HMS Revenge, the French Pluton, and Duguay-Trouin were all 74-gun ships launched in 1805. Their later careers diverged sharply. Duguay-Trouin entered Royal Navy service as HMS Implacable and survived until 1949, while Pluton passed into Spanish service after Spain changed sides in 1808. Revenge remained in service until 1849. These careers show how a 74 could serve under different flags for decades after entering a major fleet action within months of launch.
Notable Point · 18:19-21:10
New 74s went straight from launch to Trafalgar
The youngest ships at Trafalgar were 74s, illustrating how quickly a completed warship could enter a major fleet action.