An Oak Commemorative Box, HMS Shannon 32.5x24.5x12cm(12.75x9.5x5in)
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Footnotes
Captain Broke's successful action against the USS Chesapeake was one of the high points in the British-American War of 1812. Caused partly by British blockades of American ports and impressment of US sailors, the war at sea had gone badly for the Royal Navy, with significant setbacks as British frigates were overwhelmed by superior American seamanship and gunnery from larger and heavier vessels. With morale in the UK at a low level, Britain undertook a close blockade of US ports and HMS Shannon, a frigate of 38 guns was set to patrol off Boston. USS Chesapeake sailed out on the morning of June 1st to challenge. As they closed to 35 metres, Broke discharged a devastating broadside which decimated Chesapeake's crew and a 9lb shot from the quarterdeck demolished the wheel. Broke boarded, and captured the ship in a mere 11 minutes. All of the Chesapeake's officers were killed and Captain Broke became a national hero.
HMS Shannon was placed in reserve in 1831 and, renamed as HMS St Lawrence, became receiving ship at Sheerness in 1844. She was broken up in 1859.
Included in the lot is a framed lithograph of Broke by Templeton after Ross, mounted with his signature cut from a document issued on the Shannon, 30 June 1811.