HMS Surprise

HMS Surprise is the ship which features in a fictional series by Patrick O Brian tracing the adventures of Captain Aubrey and surgeon Maturin. HMS Surprise gained popularity with fans; Captain Aubrey also developed an emotional attachment to it. The real history of HMS Surprise is quite interesting too.

History of HMS Surprise

HMS Surprise was constructed as a French Corvette named Unite in 1794 at Le Havre. It was a 24 gun frigate with 8lb long guns. In 1796, Unite was captured by the British in the Mediterranean, and was renamed HMS Surprise. She was then reclassified as a sixth rate 28 gun ship. French ships at that time were well known for their speed and deftness. They could outrun most craft at that time because of their streamlined hull designed below the waterline.

The big moment for HMS Surprise came in 1799 during the Hermione recapture. In an attempt by ship commander Captain Edward Hamilton to rescue the ship from mutineers, HMS Surprise was fired at by patrolling boats. HMS Surprise was able to escape unharmed and without any casualties from the Hermione mutiny, and carried the crew to safety.

Miniature models of this heroic beauty HMS Surprise are available at . Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here.

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GN TS0061P