On 28 June 1814, the USS Wasp met up with and fought the HMS Reindeer some 225 miles west of Plymouth, England. The Reindeer was a Cruizer-class brig-sloop like the HMS Nimrod.
The fight only lasted a hard-fought 19 minutes with both ships exchanging murderous grape and solid shot at short distance. The Reindeer's crew tried to board the Wasp on two occasions, but were repulsed. Then the Wasp's crew did the same and carried the day.
The Wasp received six hits to its hull and had damage to its rigging but was still able to sail. The Reindeer had 25 killed, including its captain, Commander William Manner and 42 wounded. The prisoners were taken on board and the Reindeer set on fire and eventually exploded.
The Wasp then sailed for L'Orient, France and captured the Regulator on July 4th and the Jenny and July 6th.
--Still Another Voyage to Come. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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