HMS St. George (1721)

HMS Saint George


The squadron flagship, HMS Saint George was laid down at Turtling bay shipyards in 1721 and funded by donations from squadron members. Due to be commissioned in late November she was rushed off the stocks in order to participate in the battle of Santo Domingo and so the outer hull was not painted! Having fought hard in and won the battle the crew commissioned Lord Fletcher to maintain the ships plain appearance as it was thought lucky. Lord Fletcher agreed and so the ship was finished in naval varnish rather than paint as originally planned. On hearing news of the battle Parliament voted to award the ship a quantity of gold so that the ships details may be picked out in gilt.



History
November 14th 1721
 * Commissioned.
 * Lord Fletcher transfers his flag.
 * Fought in the Battle of Santo Domingo.

November 15th 1721
 * Receives commemorative paint scheme.