Talk:HMS Penelope

FORMER SHIPS OF THE NAME Penelope

First. A sixth rate of 525 tons and 24 guns, built at Liverpool in 1778. She was wrecked in the West Indies in 1779.

Second. .4 1:i rate of "=1 tons and 32 guns, built at Liverpool in 1783. Captured the French ships GEOLAND (14) and, with others, INCONSTANCE in the West Indies in 1793. Present at capture of Port au Prince i1794. Broken up at Chatham in 1797.

Third. A hired cutter – named Penelope was in service in 1797 to 1799. Her boats cut out several vessels at Jean Rabet in 1797. Captured by French in 1791.

Fourth. A 5th rate of 1,051 tons and 36 guns, built at Burlesdon in 1798. In 1800-captured Spanish CARMEN (16) and assisted in capture of French GUILLAUME TELL (74). Present at attack on Franco-Baltavian flotilla near Ostend in 1804. Capture of Martinique 1809. Wrecked in River St. Lawrence whilst serving as a troopship 1875.

Fifth. Built at Chatham as a frigate in 1829. Altered to a paddle steamer in 1843. Took part in Lagos expedition in 1851 and Baltic operations in 1854. Sold in 1864.

Sixth. A twin-screw iron-cased corvette built at Pembroke in 1867. Bombardment of Alexandria1882. 1889-1912 Hulk at Simonstown, used for various purposes, including naval prison. Sold in 1912.

Seventh. Light cruiser, built at Barrow in 1914. Served throughout First World War with Harwich forces. Scrapped in 1924.

Eighth. Cruiser, built by Harland and Wolff, Belfast, completed in 1936.This was one of the most famous ships in World War II. She took part in many actions, particularly in the Mediterranean. On one occasion she escaped from Malta so full of holes from action and bomb damage that she was christened 'H.M.S. PEPPER POT', and by this name she was famous throughout the world. After a refit in the U.S.A. she returned to the Med. and was eventually sunk by a submarine off Anzio in 1944. Of our thirteen battle honours, no less than eight were won by 'PEPPER POT'.

Ninth. Was a Leander Class Frigate launched in 1962 and sold to Ecuador in 1991.