HMS Belle Poule (1806)

HMS "Belle Poule" was a Royal Navy fifth rate frigate, formerly of the French Navy but captured in 1806 by a squadron under Sir John Borlase Warren.

"Belle Poule" was captured in the Atlantic on 13 March 1806 by a squadron consisting of HMS "London", HMS "Foudroyant" and HMS "Amazon". She entered service under the same name in 1808 under captain James Brisbane, joining the forces operating in the Adriatic campaign of 1807-1814 off Corfu, successfully blockading the island. In February 1809 Brisbane captured the French frigate "Var" in a raid on the harbour at Valona and in September of the same year was involved in the invasions of Cephalonia, Zante and Santa Maura.

In May 1811, "Belle Poule" participated in a raid at Parenza that captured a brig, before returning to Britain to join the Channel Fleet. During 1812 Brisbane patrolled the Western Approaches, capturing numerous American privateers. In September 1812 Brisbane was replaced by George Harris, who captured three large and valuable American privateers over the next year.

In 1814, following a request from the Duke of Wellington, "Belle Poule" was used as a troopship in a raid on the Gironde in Southern France. She continued in this role for the next year under Captain Francis Baker, before being converted to a prison hulk in 1815 and was sold on 11 June 1816.

References

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* Lyon, David and Winfield, Rif, The Sail and Steam Navy List, All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815-1889, pub Chatham, 2004, ISBN 1-86176-032-9
* [http://www.ageofnelson.org/MichaelPhillips/info.php?ref=0299 Ships of the Old Navy]