HMS Turbulent (1805) facts for kids
HMS Turbulent captured by a Danish gunboat
during the Gunboat War on 9 June 1808 |
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Turbulent |
| Ordered | 20 November 1804 |
| Builder | Tanner, Dartmouth, Devon |
| Laid down | February 1805 |
| Launched | 17 July 1805 |
| Fate | Captured, 9 June 1808 |
 Denmark & Norway |
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| Name | HDMS The Turbulent |
| Captured | 9 June 1808 |
| Fate | Sold 1814 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 18124⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 22 ft 1 in (6.7 m) |
| Draft |
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| Depth of hold | 11 ft 0 in (3.4 m) |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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HMS Turbulent was a small but powerful warship called a gun-brig. It had 12 guns and served in the Royal Navy, which is the navy of the United Kingdom. This ship was the very first one to be named Turbulent. It was built in Dartmouth, Devon by a company called Tanner and was launched on July 17, 1805. After only three years of service, the ship was captured by the Danes in 1808. It was later sold in 1814.
Contents
Life at Sea: Early Service of HMS Turbulent
Turbulent began its service in September 1805. Its first commander was Lieutenant Thomas Osmer. The ship was assigned to patrol an area known as The Downs, which is a safe place for ships to anchor off the coast of England.
In 1806, Turbulent worked with another ship, HMS Urgent, to capture a ship called Romeo. This ship was sailing from Virginia to Rotterdam. Later, in 1807, Lieutenant John Nops took over command of Turbulent.
Helping at the Battle of Copenhagen
In September 1807, Turbulent was part of a big event called the seizure of the Danish fleet at Copenhagen. During this battle, the British navy took control of many Danish ships.
Captured in the Gunboat War
In 1808, Lieutenant George Wood became the new commander of Turbulent. Under his command, the ship captured a few other vessels. However, Turbulent's most significant event happened during the Gunboat War. This was a conflict between Britain and Denmark-Norway.
The Battle of Saltholm
On June 9, 1808, Turbulent was part of a group of warships protecting a large convoy of 70 merchant ships. A convoy is a group of ships traveling together for safety, usually with military escorts. The other escort ships were HMS Thunder, HMS Charger, and HMS Piercer.
As the convoy sailed near the Danish island of Saltholm, the wind died down, leaving the ships stuck. Suddenly, a large force of 21 Danish gunboats and 7 mortar boats appeared from Copenhagen. These small, fast boats were very effective in calm waters.
Turbulent, which was at the back of the convoy, and Thunder were the only ships in a good position to fight back. After just 10 minutes of intense fighting, Turbulent was badly damaged. It lost its main mast and three sailors were wounded. Even though Turbulent was captured by the Danes, its brave resistance helped save most of the merchant ships in the convoy. The Danes managed to capture Turbulent and 12 merchant ships.
Lieutenant Wood, the commander of Turbulent, later faced a military trial for losing his ship. However, he was honorably cleared of any wrongdoing, meaning he was found not at fault.
What Happened Next: The Fate of Turbulent
After its capture, the Danes added Turbulent to their own navy, keeping the same name. The ship served the Danish navy until 1814. That year, it was sold to a broker named Herlew. This likely happened after the Treaty of Kiel was signed, which officially ended the war between Britain and Denmark-Norway.
In 1816, there was a report that the Danish brig Turbulent was seen stuck in ice near Landskrona.
