HMS Zebra was a Zebra-class sloop of the Royal Navy, launched on 31 August 1780 at Gravesend. Originally armed with 16 guns, she was later reclassified as an 18-gun vessel. Designed by Edward Hunt, Zebra was built for versatility and served in various theaters during her lengthy career. She was initially commissioned under Commander John Bourchier and served in the Downs Squadron during the latter stages of the American Revolutionary War. Her early service included capturing or recapturing vessels such as the privateer Revenge in 1781 and the brig Providence in 1783, demonstrating her role in anti-privateer operations and patrol duties. In 1782, Zebra sailed for Jamaica, where she participated in the broader Caribbean campaigns. She was present at the Battle of the Saintes as part of Rear-Admiral Sir Samuel Hood's division, primarily serving in support roles such as relaying messages and rescuing crew rather than direct engagement in the fleet's line-of-battle. Throughout the 1780s, Zebra underwent repairs and recommissioning, with commanders including C. Boyles and William Brown, and she periodically served in the Mediterranean and Channel waters. Her service intensified during the French Revolutionary Wars, notably in 1794, when she took part in the capture of Martinique and aided in the storming of Fort Saint Louis under Commander Robert Faulknor. The successful assault earned her crew the Naval General Service Medal with the clasp "Zebra 17 March 1794." She continued active operations in the Caribbean, capturing various enemy vessels, including the schooner Carmagnole, and supported British military campaigns such as the invasion of Trinidad in 1797. In 1798, Zebra was converted into a bomb vessel at Deptford, costing over £7,000, enabling her to participate in the bombardment of French ports and Copenhagen. She was present at both the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen and the second Copenhagen campaign in 1807, where she contributed to the destruction of Danish defenses and shipping. Throughout her career, Zebra demonstrated adaptability, engaging in combat, blockade, and support roles. She was laid up in 1809 and sold in 1812, marking a distinguished two-decade service record within the Royal Navy.

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