''Didon'' was a 40-gun

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of the

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. Captured by the British in 1805, she went on to serve briefly in the

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as the 38-gun

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HMS ''Didon'' until she was sold in 1810.

French service

Laid down in 1796 as ''Fâcheuse'', she was renamed to ''Didon'' in 1799, the year of her launch. On 13 October 1803, she captured the British privateer brig . ''Didon'' later took part in the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805.

Capture

While attempting to rejoin the French fleet of Allemand's expedition of 1805, she encountered , Captain Thomas Baker, on 10 August 1805, off

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, and struck at . Captain Milius, of ''Didon'', maneuvered adroitly, and casualties on both sides were heavy. The 4-hour fight cost ''Didon'' 27 men killed and 44 wounded. ''Phoenix'' lost 12 men killed and 28 wounded.

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awarded Baker a sword worth 100

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. In 1847 the

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awarded the Naval General Service Medal with clasp, "Phoenix 10 Augt. 1805". Baker took ''Didon'' in tow and sailed towards

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. By good fortune and skillful sailing he avoided encountering the Franco-Spanish fleet that had just left

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. Instead of continuing onward, Baker changed direction and sailed for England.

British service and fate

''Didon'' arrived at Plymouth on 4 September 1805. The Navy took her into British service as HMS ''Didon''; she is the only ship of the Royal Navy to have borne this name. The Royal Navy commissioned ''Didon'' under the command of Captain Thomas Baker in November. She was

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in 1807 and placed into

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the same year. The Navy commenced major repairs on ''Didon'' in May, but then cancelled the work. ''Didon'' was broken up in August 1811.

Citations

References

* * * *

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Didon (1805) Virginie-class frigates 1799 ships Fifth-rate frigates of the Royal Navy Ships built in France Captured ships