The Mysterious Wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance 1753 and Pomone 1811

In the vast expanse of the ocean lay two historical treasures, silently resting at the bottom of the sea. The wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance 1753 and Pomone 1811 continue to captivate the imaginations of maritime enthusiasts, archaeologists, and historians alike. These sunken vessels bear witness to a bygone era, telling stories of naval battles, tragic losses, and the relentless power of the sea.

The HM Frigate Assurance 1753

The year was 1753 when the majestic HM Frigate Assurance was launched into the turbulent waters of the Atlantic. This 32-gun warship played a vital role in the protection of British trade routes during the early years of colonial America. With a crew of over 200 men, Assurance was a formidable force, patrolling the treacherous seas with unwavering strength.

However, fate had a different plan for the mighty Assurance. In 1756, while engaged in a fierce battle against a French privateer, tragedy struck. A powerful storm unleashed its wrath upon the two vessels, leading to the sinking of both ships. The crew of Assurance fought valiantly, but the relentless waves swallowed the ship whole, becoming a watery grave for many brave souls.

The Wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance (1753) and Pomone (1811): Including the fascinating naval career of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, KCB, KCH (1774–1841)

by Robert F. Burgess(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15522 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	151 pages
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For years, the remains of Assurance eluded detection. It wasn't until 2010 when a team of marine archaeologists stumbled upon the wreck off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The ship, now resting peacefully at a depth of 400 feet, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors in the age of exploration.

The Pomone 1811 - A Tale of Tragedy in the Napoleonic Wars

As the 19th century dawned, the world was embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars, with naval battles raging across the seas. In the midst of this turmoil, HM Frigate Pomone set sail in 1811, tasked with protecting British merchant ships from French attacks. With 38 guns and a crew of over 280 men, Pomone was an imposing presence amidst the chaos.

On a fateful day in 1811, as Pomone engaged in combat against a French frigate, disaster struck. The intense battle caused severe damage to both ships, leaving them vulnerable to the relentless sea. Despite their best efforts, the crew of Pomone could not prevent the ship from sinking into the abyss.

For over two centuries, Pomone stayed hidden beneath the waves, leaving historians and naval enthusiasts wondering about its fate. However, in 2018, a team of underwater archaeologists discovered the remains of this long-lost vessel off the coast of Brittany, France. The Pomone, once a symbol of British naval power, now lies as a testament to the perils faced by sailors in the face of war and nature's fury.

Exploring the Depths - A Glimpse into the Past

Archaeologists and historians have seized the opportunity to explore the wrecks of Assurance and Pomone, aiming to uncover the secrets of these lost ships. The artifacts recovered from these submerged time capsules offer valuable insights into naval warfare, shipbuilding techniques, and the daily lives of sailors.

Diving deep into the depths surrounding the wrecks, researchers have discovered cannons, muskets, navigational instruments, and personal belongings of the sailors. These artifacts not only deepen our understanding of the ships themselves but also provide a glimpse into the lives of those who served aboard them.

Furthermore, sonar imaging and 3D mapping techniques have allowed archaeologists to create detailed renderings of the wrecks, preserving them digitally for future generations. This technology has proven invaluable in documenting and studying these sunken vessels without causing harm to the fragile remains.

The Legacy of the Wrecks

The wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance and Pomone serve as poignant reminders of a time long gone. They remind us of the sacrifices made by sailors in the pursuit of maritime dominance and the inherent dangers of life at sea. These wrecks also act as historical markers, helping us piece together the puzzle of past naval battles and the tactics employed.

Through continued research and exploration, these wrecks offer an opportunity to shed light on the lives of sailors, shipbuilding techniques, and the broader historical context of their era. They serve as a testament to human ingenuity, showcasing the engineering marvels of 18th and 19th-century shipbuilding.

A Call to Explore

The tale of the wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance 1753 and Pomone 1811 is an ongoing endeavor, with archaeologists and historians working tirelessly to uncover their secrets. These sunken wonders remain an open invitation for exploration, offering a chance to connect with the past and honor the legacies of the brave sailors who sailed on these vessels.

As we marvel at the stories encapsulated within these wrecks, we are reminded of the ever-present power of the sea and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to navigate its depths. So, grab your diving gear, embark on a journey of discovery, and immerse yourself in the rich history preserved beneath the waves.

The Wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance (1753) and Pomone (1811): Including the fascinating naval career of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, KCB, KCH (1774–1841)

by Robert F. Burgess(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15522 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	151 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

With the thought of treasure, Isle of Wight islander, Derek Williams researched ancient local wreck records. Top of his extensive wreck list was the 40-gun frigate Assurance lost in 1753 while returning from Jamaica with Governor Trelawny on board, whose story possibly inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island. Derek’s first dive at the western point of the Isle of Wight called “The Needles” put him on top of cannons, various wreckage and Spanish-American “Pieces of Eight”, all scattered at the foot of the rock face. He reported this astonishing discovery to the authorities which resulted in the site being designated the 6th British historic protected wreck site.

When the authorities decided that further professional help was needed, author and diver John Bingeman supplied his Portsmouth Royal Naval diving team, and together with David Tomalin, County Archaeologist, developed the full potential of this important site. Over the next nine years John Bingeman’s team conducted annual visits to excavate the site; they successfully recovered 3,471 artifacts including cannon weighing 1½ tons. Some of these cannon post-dated the Assurance, leading to the identification of a second 38-gun frigate, the Pomone, lost in 1811. Her Captain, Robert Barrie’s extensive correspondence was discovered by Paul Simpson to have been archived by Duke University, North Carolina. It features Pomone’s continuous actions during the French Napoleonic wars, followed by his appointment to the 74-gun Dragon when he saw action in Chesapeake Bay during the 1812-15 war with the USA. Returning to North America as Senior Naval Officer Canada, Commodore Barrie made quite a name for himself improving the political relationship between the USA and Canada; he is remembered by the Canadian City named Barrie.

Previously unresearched archaeological finds are featured, including the development of rigging blocks, gunlocks, military buttons and ship’s chain pumps, all superbly illustrated, as well as the results of research into numerous other artifacts of the period. Appendices contain the transcripts of the two ship’s court martials and make fascinating reading. Captains seem to be blameless while their navigating officers are held responsible even going to prison. Perhaps not surprising when tried by fellow Captains!