HMS Contest

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Contest, 1797
Type: Gun-vessel ; Armament 12 carronades
Launched : 1797 ; Disposal date or year : 1799
Disposal Details : Wrecked during a gale on a shoal off the coast of Holland: crew saved, although the Naval Chronicle states that 2 men attempted to swim to shore and were drowned in the heavy surf.
Notes:

13 Aug-Oct 1799 employed on expedition to Holland.

14 Sep 1799 Lieutenant Short arrived at the Admiralty from the Coast of Holland. We are sorry to learn, that the Contest gun-vessel, mounting 12 carronades, commanded by the above Officer, is lost, having been driven on a shoal bank during the late gales. Two of her crew, in hope of swimming to shore, threw themselves overboard, and were drowned in the surf.

Circa 20 Jan 1800 following a court martial at the Nore for the loss of the vessel off the coast of Holland Lieutenant Short has been honourably acquitted.

Circa May 1800 Lieutenant Short is appointed to the Ready gun-vessel.

17 Nov-30 Dec 1802 prize money resulting from the expedition to Holland due for payment.