H.M.S. Indefatigable joining other ships of the squadron offshore

The first Indefatigable in the Royal Navy, one of the seven "Ardent" class of 64-gun third rates, was built by Adams at Bucklers Hard and enjoyed a highly active career in the fleet, albeit after her metamorphosis into a frigate. Laid down in May 1781 and launched in July 1784, she was completed just as the American War of Independence was coming to an end and saw little active service before the decision was taken to cut her down to a fifth rate. Emerging from this drastic reduction as a 38-gun frigate in February 1795, the next few years saw her involved in several spirited actions, most notably (in company with H.M.S. Amazon) her celebrated encounter with the French 74-gun Droits de l'Homme on her way home after the abortive French landings in Bantry Bay on 13th January 1797. On that occasion she was commanded by Captain Edward Pellew (later Lord Exmouth) although she distinguished herself again and again under other commanders, including Captain John Rodd during the fireship attack on the French fleet lying in the Basque Roads on 11th April 1809. Surviving the War, she was broken up at Sheerness in August 1816, probably because her altered frame was too strained and worn out for further service.