"The Cock of the Fleet" (colour photo)

"The Cock of the Fleet." The term "Cock of the Fleet" has been applied to the leading ship in competitive exercises, regattas, etc, for over a hundred years. Its origin dates from the "Battle of the Saints" of 12 April 1782. This is explained in extracts from a letter written by an officer who fought in HMS Formidable that day: "A shot from the Ville de Paris struck a hen-coop that had been left on the spar deck. Out from the ruins of his home fluttered a little bantam-cock and impudently perched himself on the rail of the poop. As every broadside poured into the Ville de Paris, he cheered the crew with his shrill clarion . . . Admiral Rodney was charmed and gave orders that the bird should be petted for the rest of his life." Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy, Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.