The Wreck of the HMS Gloucester

The HMS Gloucester was a British warship launched in 1747, and met its tragic end on November 25, 1758 in the Battle of Quiberon Bay. In this battle, the British forces, led by Admiral Edward Hawke, fought the French forces, led by Admiral de Conflans. The British forces were victorious and the Gloucester, along with five other ships, was lost in the battle.

The Construction of the HMS Gloucester

The HMS Gloucester was built in Plymouth, England in 1747. It was a 64-gun third-rate ship of the line and was constructed of oak, fir, and elm timbers. It was armed with twenty-four 24-pounder guns, twenty-eight 18-pounder guns, and twelve 9-pounder guns. It was manned by a crew of 550 men and commanded by Captain William Gordon.

The Battle of Quiberon Bay

The Battle of Quiberon Bay took place on November 25, 1758. The British forces, led by Admiral Edward Hawke, were in pursuit of a French fleet commanded by Admiral de Conflans. The French fleet was attempting to reach the port of Brest and the British fleet was determined to prevent them from doing so. The British fleet was made up of twenty-one ships, including the HMS Gloucester, and outnumbered the French fleet, which was made up of only fourteen ships.

The Loss of the HMS Gloucester

During the Battle of Quiberon Bay, the Gloucester was one of six British ships that were lost. The battle was a decisive victory for the British forces, and the Gloucester was sunk after severe damage was inflicted upon it. The exact cause of the ship’s sinking is unknown, but it is believed that it was sunk by enemy fire.

The Survivors of the HMS Gloucester

Despite the sinking of the HMS Gloucester, some of the crew were able to survive the battle. Over 400 of the crew were rescued and taken back to England, while 150 were killed in the battle. Among those rescued were Captain Gordon and several of the ship’s officers.

The wreck of the HMS Gloucester was discovered in 1980, in Quiberon Bay off the coast of France. It lies in about 80 feet of water and is in a relatively good state of preservation. The wreck has been visited by divers and is a popular tourist attraction.

The Memorial for the HMS Gloucester

In 1999, a memorial was erected in Plymouth, England in memory of the HMS Gloucester and its crew. The memorial was built in the shape of the ship and is inscribed with the names of all of the crew who lost their lives in the Battle of Quiberon Bay. It is a fitting tribute to those brave sailors who gave their lives in service of their country.

The Legacy of the HMS Gloucester

The HMS Gloucester was a powerful warship that played an important role in the Battle of Quiberon Bay. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew will never be forgotten and the legacy of the Gloucester will live on for generations to come.

Interesting Facts about the HMS Gloucester

• The Gloucester was the first ship to be built in Britain with a copper-sheathed hull.
• The Gloucester was the first British ship to be equipped with a carronade, a type of short-range cannon.
• The ship was also the first to be fitted with a “great cabin”, a luxurious interior space that was designed to impress dignitaries.

The HMS Gloucester Today

Today, the wreck of the HMS Gloucester still lies at the bottom of Quiberon Bay. It is a popular destination for divers and is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the crew of the ship. The memorial in Plymouth, England serves as a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the Battle of Quiberon Bay.

Conclusion

The HMS Gloucester was a powerful warship that served the British Navy during the mid-18th century. It was a key player in the Battle of Quiberon Bay, where it was sunk along with five other ships. The wreck of the Gloucester still lies in Quiberon Bay and the memorial in Plymouth serves as a lasting tribute to the brave sailors who lost their lives in the battle. The legacy of the HMS Gloucester will live on for generations to come.

The Wreck of The HMS Gloucester

On a fateful night in 1941, The HMS Gloucester met its untimely end in a disaster that became known as “The Battle of Cape Matapan.” The Gloucester was a modern British warship and part of a Mediterranean fleet. It had been sent on a mission to counter an Italian onslaught against Greece. After the successful victory of the British navy against the enemy ships, the Gloucester set out on its journey back to Alexandria in Egypt.

On the journey home, however, the HMS Gloucester encountered intense German aerial bombardment which caused major damages to the ship. Despite numerous attempts to repair the broken windows, flooded compartments, and the ailing engine, The Gloucester eventually suffered a fatal blow from a direct bomb strike. The crew evacuated the crippled ship even as it started going down. Every attempt to save the ship was futile and the evening of the 13th April saw the proud British vessel sink deep into the Mediterranean in a flurry of explosions.

The entire crew of 643, which included many prominent officers, perished in the cold water. The Gloucester served her duty with courage and spirit right until the end, an example of which was the bravery shown by the first lieutenant who refused to leave the ship until the last man was rescued. The HMS Gloucester has been remembered through the ages as an example of courage, valour and dedication, qualities that every British vessel should carry in her sails. Even today, the wreck of The Gloucester serves as a reminder of the bravery of the Royal Navy in the face of adversity.