HMS Dragon was a 60-gun fourth-rate ship of the line belonging to the Royal Navy, constructed according to the 1733 proposals of the 1719 Establishment. Built at Woolwich Dockyard, she was launched on 11 September 1736. As a fourth-rate vessel, HMS Dragon was designed to carry a significant armament while maintaining maneuverability and versatility within fleet actions. Her physical characteristics, consistent with the 1719 Establishment standards, likely included a length of approximately 150-160 feet on the gundeck, a beam of around 42 feet, and a crew complement typical for ships of her class, generally ranging upward of 400 personnel. The ship's configuration would have featured multiple gun decks, with 60 guns distributed across her broadside, making her a formidable opponent during her operational years. HMS Dragon's service history is marked notably by her participation in the Battle of Toulon in February 1744, a significant engagement during the War of the Austrian Succession. This battle involved a combined fleet effort and underscored her role as an active participant in major naval conflicts of the period. Her ultimate fate was to be sunk in 1757 to serve as a breakwater, a common practice for aging warships no longer fit for active service. This act effectively preserved her as a maritime landmark and contributed to harbor defenses. Overall, HMS Dragon exemplifies the design and operational role of fourth-rate ships of the line in the Royal Navy during the mid-18th century. Her participation in prominent naval battles and her subsequent sinking as a breakwater reflect her significance in maritime history, illustrating the evolution of naval warfare and ship utilization during that 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.