HMS Cydnus (1813)
| History | |
|---|---|
 UK
|
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| Name: | HMS Cydnus |
| Ordered: | 16 November 1812 |
| Builder: | Wigram, Wells & Green, London |
| Laid down: | December 1812 |
| Launched: | 17 April 1813 |
| Completed: | By 30 June 1813 |
| Honours and awards: |
Naval General Service Medal with clasp "14 Dec Boat Service 1814" |
| Fate: | Broken up in February 1816 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Cydnus-class fifth-rate |
| Tons burthen: | 1,078 82⁄94 (bm) |
| Length: |
|
| Beam: | 40 ft 3 in (12.3 m) |
| Depth of hold: | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Sail plan: | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement: | 315 |
| Armament: |
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HMS Cydnus was one of eight Royal Navy 38-gun Cydnus-class fifth-rates. This frigate was built in 1813 at Blackwall Yard, London, and broken up in 1816.
The entire class was a version of the Leda-class frigates, but built of red fir (pine), which was cheaper and more abundant than oak. Most importantly, it permitted noticeably faster construction, but at a cost of reduced durability.
To enable the new frigate to meet the American frigates on less unequal terms, Cydnus, and her sister Eurotas received medium 24-pounders and an increased complement of men. Cydnus's 24-pounders were of a design by General Sir Thomas Blomefield, 1st Baronet and measured 7 ft. 6 in. in length while weighing about 40 cwt. The 24-pounders on Eurotas were to a design by Colonel Congreve.
During December 1813 and January 1814, Cyndus and Eurotas actually temporarily exchanged six 24-pounders, presumably to enable both vessels to test the designs against each other. Ultimately, the Royal Navy adopted General Blomefield's design.
Cydnus was commissioned in May 1813 under Captain Frederick W. Aylmer, but command passed later that month to Captain Frederick Langford. On 2 December, Briton captured Wolf's Cove, while Cydnus and a squadron were in company.
On 8 January 1814, Cydnus recaptured the English ship Rachael and Ann, of 14 guns, 226 tons, and 20 men. She had been sailing from Buenos Aires for London.
On 14 March 1814 Cydnus and Pomone captured the American privateer Bunker's Hill, of 14 guns and 86 men. Though Bunker's Hill had been known for her past successes, on this cruise she was eight days out of Morlaix without having captured anything.Bunker's Hill was the former Royal Navy cutter Linnet, which the French frigate Gloire had taken on 25 February 1813 near Madeira.Cydnus carried out convoy duties to the East Indies in 1814.
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Wikipedia