More about the HM Trial Cutter

On 28 June 1793, Trial took a privateer from St Marlo, the 14-gun ‘Le Feret’. In 1797 Trial captured the privateer brig ‘Le Courier de la Mer’. In 1798 whilst keeping watch on the invasion flotilla at Le Havre, in company with a frigate and a bomb vessel, her ability to sail close inshore was useful in a brief action with the 36-gun frigate ‘La Confiance’ and the 20-gun corvette ‘La Vesuve’. The former was beached, deserted and later burnt by a boat action; the corvette was driven ashore but refloated and escaped when superior forces drove off the British squadron. The Trial was hulked in 1810 and became a depot ship at Waterford. She was still in service in the 1840’s, at Callao in Peru as a coal depot, and sold in 1848 – a very long service career for such a vessel.

When first commissioned in 1790, Trial’s main armament was 8 x 3 Pounder carriage guns. In 1793, 4 x 12 Pounder carronades were added. It is with these extra guns that the kit is modelled on, giving her 12 guns in total. Trial was fitted with stocks for swivel guns on the gunwale, but research suggests that these were never once used during her long career, so no swivel guns have been included. It is important to note that once carronades were added to a ship’s armament, the need for swivel guns was completely negated, as carronades did the same job, but much more effectively.

One of the most impressive features of this ship is its innovative design and state-of-the-art technology. It was one of the first ships in the Royal Navy to be equipped with copper sheathing, which protected it from marine organisms and allowed for faster speeds. The HM Trial Cutter also boasted a unique rudder system, giving it exceptional handling and maneuverability in tight spaces. This made it a popular choice for intercepting smugglers and enemy ships in shallow waters.

In terms of weaponry, the HM Trial Cutter was armed with 10 long guns and 8 swivel guns, making it a formidable opponent in battle. It was also equipped with a carronade, a short-range cannon that was highly effective in close combat situations. The ship’s crew, consisting of 45 men, were highly trained and skilled in naval warfare, making the HM Trial Cutter a force to be reckoned with on the high seas.

Aside from its impressive capabilities as a warship, the HM Trial Cutter also had a sleek and elegant interior. The ship’s cabins were well-appointed and furnished with luxurious amenities, providing a comfortable living space for the officers and crew. Its galley was equipped with the latest cooking technology, allowing for delicious and nutritious meals to be prepared for the crew during long voyages.

Throughout its years of service, the HM Trial Cutter has been involved in numerous significant events in British naval history. From patrolling the English Channel during the Napoleonic Wars to participating in the Battle of Trafalgar, this ship has played a crucial role in defending the British Empire. Its legacy lives on to this day, with replicas of the HM Trial Cutter being built for historical reenactments and as a testament to its significance in naval warfare.

In conclusion, the HM Trial Cutter is a remarkable vessel that has left a lasting impression on British naval history. Its speed, agility, and advanced technology made it a valuable asset in the Royal Navy, while its luxurious interior and impressive weaponry made it a symbol of British power and prestige. This ship will forever be remembered as a crucial part of the British seafaring legacy and a testament to the ingenuity and excellence of the Royal Navy.