HMS Alert (1779)

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History
Naval Ensign of Great Britain (1707-1800).svgGreat Britain
NameHMS Alert
BuilderDover [1]
Laid downOctober 1778 [1]
Launched1 October 1779 [1]
FateCaptured by France, 25 September 1780
Flag of the Kingdom of France (1814-1830).svgFrance
NameAlerte
Acquiredby capture, 25 September 1780
In serviceSeptember 1780 [1]
FateRecaptured by Great Britain, 28 November 1781 [2]
Naval Ensign of Great Britain (1707-1800).svgGreat Britain
NameHMS Alert
FateSold to break up at Deptford, October 1792
General characteristics [1]
Tons burthen110 (bm)
Length24.0 metres [1]
Beam7.6 metres [1]
Depth of hold3.4 metres [1]
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Armament18 guns [1]

HMS Alert was an 18-gun cutter of the Royal Navy. She took part in the War of American Independence, where she was captured by the French Navy and brought into their service. She was part on the squadron under Grasse until a British frigate recaptured her.

Contents

Service history

British career

Alert was built at Dover in 1779. She patrolled in the Gulf of Biscay until Diligente captured her on 25 September 1780 off the Gironde. The French brought her into service as Alerte. [1]

French career

Alerte was attached to the squadron of Grasse, under Ensign Gallien de Chabons. [1] She took part in the Battle of Fort Royal on 29 April and 30 April 1781. [3] [4] [5]

On 28 November 1781, the 36-gun frigate HMS Perseverance recaptured her after a long battle. [2] Auxiliary officer Galocheau was wounded and lost an eye. [6]

Fate

Alert was sold to break up at Deptford in October 1792. [1]

Sources and references

Notes

    References

    1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Roche (2005), p. 32.
    2. 1 2 Kerguelen (1796), p. 224.
    3. Kerguelen (1796), p. 182-183.
    4. Troude (1867), p. 100—101.
    5. Lacour-Gayet (1905), p. 648—649.
    6. Kerguelen (1796), p. 225.

    Bibliography


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