Hold Fast

Scenario VI: An Irish Fist Fight

by Timothy S. Gerritsen

June 1st, 1813
United States vs. England

USS Chesapeake (36 Gun 5th Rate) vs. HMS Shannon (38 Gun 5th Rate)

OVERVIEW:

Captain Philip Broke trained his whole life for the quintessential single ship engagement. He served 7 years on the HMS Shannon, which he devoted to perfecting the art of naval gunnery. Given the task of blockading the port of Boston, he heard that the USS Chesapeake was ready to sail, and eagerly awaited a chance to fight her. By contrast, Captain James Lawrence was a fast climbing Captain in the young United States Navy and had just taken command of the Chesapeake. He had a strong crew and a stout ship and was spoiling for a fight. On the morning of June 1st Chesapeake left Boston harbor and made all haste before settling in alongside the Shannon at close range. The two closely matched ships were about to engage in the finest single ship action in naval history.

Setup: Open Ocean
Wind Direction: SW

Place the HMS Shannon 1" directly off the port beam of the Chesapeake, heading SE at a speed of 2.

Place the USS Chesapeake 1" directly off the starboard beam of the Shannon, heading SE at a speed of 3.

AIM:

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

Victory Conditions: Duel

HISTORICAL OUTCOME:

The battle was brutally short, but very intense. Lawrence came in too fast, and as he slowed himself to even his pace, the British cut into his ship with murderous fire that took out much of the Chesapeake's carronades. The Chesapeake began to fire back; giving as well as she got, but lost her wheel, further hampering her in the battle. Hoping to salvage the situation, Lawrence closed to board. As he gathered his men, however, he was struck by a British bullet, and taken below; crying out, "Don't give up the ship!" The British Marines, led by Broke himself, cleared the American upper deck and sealed the fate of the Chesapeake. From beginning to end, the encounter took just 11 minutes, and the British gained a new prize at a heavy price.

Both sides had suffered serious casualties in the very heavy fighting, and though the American's had lost, Lawrence's famous epitaph gained him legendary status in the American Navy. Even in loss, the Americans found solace in a heroic fight. The British gained a sturdy prize, and though the ship was too damaged to restore effectively, her stout construction served as a model for future British warships.

Hold Fast Rules for the Age of Sail

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