Cowper Phipps Coles
Maritime Accident Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Cape Finisterre, Spain
TIME PERIOD
September 7, 1870
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Captain Cowper Phipps Coles, an English naval officer and inventor, tragically died on September 7, 1870, when the experimental warship HMS Captain, which he designed, capsized off Cape Finisterre during a storm. Coles, who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy and was known for his innovative designs, including the first patent for a revolving gun turret in 1859, was on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The HMS Captain was intended to be a revolutionary warship, but its design flaws contributed to the disaster that resulted in the loss of Coles and many crew members. The current status of the investigation into the sinking remains historical, with no further developments since the incident. Significant evidence from the wreck and subsequent inquiries highlighted the ship's instability and design issues, leading to changes in naval engineering practices.
Theories surrounding Cowper Phipps Coles's death include the belief that the design flaws in the HMS Captain contributed to its capsizing, leading to speculation about whether Coles's innovative but untested ideas were responsible for the tragedy. Some suggest that the ship's experimental nature, combined with the heavy weather conditions at the time, may have played a critical role in the disaster. Additionally, there are theories that point to potential negligence in the ship's construction and management, raising questions about accountability within the Royal Navy.
The Unyielding Vision of Captain Cowper Phipps Coles
In the annals of naval history, Captain Cowper Phipps Coles stands out not just as a distinguished officer but as an inventor who reshaped naval warfare. Born on July 9, 1819, Coles embarked on a journey that would take him from the quiet English countryside to the tumultuous seas off Cape Finisterre, where his life would tragically end on September 7, 1870. This is the story of a man whose unyielding vision for innovation collided with the harsh realities of nature and naval engineering.
A Naval Legacy Begins
Coles was born into a family with strong maritime connections. The son of the Reverend John Coles and Mary Ann Goodhew Rogers, he entered the Royal Navy at the tender age of eleven. His rise through the ranks was swift; by January 9, 1846, he had been promoted to lieutenant, and by December 5, 1849, he was serving aboard HMS Phaeton under George Augustus Elliot. His career reached new heights when he became the flag lieutenant for his uncle, Rear Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, aboard the Agamemnon during the Crimean War.
The Crimean War was a proving ground for Coles. At the Siege of Sevastopol, he gained recognition for his bravery and tactical acumen. Promoted to commander on November 13, 1854, he took command of the paddle boat Stromboli in the Black Sea by August 2, 1856. It was during the Siege of Taganrog in August 1855 that Coles showcased his ingenuity, constructing a 45-foot raft, the Lady Nancy, armed with a 32-pounder gun, which he used to attack Russian stores. This daring raid earned him accolades and cemented his reputation as an innovative tactician.
Innovations in Naval Warfare
With the conclusion of the Crimean War, Coles focused on his passion for innovation. Promoted to captain on February 27, 1856, he began developing designs for revolving gun turrets, filing a patent for his design on March 10, 1859. While his concept was not entirely new—John Ericsson's USS Monitor would later feature a similar turret—Coles' designs aimed for unprecedented firing arcs and low water profiles. However, these design choices often conflicted with the practical needs of naval architecture, such as adequate rigging and deck height.
Despite these challenges, Coles' revolutionary ideas gained traction. His proposal for a ship with ten domed turrets was rejected by the Admiralty as impractical, but his persistence led to the construction of HMS Prince Albert in 1862, featuring four turrets. Coles' involvement was limited to turret design, as the ship's overall construction was overseen by Chief Constructor Isaac Watts.
Coles' next project was HMS Royal Sovereign, a timber ship retrofitted with four turrets and armored with 5.5 inches of iron. Completed in August 1864, it set the stage for Coles' command during the 1867 Naval Review. This success spurred further proposals, but the Admiralty, cautious and methodical, sought improvements before committing to new designs.
HMS Captain: Triumph and Tragedy
The creation of HMS Captain was a culmination of Coles' vision, yet fraught with contention. With support from influential figures, including Prince Albert, and despite opposition from Admiralty officials, Coles pressed forward. He supervised the construction personally, with Laird Brothers undertaking the build. The ship, completed in January 1870, boasted a freeboard of just 8 feet, reflecting Coles' preference for low profiles. However, construction errors led to the ship sitting lower in the water than intended.
HMS Captain initially performed admirably, achieving speeds of 14.25 knots under steam and proving faster under sail than her contemporary, HMS Monarch. Yet, her design flaws became apparent when she faced a gale in August 1870. Coles, aboard for this voyage, witnessed the ship struggle against unpredictable winds. The extensive rigging and hurricane deck, necessary for an oceangoing vessel, caught the wind dangerously as she heeled over. Tragically, the ship capsized after midnight on September 6, 1870, claiming Coles' life.
An inquiry revealed that Captain's design had a fatal flaw: beyond an 18-degree heel, her righting moment decreased, unlike Monarch, which remained stable up to 40 degrees. This oversight proved catastrophic.
Personal Life and Legacy
Coles' personal life was as intertwined with the navy as his professional one. In 1856, he married Emily Pearson, niece of Admiral Lord Lyons. Their son, Sherard Osborn Cowper-Coles, continued the family tradition of innovation, becoming a noted metallurgist.
Beyond his naval achievements, Coles was an artist, with several watercolors housed at the National Maritime Museum. His legacy, though marred by the tragedy aboard HMS Captain, remains one of relentless pursuit of innovation and a testament to the complexities of naval engineering.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Birth of Cowper Phipps Coles
Cowper Phipps Coles is born in England.
Promoted to Lieutenant
Coles is promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
Promoted to Commander
Coles is promoted to commander after distinguished service in the Crimean War.
Patent for Turret Design
Coles files a patent for a revolutionary revolving gun turret.
Construction of HMS Prince Albert
The Admiralty agrees to construct HMS Prince Albert with Coles' turret design.
HMS Royal Sovereign Completed
HMS Royal Sovereign, designed by Coles, is completed and launched.
Construction of HMS Captain Begins
Construction of HMS Captain, designed by Coles, begins.
HMS Captain Completed
HMS Captain is completed and undergoes successful initial trials.
HMS Captain Capsizes
HMS Captain capsizes in a storm, resulting in the death of Coles.
Captain Cowper Phipps Coles, an English naval officer and inventor, tragically died on September 7, 1870, when the experimental warship HMS Captain, which he designed, capsized off Cape Finisterre during a storm. Coles, who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy and was known for his innovative designs, including the first patent for a revolving gun turret in 1859, was on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The HMS Captain was intended to be a revolutionary warship, but its design flaws contributed to the disaster that resulted in the loss of Coles and many crew members. The current status of the investigation into the sinking remains historical, with no further developments since the incident. Significant evidence from the wreck and subsequent inquiries highlighted the ship's instability and design issues, leading to changes in naval engineering practices.
Theories surrounding Cowper Phipps Coles's death include the belief that the design flaws in the HMS Captain contributed to its capsizing, leading to speculation about whether Coles's innovative but untested ideas were responsible for the tragedy. Some suggest that the ship's experimental nature, combined with the heavy weather conditions at the time, may have played a critical role in the disaster. Additionally, there are theories that point to potential negligence in the ship's construction and management, raising questions about accountability within the Royal Navy.
The Unyielding Vision of Captain Cowper Phipps Coles
In the annals of naval history, Captain Cowper Phipps Coles stands out not just as a distinguished officer but as an inventor who reshaped naval warfare. Born on July 9, 1819, Coles embarked on a journey that would take him from the quiet English countryside to the tumultuous seas off Cape Finisterre, where his life would tragically end on September 7, 1870. This is the story of a man whose unyielding vision for innovation collided with the harsh realities of nature and naval engineering.
A Naval Legacy Begins
Coles was born into a family with strong maritime connections. The son of the Reverend John Coles and Mary Ann Goodhew Rogers, he entered the Royal Navy at the tender age of eleven. His rise through the ranks was swift; by January 9, 1846, he had been promoted to lieutenant, and by December 5, 1849, he was serving aboard HMS Phaeton under George Augustus Elliot. His career reached new heights when he became the flag lieutenant for his uncle, Rear Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, aboard the Agamemnon during the Crimean War.
The Crimean War was a proving ground for Coles. At the Siege of Sevastopol, he gained recognition for his bravery and tactical acumen. Promoted to commander on November 13, 1854, he took command of the paddle boat Stromboli in the Black Sea by August 2, 1856. It was during the Siege of Taganrog in August 1855 that Coles showcased his ingenuity, constructing a 45-foot raft, the Lady Nancy, armed with a 32-pounder gun, which he used to attack Russian stores. This daring raid earned him accolades and cemented his reputation as an innovative tactician.
Innovations in Naval Warfare
With the conclusion of the Crimean War, Coles focused on his passion for innovation. Promoted to captain on February 27, 1856, he began developing designs for revolving gun turrets, filing a patent for his design on March 10, 1859. While his concept was not entirely new—John Ericsson's USS Monitor would later feature a similar turret—Coles' designs aimed for unprecedented firing arcs and low water profiles. However, these design choices often conflicted with the practical needs of naval architecture, such as adequate rigging and deck height.
Despite these challenges, Coles' revolutionary ideas gained traction. His proposal for a ship with ten domed turrets was rejected by the Admiralty as impractical, but his persistence led to the construction of HMS Prince Albert in 1862, featuring four turrets. Coles' involvement was limited to turret design, as the ship's overall construction was overseen by Chief Constructor Isaac Watts.
Coles' next project was HMS Royal Sovereign, a timber ship retrofitted with four turrets and armored with 5.5 inches of iron. Completed in August 1864, it set the stage for Coles' command during the 1867 Naval Review. This success spurred further proposals, but the Admiralty, cautious and methodical, sought improvements before committing to new designs.
HMS Captain: Triumph and Tragedy
The creation of HMS Captain was a culmination of Coles' vision, yet fraught with contention. With support from influential figures, including Prince Albert, and despite opposition from Admiralty officials, Coles pressed forward. He supervised the construction personally, with Laird Brothers undertaking the build. The ship, completed in January 1870, boasted a freeboard of just 8 feet, reflecting Coles' preference for low profiles. However, construction errors led to the ship sitting lower in the water than intended.
HMS Captain initially performed admirably, achieving speeds of 14.25 knots under steam and proving faster under sail than her contemporary, HMS Monarch. Yet, her design flaws became apparent when she faced a gale in August 1870. Coles, aboard for this voyage, witnessed the ship struggle against unpredictable winds. The extensive rigging and hurricane deck, necessary for an oceangoing vessel, caught the wind dangerously as she heeled over. Tragically, the ship capsized after midnight on September 6, 1870, claiming Coles' life.
An inquiry revealed that Captain's design had a fatal flaw: beyond an 18-degree heel, her righting moment decreased, unlike Monarch, which remained stable up to 40 degrees. This oversight proved catastrophic.
Personal Life and Legacy
Coles' personal life was as intertwined with the navy as his professional one. In 1856, he married Emily Pearson, niece of Admiral Lord Lyons. Their son, Sherard Osborn Cowper-Coles, continued the family tradition of innovation, becoming a noted metallurgist.
Beyond his naval achievements, Coles was an artist, with several watercolors housed at the National Maritime Museum. His legacy, though marred by the tragedy aboard HMS Captain, remains one of relentless pursuit of innovation and a testament to the complexities of naval engineering.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Birth of Cowper Phipps Coles
Cowper Phipps Coles is born in England.
Promoted to Lieutenant
Coles is promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
Promoted to Commander
Coles is promoted to commander after distinguished service in the Crimean War.
Patent for Turret Design
Coles files a patent for a revolutionary revolving gun turret.
Construction of HMS Prince Albert
The Admiralty agrees to construct HMS Prince Albert with Coles' turret design.
HMS Royal Sovereign Completed
HMS Royal Sovereign, designed by Coles, is completed and launched.
Construction of HMS Captain Begins
Construction of HMS Captain, designed by Coles, begins.
HMS Captain Completed
HMS Captain is completed and undergoes successful initial trials.
HMS Captain Capsizes
HMS Captain capsizes in a storm, resulting in the death of Coles.