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Thread: First battle of Tripoli. The aftermath.

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    Default First battle of Tripoli. The aftermath.

    Following the destruction of the warships in Tripoli harbour and with the so called English fort in flames, the squadron landed the ships marines and sailors at the small jetties by the Fort, and proceeded to sack the town taking off any Christian or Allied countries slaves that they could locate.
    When the Pasha’s army began to deploy from Tripoli proper, the landing force withdrew to their boats with the released hostages covered by the guns of the squadron.
    The squadron then set sail for Palermo to effect repairs and resupply, having been granted a treaty with King Ferdinand of Naples to utilise the ports of Syracuse, Messina and Palermo for this purpose.

    The least damaged Frigate; Thetis under Carl Gustaf Tornqvist who had held the flank during the battle remained on station to suggest a presence of more ships out to sea by parading herself just outside the long range of the fortifications and signalling to the nonexistent ships over the horizon. American reinforcements were expected during the next few days and they would then take over from the exhausted Swedish vessels on the blockade duty.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:01.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    During the next two days it was obvious to Captain Tornqvist that the shock of the attack had caused a sort of lethargy to descend over the town. No effort was made to remove or refloat the battered ships, or remount guns on the walls. The ruins of English Fort were left to smoulder and a pall of smoke still hung over the buildings two days after its reduction.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:00.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    None of the villagers appeared in the towns streets, and camels were seen roaming at will and eating the thorn bushes all along the bay. It was a scene of desolation wherever his telescope was pointed.



    On the third morning matters were destined to change dramatically.
    Rounding the point near the castle about 8 miles distant Tornqvist observed a large vessel under full sail heading towards Thetis.


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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:00.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    Although not being able to make its colours, he reasoned that it could not be an American relief ship because it seemed larger than even their USS Constitution, which was not due on station for some weeks.
    Captain Tornqvist immediately ordered the crew to make the ship ready for action.
    This was just as well, for as the two ships closed he could see that it was a Two Decked Tripolitanian warship with all her guns run out. .
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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:00.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    As the wind was holding steady from the West Thetis had the benefit of the wind gauge.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:00.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    This forced the Jirum to adjust its course and the captain attempted to seize the wind from the Thetis.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 10-14-2021 at 09:00.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    Ah it’s finally open to comment.

    It was a riveting read and great pictures. What a close call. Another turn and the fire may have changed the outcome.

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    It's great to see the story continuing.

    What a close run thing, without that extremely effective grape at the commencement of the fight I think the Thetis would have been taken. What a disaster that would have been.
    A hero's welcome awaits Captain Carl Gustaf Tornqvist.

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    Glad you liked it gentlemen, and thanks for the Rep John.
    It was a close run thing indeed, and in retrospect I think that ordinary double shot to reduce the gunnery of the Jirum may have served Thetis better as that return first broadside was not reduced by the loss of crewmen, and in fact the Thetis was outgunned throughout the battle. A couple fewer crew hit at the end of the fight and she would indeed have been lost.

    Rob.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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