change of Command
In December 1746, Captain Stringer was removed from his position. He was later dismissed from the Navy after a special hearing called a "court martial." The Hon. John Byron then took command of Siren. In 1747, Siren became part of Admiral George Anson's fleet.
Adventures Far From Home
In October 1747, Matthew King became the new captain. In August 1748, Siren set sail for the East Indies, a region in Southeast Asia.
Serving in the East Indies
Captain King sadly passed away in June 1749 while in the East Indies. William Mantell then took over as commander. Siren stayed in the East Indies until 1751. She returned to England and was taken out of service, or "paid off," in July 1752.
Repairs and New Missions
The ship then underwent some "middling repairs" starting in July 1754. These repairs cost over £5,400. After the repairs, Siren was recommissioned in October 1754 under Captain Charles Proby.
Journey to North America
On December 18, 1754, Siren sailed to North America. She joined Admiral Augustus Keppel's squadron, which was a group of warships. This was during the French and Indian War. Siren was stationed off the coast of South Carolina until she was ordered to return home in July 1756.
Mediterranean and Home Waters
On October 23, 1756, with Thomas Collingwood as captain, Siren sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. Her main task there was to protect English merchant ships as they traveled.
Repairs and New Captains
Between August 1759 and January 1760, Siren had small repairs done at Sheerness Dockyard. In March 1761, Charles Douglas became her captain. After more fitting out at Sheerness, she joined the Downs Squadron.
Capturing a Privateer
On November 26, 1761, Siren was sailing with two other ships, Unicorn and the sloop Martin. Together, they chased and captured a 10-gun privateer cutter named Ernestine. A privateer was a private ship authorized by a government to attack enemy shipping.
Final Missions and Sale
On April 21, 1762, Siren sailed to the Newfoundland Fishery. This area was important for fishing.
Recapturing St. John's
In September 1762, Siren played a part in recapturing St. John's. She was part of a squadron led by Commodore Alexander Colville.
End of Service
In late 1762, William Paston took command of Siren. She was "paid off" for the last time in December 1763. This meant she was taken out of active service. Siren was then sold at Sheerness for £1,015 on January 26, 1764.
