The photographs the French 3rd rate (74 guns) "Duguay Trouin" were likley made in the latter part of the IXth Century. At Trafalgar she was commanded by Captain C. Touffet. She was captured by the Royal Navy at Strachan's Action on 3 November 1805 and went into service as HMS Implacable. Up until very recently these were the only images I knew of of this vessel. I have since discovered that there is a website devoted to L' Duguay Trouin which features four additional photographs of her. Two of these were made in 1938 and two in 1949 including one of her on her final voyage. This fine site may be accessed at http://www.duguaytrouin.freeserve.uk.co/. In addition there is a website pertaining to Frank Carr, a noted ship saver, featuring the sinking of this ship and it's impact. This site also features a nice painting of the final voyage. It may be accessed at www.worldshiptrust.org/carr2.htm.

Duguay Trouin's service in the Royal Navy included service as a training ship starting July 1855. In January 1912 She was lent to Wheatly Cobb for purposes of preservation.

After the Second World War concern was raised over the future disposition of this old ship. The Royal Navy did not allocate enough facilities to accomodate both HMS Victory and Le Duguay Trouin. An offer was made to return her to the government of France but was refused. On December 1949 The Royal Navy scuttled her off the Owners over the protests of a number of persons who felt her historical import should preclude such an action. The excuse was made that the timber in her had degraded beyond any reasonable attempt at restoration. When you look at these images bear in mind that HMS Victory currently has less than 40 per cent of the timber she had in her at Trafalgar. examine the images at the Duguay Trouin Website and decide for yourself. Does this vessel look as though it is beyond saving?

Some of the Duguay Trouin was saved before her demise at the hands of the British government in 1949 Notably the stern. It is on display in the new Neptune Hall of the National Maritime Museum.