Eleanor Finch
The USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere faced off in a naval battle during the War of 1812. The American ship Constitution, commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, defeated the British frigate Guerriere, led by Captain James Richard Dacres, in a battle that lasted less than 30 minutes to an hour. The victory was significant for American morale, and Constitution earned the nickname Old Ironsides due to the resilience of its hull against enemy cannonballs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 19th August 1812 |
| Location | 400 miles (640 km) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Participants | USS Constitution, an American ship; HMS Guerriere, a British ship |
| Commanders | Captain Isaac Hull (USS Constitution); Captain James Richard Dacres (HMS Guerriere) |
| Outcome | USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere, which was left in a sinking condition and had to be scuttled and set on fire |
| Casualties | Lieutenant William S. Bush (USS Constitution), killed; Lieutenant Charles Morris (USS Constitution), wounded; Captain Dacres (HMS Guerriere), wounded; several other casualties on both sides |
| Significance | An important victory for the Americans during the War of 1812; established the reputation of USS Constitution as a formidable warship, earning it the nickname "Old Ironsides" |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution's resilience
The USS Constitution demonstrated remarkable resilience in its battle against HMS Guerriere, a British frigate, during the War of 1812. The American ship, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, had sailed from Boston on August 2, 1812, and encountered the British ship about 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 19.
Captain Hull and his crew were well-prepared for combat, having undergone two weeks of daily gun drills. When the HMS Guerriere, commanded by Captain James Richard Dacres, came within a mile of the Constitution, the British ship hoisted its colours and released a broadside, but the cannonballs fell short. Showing resilience and patience, Captain Hull refused his crew's request to return fire immediately, wanting to ensure their first broadside was not wasted.
The USS Constitution's resilience was evident in the thick hull, composed of white oak planking and live oak frames, which withstood the enemy's cannonballs. The American ship's sturdy construction played a crucial role in its victory. During the battle, an American sailor exclaimed, "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron! See where the shot fell out!" This testament to the ship's resilience has been recorded in history.
The USS Constitution's resilience was not limited to its physical strength but was also demonstrated in the bravery and determination of its crew. Lieutenant John Cushing Aylwin, for instance, was commended for his gallantry during the battle. He refused medical attention for his injuries until all his men had been properly treated. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his wounds.
The USS Constitution's resilience and superior firepower led to the defeat of the HMS Guerriere. The British ship's masts were felled, and it was left helpless and rolling heavily. The USS Constitution, despite also sustaining damage, was able to repair its rigging and return to the battle. The resilience and skill of Captain Hull and his crew contributed to a significant American naval victory, boosting morale and establishing the Constitution as a household name.
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HMS Guerriere's masts fell
The HMS Guerriere was a British ship that fought against the USS Constitution in the War of 1812. The battle took place on August 19, 1812, about 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The HMS Guerriere, under the command of Captain James Richard Dacres, had been detached from a squadron and was proceeding to Halifax for a refit when it encountered the USS Constitution. Despite facing a bigger, stronger, and better-armed American ship, Captain Dacres engaged in battle.
During the exchange of broadsides, the HMS Guerriere's foremast and mainmast fell, leaving her helpless and rolling heavily. With her masts fallen, the Guerriere was unable to manoeuvre and became an easy target for the USS Constitution. The USS Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, took advantage of the situation and continued to inflict damage on the Guerriere. The Guerriere attempted to fight back, with gunners firing at point-blank range into Hull's stern cabin, setting the American ship on fire briefly. However, the loss of her masts proved to be a crucial disadvantage for the Guerriere.
As the battle raged on, the USS Constitution's thick hull, composed of white oak planking and live oak frames, proved resilient to the enemy's cannonballs. Some of the cannonballs even bounced off the hull, causing one American sailor to exclaim, "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!" The HMS Guerriere, on the other hand, suffered significant damage. In addition to the loss of her masts, the Guerriere sustained damage to her hull and rigging, and many of her crew were killed or wounded.
With the HMS Guerriere severely damaged and unable to fight effectively, Captain Dacres struck his colours and surrendered. The USS Constitution's crew took the British sailors on board, tended to the wounded, and ferried the prisoners of war to their ship. The Guerriere, beyond repair, was set on fire and eventually blew up. The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides" due to her impressive strength in battle, returned to Boston with the prisoners, proclaiming a significant victory for the Americans. This victory played a crucial role in boosting the morale and patriotic fervour of the American population during a time of military defeats and anti-war sentiments.
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Captain Dacres' injury
The battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere took place on August 19, 1812, during the War of 1812. It was a naval engagement between an American ship, the USS Constitution, and a British ship, the HMS Guerriere, about 400 miles (640 km) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
During the intense battle, Captain James Richard Dacres of the HMS Guerriere was gravely injured. An American musket ball struck him in the back, causing a serious wound. Captain Dacres' injury occurred as the two ships briefly came together, with only Guerriere's narrow bowsprit providing a connection between them. In the heavy sea conditions, neither side could easily cross over to the other ship. However, some gunners aboard the Guerriere fired at point-blank range into the stern cabin of the USS Constitution, setting it on fire briefly.
The injury to Captain Dacres proved to be a pivotal moment in the battle. With their captain wounded, the British crew of the HMS Guerriere found themselves at a disadvantage. The USS Constitution, commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, had also sustained damage but was able to repair it by running downwind to fix its rigging. Meanwhile, the HMS Guerriere's condition deteriorated, with its foremast and mainmast snapping off at deck level, leaving the ship helpless and rolling heavily.
Following the battle, Captain Dacres was tried by a court-martial, as was customary in the Royal Navy for the loss of a ship. He defended himself by citing the material state of the Guerriere, which was originally a French-built frigate captured by the British in 1806 and thus not as sturdy as British-built ships. Additionally, the Guerriere was already in a state of decay and en route to Halifax for refitting when the battle occurred. Captain Dacres argued that the early loss of the mizzenmast, which hampered the ship's performance, was due as much to rot as to battle damage.
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Lieutenant Aylwin's bravery
The USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere was a battle between an American and British ship during the War of 1812, about 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The battle, which took place on 19 August 1812, was a significant victory for the Americans, boosting their morale.
Lieutenant John Cushing Aylwin's bravery during the battle was commendable. As the sailing master, Aylwin was responsible for the safe navigation and proper sailing of the USS Constitution. He used his extensive experience at sea to expertly handle the frigate, manoeuvring it with skill and denying the enemy's attempt to gain the weather gauge. Aylwin's bravery was recognised and he received a Congressional silver medal for his distinguished service in the victory over HMS Guerriere.
Aylwin's bravery was not limited to the battle with HMS Guerriere. In the early years of the War of 1812, USS Constitution deftly evaded its enemies under Aylwin's leadership. He employed every trick he knew to escape from a squadron of five British warships off Egg Harbor, New York, in July 1812. Aylwin's quick thinking and sailing expertise were crucial in the ship's escape.
During the battle with HMS Guerriere, Aylwin demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication to his crew. After Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush was killed while attempting to lead his men onto the British frigate, Aylwin was wounded in the shoulder as he mounted the rail. Despite his injury, Aylwin refused to leave his post on the quarterdeck, staying at his position for the remainder of the battle.
Aylwin's bravery extended beyond the battle, as he refused medical attention for his own injuries until each of his men had received proper treatment. Unfortunately, Aylwin ultimately succumbed to the wounds he sustained during a subsequent battle with HMS Java on 29 December 1812. His legacy of service continued through multiple namesake vessels, including the USS Aylwin, which served with distinction in the years leading up to World War II.
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Boston's celebrations
USS Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, sailed from Boston on 2 August 1812. On 19 August 1812, it encountered the British frigate HMS Guerriere, commanded by Captain James Richard Dacres. The battle commenced in the afternoon, and despite facing a bigger, stronger-manned, and better-armed U.S. ship, Captain Dacres engaged. However, Guerriere's masts were felled, and the ship was left in a sinking condition. The British sailors were taken aboard the Constitution, and Guerriere was set on fire. The Constitution returned to Boston with news of the victory, which was significant for American morale.
Boston celebrated the victory with citywide jubilations. When Captain Hull and his crew returned to Boston on 30 August, they were greeted by throngs of cheering Bostonians. A militia company escorted Hull to a reception at the Exchange Coffee House, and more dinners, presentations, and awards followed in the coming weeks, months, and years. The USS Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" due to its impressive strength in battle.
In the years following the battle, the USS Constitution continued to be celebrated in Boston. In 1897, the ship returned to its native city amid fanfare, with parades, orations, musicals, and nighttime illuminations honouring its enduring legacy. In the early 20th century, a public campaign was launched to save the ship from being scuttled, and Congress appropriated funds for its repair and preservation. During World War II, the USS Constitution, along with the USS Constellation, was named the symbolic flagship of the United States fleet.
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Frequently asked questions
USS Constitution won the battle, marking a great victory for the US Navy.
The battle took place on August 19, 1812, during the War of 1812.
HMS Guerriere was severely damaged and forced to surrender. The ship was set on fire by the USS Constitution crew and sank.
