HMS Speedy (1782)

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HMS Speedy was a 14-gun Speedy-class brig sloop of the Royal Navy. Built during the last years of the American War of Independence, she served with distinction during the French Revolutionary Wars. Built at Dover, Kent, Speedy spent most of the interwar years serving off the British coast. Transferred to the Mediterranean after the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars, she spent the rest of her career there under a number of notable commanders, winning fame for herself in various engagements and often against heavy odds. Her first commander in the Mediterranean, Charles Cunningham, served with distinction with several squadrons, assisting in the capture of several war prizes, such as the French frigates Modeste and Impérieuse. His successor, George Cockburn, impressed his superiors with his dogged devotion to duty. Speedy's next commander, George Eyre, had the misfortune to lose her to a superior French force on 9 June 1794. She was soon retaken, and re-entered service under Hugh Downman...

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