I have just recieved my beautiful model of HMS Beagle which will be used for our exhibition on Evolution here at the Danish Natural History Museum. Thanks Premier Ship Models. Buyer of HMS Beagle Model Ship (Jan 09) MORE >>
I could not believe how quick it arrived. It was a gift for my Father who is over the moon with it. I hope to do business with you again. Jane Cumiskey, Buyer of J S Elcano (+) Kit (UK Aug 08) MORE >>
Just to say the
Flying Fish arrived and was a great success so thank you for all your help and
advice.Linda Boereboom, Buyer of the Flying Fish Model Ship (UK Oct 08) >> MORE
The model
arrived yesterday afternoon and is absolutely
fabulous!
Many thanks -
it takes pride and place in my office!Gordon
Harris , HMS Endeavour Model Ship Platinum (Jersey Nov 08)>> MORE
Thank you for sending the model HMS Bounty so promptly. The model arrived extremely well packaged, and in excellent condition.Mark Stevens , Buyer of HMS Bounty Kit (France Nov 08 ) >> MORE
I am sending this E Mail to thank you for the swift delivery of a very fine model which will give me & my grandchildren many years of pleasure.Ron Eccles, Buyer of Sailing Dinghy (UK Nov 08) >> MORE
Thanks for the opportunity to work with Premier Ship Models on Tidewaters model projects! Throughout the process though Premier has been
responsive to Tidewaters needs.Chris
KastellaManager Purchasing &
Administration
Tidewater(Dec 08) >> MORE
Pictures are great, true craftsmanship! Well done, the quality of
the wood, speaks for itself too.Best Wishes to the team.Khalid Lodhi , Buyer HMS Bounty Model Ship (UK Nov 08)>> MORE
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 LUnite 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.
