HMS Robust was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line constructed for the Royal Navy, launched on 25 October 1764 at Harwich by shipbuilder John Barnard. As the first vessel to bear the name "Robust," she served as a formidable warship during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her design and armament positioned her as a key component of naval fleet actions, with her classification as a third-rate ship indicating a balance of firepower and maneuverability suitable for fleet battles. Throughout her service, HMS Robust participated in several notable engagements. In 1778, she was present at the Battle of Ushant, serving in Palliser's division of the fleet. Her captain at the time, Alexander Hood, was involved in the controversial court martial following the battle, taking Palliser’s side. In August 1793, she was part of Lord Hood’s fleet during the occupation of Toulon, where she played a strategic role in supporting landings aimed at removing republican forces from the port’s fortifications. During this operation, she, along with other ships, covered the landing of troops, and later entered the harbor with a combined fleet including Spanish ships-of-the-line. HMS Robust’s combat record includes her participation in the Battle of Tory Island on 12 October 1798, where she, under Sir John Warren, captured the French ship Hoche. Another significant action occurred on 21 July 1801, when her boats, alongside those of other vessels, successfully cut out the French corvette Chevrette from the Bay of Cameret. This operation was notably costly, with significant casualties on both sides; the British lost 11 men killed and 57 wounded, while the French suffered even heavier losses, including their first captain. The action was later commemorated with the awarding of the Naval General Service Medal with a specific clasp. From 1812, HMS Robust was assigned to harbor service, reflecting a transition from active combat to supporting roles. She was ultimately broken up in 1817, marking the end of her nearly half-century of service. Her operational history exemplifies the versatility and enduring presence of third-rate ships in the Royal Navy during this 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.