HMS Diana was a 120-ton schooner built in 1774 in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, initially serving as an unarmed private fishing boat. Her construction was highly regarded, with Vice-Admiral Samuel Graves describing her as "the best Vessel of the Kind that has been yet in the King’s Service." In January 1775, she was acquired by the Royal Navy for £750 and was refitted with armament consisting of four 6-pounder cannons and twelve swivel guns, utilizing weaponry from HMS St. Lawrence. Under the command of Lieutenant Thomas Graves, she played a role in enforcing the Boston Port Act during the tense early days of the American Revolutionary War. Diana's service was brief, lasting just over a year. Her most notable engagement occurred on 27-28 May 1775 during the Battle of Chelsea Creek. While exchanging fire with American colonial land forces under John Stark, Diana encountered unfavorable winds during a retreat. Rowboats attempt to tow her to safety were cut short under heavy enemy fire, causing her to drift ashore on the Chelsea shore. Despite attempts by American forces led by General Israel Putnam to persuade her crew to surrender, the crew refused and continued to fire from the grounded vessel. The British crew fled during the night aboard the tender Britannia, which was commanded by John Graves, escaping the shallow waters. Subsequently, American forces boarded Diana, removing her weapons and valuables before burning her to prevent her recapture. Her mast, measuring 76 feet, was salvaged prior to her destruction and was erected on Prospect Hill as a liberty pole, symbolizing Patriot resistance. Despite efforts to locate her remains in Chelsea Creek, no wrecks have been definitively identified as Diana, though searches continue. Her brief but significant service marked her as the first British vessel captured and destroyed by colonial forces during the American Revolutionary War, symbolizing early naval conflict and Patriot resilience.

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