H. M. S. Victory

H. M. S. Victory is the oldest commissioned ship of war in the world having been in continous service for over 200 years. Complete details can be found at http://www.hms-victory.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1. This is the official web site for HMS Victory . She was launched in 1765 and commissioned in 1778. At the battle of Trafalgar she served as Lord Horatio Nelson's flagship. It was on Victory that Nelson succumbed to wounds received at Trafalgar as the British Navy defeated the Napoleonic fleet.

HMS Victory carried 100 guns and was crewed by over 800 men.

This made her one of the largest ships of the line. She took six years to build and was made up of Oak, Elm, Pine, and Fir with over 90% being Oak. Approximately 6000 trees were used in the construction.

HMS Victory carried her guns on three decks, arranged with the lightest guns on the upper deck and heaviest on the lower gun deck. The ranged from 30 short 12 pounders to 28 long 24 pounders to 30 long 32 pounders.

Another of the famous Admirals that had command on Victory was Admiral Lord Richard Howe whom with his brother General Lord William Howe led the fight to keep the Colonies that were to become the United States a part of the British Empire. Victory was his flagship 20 April 1782 to 14 November 1782 and July 1790 to August 1790.

Photograph ©2006 Phil Stephens, courtesy Phil Stephens

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