Phoenix (24)
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Origin and History
The ship was a sixth rate frigate built at Limehouse in 1743.
During the War of the Austrian Succession, the frigate captured the French sloop Victor (24) in the English Channel on April 20 1743. On February 4 1744, the frigate brought the news to London of the departure of an important Frecn fleet from Brest a few days earlier.
During the Seven Years' War, the frigate was under the command of:
- 1756: captain Augustus John Hervey
The frigate was probably transformed into a hospital hulk soon after the battle of Minorca.
The frigate was sold in 1762.
Service during the War
At the beginning of 1756, the frigate was part of the small squadron operating in the Mediterranean under the command of captain George Edgecumbe. She did not seem to be present at Maon (island of Minorca) when the French began the siege of Fort St. Philip. The frigate was rather blockaded at Palma de Majorca by 2 French frigates. On May 17, she joined Byng's squadron off Majorca. She took part to Byng's attempt to relieve Fort St. Philip besieged by a French amphibious force who had invaded the island of Minorca. On May 19, the squadron came into sight of Fort St. Philip. Byng dispatched this frigate with two others to reconnoitre the mouth of the harbour but the French fleet then advanced to meet Byng, forcing him to recall his frigates. On May 20, the frigate took part to the battle of Minorca. Since she was reported as unfit for general service, Byng directed that the she should be made ready to act as a fireship in case of necessity. During the battle, several British ships were seriously damaged but none was lost on either side. After a council of war, Byng gave orders to return to Gibraltar, abandoning Minorca to its fate.
Characteristics
| Guns | 24
| ||||
| Crew | ??? | ||||
| Length | ??? | ||||
| Width | ??? | ||||
| Depth | ??? | ||||
| Displacement | ??? |
References
Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761
"Battle of Minorca". Wikipedia
Clowes, Wm. Laird, The Royal Navy – A History from the Earliest Time to the Present, Vol. III, Sampson Low, Marston and Company, London: 1898, pp. 146-160
Phillips, M., Michael Phillip's Ships of the Old Navy
