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Our model ship arrived safely on Saturday and we are very pleased with it. Thank you again for all your help.
Kindest regards, Richard May & Chloe (UK Buyer of HMS Surprise, July 2005)
I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with my model ship of the HMS Surprise. I have owned this model ship for some time now but the pleasure I get each time I walk past has not diminished at all. The model ship always draws very complimentary comments from friends and other visitors, both for the dramatic impact and standard of workmanship. I am sure that HMS Surprise will not be the only thing I buy from you. Keep up the good work
Mike McSean -Metropolitan Police Sergeant
Thanks for the information on the display case. The HMS Surprise ship model arrived in perfect condition, the day before my husband's birthday. It is amazingly beautiful and detailed; he was speechless when he saw it. He spent about an hour exploring it that first day, using his reference texts on O'Brian's novels to examine every detail. He was very moved by the gift and the skill and craftsmanship of your model builders. He's an engineer, and was particularly impressed with the way you designed and packaged the crate the HMS Surprise arrived in. He's planning on sending you and your employees his own message to express his admiration and thanks personally.
Thanks again for all your hard work, both in building the model ship and in getting it to us on time. Your work made my husband's birthday magical for him and for our family.
Please thank Rashid for me as well.
Teresa McKimmey-Caven (USA HMS Surprise Feb 05)
Received the HMS Surprise ship model yesterday (11 June 2004). Many thanks for the fine model ship and the good service. The packing was excellent-----do not know how you could have done any better.
Just thought I let you know that my model ship arrived safely and is absolutely stunning. I am amazed at the quality and detail and cannot praise Premier Ship Models enough.
Best wishes and thanks again Steve Thomas (Buyer of HMS Surprise)
The ship model arrived today, and Matt is thrilled, he loves it! The husband of one of our friends may be interested in ordering one of your model ships (it's always the guys, eh?). We'll give him your e-mail address when he's decided.
Thank you for everything! Marleigh Driscoll (Buyer of HMS Surprise)
Today the ship model arrived in excellent shape.You guys did a great job, the 'Surprise is a model true to the detail. I could look at her for hours
I hope not to get addicted to these ship models.......but we'll see.
Best regards
Juergen Wich (Germany-HMS Surprise June 2005)
A brief note to confirm that HMS Surprise ship model arrived on time and in one piece.
I am absolutely delighted with her and thank you very much for your trouble and the unpacking instructions. Should you wish to refer any intending customer in my direction I would be delighted to commend this outstanding and very beautiful example of the modelers art to them.
Best wishes and thanks - Tony Jones (USA Buyer of HMS Surprise, 2003)
The Surprise, was made famous by the writings of Patrick OBrian, in his books on the adventures of Captain Aubrey and the surgeon Maturin, described by the world famous writer as his favourite ship. A short history of the original Surprise is listed below.
The fabulous frigate was constructed in Le Havre as Unite in 1794. It was a 24-gun corvette, armed with 8lb long guns. The British captured her in April 1796 in the Mediterranean, and her name changed to the HMS Surprise. She was re-armed and classed as a 28-gun ship. She actually carried 24 32 lb carronades on her main deck, 8 32 lb carronades on her quarter deck, and 4 6 lb long guns on her foredeck.
French frigates were much sought after by the British, because of their manoeuvrability and speed. The streamlined design of the hull below the waterline meant that these frigates could out run most other ships.
Her big moment came in October 1799 under the command of Captain Edward Hamilton for the daring rescue of the frigate Hermoine. The latters crew had mutinied, killing their commander and officers. The ship was surrendered to the Spanish, and was taken to the harbour at Puerto Cabello in modern day Venezuela.
In trying to rescue the ship, the boats of the HMS Surprise was spotted and fired on by patrolling gunboats. They soldiered on, boarded the Hermoine, cleared the deck and sailed her out. Their losses were 12 wounded, whilst the Spanish suffered a loss of 216 wounded (including many dead). Captain Hamilton who led the rescue was knighted for his conduct, and the Hermoine restored to the British Navy.
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