HMS Banterer was a Banterer-class sixth-rate post-ship of the Royal Navy, constructed between 1805 and 1807 at South Shields, England. Launched on 24 February 1807 and completed by 12 July of the same year, she was designed to carry 24 guns, primarily long 9-pounder cannons on her main deck. Her armament was later enhanced under Captain Alexander Cary’s command in May 1807, when she received two brass howitzers and her 9-pounder long guns were replaced with 32-pounder carronades, increasing her firepower. Additionally, she was equipped with eight 24-pounder carronades and two long 6-pounders on her quarterdeck and forecastle, with her crew complement increased by 20 to a total of 175 officers, men, and boys. Banterer’s service record includes participation in the Battle of Copenhagen in August and September 1807, shortly after her commissioning. Following her involvement in this significant naval engagement, she returned to England and later set sail with a convoy bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving in February 1808. Her career ended tragically when she was wrecked in the Saint Lawrence River near Point Mille Vache in October 1808. The wreck led to a court-martial held aboard the corvette Tourtourelle between January 28 and 30, 1809, in Bermuda. The proceedings resulted in the dismissal of Lieutenant Stephen C. McCurdy for neglecting his responsibilities during the third watch and a severe reprimand for acting master Robert Clegram for culpable negligence in failing to communicate safety instructions. Importantly, Captain Sheppard, his officers, crew, and the pilot were acquitted of blame for the loss, underscoring the complexities of maritime navigation and safety at the time. HMS Banterer remains a notable example of early 19th-century Royal Navy post-ships, reflecting both the technological advancements and the perils faced by naval vessels of her era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.