Black Seas: HMS Royal Sovereign

Description

Black Seas: HMS Royal Sovereign

HMS Royal Sovereign was a 1st Rate Ship-of-the-Line of the Royal Navy,bearing 100 guns. She was launched from Plymouth Dockyard in 1786 anddeveloped somewhat of a poor reputation from her crew, supposedly dubbed “WestCountry Wagon” owing to poor manoeuvrability and speed.

Prior to her famous role at the Battle of Trafalgar, she participated in thebattles of “The Glorious First of June” as the flagship of Vice-AdmiralThomas Graves, and was Cornwallis' flagship in his famous retreat of 16 June1795. In the latter battle, after a day's pursuit, a far larger French fleetcame within firing range of the entire Brtish fleet.

Realising the danger to his rearguard, Cornwallis brought Royal Sovereignsouthwards imposing his vessel between the two fleets, using the power of the1st rate's broadside to dissuade the pursuing French. In doing so, he managedto delay the French long enough until the appearance of an unknown fleet spookedthe French into their own retreat.

Trafalgar

At Trafalgar, HMS Sovereign was the flagship of Admiral Collingwood, at thehead of the Leeward line (a scenario can be found here). It was the first shipto engage in the action, breaking the Franco-Spanish Line and engaging theSpanish Santa Ana. Despite the ship's poor reputation for speed andmanoeuvrability, it proved adept in the light winds of the day, outpacing othervessels.

HMS Royal Sovereign duelled with Santa Ana for much of the battle, losing hermizzen and main masts in the process. The Spanish vessel eventually struck itscolours after suffering over 200 casualties. HMS Euryalus was forced to takethe Royal Sovereign in tow, but this still allowed the 1st Rate to support thebattle with its port broadsides. Eventually, the vessel was deemed uninhabitableand Collingwood, now in command of the fleet following Nelson's deathtransferred his flag to HMS Euryalus. Collingwood opted to overturn one ofNelson's final orders to anchor the fleet, reacting to the rising storm.

Royal Sovereign would go on to serve in the blockade of Toulon and wascredited with the capture of an American frigate at the outbreak of the Warof 1812.

In Black Seas

HMS Royal Sovereign is an exceptionally powerful 1st Rate in the game. Bewarethe brunt of her broadside, particularly if you choose to include AdmiralCollingwood as a character in your fleet. His presence will allow his ship andfriendly vessels near, to re-roll its initial broadside. This gives you adistinct advantage for this crucial portion of any battle.

Contains 1 resin and metal ship

The trade-off for this deficiency is an arsenal that dwarfs any other ship inthe game. Any vessel unfortunate enough to be caught in the broadside is sure tobe shredded. You'll want to capitalize on this as best you can, unleashing yourinitial broadside (which conveys additional bonuses) at the optimal moment.

Miniatures supplied unpainted and require assembly.

Delivery

 

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