HMS Illustrious

H.M.S. Illustrious
Rating: 3nd-rate

Class: Valiant-Class Third Rate Ship of the Line

Date of Commission: April 10th, 1721

Shipyard: English Harbor Master Shipyard - Based on 1719 Establishment, Burford Class Designed by Richard Stacey

Guns: 62

Crew: 600

Status: In Commission - At Sea

Background:
H.M.S. Illustrious was one of the first third rates authorized in the 1719 Establishment and one of the first major combatant vessals built at the English Harbor Master Shipyard, St. Johns Antigua. The keel was laid down in April 1719 based on the design developed by Richard Stacey for the Burford class third rates that were built at Deptford and launched between 1720 and the present. Construction was accelerated as the English Harbor Master Shipyard applied nearly its full resources towards the prompt construction, fitting out, and commissioning of the ship. While the HMS Burford was the name vessal for the class, HMS Illustrious was actually launched 3 months before the HMS Burford completed her construction and was commissioned into the Royal Navy.

Since her launch, HMS Illustrious has been extremely active in combat operations throughout the West Indies while operating in 'The Queen's Own' in addition to her current posting with the Saint George Squadron of the White.

Engagements:
Among the key engagements HMS Illustrious participated in was the defense of Puerto Cabezas on January 14, 1722. The British fleet, outnumbered and outgunned, attempt to force their way through the French forces laying siege to the port and landing their invasion force. HMS Illustrious was one of only three ships to fight their way through the French forces and land critical reinforcements for the port. Outnumbered three to one, and led by Captain Allday, crewmen and marines from the Illustrious and the other two ships defeated the French invasion forces in close fighting in the streets of Puerto Cabezas.

On February 21, 1722, HMS Illustrious was again part of an outnumbered and outgunned defense of a British port - Riding Rocks. In a counterattack similar to that performed at Puerto Cabezas in January, the British fleet again charged to break the French siege. While more ships were able to approach the port to land sailors and marines, the defenders were again outnumbered by a three to one margin. Unlike the January battle, the French were more methodical and deliberate in their attack using their heavier firepower and numbers to attrite the defending British forces. Ultimately, the French forced the British ships to tactically withdraw from the battle and the Governor of Riding Rocks ordered the surrender of the port to prevent additional loss of life and property. Captured by the French, Captain Allday and several officers were exchanged three days after the battle for an equal number of French captives held by the British.

March 6, 1722 found Captain Allday and HMS Illustrious assigned to the British naval fleet defending the island of Basseterre from Spanish attack. The two opposing fleets were evenly matched and both Admirals were actively maneuvering to gain tactical advantage. The British fleet took up blocking positions to prevent the Don's easy access to the Fortress or the Port itself. The Spainish fleet attempted to break the British line and charged towards the heavy group. Furious fire from the British ships sunk several Don's (one kill credited to HMS Illustrious) while the Don's massed fire on several ships, including the Illustrious. Suffering from severe damage, the Illustrious pulled out of the line while the crew worked like demons to repair the damage. As the British fleet tacked to counterattack the Spanish heavies, the HMS Illustrious was able to resume its position in the British line and successfully broke through the Spanish battle line sinking a third and fourth rate from devastating rakes. As the battle collapsed into a melee, HMS Illustrious was temporarily cut off from her squadron mates and again severely damaged. Using her suprising speed, she was able to disengage and once again make emergency repairs to rejoin the main British line of battle. As the close melee resulted in the Don's taking far more losses than the British, the Don line broke and they attempted to withdraw from battle. HMS Illustrious joined the general chase after helping protect a crippled British Third Rate and raked a Don Hercules Mastercraft Frigate, sinking her for her fourth kill of the fight.

Three weeks later, HMS Illustrious was part of the British forces that were assigned to defend Nassau, Bahamas from another major French effort. In this fight, the combatants were nearly equal in numbers and firepower, but France still held a slight advantage. Once again taking position to lay siege to the port and land their invasion forces, our forces again attempted to run critical reinforcements into the town. While we suffered substantial losses in the effort, HMS Illustrious and six other ships were able to fight their way past the French, destroying 13 French combat ships, to land our sailors and marines to augment the port defenses. These numbers proved critical as France was unable to get a substantial land advantage over our forces. Despite their small advantage in numbers, they attempted a full frontal attack which was soundly repulsed. The French land survivors were then pressed and forced to surrender.

11 August, 1722 found HMS Illustrious as the Flagship of the White Squadron tasked with the capture of Port of Spain from the Spanish defenders. White Squadron comprised of 3 Third Rates, 2 Fourth Rates, and a Hired Fourth Rate. Positioned to the rear of the British fleet, the White Squadron was forced to react as the Don charge inflicted severe damage on the leading elements of our fleet. As the Don skirmisher group broke to leeward towards the fort, a large group of Don Third and Fourth rates continued to try to break the main British line. Assuming command of the three survivors from Black Squadron, we crashed the sterns of the Don element sinking all but one of them. The last, a large frigate providing support, was seen fleeing to the north before changing course to approach the bypassed Don fortress.

Illustrious led this large group of British warships back towards the Town. Clearing the southern most point of an island to the West of the port, we saw a smaller group of lighter British ships hard pressed by a greater number of equal or larger Don ships. We immediately signaled 'General Chase' followed by 'Engage the Enemy Closer' to relieve pressure. Seeing our approach, the Don's retreated to under the guns of their main fortress to reassess. Regaining contact with Fleet Flag, Illustrious led the now heavy group to take up a blocking position between the Don fort and the Town. Our Skirmish group approached the town and began to land an invasion force of marines and sailors.

As the assault started, the Don's attempted to charge to the town. Our group quickly dispatched 2 Don heavy frigates, but the rest were able to reinforce the Don defenders. Unsure of the total number of defenders, Flag ordered all ships to approach the Town and land all available Marines and Sailors to take the town. As we formed just off the town dock and fought our way into the town, the Don's rapidly counterattacked to try to dislodge our foothold in the town. Outnumbered by our forces 3 to 1, the Don's were quickly cut down in their attack. Deprived of the bulk of their experienced defenders, the Town militia remaining quickly surrendered the Town when promised that quarter would be given to them and the inhabitants.

This was a battle that initially started very badly for us, but with the efforts of the British Skirmishers and the White Group - new heavy group, the tide was able to be turned.

British Captains:
1721-Present: Captain Sir John Allday, KCMG, DSC, MC