HMS Hero (1803)

HMS Hero was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1803. She was built at Blackwall, and her design was based on the lines of HMS Ramillies.

Hero saw extensive service during the Napoleonic Wars. One of her earliest notable actions was participating in the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805, under the command of Captain Alan Gardner. She formed part of Vice-Admiral Robert Calder's fleet, which engaged a combined Franco-Spanish fleet.

In 1807, Hero, under Captain Henry Hotham, was part of the fleet that captured Copenhagen during the Second Battle of Copenhagen.

Tragically, HMS Hero was wrecked on Haak Sands, near Texel Island, in the North Sea on 25 December 1811, along with HMS Defence. There were very few survivors from either ship, resulting in a significant loss of life. The wreck occurred during a severe storm. The loss of Hero and Defence was a significant blow to the Royal Navy.