HMS Didon (1805)

The Didon was a Virginie class 40-gun frigate of the French Navy. Captured by the British in 1805, she went on to have a career in the Royal Navy as the 38-gun fifth-rate HMS Didon.

Career
Launched in 1796 as Fâcheuse, she was renamed to Didon three years later.

On 13 October 1803, she captured a British brig. She later took part in the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805.

While attempting the rejoined the French fleet of Allemand's expedition of 1805, she encountered HMS Phoenix on 10 August 1805 off Cape Finisterre, and struck after a 4-hour fight that cost her 26 killed and 43 wounded.

The Didon was taken into British service as HMS Didon, the only ship of the Royal Navy to bear this name.

Didon was broken up in August 1811.