“The Loss of the Ramillies”

Description

A heavy storm dooms the Ramillies. The boatswain orders the crew to the lifeboats. Hundreds drown in the wreck; only three or four survive

Notes

Ramillies was the site of one of Marlborough's great victories (1706), and several ships were named after it, from this ship to an early twentieth century dreadnought.

This _Ramillies_ had a peculiar history; it actually predates the battle bearing its name! In 1664, the _Royal Katherine_ was built, an 84-gun ship. It was "rebuilt" in 1702 (a subterfuge used by the Royal Navy at the time: They built a new ship with some of the old timber). The rebuilt ship was renamed after the battle of Ramillies. (She would be rebuilt again in 1749.)

Half a century after the rebuilding and renaming, having been part of the fleet which failed to save Mallorca, _Ramillies_ was wrecked off Bolt Head on her way to Plymouth. There are thought to have been 725 men aboard at the time, of whom only 26 survived. - RBW

Historical references

• Feb 15, 1760 - Wreck of the Ramillies off the coast of Devonshire. Only 26 men survive

Cross references

• cf. "The Fatal Ramilies" (subject)

Recordings

• Jumbo Brightwell, "The Loss of 'The Ramilly'" (on Voice12)

References

1. Laws K1, "The Loss of the Ramillies"
2. Doerflinger, pp. 144-145, "The Ship Rambolee (The Loss of the 'Ramillies')" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Peacock, pp. 954-955, "The Loss of the Rammelly" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. Mackenzie 85, "The Old Ramillies" (1 text)
5. DT 554, RAMILLIE
6. Roud #523
7. BI, LK01