HMS Ambuscade (1773)

HMS Ambuscade was a 32-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, built at Depford in 1773. The French captured her in 1798 but the British recaptured her in 1803. She was broken up in 1810.

American Revolution
On 22 June 1779, after a short action, Ambuscade captured the French brig Hélene, which was the former Royal Navy 14-gun sloop HMS Helena. The Royal Navy took her back into service under her original name. Six days later Ambuscade captured the French privateer Prince de Montbray. The privateer was possibly out of Granville and under the command of Captain Boisnard-Maisonneuve.

French Revolutionary Wars
In August 1798 Ambuscade, commanded by Captain Henry Jenkins, with HMS Stag (1794) and the hired armed cutter Nimrod captured the chasse maree Francine. Then Ambuscade shared with HMS Phaeton (1782) and Stag, in the capture on 20 November of the Hirondelle.

Ambuscade was blockading Rochefort, when the smaller French corvette ''Bayonnaise captured her at the Action of 14 December 1798. The court martial exonerated Captain Henry Jenkins of Ambuscade, though a good case could be made that he exhibited poor leadership and ship handling. The French brought her into service as Embuscade.

Napoleonic Wars
On 28 May 1803, HMS Victory recaptured her. The Royal Navy took her back into service as Ambuscade.

In March 1805, she was attached to Sir James Craig's military expedition to Italy. Along with HMS Dragon (1798), Craig's flagship, and HMS Lively (1804), Ambuscade escorted a fleet of transports to Malta.

On 4 March 1807, Ambuscade captured the ship Istria. Unité, HMS Melpomene (1794), HMS Bittern (1796) and HMS Weazle (1805) were in company and shared in the prize money.

Fate
Ambuscade was broken up in 1810.