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Capture of Ponza

26th February 1813
Part of : The Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1815)
Previous action : Taking of the Alcinous 14.2.1813
Next action : Action of 1813-03-30 30.3.1813

 

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Furieuse (36) 1809-1816
British 36 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
William MounseyBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1793-1815
Thames (32) 1805-1816
British 32 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
Charles John NapierBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1799-1853
,
John Brett PurvisBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1805-1818
 

Notes on Action


DescriptionTRN5
On February 26th, acting in pursuance of orders from Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew, the Thames, 32, Captain Charles Napier, and Furieuse, 36, Captain William Mounsey, with the 2nd Batt. of the 10th Regt. on board, suddenly bore up for the narrow entrance of the harbour of Ponza, on the island of that name, off the coast of Naples, and, returning the fire of the batteries on both side, anchored across the mole-head. Lieut.-Colonel J. P. Coffin, with the troops, then landed. This demonstration, and the heavy fire from the ships, induced the governor to hoist a flag of truce, and eventually to surrender. In this dashing affair no British life was lost, although the batteries mounted ten 24- and 18-prs., and two 9-in. mortars. It was in recollection of this exploit that Napier assumed the name of Don Carlos de Ponza when, in 1833, he accepted command of the Portuguese fleet.

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