page_title: HMS Doris (1795)
section_title: Fate
hierarchical_section_title: HMS Doris (1795) / Fate
caption_attribution_description: English: Loss of the Doris PU6042 Stipple etching and engraving showing Captain Patrick Campbell setting the ‘Doris’ alight in January 1805 to avoid capture, having struck a rock and wrecked near Diamond Island, Quiberon Bay. This action was necessary after an unsuccessful attempt to bring her back to England. Campbell in centre of image; two crewmen behind him (one gesturing to leave) and one at far left; burning barrels at right. Behind, crew on lifeboats; further figures on two-masted vessel at left background. ‘CJW’ signed below image at right.
context_page_description: HMS Doris was a 36-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, launched on 31 August 1795. which saw service in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Doris was built by Cleveley, of Gravesend.
context_section_description: In 1805, while under the command of Captain Patrick Campbell, Doris was lost on a rock off Quiberon Bay. She had arrived there on 11 January to bring news of a French squadron that was preparing to set sail, but when she arrived the British fleet was no longer in the bay. On the morning of the 12th, as Doris set sail, the weather worsened. Campbell returned to the bay to take shelter, at which time Doris hit the Diamond Rock in Benequet Passage. She took on water but the crew was able to get her nearly clear of water, in part by stretching a sail over the hole in her side and then pumping the accumulated water out. However, that afternoon the schooner Felix arrived with news that the Rochefort Squadron had sailed. Campbell felt it imperative that he get the news to the blockading squadron. As he set sail, it now being 15 January, the holes in the hull opened and despite her crew's efforts to save her she began to sink rapidly. Campbell anchored her eight miles north-east of Le Croisic and evacuated the crew to Felix and a passing American merchant schooner. He then set the ship on fire to prevent her use by the enemy. He later took passage to Britain aboard HMS Tonnant. The subsequent court martial reprimanded the pilot, Jean Le Gall, for his lack of skill.
caption: Captain Patrick Campbell setting the Doris alight in January 1805 to avoid capture.
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