On this day 9 April - Fighting weather, batteries, and ships

[7eat51]

On the 9th of April 1799, HMS St. Fiorenzo and HMS Amelia were sailing toward Belle Île when they spotted three French frigates – Vengeance (50?), Sémillante (32) and Cornélie (44) – and a large gun vessel. Unfortunately for the British, a squall came upon them dismantling Amelia's main-top-mast, and fore and mizzen top-gallant masts, resulting in her mainsail be ripped apart as well. The San Fiorenzo, under the command of Captain Harry Burrard-Neale, shortened sail and ordered Amelia to sail nearby as they prepared for battle. While under fire from shore batteries, the British attacked the French ships three times before they would engage. Two hours later, the French ships escaped. Later that day, HMS St. Fiorenzo captured a French brig. Subsequent reports indicated that the engagement with the French frigates resulted in many French being killed or wounded, including Cornélie’s commodore and Vengeance’s captain.

Sir Harry Burrard-Neale:




For more information on today’s event:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_St_Fiorenzo_(1794)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Amelia_(1796)

[Cmmdre]

Persistence pays off. Sometimes you've got to keep to your guns and give 'em hell. This was one of those times. Great example Eric.