HMS Little Belt (1812)

HMS Little Belt was a British Roland-class sixth-rate ship of 20 guns, launched in 1812. She is most notable for her involvement in the Little Belt Affair in 1811, although that event happened before the specific ship discussed here was even built. The incident involved the Little Belt, then commanded by Commander Arthur Bingham, being severely damaged in an encounter with the USS President under Commodore John Rodgers.

This incident, though occurring with a previous ship of the same name, significantly heightened tensions between the United States and Great Britain in the years leading up to the War of 1812. The British maintained that the President initiated the attack, while the Americans claimed the Little Belt fired first.

The HMS Little Belt launched in 1812 served in various roles after her commissioning. She was part of the British naval forces during the War of 1812, primarily involved in patrolling and convoy escort duties. Her design was typical for a sixth-rate, intended for speed and maneuverability rather than heavy firepower. Details of her specific deployments and captures are limited in readily available historical records. Sixth-rates were considered useful for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, dispatch carrying, and protecting merchant shipping from privateers. She was eventually disposed of, following the cessation of hostilities and reduction in naval spending after the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.