Q&A · 1:31:26-1:31:30

Was Calcutta's merchant hull as strong as a fourth rate?

The converted East Indiaman's hull strength was about comparable to a purpose-built fourth rate, even though her merchant crew and armament were much smaller.

Question

How did HMS Calcutta's hull strength compare with a typical purpose-built fourth rate?

Short answer

It was about the same in structural strength, though the merchant configuration carried far fewer people and guns.

Notes

Calcutta's hull strength was about comparable to that of a typical fourth rate. East Indiamen needed heavy structure for cargo and long ocean voyages, giving such hulls real conversion potential. Calcutta's naval conversion raised her complement from 125 to 324 and added a heavy lower-deck battery. Structural strength alone therefore does not measure the fighting power of the merchant configuration.