Puneet Varma (Editor)

HMS Milford (1759)

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Name
  
HMS Milford

Laid down
  
November 1757

Commissioned
  
July 1759

Launched
  
20 September 1759

Ordered
  
19 September 1757

Completed
  
28 December 1759

Construction started
  
November 1757

Builder
  
Milford Haven

Fate
  
Sold to be taken to pieces at Woolwich 17 May 1785

HMS Milford was a 28-gun Coventry-class sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy. She was built at Milford by Richard Chitty and launched in 1759. She was sold for breaking at Woolwich on 17 May 1785.

Service History

On 6 June 1776, Milford captured the American privateer Yankee Hero, a 14-gun, single-deck sloop, after a two-hour battle. The Americans had believed they were chasing a merchantman, but reversed course when they came close enough to recognize the British ship of war. Milford gave chase and caught up to the much smaller ship after about an hour, firing only bow chasers until she was able to come along and give a full broadside. Yankee Hero's sails were shredded and almost half her crew incapacitated. Her commander, Captain James Tracy ordered the surrender when they were no longer able to either fight or flee. Four or five of Yankee Hero's crew were killed and twelve or thirteen wounded, including the captain.

On 15 March 1779, the British warships Apollo, Porcupine, and Milford captured the French privateer cutter Tapageur. The Royal Navy took her into service under her existing name.

On 2 October 1779, Jupiter captured two French cutters, Mutin and Pilote, each of 14 guns and 120 men. The Royal Navy took both into service essentially under their existing names. Jupiter shared the prize money with Apollo, Crescent, and Milford.

References

HMS Milford (1759) Wikipedia