HMS Celebes was originally the Dutch and Batavian Republic frigate Pallas, a vessel captured by British forces in the East Indies on July 26, 1806. The capture was executed by the British frigate HMS Greyhound and the brig-sloop HMS Harrier during a naval engagement. The battle was intense and costly for the Pallas, with eight men killed outright and 32 wounded, including her captain, Nicolaas Sebastiaan Aalbers, and three of his lieutenants. Aalbers and six of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries, highlighting the vessel's significant engagement in combat. Following her capture, the British Royal Navy took her into service initially as HMS Makassar (or Macassa). However, within the same year, her name was changed to HMS Celebes. The vessel was classified as a frigate, a warship designed for patrol, escort, and reconnaissance duties, typical of Royal Navy frigates of the period, though specific dimensions and armament details are not provided in the source. HMS Celebes was commanded by Commander Edward Troubridge, formerly of HMS Harrier, who served as her first British captain. He was succeeded by Commander William Wilbraham, and later in 1807, Captain William Pakenham took command. Her service in the Royal Navy was relatively brief; she was paid off at Calcutta on September 23, 1807. After a survey of the vessel, the decision was made not to commission her for further active service. Consequently, she was sold rather than retained in the Royal Navy. In summary, HMS Celebes was a captured Dutch frigate of notable combat history during her brief period in British service. Her capture marked an important engagement in the East Indies during the Napoleonic Wars, but her subsequent short service life reflects her status as a vessel deemed unsuitable for further Royal Navy use.

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