in 1779) Lightning (converted in 1779) Basilisk (converted in 1779) Comet (converted in 1779) Spitfire (converted in 1779) Blast (converted in 1779) Explosion (conversion begun in 1779, but not completed. Returned to sloop in 1783) French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815) In addition to the ships of the Tisiphone class, the Admiralty expanded its fleet with the acquisition in 1794 of a number of merchant vessels. Most served as small gunvessels, and none were expended as fireships. Another twenty-two small vessels were purchased in 1804, though only four were expended in this role. About this time the Admiralty ordered a six-ship class of fireships. The ships of the resulting Thais class were employed in the sloop role, and were re-rated as such in 1808. They eventually became sixth rate frigates in 1817. Another twenty-one ships were acquired in 1809 for the attack on the French at the Basque Roads, with all of them being expended there. Purpose-built Thais class (1805) Purchased vessels 1794 1797–1801 1804 1809 Vessels used at the Battle of the Basque Roads: Adventure Agenoria Alicia Apollo Ceres George Harmony Hercules Mary (1808) Merchant Ocean Pomona Sally Sally Sisters Sophia Thomas Tiber Triptolemus William Zephyr See also Hellburners Operation Lucid Notes References Fireships