HMS Surly (1806)

HMS Surly was a Gun-brig of the British Royal Navy launched in 1806. She was built by contract with Benjamin Tanner, at Dartmouth. Her design was based on an Admiralty plan from 1805.

Gun-brigs like Surly were small, heavily armed vessels, typically carrying between 12 and 14 guns. They were primarily employed in coastal patrols, convoy escort, and anti-smuggling operations. They were known for their maneuverability but also for their cramped conditions and lack of seaworthiness in heavy weather.

The Surly’s career was relatively short. She was wrecked on 30 November 1807 off Dungeness. There were no casualties.

While the Surly was not involved in any major battles, her type of vessel played an important role in maintaining British naval presence and control in various coastal waters during the Napoleonic Wars.