HMS Utile was originally a mercantile vessel named Volunteer, launched in 1803 at Newcastle-on-Tyne. The Royal Navy purchased her in June 1804, after which she underwent fitting at Deptford between May and June, with further work completed from June 12 to August 4 at Deptford Dockyard. Commissioned by Commander William Richardson in June 1804, she served as a naval vessel for approximately a decade. During her naval service, Utile was engaged in various activities typical of the period. Notably, around March 24, 1805, she participated in operations against French vessels, where she was part of a fleet under Admiral Douglas. During this encounter, a squadron under HMS Leda captured twenty-six French vessels near Cap Gris Nez, including seven schuyts, which Utile shared in prize money for. She also contributed to the pressing of crew from the East Indiaman Euphrates in 1805 and recaptured the transport Carr in October of the same year, earning salvage money for her efforts. Utile experienced the loss of her commanding officer, Lieutenant William Richardson, who died while she was cruising in the North Sea, with his death reported in March 1806. By 1807, she was placed in ordinary at Sheerness, and later in 1808, she was fitted to serve as a receiving ship at Yarmouth Roads, with Lieutenant Edward Blaquiere commissioning her for this role. Her service continued with various command changes, including Lieutenant William Gilchrist in 1810 and Blaquiere again in 1813. In June 1814, the Admiralty offered her for sale, and she was sold at Deptford for £2,560. Following her naval service, she resumed her original name, Volunteer, and was almost rebuilt in 1814. She then traded between London and Martinique, and later between London and Bordeaux, under the ownership of Ireland & Co. She was last listed in 1822, marking the end of her recorded maritime 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.