Several ships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Phaeton or Phaëton after Phaëton, the son of Helios in Greek mythology: , a purpose-built fireship launched in 1691, was expended against the French Navy at La Hogue in 1692. , also a fireship, formerly a merchantman purchased in 1739, served as an escort during the War of Austrian Succession. , a frigate launched in 1782 which served during the Napoleonic Wars, created an incident in Nagasaki harbour, Japan, in 1808. , a 32-pounder armed sailing frigate launched in 1848, was converted in 1859 to screw propulsion. , launched 1883, was a protected cruiser. , launched 1914, was an light cruiser. She served in World War I. HMS Phaeton, launched 1934, was a light cruiser transferred to the Royal Australian Navy and renamed . She was sunk by the German auxiliary cruiser in World War II. Royal Navy ship names