Page Heirarchy:Home:Naval Battles :Flotilla Actions
The British Squadron | ||||
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The British Squadron of Post Captain Ralph Wrenn | ||||
Ship Name | Guns | Commander | Notes | |
Norwich | 48 | Ralph Wrenn | Flagship | |
Mary | 62 | William Faseby | ||
Mordaunt | 48 | Henry Boteler | ||
Diamond | 50 | Richard Whiteing | ||
Antelope | 40 | Henry Wickham | ||
The French Squadron | ||||
The French Squadron of Comte de Blénac | ||||
Ship Name | Guns | Commander | Notes | |
Vermandois | 58 | Flagship | ||
Vaillant | 50 | |||
Leger | 40 |
Notes on Action | |
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Preamble | The Royal Navy Vol II |
"ere the Commodore could reach Jamaica, he fell in, on February 21st 1692, off the island of Desirade, with the entire squadron of De La Roche-Courbon-Blenac, consisting of eighteen men-of-war, mounting from forty to sixty guns apiece, two fireships, and five or six small craft" | |
Other vessels present | The Royal Navy Vol II |
The English squadron included two armed merchantmen, the English Frigate and one other | |
Description of the Action | The Royal Navy Vol II |
"Wrenn had to bear away to leeward to range his ships in order of battle, with the convoy to leeward of them. The French were within gunshot all night, but did not attack. On the morning of the 22nd, the enemy having a fresh gale but some of the English vessels being almost becalmed, the French bore down and engaged at 8 A.M. The Mary was much pressed by four opponents, but was ultimately relieved by the Norwich. The Mordaunt and England Frigate (Stubbs, master) were also at one time completely surrounded, but fought their way clear. The action continued for four hours, and then ended gradually, as the Commodore began his withdrawal in good order to the southward. He lost no ship; and, although he was obliged to return to Barbados instead of prosecuting his voyage to Jamaica, he had every cause to congratulate himself upon the manner in which he had behaved in the face of an enemy of thrice his force. He reached Carlisle Bay on February 25th, but, unhappily, died on March 26th following. Part of the squadron, under Captain Boteler, who transferred his pennant to the Mary, sailed for England in June." |
Sources | ||
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Id | Link or Description | Author |
B029 | The Royal Navy Vol II | William Laid Clowes |
Last Updated :2009/01/28 at 08:53:33 by Cy