On the 19th of May 1808, the HMS Virginie captured the Dutch frigate Guelderland. At 4:00 p.m., the British 38-gun frigate spotted sails and began a pursuit. By 7:40 p.m., the Virginie closed within gun range of the unidentified ship, and her Captain, Edward Brace, ordered a cannon shot which the Guelderland replied with a gun shot and the raising of French colors. Two hours later, The British ship hailed the yet-to-be-identified ship, but the Guelderland responded by switching her colors, identifying herself as a Dutch warship. An engagement ensued, and, for an hour and a half, the two ships battled until the Guelderland finally struck her colors. The Dutch had sustained severe damage to the Guelderland and her crew, and at the end of the fight, the ship caught fire. The Dutch sailors were able to extinguish the fire before being rescued by the British. Captain Brace lauded the Dutch officers and crew for their bravery and disciple, with the exception of the Dutch Captain, Colonel de mer Pool, who was subsequently court-martialed for retreating to his cabin after receiving two slight wounds.

Edward Brace:

Name: Edward Brace (England).jpg Views: 69 Size: 49.0 KB


For more on today’s event:
http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval_Hi...l_V/P_036.html