Wreck Report: H.M.S. Oswego and Mohawk

H.M.S. Oswego

Identification & Site Information

•Name: H.M.S. Oswego

•Type: Armed Sloop

•Year Built: 1755

•Builder: British Navy

•Location of Build: Oswego, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: Approximately 43 feet (13.1 meters)

•Beam: 15 feet (4.6 meters)

•Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

•Hull Material: Wood

•Final Resting Place: Oswego, New York

Vessel Type Description

The H.M.S. Oswego was a small wooden armed sloop built specifically for military operations on Lake Ontario. It was part of the British fleet tasked with maintaining control of critical waterways during the French and Indian War. Its size and single mast made it nimble and suited for patrolling, escorting, and engaging enemy vessels.

History

Built in 1755, the H.M.S. Oswego was part of the British strategy to establish a naval presence on Lake Ontario. The vessel was stationed at Oswego, a key British fort and naval outpost. The ship, along with other vessels, formed the backbone of British operations to disrupt French control of the region.

In 1756, during a coordinated assault, French forces attacked Oswego. The fort and its fleet were overwhelmed, and the H.M.S. Oswegowas captured. French forces burned the vessel, completely destroying it. This marked a significant loss for the British, as multiple vessels were lost, weakening their naval presence on the lake.

Final Disposition

The H.M.S. Oswego was burned by French forces following its capture in 1756. The vessel was completely destroyed, and its remains have not been conclusively identified.

Located By & Date

No modern records exist of the discovery or identification of the wreckage of the H.M.S. Oswego.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the site of the H.M.S. Oswego.

Mohawk

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Mohawk

•Type: Likely Armed Vessel (Details Unspecified)

•Final Resting Place: Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Mohawk was a British vessel operating on Lake Ontario during the French and Indian War. Though specifics about its size, tonnage, or armament remain unclear, it was part of the fleet responsible for maintaining British control over the lake.

History

The Mohawk was one of several vessels engaged in operations against French forces in 1756. During the same engagement that led to the loss of the H.M.S. Oswego, the Mohawk was also captured by the French. Following its capture, the vessel was burned to prevent its reuse by British forces.

Final Disposition

The Mohawk, like the H.M.S. Oswego, was burned by French forces after its capture. Its destruction was part of a calculated French effort to diminish British naval strength on Lake Ontario.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Mohawk has not been discovered or identified in modern times.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific NOTMARs or advisories related to the Mohawk wreck.

Additional Context: Related Vessel Losses

The losses of the H.M.S. Oswego and Mohawk occurred during a period of intense conflict between the British and French in the mid-18th century. Other British vessels lost during this period include:

•Ontario

•George

•Vigilant

•London

•Halifax

These losses significantly weakened British control of Lake Ontario during the French and Indian War.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical accounts and records.

•Great Lakes Ships: Contextual data on Great Lakes vessels.

Conclusion

The destruction of the H.M.S. Oswego and Mohawk highlights the strategic and violent nature of the French and Indian War. Their losses reflect the broader struggle for dominance over the Great Lakes, a region critical to trade, transportation, and military logistics in the mid-18th century. Though their remains have yet to be discovered, these vessels remain significant historical artifacts of the era.

Keywords

H.M.S. Oswego, Mohawk, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, French and Indian War, British Navy, 1756 naval conflict, maritime history, Great Lakes vessels, military shipwrecks.