HMS Ajax

Eight ships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Ajax after the Greek hero Ajax:

The first Ajax, launched in 1765, was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line broken up and sold in 1785.
The second Ajax, launched in 1798, was another 74-gun third-rate that fought at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and was burned in 1807.
The third Ajax, launched in 1809, was another 74-gun third-rate. She was converted to screw propulsion in 1846 and broken up in 1864.
The fourth Vanguard, launched in 1835, was renamed Ajax in 1867.
The fifth Ajax, launched in 1880, was the lead ship of her class of ironclad battleships. She was sold in 1904.
The sixth Ajax, launched in 1912, was a King George V-class battleship that served in World War I and was broken up in 1926.
The seventh and famous Ajax (22), launched in 1934, was a Leander-class light cruiser that served in World War II, and was broken up in 1949. She was made famous by taking part in the Battle of the River Plate.
The eighth Ajax (F114), launched in 1962, was a Leander-class frigate, broken up in 1988.

References

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