HMS Ruby (1776)
| History | |
|---|---|
 UK | |
| Name | HMS Ruby |
| Ordered | 30 November 1769 |
| Builder | Woolwich Dockyard |
| Laid down | 9 September 1772 |
| Launched | 26 November 1776 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1821 |
| General characteristics [1] | |
| Class and type | Intrepid-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1369 (bm) |
| Length | 159 ft 6 in (48.62 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 44 ft 4 in (13.51 m) |
| Depth of hold | 19 ft (5.8 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full rigged ship |
| Armament | |
HMS Ruby was a 64-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 26 November 1776 at Woolwich.[1]
She was converted to serve as a receiving ship in 1813, and was broken up in 1821.[1]
The British ships Ruby, 64, Captain Michael John Everitt, Aeolus (or Eolus), 32, and the sloop Jamaica, 18, were cruising off Hayti, when on 2 June 1779, in the Bay of Gonave, they fell in with the 36-gun French frigate Prudente, Captain d'Escars. Ruby chased Prudente for some hours, and was much annoyed by the well-directed fire of the enemy's stern-chasers, by which Captain Everitt and a sailor lost their lives. When within easy range of Prudente, at about sunset, Ruby compelled her to strike, with the loss of two killed and three wounded. The British Navy took Prudente into service under the same name.
HMS Ruby sailed with the first squadron (Capt John Blankett) to take part in the 1st British Occupation of the Cape, leaving England on 27 February 1795. There she was used on patrols and general duties but saw no action. The Battle of Muizenberg on 7th August 1795 triggered the collapse of the Dutch forces which controlled the Cape of Good Hope at the time.[2]
Notes
References
- Lavery, Brian (2003) The Ship of the Line - Volume 1: The development of the battlefleet 1650-1850. Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-252-8.
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