HMS Ajax (1767)

HMS Ajax was a 74-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 23 December 1767 at Portsmouth Dockyard. She was designed by William Bateley, and was the only ship built to her draught.[1]

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Ajax.

The Ajax, a Man of War, sailing into Portsmouth Harbour, with a View of Southsea Castle
History
Great Britain
Name: HMS Ajax
Ordered: 4 December 1762
Builder: Portsmouth Dockyard
Launched: 23 December 1767
Fate: Sold out of the service, 1785
Notes:
General characteristics [1]
Class and type: 74-gun third rate ship of the line
Tons burthen: 1615
Length: 167 ft 10 in (51.16 m) (gundeck)
Beam: 47 ft 5 in (14.45 m)
Depth of hold: 20 ft 3 in (6.17 m)
Propulsion: Sails
Sail plan: Full-rigged ship
Armament:
  • 74 guns:
  • Gundeck: 28 × 32-pounders
  • Upper gundeck: 28 × 18-pounders
  • Quarterdeck: 14 × 9-pounders
  • Forecastle: 4 × 9-pounders

She saw extensive action in the War of American Independence, taking part in the Battles of Cape St. Vincent, the Chesapeake, St. Kitts and the Saintes.

She was driven ashore and damaged at Saint Lucia in the Great Hurricane of 1780[2] but was recovered.

On 12 April 1782 she saw action against the French fleet at the Battle of the Saintes under command of Captain Nicholas Charrington.[3]

She was sold in 1785.[1]

Notes
  1. Lavery, Ships of the Line, vol. 1, p. 177.
  2. "The Marine List". New Lloyd's List (1228). 29 December 1780.
  3. Famous Fighters of the Fleet, Edward Fraser, 1904, p.128

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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