Comet, 1783
Type: Fire-ship ; Armament 14
Launched : 1783 ; Disposal date or year : 7 Jul 1800
Disposal Details : Destroyed in Dunkirk roads, in attempting to burn some French frigates. Captain Thomas Leef (Vol iii, Appendix No 9)
Notes:

2 May - 1 Jun 1794 Departure of the Channel Fleet from St. Helen's, and the lead up to actions and manoeuvres with the French fleet. 29 May - 1 Jun., what was to be known as the Battle of the Glorious 1st June commences, resulting in the capture of six sail of the line and one sunk. 13 Jun, the fleet arrived back in home ports.

14 Feb 1795 the Channel fleet departed from Torbay for a brief cruise and to see various convoys safe out of the Channel.

14 Jun 1795 the Mediterranean fleet, whilst on a cruise, was joined by a squadron from Gibraltar and England off Minorca.

8 Jul 1795, the fleet, at anchor at in San-Fiorenzo bay, once aware that the French fleet was close by, gave chase. It was sighted on the 13th and later the order was given for the general chase, but apart from the loss of a 74 by the French the result was inconclusive and resulted in not a little criticism, the consequence perhaps being Admiral Hotham's resignation on 1 Nov 1795.

6 Aug 1795, Admiral Hotham put to sea on a cruise, sighting the French fleet in Toulon road.

27 Jun-8 Jul 1800 expended in the operation to capture the French frigate D�sir�e from Dunkerque harbour and burn other vessels. The D�sir�e was subsequently purchased into the Service.