HM Bomb Vessel Granado – Wooden Model Ship Kit By Caldercraft
HM GRANADO Twelve bomb vessels, including HM Granado (the sixth), were built at the outbreak of the War of Jenkins’s Early in 1739. HM Granado was ordered on September 14th 1741 and the keel was laid on November 18th 1741. Although it is uncertain who designed the HM Granado, it is commonly attributed to Thomas Slade, the naval Surveyor who oversaw the construction of the ship at Ipswich. Thomas Slade also went on to design famous ships such as H.M.S. Victory. HM Granado was unusual in that she was designed to be used as either a sloop or a bomb vessel, being constructed with a conventional square stern. Launched on June 22nd 1742, HM Granado was taken to Harwich, fitted out and put in commission as a sloop. An Admiralty Order on July 15th 1745 was issued ‘to fit her (Granado) as a bomb’ but this order was reversed on July 17th 1745 and Granado remained as a sloop. It was not until 1756 that HM Granado was fitted for the first time as a bomb vessel from an Admiralty Order on July 26th 1756. Between the launch of HM Granado on June 22nd 1742 and her fitting as a bomb vessel July 26th 1756 a number of changes had been made to HM Granado’s configuration as compared to the original Admiralty plans the most noticeable of these are as follows:
1. Two extra 4pdr carriage guns were added (Admiralty order of June 20th 1745) bringing the total 4pdr carriage guns to 10.
2. Two bow chaser gun ports were added allowing accommodation of the extra guns either under the forecastle as bow chasers or at the fifth gunports.
3. The mortars as shown in the Admiralty plans are two 13 inch mortars however when fitted as a bomb vessel this was actually changed to 1 x 13inch and 1 x 10inch mortar. This is confirmed by the provisions list on March 30th 1757 which details 50 large and 50 small shells.
HM Granado remained as a bomb vessel until the Admiralty Order to fit her as a sloop on March 20th 1760. It was during this period as a bomb vessel that HM Granado was involved in her most active role. On January 22nd 1759 HM Granado and the squadron under command of Commodore John Moore anchored off Basse Terre. The following morning the citadel and batteries of Basse Terre were bombarded. By January 24th troops had occupied the forts of Basse Terre and Fort Royal, the town had been devastated by fire caused by the carcasses discharged from the bomb vessels. On February 7th, the fleet moved to attack Fort Louis at the entrance to Cul de Sac Bay. The attack began the following day and by February 15 the bombardment ceased with the capture of the Fort.
HM Bomb Vessel Granado
CC9015
Length 30.91″ Height 23.23″ Width 13.39″
Scale 1:64
Advanced Level
Double Wood Plank on Bulkhead Construction
The HM Bomb Vessel Granado was a unique and innovative ship that played a crucial role in naval warfare during the 18th century. Built in 1742 by the British Royal Navy, the Granado was specifically designed to carry and launch mortars, making it a highly effective vessel for bombarding enemy fortifications and ships. This 70-foot-long ship was armed with two 13-inch mortars and 10 guns, giving it a formidable firepower that could cause significant damage to enemy targets.
What made the Granado stand out from other ships of its time was its versatility and adaptability. It was not only designed for bombarding but also for reconnaissance and transportation. The foremast of the ship was equipped with a top platform that served as an observation deck, allowing the crew to scout for potential targets or navigate through treacherous waters. Additionally, the Granado could also carry supplies and troops, making it a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive operations.
One of the most remarkable features of the Granado was its use of mortars. These large, short-range cannons were highly effective in launching explosive shells at a high angle, making them ideal for attacking fortifications that were otherwise difficult to reach. The Granado’s mortars were mounted on a rotating platform, allowing them to be aimed in any direction, making it a versatile and unpredictable weapon in battle.
In addition to its impressive armament, the Granado was also known for its exceptional speed and maneuverability. Its sleek design, with a narrow hull and a flat bottom, allowed it to navigate through shallow waters and tight spaces with ease. This made it a valuable asset in coastal operations and river battles, where other larger and bulkier ships would struggle.
The Granado saw action in various conflicts, including the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War. It played a crucial role in the capture of several key forts and cities, including the French fortress of Louisbourg in 1758.
Despite its success, the Granado faced some challenges and modifications throughout its service. In 1756, it was converted into a sloop-of-war, with its mortars removed and replaced with additional guns. This modification allowed it to be used as a conventional fighting ship, expanding its capabilities and further showcasing its adaptability.
In conclusion, the HM Bomb Vessel Granado was a groundbreaking and versatile ship that played a significant role in naval warfare during the 18th century. Its unique design, powerful armament, and exceptional maneuverability made it a valuable asset in various conflicts, cementing its place in history as a formidable and innovative vessel.. Built in 1742 by the British Royal Navy, the Granado was specifically designed to carry and launch mortars, making it a highly effective vessel for bombarding enemy fortifications and ships. This 70-foot-long ship was armed with two 13-inch mortars and 10 guns, giving it a formidable firepower that could cause significant damage to enemy targets.
What made the Granado stand out from other ships of its time was its versatility and adaptability. It was not only designed for bombarding but also for reconnaissance and transportation. The foremast of the ship was equipped with a top platform that served as an observation deck, allowing the crew to scout for potential targets or navigate through treacherous waters. Additionally, the Granado could also carry supplies and troops, making it a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive operations.
One of the most remarkable features of the Granado was its use of mortars. These large, short-range cannons were highly effective in launching explosive shells at a high angle, making them ideal for attacking fortifications that were otherwise difficult to reach. The Granado’s mortars were mounted on a rotating platform, allowing them to be aimed in any direction, making it a versatile and unpredictable weapon in battle.
In addition to its impressive armament, the Granado was also known for its exceptional speed and maneuverability. Its sleek design, with a narrow hull and a flat bottom, allowed it to navigate through shallow waters and tight spaces with ease. This made it a valuable asset in coastal operations and river battles, where other larger and bulkier ships would struggle.
The Granado saw action in various conflicts, including the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War. It played a crucial role in the capture of several key forts and cities, including the French fortress of Louisbourg in 1758.
Despite its success, the Granado faced some challenges and modifications throughout its service. In 1756, it was converted into a sloop-of-war, with its mortars removed and replaced with additional guns. This modification allowed it to be used as a conventional fighting ship, expanding its capabilities and further showcasing its adaptability.
In conclusion, the HM Bomb Vessel Granado was a groundbreaking and versatile ship that played a significant role in naval warfare during the 18th century. Its unique design, powerful armament, and exceptional maneuverability made it a valuable asset in various conflicts, cementing its place in history as a formidable and innovative vessel.
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