Union Jack
04-05-2016, 16:46
March Nation v Nation. Après la tempête (around the ragged rocks the ragged rascal ran, or sailed in this matter)
Royal Navy 549 points
Lord Henry Percy, Commodore; Captain John Smith, Flag Captain (HMS Royal Sovereign 100) 192; Captain Henry Guiness (HMS Africa 74) 134; Captain Tobias Arkle (HMS Northumberland 74) 135; Captain Jack Union, (HMS Dunkirk 40) 88.
French 700 points (includes shore battery)
Commerce de Marseilles (118) 200; Aquilon (74) 144; Commerce de Bordeaux (74) 143; Embuscade (32) 64; Le Success (32) 68; Shore Battery 81.
Admiralty Report:
Engagement with Admiral du Gavine’s squadron, La Sorte, March 30th 1787.
Acting upon information brought to me by Captain Hanson (HMS Ardent), I ordered my squadron, less HMS Agamemnon and HMS Ardent to sail in formation and engage said enemy squadron before they could gain La Sorte anchorage and safety.
21634
A veritable tempest blew on the 27th and lasted 2 days. My squadron managed to remain in contact and sail was sighted to the north west on the morning of the 30th.. As we approached La Sorte the enemy ships, 5 in all including a 1st rate of at least 118 guns, 2 74’s and 2 sloops of war were in disarray and looked as though some of them had suffered damage from the storm. The big 1st rate had lost its foremast.
216352163621637
I ordered the squadron into line of battle and dispatched HMS Dunkirk as a repeater.
21638
My ship lead the way and we engaged Aquilon, with HMS Africa, causing extensive damage.
21639
We received heavy fire from several enemy ships but contimued on.
21640
My Captain had ordered the port batteries to assist reloading the starboard divisions and in no time we were ready for battle again.
21641
We were well placed to rake Commerce de Bordeaux and she took heavy weight of iron and was sorely damaged.
21642
HMS Northumberland, Captain Arkle using his initiative, placed his ship ready to board Aquilon and engaged her to port. Whilst taking fire from Embuscade, one of the French sloops of war.
21643
HMS Dunkirk had closed with Aquilon and facilitated her surrender. Northumberland took revenge on the sloop as she passed and caused considerable damage before she passed under the guns of the French fortress.
21644
HMS Africa raked Commerce de Bordeaux from the stern and caused so much damage that her captain struck her colours.
21645
Unfortunately some shot from Africa passed the Frenchman by and struck Northumberland causing a fire and mast damage.
21646
I gave chase to bring the 1st rate to heal but like the scarred rabbit she was her captain used the island to sneak away.
21647
It was 8 bells and the wind suddenly veered to the aid of the French.
21648
Closing on Commerce de Marseilles, the French 1st rate and flag ship, we exchanged fire.
21649
Northumberland had engaged the 2nd sloop of war, her captain unwisely having fired on the bigger ship.
21650
Captain Union in Dunkirk unwisely set sail and tried to engage the sloop of war before she reached the safety of the anchorage at La Sorte.
21651
As he tacked to port he came in range of the fort and only just managed to extricate his frigate but she was badly damaged.
21652
Northumberland tried in vain to stop the Marseilles and nearly was sunk herself.
21653
HMS Africa had managed to turn and with the wind had put herself in a position to engage Marseilles. Both Africa and Northumberland gave good reply and Marseilles sank in the channel.
2165421655
We took 2 74's as prizes, sank their flagship the 118 gun Commerce de Marseilles. 2 badly damaged sloops of war gained the anchorage which is blocked and may hinder ships entering or leaving for some time.
Sir, your servant, Sir, Henry Percy; Commodore.
Butchers Bill:
21656
Royal Navy
21657
French
Commerce de Marseilles sank as she hadn’t enough crew to pump 4 leaks.
(L’s indicate leaks. R’s indicate rudder and 0’s indicate misses)
Summary:
1. Great scenario.
2. Where can I get a new squadron?!
3. Unfortunately for Northumberland she was in range of Africa when she raked Commerce de Bordeaux so took any misses as damage on herself. Note to self: don't rake an enemy ship when a friendly is in arc!
4. Don't try sailing a 1st rate in a narrow channel. (CdM was assisted with the wind change and slower movement due to mast loss!)
5. Spot the mistake yet? (I am human, it happens).
Royal Navy 549 points
Lord Henry Percy, Commodore; Captain John Smith, Flag Captain (HMS Royal Sovereign 100) 192; Captain Henry Guiness (HMS Africa 74) 134; Captain Tobias Arkle (HMS Northumberland 74) 135; Captain Jack Union, (HMS Dunkirk 40) 88.
French 700 points (includes shore battery)
Commerce de Marseilles (118) 200; Aquilon (74) 144; Commerce de Bordeaux (74) 143; Embuscade (32) 64; Le Success (32) 68; Shore Battery 81.
Admiralty Report:
Engagement with Admiral du Gavine’s squadron, La Sorte, March 30th 1787.
Acting upon information brought to me by Captain Hanson (HMS Ardent), I ordered my squadron, less HMS Agamemnon and HMS Ardent to sail in formation and engage said enemy squadron before they could gain La Sorte anchorage and safety.
21634
A veritable tempest blew on the 27th and lasted 2 days. My squadron managed to remain in contact and sail was sighted to the north west on the morning of the 30th.. As we approached La Sorte the enemy ships, 5 in all including a 1st rate of at least 118 guns, 2 74’s and 2 sloops of war were in disarray and looked as though some of them had suffered damage from the storm. The big 1st rate had lost its foremast.
216352163621637
I ordered the squadron into line of battle and dispatched HMS Dunkirk as a repeater.
21638
My ship lead the way and we engaged Aquilon, with HMS Africa, causing extensive damage.
21639
We received heavy fire from several enemy ships but contimued on.
21640
My Captain had ordered the port batteries to assist reloading the starboard divisions and in no time we were ready for battle again.
21641
We were well placed to rake Commerce de Bordeaux and she took heavy weight of iron and was sorely damaged.
21642
HMS Northumberland, Captain Arkle using his initiative, placed his ship ready to board Aquilon and engaged her to port. Whilst taking fire from Embuscade, one of the French sloops of war.
21643
HMS Dunkirk had closed with Aquilon and facilitated her surrender. Northumberland took revenge on the sloop as she passed and caused considerable damage before she passed under the guns of the French fortress.
21644
HMS Africa raked Commerce de Bordeaux from the stern and caused so much damage that her captain struck her colours.
21645
Unfortunately some shot from Africa passed the Frenchman by and struck Northumberland causing a fire and mast damage.
21646
I gave chase to bring the 1st rate to heal but like the scarred rabbit she was her captain used the island to sneak away.
21647
It was 8 bells and the wind suddenly veered to the aid of the French.
21648
Closing on Commerce de Marseilles, the French 1st rate and flag ship, we exchanged fire.
21649
Northumberland had engaged the 2nd sloop of war, her captain unwisely having fired on the bigger ship.
21650
Captain Union in Dunkirk unwisely set sail and tried to engage the sloop of war before she reached the safety of the anchorage at La Sorte.
21651
As he tacked to port he came in range of the fort and only just managed to extricate his frigate but she was badly damaged.
21652
Northumberland tried in vain to stop the Marseilles and nearly was sunk herself.
21653
HMS Africa had managed to turn and with the wind had put herself in a position to engage Marseilles. Both Africa and Northumberland gave good reply and Marseilles sank in the channel.
2165421655
We took 2 74's as prizes, sank their flagship the 118 gun Commerce de Marseilles. 2 badly damaged sloops of war gained the anchorage which is blocked and may hinder ships entering or leaving for some time.
Sir, your servant, Sir, Henry Percy; Commodore.
Butchers Bill:
21656
Royal Navy
21657
French
Commerce de Marseilles sank as she hadn’t enough crew to pump 4 leaks.
(L’s indicate leaks. R’s indicate rudder and 0’s indicate misses)
Summary:
1. Great scenario.
2. Where can I get a new squadron?!
3. Unfortunately for Northumberland she was in range of Africa when she raked Commerce de Bordeaux so took any misses as damage on herself. Note to self: don't rake an enemy ship when a friendly is in arc!
4. Don't try sailing a 1st rate in a narrow channel. (CdM was assisted with the wind change and slower movement due to mast loss!)
5. Spot the mistake yet? (I am human, it happens).