While widely circulated, the story is in fact untrue;[1] moreover, there was never even a ship named HMS Friday.
[2] The details of the story vary, but it usually follows this form: Sometime in the 19th century, the Royal Navy attempted to finally dispel the old superstition among sailors that beginning a voyage on a Friday was certain to bring bad luck.
To demonstrate the falseness of this belief, they decided to commission a ship named HMS Friday.
[3][4][5][6][7] It also appeared as a small "filler" item in the magazine Reader's Digest, its format giving the impression of having been historically researched.
[7][8][9] It is unclear where the story originated; however, it seems to have gained in popularity after its recounting by comedian Dave Allen on his BBC television show Dave Allen at Large, Series 1, Episode 2, first broadcast 4 February 1971.