2738: First-rate third-rate – solution

The Spectator
issue 28 February 2026

The ship was HMS Bellerophon, nicknamed BILLY RUFFIAN (11A/14A), whose BATTLE honours included THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE, THE NILE and TRAFALGAR and whose most famous passenger was NAPOLEON who surrendered to her after Waterloo. Her final role was as a prison HULK (23D). Title: having 74 guns she was a ‘third-rate’.

First prize D.C. Jones, Sherwood, Nottingham

Runners-up Jane Reardon, Goulburn, NSW, Australia Philip Cooles, Auchenblae, Laurencekirk

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