HMS Defender (1804)

HMS Defender was a 12-gun gun-brig of the British Royal Navy, launched in 1804. She was built by King at Dover. Gun-brigs were small, lightly armed warships primarily used for coastal patrol, convoy escort, and anti-smuggling duties. Defender would have typically carried a complement of around 40 men.

While specific details of Defender's service are scarce in readily available historical records, gun-brigs in general played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars, participating in blockades of enemy ports and engaging in minor actions with privateers and enemy vessels. Given her launch year, Defender almost certainly would have been active throughout much of the conflict. Further research of contemporary naval records, such as logbooks and muster rolls, would be necessary to detail her specific engagements and deployments. The eventual fate of HMS Defender, whether she was sold out of service, wrecked, or otherwise disposed of, also requires further historical investigation.