On this day 20 June - the Battle of Cuddalore

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On the 20th of June 1783, British and French ships fought the Battle of Cuddalore off the coast of India in the Bay of Bengal. Peace had already been declared between the two countries, but news of it had not reached India. The British fleet, under the command of Admiral Sir Edward Hughes, was sent in support of the British siege of Cuddalore. The French fleet, under the command of Admiral comte Pierre André de Suffren de Saint Tropez, bailli de Suffren, was sent to intercede. Both fleets were poised for action during the previous week, but it was not until the 20th that winds favored an engagement. Having reinforced his smaller fleet with 1,200 troops from Cuddalore, de Suffren gave the order to attack as both sides formed lines. For three hours, the British and French exchanged fire, though no ship sustained severe damage. On the 29th of June, news of peace reached the fleets, ending hostilities in the area.

Edward Hughes:

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comte Pierre André de Suffren de Saint Tropez, bailli de Suffren:

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The Battle:

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For more on today’s event:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cuddalore_(1783)

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