On this day 28 February

[7eat51]

On this day of 28 February 1758, the HMS Monmouth (64) and the HMS Swiftsure (70) captured the French ship Foudroyant (80) during the Battle of Cartagena. The British had blockaded a French fleet in the Spanish port, denying French reinforcements to Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Michel-Ange Duquesne de Menneville led a French force to Cartagena in an attempt to lift the blockade. Upon seeing he was outmatched, Duquesne dispersed his ships, only to be pursued, himself, by the British. After several hours of chase, HMS Monmouth engaged the Foudroyant. Though ultimately victorious, the Monmouth lost her captain, Arthur Gardiner; however, her lieutenants fought so worthily, that the Foudroyant's captain insisted upon handing his sword to them.

Battle of Cartagena:


HMS Monmouth capturing the Foudroyant:


Michel-Ange Duquesne de Menneville:



For more on today’s event:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cartagena_(1758)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_...droyant_(1751)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Monmouth_(1667)