The French ship Glorieux was a 74-gun ship of the line constructed for the French Navy, reflecting the typical design and armament of mid-18th-century battleships. Built by Clairin Deslauriers at Rochefort, she was launched on 10 August 1756. The vessel underwent a rebuilding process in 1777, although specific details of this reconstruction are not provided. Glorieux’s service record includes notable engagements and captures. On 4 June 1781, she captured the cutter HMS Fly. Later that same year, on 30 August, she was operating with the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse in the Chesapeake. During this time, she played a role in the encounter with British vessels, including the sloop Loyalist and the frigate Guadeloupe. The Guadeloupe managed to escape to York Town, where she was scuttled, while Loyalist was overtaken by the French frigate Aigrette with Glorieux in sight. Loyalist was subsequently taken into French service as Loyaliste in September and transferred to American hands in November 1781. Glorieux’s most prominent combat was at the Battle of the Saintes on 12 April 1782, under the command of Captain (Baron) D'Escars. During the battle, she engaged HMS Duke and HMS Formidable. In a display of courage and symbolism, she nailed her white colours to the mast, and a sergeant of the Auxerrois regiment, waving his halberd, became a notable figure. The sergeant was wounded but continued his display of bravery, later earning a promotion. Despite efforts to tow her to safety after the battle, Glorieux was captured by the British. She was then recommissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Glorieux or HMS Glorious, rated as a third-rate ship. Her service was short-lived; in September 1782, during a hurricane off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Glorieux was lost with all hands, including her captain, Thomas Cadogan. The hurricane also claimed other ships, resulting in over 3,500 fatalities. The vessel's history marks her as a significant example of 18th-century naval warfare, capturing, combat, and the hazards faced by ships of the line during this turbulent period.

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