HMS Coromandel was a 56-gun fourth-rate ship of the Royal Navy, originally constructed as the East Indiaman Winterton. She was purchased on the stocks in 1795 and commissioned later that year under Captain John Inglis. Her initial role was as a naval vessel, but her service history indicates a series of changes in use and command. In June 1795, shortly after her purchase, Coromandel was commissioned, but by May 1796, the Admiralty transferred her to the Transport Board, and she was paid off in July of that year. Recommissioned later in July 1796 as a troopship under Lieutenant Richard Harrison, Coromandel was also issued a letter of marque, allowing her to operate as a privateer. She underwent command changes, with Richard (or Robert) Simmonds succeeding Harrison in 1797, who also received a letter of marque. Coromandel saw active service during the conflict with Spain, notably participating in the capture of Minorca in 1798, where her officers and crew shared in prize money totaling £20,000 from goods and stores captured. Shortly after Minorca’s fall, she captured the Spanish ship Misericordia, carrying paper from Minorca. She also shared in the prize money from the recapture of HMS Peterel in November 1798. In July 1799, Commander John Mortimer took command and led Coromandel in the West Indies until 1801. During this period, she participated in the capture of several Caribbean islands, including St. Bartholomew, Saint Martin, St. Thomas, and St. Croix under Lieutenant General Thomas Trigge and Admiral John Duckworth. In January 1802, she ran ashore in Jamaica but was subsequently refloated and continued her service. By August 1802, Coromandel returned to Britain, where she was refitted at Chatham for use as a troopship. Later, between June and October 1807, she was adapted into a convalescent ship for service in Jamaica. Ultimately, she was sold at Jamaica in July 1813 to William Barnes for £700, on the condition that she be broken up. Her service record reflects her versatility and active involvement during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly in the Caribbean theater.

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