HM Hired armed schooner Flying Fish

His Majesty's hired armed schooner Flying Fish, later renamed Gertrude, served the Royal Navy from 19 June 1804 to 15 December 1804 when the frigate HMS Aigle accidentally ran her down and sank her; Aigle rescued the crew.[1]

History
United Kingdom
NameFlying Fish
In service19 June 1804
RenamedGertrude 5 September 1804
FateSunk 15 December 1804
General characteristics [1]
Tons burthen1474494 (bm)
Sail planSchooner
Armament12 × 12-pounder carronades

On 5 September the Royal Navy renamed her Gertrude, but the change of name was not widely known. The report of her sinking in Lloyd's List in January 1805 still referred to her as Flying Fish.[2]

Gertrude, Lieutenant George Broad, commander, had been ordered to join the blockade squadron off Ushant, France. As the two vessels manoeuvred close to each other Aigle ran into Gertrude, rolling her over and sending her masts overboard. Aigle passed over Gertrude. Aigle was able, with difficulty, to save Gertrude's crew.[3]

Citations edit

References edit

  • Hepper, David J. (1994). British Warship Losses in the Age of Sail, 1650–1859. Rotherfield: Jean Boudriot. ISBN 0-948864-30-3.
  • Winfield, Rif (2008). British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793–1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86176-246-7.