HMS Phoebe (1795)

HMS Phoebe was a 36-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, launched in 1795. She was built at Chatham Dockyard to a design by Sir John Henslow. Phoebe saw extensive service during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, participating in several notable engagements.

Her early career involved patrolling and escort duties in the English Channel and the Atlantic. In 1797, she was involved in the Spithead Mutiny, where her crew joined the widespread unrest.

Phoebe played a significant role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Positioned to windward of the main battle, she acted as a repeating frigate, relaying signals from Admiral Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, to the rest of the fleet. She later assisted in rescuing survivors and towing damaged ships.

In 1810, Phoebe, under the command of Captain James Hillyar, captured the French frigate Néréide during the Battle of Grand Port in the Indian Ocean, although the British squadron suffered a strategic defeat in the overall engagement. Hillyar was subsequently praised for his bravery and skill in this action.

In 1814, during the War of 1812, Phoebe formed part of a squadron that engaged the American frigate USS Essex off Valparaiso, Chile. In a fiercely fought battle, Essex, commanded by Captain David Porter, was forced to surrender. The action brought Hillyar further renown and contributed to the British blockade of American shipping.

Phoebe was broken up in 1826. Her service history reflects the global reach and enduring presence of the Royal Navy during a period of intense naval warfare.