January AAR: When the Fog Lifts - Too Little, Too Late. (A long stern chase).
They had been chasing the enemy 74 for an age but had lost them in a fog bank. Captain Keel knew they had to be heading for the port of Bilbao and that was where he would cut them off.
“The fog is beginning to lift Sir. His first Lieutenant said.
“Yes. Now we shall see if the enemy is before us”.
Suddenly, without warning, a hail of cannon balls slammed into the aft port side of the Belleraphon.
“Damnation”.
“Sail Ho, off the aft port quarter. Spanish 74”.
“So she was behind us. The lifting fog presented us to her on a plate. But we can still cut her off”.
The Belleraphon steered NNE and attempted to cut off the Spanish 74’s line of escape.
“Should have kept quiet. We might have missed her. Now we shall see”. Captain Keel said to the quarter deck and no-one in particular.
“Fire as you bare, make every shot count”. The Order to engage the Spaniard came as the Spaniard replied with her forward, starboard battery.
The crew of the Belleraphon gave out a might cheers as they weight of iron smashed into the Spaniard. Her reply was less than expected. Captain Keel ordered the Belleraphon closer and she traded shot for shot with the Spanish 74 as they passed on opposite tacks.
“This is going to be close. She’s giving almost as good as she gets. More of this and we will have to break off.”
With the last broadside engagement over, the Belleraphon found herself to have cut off the Spanish ships line of escape again. Both ships circled.
“We must cripple or take her with the next broadside. Otherwise the Spaniard will have the windgauge and we will not be able to stop her escape”.
“Yes Sir. I’ll make sure the gun captains know the stakes and to aim true.”
The ships closed.
Again the Spaniard got a part broadside off before the Belleraphon could reply.
The forecastle crew took the brunt of the fire. Crew fell like wooden skittles. The Belleraphon closed. Captain Keel ordered the wheel hard to starboard and the Belleraphon swept passed the Spaniards rear.
“Fire as you bear.” The order came and each pair of guns, upper and lower, roared out in unison.
The hail of shot blasted down the length of the Spanish 74 causing devastation above and below decks. Marines on the Spaniards poop and their British marine counterparts fired a loose volley to add to the mayhem. More sailors fell. The chase was still on, although the Spaniard had gained the wind. Another ragged volley of ball slammed into the Belleraphon.
“One last go, we must finish her or we must break off”.
The Belleraphon's guns let out a mighty roar as the full broadside blasted across the sea towards the Spanish ship. Huge chunks of woodwork were blasted skyward to fall into the calm waters, the only witness to this battle of leviathans.
The Spanish crew furiously worked to reload their guns and another broadside flew from its side.
However this time the broadside was badly timed and the aim was poor, for all shot fell harmlessly into the water.
“We have him now boys, one more broadside should see the job done. For England and St George, let them have it….Fire”.
The last broadside slammed into the Spaniard.
“She’s settling sir. Men in the water.” The first officer said slowly, Relishing their victory.
“Yes. Heave too. Lower the boats, bring the survivors aboard. Then get under way and we’ll rejoin the squadron.
Captain Keel left the quarter deck for his cabin. “Some coffee and a few biscuits, Smythe.” He called out to his steward as he entered his cabin which was already being returned to its normal state after the action ended.
Summary and Butchers Bill:
Captain Keel: RTP/1 captured ship/3 pts.
A few of the shots of damage (forgot to take one of the sheets at the end!)
Caught from behind!
The reply!
At close quarters.
The stern rake!
There's still fight left in the Spaniard yet!
Hammering home.
End game.
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Originally Posted by Nightmoss
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