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French ship Scipion (1778) facts for kids

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Combat du Scipion conte le London-Rossel de Cercy mg 5096.jpg
Scipion raking HMS London during the action of 18 October 1782.
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History
Ensign of the French Royal NavyFrance
Name Scipion
Launched 17 September 1778
Honours and
awards
Fate Ran aground 1782
General characteristics
Class and type Scipion-class ship of the line
Tons burthen 1,500 tonnes
Length 53.8 m (177 ft)
Beam 14.1 m (46 ft)
Draught 7.3 m (24 ft)
Propulsion Sails
Armament 74 to 78 guns of various weights of shot

Scipion was a French warship of the 18th century, lead ship of her class. She was completed in 1779.

Accounts cited that she was one of the three new naval vessels - along with Hercule (1798) and Pluton (1778) - built by the French that was so top-heavy, they nearly capsized. To correct Scipion's problem, a stowage was altered and a ballast replaced a part of the water supply. These remedies, however, failed so the French had to shorten the mast to make the ship seaworthy.

Scipion took part in the American War of Independence, notably sailing at the rear of the French squadron at the Battle of the Chesapeake under Antoine Pierre de Clavel.

Combat du Scipion conte le London-Rossel de Cercy mg 5095c
18 October 1782, Scipion fires a broadside from her starboard side into Torbay and London

In the action of 18 October 1782, under Captain Nicolas Henri de Grimouard, Scipion fought gallantly against two British ships of the line of 90 and 74 guns. Through good sailmanship, she managed to damage HMS London and escape, but was destroyed the next day after she was chased and ran aground.

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