|
|
Post by Médecin Mabusé on Sept 29, 2016 0:03:59 GMT
Over the horizon Cornish fishermen plying their trade in the waters off the Lizard note with trepidation the emergence of a host of sails heading toward them.
The Royal Fleet, commanded by Jean-Baptiste du Casse:
8 Ships of the Line
12 Frigates
6 Ships of the Line (Spanish)
10 Frigates (Spanish)
The fleet's apparent intention is to approach Portmouth and to engage in decisive battle against the home fleet in order to stall the invasion of Brittany.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Sept 29, 2016 18:27:23 GMT
The fleet navigates around Brittany, but are surprised by a floating blockade formed by a slightly smaller English and Dutch fleet. Du Casse requests a copy of the King’s orders for engagement, before he decides to sail his way through. He decides against this course, and opts to return to port. However, lurking in Ushant Bay is another English fleet, which sails around and attempts to cut off the French retreat. Both fleets close in for the kill.
The Royal Fleet, commanded by Jean-Baptiste du Casse:
8 Ships of the Line
12 Frigates
6 Ships of the Line (Spanish)
10 Frigates (Spanish)
The North Sea Fleet, Cornelis Evertsen the Youngest: English Channel
2 Men o' War
4 Ships of the Line
10 Frigates
3 Men o'War (Dutch)
2 Ships of the Line (Dutch)
3 Frigates (Dutch)
The Channel Fleet, George Rooke: English Channel
3 Men o'War
3 Ships of the Line
2 Frigates
A lesser, or perhaps even a better Admiral may have decided to stay the course, they did have greater numbers, only slightly. Du Casse, however, was the perfect mediocrity and decided to follow his King’s orders. The French/Spanish fleet sailed straight at George Rooke’s smaller fleet, but were keen not to get too occupied in this smaller engagement lest the larger fleets managed to catch them.
There was a brief clash, as Rooke’s frigates sailed into the midst of the French fleet. 4 Spanish frigates detached to hold them from the more valuable ships. However they were quickly cut down by a Man O’War, which was quick enough to get onto the scene. Despite the small skirmish, the French quickly escaped into the Bay of Biscay and back to Gascoigne.
Losses
England:
2 Frigates
Spain:
4 Frigates
|
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Sept 29, 2016 18:50:14 GMT
The French may have escaped but the fleet should now focus on destroying the Spanish.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Sept 29, 2016 18:56:27 GMT
Sorry, the Spanish escaped too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Sept 29, 2016 19:12:42 GMT
wasnt a very good ambush then...  |
|
|
|
Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Sept 29, 2016 23:25:28 GMT
The French/Spanish fleet were under strict orders not to engage more powerful enemies. The ambush was negated by the sacrifice of the Spanish frigates.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Oct 1, 2016 11:27:46 GMT
The English Fleets will join up into one fleet and continue to patrol the channel, meanwhile the Dutch North sea Fleet will sail to Zeeland bringing with them the 10 Transports in their usual formation and the accompanying 5 transports from the English Channel fleet.
|
|
