HMS Theseus entered the battle painted to resemble a first-rate ship of the line. She remained a 74-gun third rate despite the disguise. The paint scheme was intended to mislead and provoke the French, whose own fleet included the first-rate L'Orient.
Notable Point · 2:02:30-2:03:50
HMS Theseus masquerades as a first rate
A 74-gun third rate entered the battle painted to resemble a first rate, turning a warship's appearance into a small act of deception against the French.