HMS Terror (1759)

HMS Terror was a Vesuvius-class bomb vessel of the Royal Navy, launched in 1759. She served during the Seven Years' War, primarily tasked with coastal bombardment and siege support.

Service History:

Commissioned shortly after her launch, Terror saw active service in European waters. Her armament, consisting of mortars and heavier guns, made her valuable for attacking fortified positions from the sea. She participated in several operations along the French coast, assisting in sieges and disrupting enemy naval movements. Detailed records of her specific engagements during the Seven Years' War are fragmented, however, bomb vessels like Terror were crucial assets in naval operations requiring concentrated firepower against land-based targets. Following the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763, Terror likely remained in service, undergoing routine maintenance and repairs as required. The exact date and circumstances of her decommissioning or disposal are currently unclear based on available historical records. Bomb vessels had a relatively short lifespan compared to ships-of-the-line due to the stresses placed on their hulls by the repeated firing of mortars.

Characteristics:

Terror, as a Vesuvius-class bomb vessel, was characterized by a relatively wide beam to provide stability for mortar fire. This wider beam, however, made her less maneuverable than frigates or ships-of-the-line. Her primary armament would have consisted of two mortars, typically 13-inch, positioned on her main deck. She also carried a number of smaller guns for self-defense against enemy ships. Bomb vessels were specialized ships, not intended for fleet engagements, but for providing concentrated fire support in coastal operations.