Ship Name Histories - Database of histories of ship names beginning with letter H.

Habafia

Name Origin: Havannah, the capital of Cuba and once of the Spanish West Indies.

Habang

Name Origin: a.k.a. Abang.  An island in the Dutch East Indies, off the west coast of Borneo.

Habicht

Name Origin: Hawk

Habsburg

Name Origin: The name of the family from which the Imperial house of Austria is descended.  Werner was the first Count of Hasburg of whom mention is made in 1096, his castle of that name being situated in Switzerland near Schnitzach.  Rudolph, Count of Habsburg, was elected German Emperor in 1273, and acquired the Duchy of Austria in 1282.  His descendants were German emperors from 1493 to 1804, when the “Holy Roman empire” came to an end, the Emperor Francis II renouncing his German title and becoming emperor Francis I of Austria.

Hache

Name Origin: Hatchet.

Hadda

Name Origin: Hadda Bloedug, “the bloody of purple haired.”  In Norse mythology a goddess of the waves, one of the nine daughters of the sea god Aegir and his wife Ran.

Hai

Name Origin: Shark

Hai-Chew

Name Origin: Sea counter.

Hai-Chi

Name Origin: Sea dominion.

Hai-Shen

Name Origin: Sea valuables.

Hai-Yung

Name Origin: Sea capacity.

Haien

Name Origin: Shark.

Halcon

Name Origin: Falcon.

Name Origin: In Greek mythology the wife of Ceyx, king of Trochis.  He perished by shipwreck, whereupon his broken hearted wife flung herself into the sea.  The gods, moved to pity by such grief, changed her and her husband into sea birds, which were supposed to build their nest upon the waves about the time of the winter solstice, during which period the sea would remain calm.  Hence the term “haleyon days” to designate a time of happiness and tranquillity.

Halep

Name Origin: Aleppo, the capital of Syria.

Hallebarde

Name Origin: Halberd.

Hamid-Abad

Name Origin: Name of a district in the province of Konia.

Hamidieh

Name Origin: Appertaining to Hamid.”  Abdul Hamid, the present Sultan, born 1842, succeeded to the throne 1876.

Name Origin: One of the southern maritime counties of England, which includes the Isle of Wight, from which the mainland portion is divided by the Solent and Spithead.  Portsmouth (the principal naval port of England) and Aldershot (the principal military centre) are situated in this county.

Handy

Name Origin: The great Carthaginian general and patriot, son of Hamilcar Barcas; born 249 B.C. died 183 B.C.  Brought up by his father in undying hatred of Rome, he almost succeeded in causing her destruction during the Second Punic War.  Having led an army from the Carthaginian colony in Spain across the alps, he overran the whole of Italy, defeating every army sent to oppose him (Canae, 216 B.C.) and maintained himself there for fifteen years, without any support from home.  In 203 B.C. he returned to Africa, as Carthage was threatened by Scipio’s coming from Spain, where he had been victorious.  In the battle of Zama, 202 B.C. the Romans defeated Hannibal, and soon after was forced to go into exile, where, pursued by the relentless hatred of Rome, he at length was driven to end his life by poison.    

The tenth “HANNIBAL” is a 16-gun twin-screw battleship, launched at Pembroke in 1896.  She is of 14,900 tons, 12,000 horse- power, and 17.5 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 390ft., 75ft., and 27ft.   On the night of October 17^th, 1993, the “Hannibal,” while commanded by Captain A.G. Tate, came into collision with her sister ship “Prince George,” commanded by Captain F.L. Campbell.  The channel fleet, at the time under Admiral Lord Charles Beresford with his flag in “Majestic,” was off Cape Finisterre doing tatics without lights.  The actual hole made in the “Prince George” by the “Hannibal’s” ram was 24ft. 8 in. in height and about 6 ½ ft. wide.  The injury was so effectually repaired on the spot that the Admiral was able to take her to Ferrol for more durable repairs, whence she returned to England under her own steam. 

Hardinge

Name Origin : Henry, first Viscount Hardinge; born 1785, died 1856.  He served throughout the Peninsular War, was Secretary of State for War in 1828, and became governor General of India in 1844.  During the first Sikh War, though Governor General, he acted as Second in command to Lord Gough.  Returning to England in 1848, he succeeded the Duke of Wellington in 1852 as Commander in Chief of the British Army, which office he resigned just before his death.  He was raised to the Peerage 1846.

Hardy

Harpie

Name Origin: Harpy.  In Greek mythology the Harpies are goddesses of the storm; sometimes represented as beautiful women, at others as disgusting monsters, half women, half bird.  When Phineus, son of King Agenor, blinded his own sons, the Harpies were sent by the gods to devour and soil all his food in punishment.

Harpon

Name Origin: Harpoon.

Name Origin: In Greek mythology the Harpies are goddesses of the storm; sometimes represented as beautiful women, at others as disgusting monsters, half women, half bird.  When Phineus, son of King Agenor, blinded his own sons, the Harpies were sent by the gods to devour and soil all his food in punishment.

The fifth “HARPY” was a 2-gun paddle steamer, launched at Blackwall in 1845.  She was of 500 tons, 520 horse- power, and carried a crew of 40 men.  Her length, beam, and draught were 141ft., 23ft., and 13 half ft.  In April 1845 the “Harpy,” commanded by Lieutenant Edward Beauchamp, took part in minor way in the operations in South America, including the bombardment of forts in the Parana River.   In 1855 the “Harpy” proceeded to the Baltic to take part in the war with Russia.  In September the “Harpy” was in the sea of Azof, and acting as one of a small squadron under Captain Robert Hall in “Miranda,” destroyed stores and buildings, and captured sixty-two pieces of artillery in the towns of Taman and Fangoria.  In 1892 the “Harpy” was sold to the war office for £450 for use as a target at Milford Haven in connection with experiments with the pneumatic gun.  The wreck was sold in 1909 for £20.The sixth “HARPY” was built as Mortar Vessel “No.24” at Rotherhithe and launched in 1856.  She was of 169 tons, and her length, beam, and draught were 75ft., 24ft., and 10ft.   The Admiralty lent her to the Steam Navigation Company in 1857, and in 1861 to the Custom House authorities who gave her the name of “Harpy.”  She was used as a custom House Watch vessel off the Tower of London until 1871 when she was returned to the Admiralty who broke her up at Chatham in 1872. The seventh “HARPY” is a turbine torpedo-boat destroyer, launched at Cowes in 1910.  She is of 935 tons, 12,500 horse- power, and 27 knots.  Her length, beam, and draught are 265ft., 28ft., and 9ft.   In 1914 the “Harpy,” commanded by Commander G.C. Dickens, was engaged in the Mediterranen, in various operations against the Germans and Austrians.

The seventh “HARRIER” was a wood built schooner yatch, specially purchased for £2874 in 1881 for the suppression of the East African slave traffic.  She had been built at Cowes in 1872.  She became of 190 tons after fitting out, and her length and beam were 92ft. and 19ft.  In 1888, after some service on the Australian station, the “Harrier” was sold at Sydney to the London Missionary Society for £1200.  The eighth “HARRIER” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Devonport in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse- power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught are 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft. This vessel became a sea-going tender to the Portsmouth Navigation School.

Name Origin: Old terms for a full grown stag.

The eighth “HART” was an 80-ton cutter yacht, launched at Woolwich in 1822.  Her length, beam, and draught were 53ft., 18ft., and 8ft.   She was employed as yacht to the Navy Board, but on the abolition of that office she became the yacht to the Admiral at Sheerness in 1833.  In 1870 she became a harbour service vessel at Sheerness, being renamed “Sheerness Yard Craft No 1.”  In November 1870 she was renamed “Drake,” and in 1875 she was broken up at Chatham.The ninth “HART” was a 4-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Glasgow in 1868.  She was of 584 tons, 608 horse-power, and 10 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 155ft., 25ft., and 9ft.  In 1873 the “Hart” commanded by Commander Thomas H. Royse, was engaged in the blockade of the Spanish Mediterranean littoral, assisted in the operations against the Spanish Intransigents, and prevented the insurgent ships from bombarding various coastal towns.  In September 1874 the “Hart,” commanded by Commander T.H. Royse, in company with the “Charybdis,” took part in an expedition to the Indian River, in the Maylay Pininsula, and composed some differences between the rulers of Johore and Pahang.  In November 1874, the “Hart,” in company with the “Charybdis,” took part in an expedition to the Lukit River to intervene in serious disputes which had arisen between the ruler of Sungei Ujong and one of his feudatories.  It was decided to support the ruler, and a small Naval Brigade of 73 officers and men were landed with troops on November 26^th.  After some short fighting the Maylay feudatory deserted Campayang, and escaped into the bush.  One sailor was mortally wounded, and 50 of the enemy coolies were killed.  Search parties were sent out in various directions, but they failed to catch Bandar, who did not surrender for some weeks later. During these operations the “Hart” proceeded to Langkat, to warn the Selangor authorities against affording assistance to the insurgents.The tenth “HART” was a twin-screw torpedo-boat destroyer, launched at Govan in 1895.  She was of 295 tons, 4000 horse-power, and 27 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 185ft., 19ft., and 7ft. In 1900 the “Hart,” commanded by Lieutenant J.G Armstrong, played a minor part in the third China War or Boxer Riots. In 1913 the “Hart” was placed on the sale list at Hong-Kong and was sold in pieces. 

Harukaze

Harusame

Hashidate

Hashitaka

Hasty

Hato

Hatsuharu

Hatsu-Shino

Hatsu-Yuki

Haughty

Havhesten

Name Origin: Sea Horse.

Havornen

Name Origin: The white tailed sea eagle.

Name Origin: Admiral of the Fleet Edward Hawke, Lord Hawke; born 1705, died 1781.  Having entered the Navy, he rose to be a Lieutenant in 1729, Commander in 1733, and Captain in 1734.  As Captain of the Berwick, 70 he behaved with conspicuous ability and gallantry in Admiral Matthew’s unsatisfactory action off Toulon on February 22^nd 1744, and captured the only ship taken from the enemy.  In 1747 he was promoted to Rear-Admiral, and given a squadron to intercept a large French West-Indian convoy, escorted by a small squadron under Admiral l’Etenduere.  On October 14^th he caught them off Cape Finisterre.  Having 14 sail to the French 9, he captured 6 after a gallant running fight, but the convoy escaped.  In 1756 he wass sent to relieve Admiral Byng, after the latter’s failure to save Minorca, and the following year he commanded the expedition  to Basque Roass.  Still in command of the Channel Fleet, he inflicted a crushing defeat on the French on November 20^th, 1759, in Quiberon Bay, which put an end to all their schemes of invasion as far as that war was concerned.  This action was fought in a gale, on a lee shore and in narrow waters, where finally most of the French ships were destroyed.  Hawke continued in command of the Channel Fleet another three years.  In 1766 he became First Lord of the Admiralty, and Admiral of the Fleet two years later, but was not raised to the peerage until 1776.

The eighteenth “HAWKE” was a screw yacht, purchased for special service with the Admiral commanding the Coast Guard and Reserves.  She was built at Leith in 1884 as the “Lady Aline,” and was of 520 tons, 400 horse-power, and 12 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 167ft., 24ft., and 9ft.  In April 1906 the “Hawk” was sold.The nineteenth “HAWK” was a 12-gun twin-screw cruiser, floated out at Chatham in 1891.  She was of 7350 tons, 12,000 horse-power, and 20 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 360ft., 60ft., and 24ft.  In 1897 and 1898 the “Hawke,” commanded by Captain Sir Richard Poore, Bart., was engaged in the operations which led to the pacification of Crete and the appointment of Prince George of Greece as high Commissioner under the suzerainty of the Sultan of Turkey.  On one occasion the “Hawke” embarked a Greek military force in Platania Bay and took it back to its own country.  On September 20^th, 1911, the “Hawke,” while commanded by Commander W.F. Blunt, collided in the Solent with the White Star Liner “Olynpic.”  The trial-which pronounced the “Hawke” to be free from blame-aroused much general interest owing to the theory advanced that the large amount of water displaced by the “Olympic” led to a suction action which had drawn the “Hawke” out of her course.  Appeal after appeal followed the decision of the first court to try the case.  In the collision the “Hawke” lost her arm, and an ordinary straight bow was built to replace it.  In 1914 the “Hawke,” commanded by Captain Hugh P.E.T. Williams, was engaged in various operations in the North Sea, in connection with the war with Germany.  On October 15^th the “Hawke,” was successfully torpedoed by a German submarine.  The “ Theseus,” which was in company, was unsuccessfully attacked at the same time.  The “Hawke” sank in a few minutes, and unfortunately Captain Williams, 26 officers and 500 men were lost with the ship.  Four officers and about 60 men were saved.  The twentieth “HAWK” was a small dhow hired in 1903, and armed with one 3-pounder gun.  Her length, beam, and draught were 50ft., 14ft., and 2ft., and it was said of her that she could sail anywhere where the sand was wet. With 2 British petty officers and a crew of 14 Somalis, she was very active in the prevention of gun-running on the Somaliland coast.

Name Origin: Commemorates the capture of the Dutch ship Havik (Hawk) in 1796, of which Havock is a corruption.  She was added to the Royal Navy.

Hayabusa

Hayakaze

The thirteenth “HAZARD” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched Pembroke in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught are 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft.  In 1897 and 1898 the “Hazard,” commanded by Lieutenant Price Vaughan Lewes, was engaged in the pacification of Crete.  It had been decided by a council of Naval officers to collect a certain proportion of export duties and to expand the proceeds for the general benefit of the island .  Orders were given therefore that the Custom House at Candia should be turned over to the British authorities.  A desperate attack on a small force of sailors and soldiers by a fanatical, well-armed mob, occurred on September 6^th, 1898.  At the same time the British hospital and camp at the other end of the town were attacked.  There were only 130 British troops in the town, and the Turkish troops did not assist as they should have done.  The “Hazard” opened fire on the town with 4.7’s.  In each case the defence was heroically maintained, and then the infuriated mob turned upon the native Christians, of whom it is believed nearly a thousand were massacred.  The “Hazard” lost four seamen killed and several wounded; but the Queen marked her  pleasure at the behaviour of the “Hazard” by promoting Lieutenant Lewes to Commander, and awarding the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Order to Surgeon W.J. Maillard and Lieutenant E.H. Nicholson respectively.  A monument to the killed seaman has been placed in the Upper Barracca at Malta.  The “Hazard” eventually became a sea-going depot ship for submarine boats. On February 2^nd, 1912 the “Hazard,” while commanded by Lieutenant Charles J.C. Little, collided with the submerged submarine A3, which unfortunately sank with a loss of 14 lives.

Hearty

Name Origin: In Greek mythology the goddess of youth, daughter of Zeus (Jupiter) and Hera (Juno).  She was the handmaid, and cupbearer of the gods.  The ship name commemorates the capture of the French Hebe, 40, by the Rainbow, 44, Captain Henry Trollope, off Isle de Bas, on September 4^th 1782.  She was added to the Royal Navy under her own name.

Name Origin: Active volcano in Iceland.  Since the twelfth century there have been eighteen eruptions’ a notable one, lasting six months, began in September 1845.  The last took place in 1878.

The fourth “HELCA” is a screw 5-gun torpedo-depot ship, launched at Belfast on March 7^th, 1878.  Originally known as “British Crown,” she was purchased into the Navy from the British Shipowners Company Limited.  She is of 6400 tons, 1760 horse-power, and 12 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 392ft., 39ft., and 24ft.    The launching of this vessel is of especial interest to the author, as his mother performed the ceremony.    In 1882 the “Helca,” commanded by Captain Arthur K. Wilson, took part in the Egyptian War.  On July 11^th the “Helca” was present at the bombardment of Alexandria, and generally assisted by supplying ammunition to the firing ships.  At 7a.m. the “Alexandria” fired the first shot of the bombardment.  Owing to the flagship’s draught of water Admiral Sir Beauchamp  Seymour temporarily hoisted his flag in “Invincible.”  All ships were cleared for action with topgallant masts struck and bowsprits rigged in.  By 7.10a.m. all ships were engaged, and such forts as could bring their guns to bear replied with vigour .  By 5p.m. all guns ashore ceased firing and the fleet stopped bombarding at 5.30p.m.  The British casualties were 5 killed and 28 wounded.  The Egyptian loss has never been properly ascertained, but it is believed to have been about 150 killed and 400 wounded out of the 2000 men engaged in the forts.  The small gunboats attacked Fort Marabout, anchoring so close in that the enemy’s guns could not be sufficiently depressed to reach them.  Although the Governor refused to surrender, the town was found to be abandoned on the following day, and it was at once occupied by the crews of the 14 ships which had taken part in the bombardment.  The “Helca” then proceeded along the coast, starting from Mex, where Captain Wilson landed and destroyed about 100 guns in the seaward defences.   On August 4^th Captain Wilson boarded the armoured train which was commanded by Captain John Fisher of the “Inflexible,” and with one of his Armstrong 40-pound breechloaders dteamed into Mex lines.  There the gun was employed with extraordinary success against the Mariout earthworks distant about 6000 yards.  On August 5^th the “Helca” contributed to a Naval Brigade which left Alexandria in the armoured train commanded by Captain John Fisher.  The marines were detrained about 800 yards from Mehallet Junction and, assisted by the “Helca’s” 40-pounder gun, quickly dislodged the enemy.  During the evening the brigade was exposed to a galling fire, but the marines behaved with great gallantry and bore the brunt of the attack.  The casualties in this affair were 1 marine killed and 12 wounded, 1 seaman killed and 4 wounded.     The brigade were then recalled to their ships.   On August 12^th a party from the “Halca” distinguished itself by destroying a quantity of gun cotton whil exposed, during some minutes, to a smart fire from the enemy.  In February 1884 the “Helca” contributed to a Naval Brigade which accompanied the army, under General Sir Gerald Graham, from Trinikat in its march inland.  Rear-Admiral Sir William Hewett, who flew his flag in “Euryalus,” accompanied General Graham.  The brigade took part in the battle of El Teb, distinguishing itself greatly.  The village of El Teb was captured, and the Arabs fled, after suffered a loss of 1500 killed.  At one time the Arabs made a dash upon a corner of the square.  Captain Wilson of the “Helca” rushed to the front, endeavouring specially to protect a marine who was hard pressed, and was at once surrounded by five or six Arabs, who engaged him in personal combat.  Captain Wilson’s  sword broke off short, but he continued to fight with his fists and sword hilt until some men of the York and Lancaster regiment intervened with their bayonets.  Captain Wilson received a scalp wound, but was able to remain with the advance, and received the Victoria Cross for his gallantryin preventing the square from being broken.  After the battle of El Teb, Sir Gerald Graham issued a general order, in which he especially thanked the Naval Brigade for their cheerful endurance during the severe work of dragging the guns over difficult country, and for their ready gallantry and steadiness under fire.  On March 11^th the Naval Brigade advanced from Suakin with the troops for the dispersal of the Arabs, who were beleaguering Sinkat.  On March 12^th the troops took part in the battle of Tamai.  The Naval Brigade charged the Arabs, were cut off and surrounded, suffered many casualties, and lost their guns.  Order was a length restored, and advancing again, the Naval Brigade had the satisfaction of regaining all their guns.  By this time the Arabs had had enough of fighting, and retired after suffering a loss of 2000 killed.  The total British loss was 109 killed and 104 wounded, to which the Naval Brigade contributed 3 officers and 7 men killed, and 1 officer and 1 seaman wounded.  Among the wounded was Lieutenant Crawford Conybeare, of the “Helca.”  On the 28^th the forces re-entered Suakin.

Hefring

Name Origin: The heaving or swelling.  In Norse mythology a goddess of the waves, one of the nine daughters of the sea god Aegir and his wife Ran.

Heibet Numa

Name Origin: Formidable (Arabic-Persian).

Heiligerlee

Name Origin: A places in Friesland where, on May 23^rd 1568, the first battle was fought between the revolted Dutch Protestant party and the Spanish troops.  The Patriots were victorious.

Heimdal

Name Origin: In Norse mythology a god of light and guardian of the bridge to heaven.  He saw by night as well as day, needed less sleep than the birds, and could hear the grass grow.  He once wandered on earth, and their begat three sons, from whom the three classes of mankind princes, freeman, and slaves –are descended.

Heimdall

Name Origin: In Norse mythology a god of light, and guardian of the bridge to heaven.  He saw by night as well as day, needed less sleep than the birds, and could hear the grass grow.  He once wandered on earth, and their begat three sons, from whom the three classes of mankind- princess, freemen, and slaves are descended.

Hekla

Name Origin: A large active volcano in the southwest of Iceland.

Hekla

Name Origin: An active volcano in Iceland.

Helgoland

Name Origin: Heligoland, a small island in the North Sea to the northwest of the mouths of the Weser and Elbe.  It was Christianise in the eighth century, when it received the name of Heleg or Helgo Land, that is, the land of the Holy or Saints.  It was the hands of the Danes during the latter half of the fourteenth century, and from 1664 to 4689.  From 1714 to 1807 it was again a Danish possession, was ceded to England in the latter year, and since 1890 belongs to the German Empire. The ship name commemorates the naval action that took place off the island between the Danes and the allied Austrians and Prussians on May 9^th 1864.

Hellas

Henri IV

Name Origin: Henry IV, King of France and Navarre, born 1553, died 1610, the son of Antoine de Bourbon and Jeanne d’Albret, Queen of Navarre.  He became the leader of the Protestant party in France.  In 1572, six days after his marriage with Margaret of Valois, the sister of Charles IX, the massacre of St. Bartholomew took place.  Henry was fighting at the head of the “Huguenot” (Protestant) party, when by the death of Henry III in 1589, he became King of France.  He was, however, not recognised by the “Ligue” (strict Catholic party) as such, and civil war continued until 1593, when Henry became a Roman Catholic.  In 1598, peace being definitely established, and Henry secure on his throne, he issued the Edict of Nantes, which gave the Protestants liberty of conscience.  He was a most able ruler, and did much to raise the prosperity of France.  He founded the colony of Quebec in 1608.  In 1610 the fanatic Ravaillac murdered him.  His daughter, Henrietta Maria, became the wife of Charles I of England.

Henri Riviere

Name Origin: Poet and naval officer, born 1827, died 1883.  He crushed a revolt of the natives of New Caledonia in 1878, captured Hanoi in Tong King in 1882, and fell during a sortie against the Annamities in May 1883. He wrote several novels and tales, an account of theFrench Navy under Louis XIV, and one of the expeditions to Mexico.

The eleventh “HERCULES” was a 14-gun screw broadside ironclad, launched at Chatham in 1868.  She was of 9300 tons, 8530 horse-power, and 14 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 305ft., 59ft., and 25ft.    This vessel became a floating barrack for dockyard workmen at Gibralter, and her name was subsequently changed to “Calcutta.”The twelfth “HERCULES” is a 26-gun turbine battleship launched at Messrs.  Palmer’s Yard, Jarrow, in 1910.  She is of 20,000 tons, 25,000 horse-power, and 21 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught are 510ft., 85ft., and 27ft. She enjoys the distinction of being the first British warship to be launched during the reign of His Majesty King George the fifth.

Herluf Trolle

Name Origin: Born 1515, died 1565.  One of the leading nobles of Denmark and possessing great estates, he devoted himself to the naval profession.  As Admiral he commanded the Danish fleet in the two battles, which took place in 1564 near Oeland on May 30^th and 31^st, and again on August 14^th, gaining complete victories over the Swedes on both occasions.  The following year, on June 4^th, he again fought the Swedish fleet near the shores of Pomerania; but the battle was indecisive, whilst Trolle was seriously wounded.  He displayed great gallantry and heroism, declining medical aid until his men had been attended to.  He died of his wounds, just three weeks later, ay Copenhagen.

Name Origin: In Greek mythology the god of eloquence and prudence, the protector of commerce, and guardian of roads and highways, the patron of travellers, shepherds and thieves.  A son of Zeus (Jupiter) and Maia, he was his father’s messenger, and equipped for his office with a winged cap and winged sandals, bearing as special attribute the cadueceus, a rod entwined by two serpents possessing magic powers.  He conducted the souls of the dead on their way to the nether regions.

Name Origin: In Greek mythology the lovely daughter of King Menelaus and the beautiful Helen.

The sixth “HERMIONE” is a 10-gun twin-screw cruiser, launched at Devonport in 1893.  She is of 4360 tons, 9000 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 320ft., 49ft., and 19ft.  In 1896 the “Hermione,” commanded by Captain Charles R. Arbuthnot, was one of a squadron of six ships which was specially commissioned in reply to a congratulatory telegram from the German Emperor to President Paul Kruger on the repulse of Dr. Jameson’s raid.  The squadron, known as the Particular Service Squadron, was commanded by Rear-Admiral Alfred Taylor Dale with his flag in “Revenge.”    In 1900 the “Herione,” commanded by Captain R.S.D. Cumming, played a minor part in the third China War or Boxer Riots.  Subsequently she became the seagoing depot ship for the first Naval airship of the lighter-than-air type, but when the building of this raft was abandoned, the “Hermione” reverted to ordinary fleet duties.

Hernan Cortes

Name Origin: Ferdinand Cortes the conqueror of Mexico; born 1485, died 1547.  Of an impoverished noble family, he sought his fortune in the New world, and became the private secretary of Velasquez, the first Governor of Cuba.  In 1519 he equipped a small expedition of 11 ships and about 650 men, determined to seek adventures and renown on the mainland.  After touching at several points, he landed near St. Juan de Ulloa, on the coast of Mexico, then a populous, rich and civilised Indian state.  Having been graciously received by the Emperor Montezuma, and finding the land full of riches, Cortez determined upon its conquest.  He destroyed his ships to cut off all hopes of return from his followers, picked a quarrel with the natives, and after severe fighting and hairbreadth escaped from utter destruction, within the space of two years, with his handful of troops, destroyed the empire of the Indians and made himself master of all Mexico in the name of Spain.  There upon he was appointed Governor of New Spain, as his conquests was called, and held this post until 1530, when he was superseded by a voceroy.  In 1536 he discovered and attempted to conquer California, but lost his whole private fortune in the adventure, and returned to Spain in 1540 a ruined man who had fallen out of favour at Court.  He died at Seville when on the point of once more going to America.

Hertog Hendirck

Name Origin: Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, born 1876, son of the Grand Duke Frederick Francis, since 1901 consort of the Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

Hibari

Name Origin: The Latin name for Ireland.

The second “HIBERNIA” was a 120-gun ship, launched at Devonport in 1804.  She was of 4149 tons, and carried a crew of 837 men.  Her length, beam, and draught were 201ft., 53ft., and 19ft. In 1805 the “Hibernia,” flying the flag of Admiral Lord Gardner, was employed in the blockade of Brest, and in 1806 and 1807 she flew the Union flag of the Earl St. Vincent as an acting Admiral of the fleet on the same service.  This appointment had been offered to Earl St. Vincent some months before, but he “spurned at it,” unless Mr.Pitt unsaid all he had said in the House of Commons against his management of the Admiralty. Sometime afterwards, Mr Pitt’s death removed the obstacle, and Earl St. Vincentaccordingly hoisted the union.

           The various letters and orders from the Admiral give his views of Naval matters very clearly.

           Dear Tucker (his old secretary)- This great influx of nobility into the Navy has contributed largely to making the office of Captain a complete sinecure; and it only wanted Lord Garlies’ proposition, to give additional pay to the First Lieutenants, to put the finishing stroke to it.  As the service now stands , all the powers, even punishments, are delegated to the First Lieutenant: the Captain does not turn out as formerly; seldom comes on deck; and takes everything upon report.  The change since I commanded the Fleet six years ago is really quite alarming, for now the Captain does not think for himself  responsible for anything; while I maintain (and ever will) that he is responsible for the conduct of every officer and man in the ship he commands.- Ever yours,

To Rear-Admiral Markham.

          ….. I was much at a loss to account for the “Ville de Paris” having carried away her foreyard, and we learned from the Lieutenant yesterday that it was actually done by keeping the lee fore-brace fast in tackling, and which broke short by the force of the men on the weather brace.  She is now shifting a fore-topmast, and how the one she is lowering has been sprung is unaccountable, for we have had very moderate weather and smooth water ever since she joined.  The “Egyptienne” carried out four topmasts to Admiral Harvey’s squadron the other day, and if we continue to throw away topmasts at this rate, the forest of the North will not furnish an adequate supply.  There is a great lack of seamanship in the service, and the young people now coming up are for the most part frippery and gimcrack.  I wish we could revive the old school….

To Rear-Admiral Stirling

(“Hibernia,” near Ushant, june 2^nd, 1806)

           My dear Admiral,- I will thank you to state to the Captains of the ships you sent into Cawsand Bay to replenish and get paid, that I have informed my Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty of the time prescribed to carry these measures into execution during the summer season; six clear days exclusively of the day of arrival and that of sailing, which is considered ample for these purposes; and that a longer continuence in port would be productive of disease; and you cannot be too precise in your orders to send the Pay Books by the Mail Coach the evening of their arrival; their Lordships having found it expedient to take seven sail-of-the-line from me, I am put to my trumps to keep up the four squadrons, and nothing short of punctual obedience to the foregoing orders will enable me to perform what is required.- Yours sincerely,              St. Vincent.

General Memorandum.- To the Respective Captains and

Commanders

“HIBERNIA,” near Ushant

July 16^th, 1806

It is my direction, that during the time the ship you command remains in port, whether in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth Sound, or Hamoaze, you regularly , at the least once a week, visit her patients at the Hospital, accompanied by your Surgeon and Physician of the Fleet, when not employed upon other important duties; and you are to see every man whose case does not forbid him being disturbed, and to encourage and inspire them, by all the address and attention in your power; but care must be taken that the period of your visit be varied, and no previous notice given of your approach.  You are also to provide that on the day immediately preceding the sailing of your ship, her surgeon visits all his patients, in order to bring away those who, although not so entirely cured as to be discharged into the “Prince Frederick,” maybe, however, in such a state on convalescence as in the opinion of the medical officers of the hospital, renders their complete re-establishment on board their own ship a matter of little doubt or delay.                     St. Vincent.

To Viscount Howick

“HIBERNIA,2 near Ushant,

July 25^th, 1806

           ….I shall never ask you to promote; but if several Lieutenants of the “Hibernia” are not raised to Commanders, the example set in her cannot be of long continuance.  The officers are always upon the full stretch; and it would have the appearance of puffing if I were to detail the change which has taken place here, and throughout the Fleet under my command, since I was last placed at the head of it.-Ever yours most truly,                  St. Vincent.

  Upon the change of administration early in 1807 Earl St. Vincent resigned the command of the Channel Fleet, and communicates the fact to his older secretary as follows:

Mortimer Street, April 24^th, 1807

           DEAR TUCKER- To my great joy and satisfaction, the order is come, and runs: “Whereas we think fit you should haul down your flag, and come on shore; you are hereby required to haul down your flag, and come ion shore”; signed “Gambier, Bickerton, Ward.”  The sooner this order is acknowledged and carried into effect the better; and I will thank you to come hither as soon as you have breakfasted, and do the needful for I mean to be very prompt in my obedience.- Yours ever,                       ST. Vincent. 

  In 1807 the “Hibernia,” commanded by Captain Charles Marsh Schomberg and flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir William Sidney Smith, was at the head of a squadron of nine ships engaged in the blockade of the Tagus.  In view of the French advance, the Portuguese Royal family, headed by Prince Regent Dom Joao, then allowed themselves to be persuaded to leave Portugal until the trouble with France was settled.  A portion of the squadron escorted them to South America, but the “Hibernia” remained on the blockade.  In 1808 the “Hibernia,” flying the flag of Admiral Sir Charles Cotton, was at the head of a squadron which, in co-operating with the army, assisted in the expulsion of the French from Portugal and in the surrender of a Russian squadron in the Tagus.  This squadron was held in deposit by the British King until six months after the conclusion of the war.  In 1813 the boats from the “Hibernia,” Captain Charles Thurlow Smith, and flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir William Sidney Smith, co-operated with those from other vessels in an attack on the batteries if Cassis, between Marseilles and Toulon.  The marines stormed the citadel battery and drove the French to the heights, and the boats within the mole captured or destroyed 3 gunboats and 25 sail of merchantmen.  The British lost 4 killed and 16 wounded.   In 1825 the “Hibernia” was partially rebuilt, and she subsequently became receiving ship at Malta. In 1902 she was sold and broken up at Malta.  

Hibiki

Hifzi-Rahman

Name Origin: “Protector of the compassionate,” one of the attributes of God (Arabic).

The fourth “HIGHFLYER” is an 8-gun twin-screw cruiser, launched at Govan in 1898.  She is of 5600 tons, 10,000 horse-power, and 20 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 350ft., 54ft., and 20ft.  From November 1902 to March 1903 the “Highflyer,” commanded by Captain Arthur H. Christian flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Drury, was at the head of the squadron of six ships which took part in the Somaliland campaign in various coastal capacities.  The ships assisted in landing troops and stores, in transport work, and in the prevention of delivery of munitions of war to the enemy.  Three officers attached to the “Highflyer” were landed, and assisted the progress of the campaign with a wireless telegraphy apparatus.  In August 1914 the “Highflyer,” commanded by Captain Henry T. Buller, was employed on the north -west African coast protecting British trade.  On August 27 she met the German armed ship “Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse” off the Oro River, and after a short engagement in which the “Highflyer” lost one man killed and about six wounded, the German ship was sunk.

Name Origin: "Land of the Hindu.”  In the wider sense of the term the Indian Empire, which is described by act of Parliament as “All territories and places within His Majesty’s dominions which are for the time being governed through the Governor General of India, or through any other Governor or Officer subordinate to him, together with any territories of any native prince or chief under the Suzerainty of His Majesty, exercised through the Governor General,” etc.  Burma, the Andaman, Nicobar, and Laccadive Islands, as well as Aden, are politically included within the Empire.

The third “HINDUSTAN” (or Hindostan) was an 80-gun ship, launched at Plymouth in 1841.  She was of 3242 tons, and carried a crew of 700 men.  Her length, beam, and draught were 168ft., 51ft., and 16ft.      From 1864 the “Hindostan,” acted as part of the training establishment for Naval cadets at Dartmouth under the general name of “Britannia.”  Her name was changed to “Fisgard” in October 1905, and she was merged into the training establishment for boyartificers at Portsmouth. The fourth “HINDUSTAN” is an 18-gun twin-screw battleship, launched at Clydebank in 1903.  She is of 16,350 tons, 18,500 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 425ft., 78ft., and 27ft.  From August 1^st, 1911, to October 26^th, 1911, Midshipman H.R.H. the Prince of Wales served in this battleship.  On the day H.R.H. left the ship Captain Henry H. Campbell, R.N., who had acted as Governor to the Royal Midshipman, stated that H.R.H. had “taken part in every duty that appertains to the working of a great battleship, and had cheerfully and efficiently discharged the less agreeable as the more agreeable of his tasks.  Throughout the whole period of his training he had been an extremely hard worker, and had struck those about him, high and low, as what they called ‘a live thing.’”

Hi-Yei

Hizen

Hjaelperen

Name Origin: Helper, assistant.

Hoche

Name Origin: Lazare Hoche, born 1768, died 1797, a distinguished General of the First French Republican.  He began life as a stable boy, and rose from the ranks. He served under Dumouriez in the Low Countries, but being suspected of participation in that General’s treasonable plots, he was arrested and imprisoned.  In return for an able plan of campaign worked out in prison, Carnot, “the organiser of victory,” had him released, and appointed him commandant of Dunkirk, where he successfully withstood the English attacks.  Having rapidly risen to the rank of General of Division, he received the command of the troops on the Moselle in 1793, and drove the Prussians back over the Rhine.  Again falling under suspicion, he was superseded and re-imprisoned at Paris, until the fall of Robespierre set him free.  In 1795 he quelled the rebellion in Brittany and Normandy.  In 1796 he embarked in command of an expedition sent to Ireland, but a gale scattered the fleet and rendered the attempt druitless.  In 1797 he commanded the army of Sambre and Meuse, dying in command of the army of the Rhine.

Name Origin: Commemorates the final stage of the decisive victory gained by an Anglo-Dutch fleet over the French off Cape Barfleur in May 1692, more usually, but erroneously, spoken of as the battle of La Hogue.  The action began on May 19^th, and ended on the 24^th with the destruction of the enemy’s ships in the Bay of La Hogue.  The British force under the Admiral Russell, with admirals Sir Ralph Delaval, Sir Cloudesley Shovel, Sir John Ashby, Hon. George Rooke, and Hon. Richard Carter, consisted of 63 ships of the line and 23 frigates.  The Dutch under Admiral Allemonde with two Vice-Admirals, numbered 36 ships of the line and 14 frigates. The total line of battle was thus 99 ships with 40,675 men, and 6994 guns, besides 37 frigates and numerous fire ships.  Owing to fog and calms only a portion of this great force was actively engaged.  The French under Tourville had only 45 line-of-battle ships, and the defeat was overwhelming, 15 ships being subsequently destroyed ashore.  After the humiliation of Beachy Head two years before, the news that the French fleet was practically annihilated and the threatened invasion by a French force to restore James II rendered impossible, created immense enthusiasm in England.  No less than 39 different medals were struck to commemorate the event.  Owing to political reasons, five years was allowed to pass before Admiral Russell was rewarded for his services with the Earldom of Oxford.

Holland

Name Origin: The colloquial designation of the Netherlands; strictly speaking, the northwest portion of the kingdom, which was formerly the countship of Holland.  It retained its semi-independence under the Burgundian, Spanish, and Austrian domination, and was one of the largest of seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic.  Now it is divided into the provinces of North and South Holland.

Name Origin: (1) Admiral Samuel Hood Viscount Hood; born 1724, died 1816.  Entering the Navy in 1740, he became Lieutenant in 1746, Commander 1754, and Captain 1756.  In command of the Vestal he captured the French Bellone on February 21^st 1759.  In 1778 he was appointed Commissioner of Portsmouth Dockyard and was appointed Commissioner of Portsmouth Dockyard and created a Baronet.  Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1780, he was sent to the West Indies with reinforcements for Admiral Rodney, and fought the French under De Grasse off Martinique on April 29^th 1781.  Going north, he was second in command in Admiral Graves’s action off the Chesapeake, September 5^th of that year.  Returning to the West Indies, he proved his tactical skill in his engagement with De Grasse off St. Kitt’s in January 1782.  On Rodney’s return from leave soon after, Hood became his second and had a brilliant share in the great victory of April 12^th of that same year off Dominica.  For these services he was created a Baron.  Having been elected into Parliament n 1784, he joined the board of the Admiralty in 1788.  On the outbreak of the war with the French Republic in 1793, he was sent to the Mediterrranean as Commander-in-chief, took possession of Toulon and the French fleet in that port, and reduced Corsica in 1794.  Ill health compelled him to return home in 1795.  The next year he was advanced to the dignity of Viscount and created a G.C.B. in 1815.

            (2) Admiral Alexander Hood, Viscount Bridport, younger brother of the preceding; born 1727, died 1814.  Entering the Navy in, he like his brother, received his Lieutenant’s commission in 1746, and Captain’s in 1756.  In command of the Antelope, 50 he drove ashore and destroyed the French Aquilon , 48, in Audierne Bay, in 1757.  In 1760, with the Minerva, 32, he very gallantry recaptured the British 60-gun ship Warwick from the French, who, however, had only armed her with 34 guns.  As captain of the Robust, he took part in Keppel’s action of 1778.  Promoted to Rear Admiral two years later, he commanded a division of Lord Howe’s fleet at the relief of Gibraltar in 1782.  When in 1793 the war with the French Republic broke out, he was appointed second in command to Lord Howe in the Channel fleet, and took part in the great victory of the 1^st of June 1794.  For this battle he was raised to the peerage as Baron Bridport.  In the following year he defeated the French off Groix, and in 1797 he succeeded to the command of the Channel fleet, which he held until 1800.  He was created a Viscount and made General of Marines in 1801, having been as Admiral since 1794.

            (3) Vice Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, Bart, nephew of the two proceeding; born 1762, died 1814.  He served as midshipman of the robust, Captain Alexander Hood, in Keppel’s action of 1778, ad as Lieutenant of the Barfleur with Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood (Lord Hood) in the West Indies 1781-1783.  As Captain of the Zealous he tookpart in the Battle of the Nile in 1798.  In 1801 he commanded the Venerable with Sir James Saumarez at Algeciras and in the straits of Gibraltar.  In September 1805, while in command of a squadron off Rochefort, he lost his right arm in a skirmish with a French squadron.  As Rear Admiral he was second in command to Sir James Saumarez in the Baltic 1808, and in a single ship action captured the Russian ship Sevolod.  He was created a Baronet in 1809 and in 1812 was appointed Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies, dying at Madras two years later.

            (4) Captain Alexander Hood, nephew of Lords Hood and Bridport.  On April 21^st 1798, in command of the Mars, 74, captured the French Hercule, 74, Captain l’Heritier, in a single ship action.  After having been chased by the Mars for several hours, the Hercule anchored close inshore near Brest and furled sails.  The Mars, coming up, did the same, so close to the Frenchman as to rub sides, and in this position the action was fought out with great determination.  Captain Hood was mortally wounded during the fight, and died just after his adversary had struck.

Hornet

Name Origin: Admiral of the fleet Richard Howe, Earl Howe, second son of Viscount Howe; born 1726, died 1799.  Having joined the Navy, he quickly rose to Lieutenant 1744, Commander 1745, and Captain 1746.  In the latter rank he served in the Channel and distinguished himself by his capture of the island of Chaussey, in Cancale Bay.  After taking part in the expedition to Basque Roads in 1757 in command of the Magnanime, he acted as Commodore on the north coast of France in 1758, and had an active share in Hawke’s battle of Quiberon on November 20^th 1759.  The same year he succeeded his brother as Viscount Howe.  In 1763 he joined the Board of Admiralty, becoming Treasurer of the Navy two years later.  Reaching flag rank in 1770, he served as Commander-in-chief in North America from 1776 to 1778, where he drove d-Estaing from Rhode Island.  As Admiral and Commander-in-Chief in the Channel, he carried out the relief of Gibraltar in 1782.  From 1783 to 1788 he was First Lord of the Admiralty, being created an Earl in the latter year.  On the outbreak of the war with the French Republic in 1793, he took command in the Channel, and on June 1^st of the following year fought the memorable battle, which ended so disastrously for Villaret-Joyeuse’s fleet.  In 1796 he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and made General of Marines, receiving the Garter the following year.  When the mutiny broke out in the Home fleet in 1797, he was mainly instrumental in quelling it, at the same time obtaining redress for the legitimate grievances of the seamen, by whom he was always held in high esteem.    

Hu-Kow

Name Origin: Eagle.

Hu-Pan

Name Origin: Condor

Hu-Tsun

Name Origin: Vulture.

Hu-Yo

Name Origin: Kite.

Huacolda

Name Origin: One of the Auracanian heroines wives of the Caciques, who fought the Spanish invaders.  They figure in the poem called “La Auracana,” by Don Alonso de Ercilla.

Huascar

Name Origin: Son of huayna Capac, who incorporated the kingdom of Quito in his dominions, which on his death, he divided between his two sons, Huascar and Atahualpa.  The brothers made war upon each other, in which the latter eventually remained the victor.  He imprisoned Huascar in the province of Tauja, where the latter died nine months later.

Hujebr

Name Origin: a species of tiger (Persian).

Name Origin: Commemorates the capture of a Spanish vessel in 1656, whose name was translated into Hunter on being added to the Navy.

Name Origin: Light cavalryman who’s uniform is practically the national dress of Hungary.  Since the eighteenth century Hussar regiments are to be found in most European countries.  Huszar is a Hungarian word derived from Husz = 20.  The original Hussars were heavily armed horsemen raised by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary (1459-1490) by compelling every twentieth man amongst the nobility to serve.

The ninth “HUSSAR” is a 2-gun twin-screw gunboat, launched at Devonport in 1894.  She is of 1070 tons, 3500 horse-power, and 19 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 250ft., 30ft., and 9ft.   In 1897 the “Hussar,” was employed in the pacification of the Island of Crete, which led to the appointment of Prince George of Greece as High Commissioner, under the suzerainty of the Sultan of Turkey.    The last Turkish troops to be removed from the island were conveyed to Salonica by the “Hussar.”   This gunboat was eventually converted into a special service ship for service with the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, and has now only met mast.

Hussard

Name Origin: Light cavalryman, who’s uniform, is practically the national dress of Hungary.  Since the eighteenth century Hussar regiments are to be found in most European countries.  “Huszar” is a Hungarian word derived from “Husz” = 20.  The original Hussars were heavily armed horsemen raised by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary (1459-1490), by compelling every twentieth man amongst the nobility to serve.

Huszar

Name Origin: Harpy.  A Hungarian word derived for husz = 20 and used to denote light cavalrymen, whose uniform is practically the national dress of Hungary.  The original Huszars were heavily armed horsemen raised by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary (1459-1490) by compelling every twentieth man amongst the nobility to serve.  Since the eighteenth century regiments of Huszars or Hussars are to be found in most European countries.

Hvalrossen

Name Origin: Walrus.

Name Origin: In Greek mythology Hyacinthos, son of the Spartan king Amyclas, was a youth beloved by Apollo and accidentally slain by him with a discos (quoit) whilst at play.  From his blood sprang the flower that bears his name.

The fourth “HYACINTH” was an 8-gun screw corvette, launched at Devonport in 1881.  She was of 1420 tons, 950 horse-power, and 11 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 200ft., 38ft., and 16ft.    In 1902 the Hyacinth was sold.The fifth “HYACINTH” is an 11-gun twin-screw cruiser, launched at Glasgow in 1898.  She is of 5600 tons, 10,000 horse-power, and 20 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 350ft., 54ft., and 20ft.  In 1904 the “Hyacinth,” commanded by Captain the Hon. Horace Hood, and flying the flag of Rear-Admiral George Atkinson-Willes, was at the head of a squadron of three ships which took part in the Somaliland campaign.  On April 20^th the “Hyacinth,” and “Fox” arrived off the Gulluli River after dark, and on the following day a small landing party went ashore under Flag-Captain Hood.  One hundred and twenty-five men of the Hampshire Regiment accompanied the sailors.  The brigade advanced upon Fort Illig in face from a brisk fire from rifles, and two old fashioned cannon loaded with mixed iron, and finally carried the place at the point of the bayonet.  The “Hyacinths’” subsequently cleared the village and some caves at the bottom of the cliffs.  The enemy left between 60 and 70 dead, and the British re-embarked with a loss of 3 killed and 11 wounded.  Fort Illig was then reduced, and the British ships withdrew.  At various dates the “Hyacinth,” while commanded by Captain J.D Dick and flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.W. Slade, was employed in the prevention of the gun-running traffic in the Persian Gulf.  760 rifles were captured off the Jagin River  on one occasion.

Hydra

Name Origin: In Greek mythology a nine headed serpent dwelling in the swamp of Lerna, which devastated the country around until frought and killed by Herakles.

Hydra

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