HMS Africa

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Six ships of the British Royal Navy ships have been named HMS Africa, after the continent of Africa.

• The first Africa was a 46-gun ship in service from 1694 to 1696, but about which little more is known.
• The second Africa, 64 was a 64-gun third-rate in service from 1761 to 1774.
• The third Africa, 64 was also a 64-gun third-rate, launched in 1781, took part in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and broken up 1814.
• The fourth Africa was a hired cutter in service 1803 and 1804.
• The fifth Africa was a wooden-hulled screw sloop launched in March 1862 and sold to China in August of that year, later operating as China.
• The sixth Africa was a King Edward VII-class battleship launched in 1905 and sold 1920.

• HMS Good Hope (launched 1901) was originally to be named Africa, but her name was changed prior to being launched.

• The name was also slated for two aircraft carriers cancelled with the end of the Second World War: initially an Audacious class carrier, then when that was cancelled a Malta class carrier.