HMS Badger was a brig-rigged sloop-of-war in the Royal Navy, active during the late 18th century, particularly around the time of the American Revolutionary War. Originally an American merchant vessel named Defence, she was purchased in Jamaica in November 1777 for £1,540 to bolster the Royal Navy’s presence on the North America and West Indies Station. The ship replaced an earlier vessel also named Badger, which had been condemned as unfit for service. Although specific technical details are scarce, it is believed that HMS Badger carried approximately 12 guns, with a capacity of up to 16 guns. Her armament and size would have made her a versatile vessel suitable for patrol, escort, and raiding duties in the Caribbean and surrounding waters. Under her first commander, Lieutenant Michael John Everett, HMS Badger engaged in various successful captures, including schooners "Liberty" and "Tryall," as well as the sloop "Washington" and the brig "Dartmouth" in early 1778. She also pursued and captured a privateer near Saint-Domingue. A significant milestone in her history was her transfer in December 1778 to Horatio Nelson, then a young lieutenant, who was assigned to command her—a notable event as it marked Nelson’s first command of a Royal Navy warship. Throughout her service, HMS Badger cruised the Caribbean, primarily targeting enemy vessels. She was commanded by several officers over her career, including Cuthbert Collingwood, Samuel Walker, Richard Storey, James Cornwallis, and Lieutenant William Sykes. The ship was paid off at Jamaica in May 1782 and subsequently sold there in June 1783 for £2,050. HMS Badger’s service exemplifies the Royal Navy’s use of smaller, adaptable vessels in maritime patrols and combat during the period, with her most notable distinction being her connection to Horatio Nelson’s early naval career.

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