"To make preparation and to prepare costing for a First-Rate Ship of 100 guns, to be built and fitted for sea at Chatham".
The name for the new ship was chosen by The Board of Admiralty in 1760 (although it was not completed and launched until Sunday 7th May 1763.
"Gentlemen. Today we have the task of naming the new First-Rate Warship being built at Chatham dock. Tradition has it that we use one of the seven names reserved for this class of ship. As six names are already taken by ships in service to His Majesty, this should be a fairly simple matter."
"Sir, are you sure that is wise in this case? The ship which we are replacing with this new vessel was lost at sea with all crew members. Perhaps we should break with tradition and choose a new name. It would seem that this name is an ill-fated one and even if we are not to believe such things, it may still strike fear in the hearts of any crew."
"What name did you have in mind?"
"Errmmm, how about HMS Fingers Crossed? We don't want to get too complacent after all. Pride comes before a fall and all that."
"Hmm. You might have something there. Our bravado did not work very well with the last ship did it?"
"That's right chief. Maybe it's time to admit that all that positive thinking and God is on our side because we are British stuff is a load of old bollocks and go back to good old fashioned superstition. I mean, just the other day I saw seven crows and a couple of hours later won 25 sovereigns on the gaming table down at the Old Salty Seaman Tavern."
"It's six for gold isn't it?"
"What?"
"One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret ...."
"Is it? OK, hang on. No, that was it, I saw one crow before I had my win."
"One crow? One for sorrow?"
"Ah, no. I am going by the other rhyme now. One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready etc."
"That's Elvis. Hasn't even been written yet."
"Who?"
"Elvis."
"Who's Elvis?"
"Oh, never mind. About this ship. Have the rest of you any suggestions?"
"Yes chief. How about HMS You Never Know Your Luck. That should keep the sailors onside. They aren't going to fall for another super-positive name like we had last time, but that at least gives them a bit of hope. Not superstition as such, just pragmatic realism."
"Any more ideas?" Those around the table looked at their big buckled shoes to avoid catching the High Admiral's eye, thus indicating they had nothing further to say.
"OK, so we have three choices before us. HMS Fingers Crossed. HMS You Never Know Your Luck and the original choice, HMS Victory. What say you? Shall we have a show of hands? Thank you gentlemen. It seems the traditionalists amongst us have won the day and we shall go with our original plan. "
So tradition was followed and the new warship was named HMS Victory. It was later to be captained by Admiral Lord Nelson as he led the British Fleet to victory in The Battle Of Trafalgar in 1805, defeating the combined Spanish and French fleets and changing Britain's fortunes in international affairs for many years to come. Nelson was fatally wounded on the deck of HMS Victory during this battle.
One can only ponder if history may have been different had the name HMS You Never Know Your Luck been chosen.
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