Hold Fast

Scenario V: Hot Java

by Timothy S. Gerritsen

December 29th, 1812
United States vs. England

USS Constitution (54 Gun 4th Rate) vs. HMS Java (38 Gun 5th Rate carrying 49 guns)

OVERVIEW:

Relations between the young United States and England remained frosty for many years after the American Revolution. England, engaged in a bitter struggle with Napoleon, sought to oversee trade throughout the Atlantic least some foreign power aid the dictator. The British Navy claimed the power to stop any ships to inspect for contraband bound for France, as well as to search for deserters from the British Navy. This infuriated American sensibilities, and combined with an eye toward expansion along the Canadian frontier, the American Congress declared war.

Though the war was decided on the land, there were many notable sea engagements that further solidified the prowess of the new American Navy. The USS Constitution, the largest of the original frigates commissioned for the fledgling American Navy set sail to take the fight to the British.

After a successful engagement against the 5th rate HMS Guerriere off Boston in August, she headed south. In December, she spotted the HMS Java, the re-commissioned former French 5th rate Renommee (fitted with extra guns and crew) escorting a smaller vessel The William, off the Brazilian coast. Captain Lambert of the Java ordered The William to make for the nearby port and turned toward the Constitution. Captain Bainbridge of the Constitution at first thought the Java was the USS Essex (which was sailing in the area) but upon realizing his mistake, made ready to fight.

Setup: Open Ocean
Wind Direction: NE

Place the Constitution 4" to the Southwest of the Java, heading W at a speed of 3.

Place the Java 4" to the Northeast of the Constitution, heading W at a speed of 2.

Aim:

British- The British Captain must aim at the Constitution's hull.
American- No restrictions

Victory Conditions: Duel

HISTORIC OUTCOME:

The early fighting did not go well for the Americans. Bainbridge, being so far from home, fought cautiously, attempting to stand off and fire at range. An early salvo destroyed the wheel on the Constitution, leaving her less maneuverable. Still, the weight of the American guns began to tell, and after several hours, the Java was pummeled until she finally struck her flag upon the death of her Captain. The Java was too damaged to be taken as a prize, so her wheel was taken aboard to replace the one lost by the Constitution, and then set afire. Though the Java fought gallantly, her loss was still a blow the British Navy, who had lost two major ships in less than six months.

Hold Fast Rules for the Age of Sail

Back to MWAN # 129 Table of Contents
Back to MWAN List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Magazine List
© Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum
This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com