Black Seas: HMS Royal Sovereign
HMS Royal Sovereign was a 1st Rate Ship-of-the-Line of the Royal Navy,
bearing 100 guns. She was launched from Plymouth Dockyard in 1786 and
developed somewhat of a poor reputation from her crew, supposedly dubbed “West
Country Wagon” owing to poor manoeuvrability and speed.
Prior to her famous role at the Battle of Trafalgar, she participated in the
battles of “The Glorious First of June” as the flagship of Vice-Admiral
Thomas Graves, and was Cornwallis' flagship in his famous retreat of 16 June
1795. In the latter battle, after a day's pursuit, a far larger French fleet
came within firing range of the entire Brtish fleet.
Realising the danger to his rearguard, Cornwallis brought Royal Sovereign
southwards imposing his vessel between the two fleets, using the power of the
1st rate's broadside to dissuade the pursuing French. In doing so, he managed
to delay the French long enough until the appearance of an unknown fleet spooked
the French into their own retreat.
Trafalgar
At Trafalgar, HMS Sovereign was the flagship of Admiral Collingwood, at the
head of the Leeward line (a scenario can be found here). It was the first ship
to engage in the action, breaking the Franco-Spanish Line and engaging the
Spanish Santa Ana. Despite the ship's poor reputation for speed and
manoeuvrability, it proved adept in the light winds of the day, outpacing other
vessels.
HMS Royal Sovereign duelled with Santa Ana for much of the battle, losing her
mizzen and main masts in the process. The Spanish vessel eventually struck its
colours after suffering over 200 casualties. HMS Euryalus was forced to take
the Royal Sovereign in tow, but this still allowed the 1st Rate to support the
battle with its port broadsides. Eventually, the vessel was deemed uninhabitable
and Collingwood, now in command of the fleet following Nelson's death
transferred his flag to HMS Euryalus. Collingwood opted to overturn one of
Nelson's final orders to anchor the fleet, reacting to the rising storm.
Royal Sovereign would go on to serve in the blockade of Toulon and was
credited with the capture of an American frigate at the outbreak of the War
of 1812.
In Black Seas
HMS Royal Sovereign is an exceptionally powerful 1st Rate in the game. Beware
the brunt of her broadside, particularly if you choose to include Admiral
Collingwood as a character in your fleet. His presence will allow his ship and
friendly vessels near, to re-roll its initial broadside. This gives you a
distinct advantage for this crucial portion of any battle.
Contains 1 resin and metal ship
The trade-off for this deficiency is an arsenal that dwarfs any other ship in
the game. Any vessel unfortunate enough to be caught in the broadside is sure to
be shredded. You'll want to capitalize on this as best you can, unleashing your
initial broadside (which conveys additional bonuses) at the optimal moment.
Miniatures supplied unpainted and require assembly.