HMS Surprize

03/06/2026

NINEFINGERS RUM
As I study the charts by the faint glow of a lantern, my thoughts drift back to those glorious days of battles past—days when the frigates *Surprize* and *Unicorn* stood side by side against the enemy. In doing so, I recalled that my old friend, Captain Ninefingers of the *Unicorn*, had gifted me an excellent bottle of rum upon our last parting.
I immediately summoned my steward to bring the said bottle to my cabin, that I might sample it. Scarcely had I taken the first sip when I was truly overwhelmed by the quality and exquisite flavor of this noble spirit. With this gift, my old friend Captain Ninefingers has brought me great joy, while simultaneously stirring up many pleasant memories of the voyages and battles we endured together.
And so, I raise my glass to your health, Captain Ninefingers. May the winds ever be fair to you, the sea remain kind, and may you always have a hand's breadth of water beneath your keel.
Slàinte!

31/05/2026

Die Crew "HMS Surprize" und "HMS Unicorn" auf dem 20. Epochenfest in Jülich Brückenkopfpark 2026

The crew of "HMS Surprise" and "HMS Unicorn" at the 20th Epoch Festival in Jülich Brückenkopfpark 2026

13/05/2026

14/04/2026

HMS Surprize shortly after being commissioned at the Royal Dockyards Woolwich, in August 1774. (painted by Bertie Dauberham)

16/03/2026

PROJEKT "FELDFLASCHE"
Mr. MacGates hatte vor einiger Zeit eine hölzerne Feldflasche geschenkt bekommt die jetzt einen neuen Anstrich erhält. Sie soll den Farbeton ockergelb erhalten, wie er auch auf Schiffen der Royal Navy benutzt wurde. Auf der Rückseite erhält die Feldflasche den "Board Arrow" und den Kennbuchstaben für die Royal Navy. Die Vorderseite wird von einem Anker verziert mit dem Schrifftzug "Surprize" darunter.

PROJECT "CANTEEN"
Mr. MacGates recently received a wooden canteen as a gift, which is now being repainted. It will be painted the ochre yellow color used on Royal Navy ships. The back of the canteen will feature the "Board Arrow" and the Royal Navy identification letter. The front will be decorated with an anchor and the word "Surprise" underneath.

14/03/2026

Lange hat es gebraucht eine vernünftige "Red Ensign" zu finden, die aus Leinenstoff- Baumwolle und Handgerät gefertigt wurde.
Fündig geworden bin ich bei "Puffin Flags" in England und ich muß sagen die Flagge ist von der Verarbeitung und der Qualität einfach sehrgut geworden.

It took a long time to find a decent "Red Ensign" made from linen-cotton fabric and hand-stitched.
I finally found one at "Puffin Flags" in England, and I must say the flag is simply excellent in terms of workmanship and quality.