Java Battle

Question 1

What was USSC doing in the lead up to the engagement?

Answer 1

Refit and resupply

Question 2

What was SECNAV Paul Hamilton’s general order and strategy to fight the war against British prior to the battle with HMS Java?

Answer 2

Their orders were to annoy the enemy and protect commerce by protecting American merchant vessels/attacking British on trade routes.

Question 3

Identify the date and location of the engagement.

Answer 3

Dec 29 1812

Brazil

Question 4

Identify the Commanding officers or both Vessels.

Answer 4

USSC William Bainbridge

HMS Java Henry Lambert

Question 5

Describe the damage Constitution sustained during the battle.

Answer 5

Spars and rigging

Ships helm splintered and injured William Bainbridge

Question 6

Discuss Henry Ducie Chads.

Answer 6

HMS Java 1st LT.
Henry Lambert was severely injured (possibly dead) when Chads had to take over the ship. Because of his lack of training and the chaos of battle, he ultimately gave up the ship unaware of the condition that the USSC was in.

Question 7

Explain the significance of the Constitutions victory over the Java.

Answer 7

Britain no longer wanted to engage in one on one battles with the US Navy. Issued a statement saying that in order to engage in battle they must be 2 on 1.

Question 8

Describe the key tactics used and details of battle.

Answer 8

Due to the lack of steering, the ship had to be manually steered from the tiller room. The effectiveness of live firing training better prepared the gun teams to accel during battle and through the training they were able to quickly de-mast the HMS Java.

Question 9

Explain the fate of the Java.

Answer 9

Unsalvageable, we set fire to it and it sunk.