HMS Eling was a 12-gun cutter of the Royal Navy, launched in 1798 and built by Messrs. Perry & Co. at Blackwall. She served primarily in the North Sea during the Napoleonic Wars, participating in numerous actions against French privateers and smugglers, as well as the First and Second Battles of Copenhagen.
Construction and Design
Ordered on 24 May 1797, HMS Eling's keel was laid in June 1797. She was launched on 12 June 1798. As a cutter, she was designed for speed and maneuverability, well-suited for coastal patrols and interception duties.
- Class: 12-gun cutter
- Tons Burthen: 154 (bm)
- Length: 72 ft 2 in (22.0 m) (overall); 54 ft 6 in (16.6 m) (keel)
- Beam: 21 ft 4 in (6.5 m)
- Depth of Hold: 9 ft 2 in (2.8 m)
- Complement: 40
- Armament: 12 x 12-pounder carronades
Service History
Eling was commissioned in July 1798 under Lieutenant John Williams and quickly deployed to the North Sea, a crucial area for intercepting enemy privateers and preventing smuggling into Britain.
1798-1801:
- Throughout these years, Eling was active in cruising operations.
- On 22 November 1800, Eling was involved in the capture of the French privateer Le Jeune (also known as Le Jeune Pierre), which was carrying a cargo of gin.
- In early 1801, she contributed to the capture of the French privateer Le Vigilant.
- In April 1801, Eling participated in the Battle of Copenhagen, part of Admiral Hyde Parker's fleet and specifically in the squadron under Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. Her role would have involved supporting the larger ships and potentially harassing enemy batteries.
1802-1807:
- In 1802, Lieutenant Peter Maughan took command, followed by Lieutenant William Woolgar in 1803, Lieutenant T.H. Wilson in 1804, and Woolgar again in 1805.
- On 11 April 1805, Eling assisted in the capture of the Dutch vessel Vrouw Adriana.
- Lieutenant John Bellamy assumed command in 1806. During his tenure, Eling captured the Resolution and the Vroue Helena.
- In 1807, Bellamy continued his command, taking part in the capture of another Vroue Helena (possibly a different vessel with the same name) and Die Hoffnung.
- Later in 1807, Eling was again involved in a major naval action, participating in the Second Battle of Copenhagen, which saw the bombardment of the city and the capture of the Danish fleet.
1808-1815:
- Lieutenant Charles Lydiard commanded Eling in 1808.
- Lieutenant William Woolgar took command for a third time in 1809 and remained in command for several years, a testament to his repeated service aboard the cutter.
- Lieutenant Arthur H. King assumed command in 1810, followed by Lieutenant John Bellamy for a second time in 1811.
- Woolgar returned for his fourth and final command of Eling in 1813.
- On 13 December 1814, Eling was instrumental in the capture of the Charlotte.
Fate
After a long and active career spanning the entirety of the Napoleonic Wars, HMS Eling was sold out of service at Sheerness in March 1815, shortly before the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.