Merkur (12)

Hierarchical Path: Seven Years War (Main Page) >> Navies >> Prussian Navy >> Merkur (12)

Origin and History

By a Cabinet Order dated July 16 1757, Frederick II ordered the creation of a small flotilla in Stettin to protect the Pomeranian Coast against the Swedish Navy. The flotilla was made of rented transport and fish boats.

By the end of 1758, the Prussian flotilla was ready.

During the Seven Years' War, the galley was under the command of:

• since end of 1758: Captain Marquard

The galley was captured by the Swedes on September 10 1759.

Service during the War

On September 10 1759, the galley took part in the Combat of Neuwarp where it was deployed in the right wing of the first line. The galley was captured in this combat.

Characteristics

The galleys of the Prussian flotilla were in fact converted fishing boats formerly used in the Lagoon of Stettin. They had two masts and two Lateen sails. For their new military role, they were equipped with oars.

Technical specifications

Guns	12 2 x 6-pdr guns 4 x 4-pdr guns 6 x 3-pdr guns
Crew	40 2 captains 7 helmsmen 31 sailors 14 soldiers (from Garrison Regiment No. I Puttkammer) 1 lieutenant 1 NCO 1 gunner (from the Pomeranian Garrison Artillery Company) 1 surgeon 10 grenadiers (in fact musketeers designated as grenadiers because of their special role as marines)
Length	no information found yet
Width	no information found yet
Depth	no information found yet
Displacement	no information found yet

References

Cremer, Peter: Die preussischen Landregimenter & -milizen, die Stettiner Haff-Flotille und das Verpflegungswesen der Armee 1756-1753, KLIO-Arbeitgruppe, Heimbach, 1987

N.B.: the section Service during the War is mostly derived from our articles depicting the various campaigns, battles and sieges.