AAR. Nation v Nation July. Newcastle

[Bligh]

Preamble.



Sir Joshua Pound slammed his fist down on the large Sheraton Mahogany table.
"Damnation"!

Lt. Peter Shilling on the opposite side of the table visibly stepped back with a look of shock on his face. It was unknown for the unflappable Admiral to utter an expletive.

Having just delivered the news that covered by a vicious gale, the French had slipped out of Port whilst the blockading British Squadron was forced out to sea, Peter was still surprised at the vehemence of his Admiral's response.



"I did not mean you dear boy," Pound was quick to react.
" I mean those cursed Frogs stealing a march on us whilst we had to beat back, and now the wind has veered in our favour, too late to help us cut off their Squadron." We must just hope that Captain Farthing in Concorde can run them to earth. Glory only knows what mischief they will get up to if they get loose amongst our merchantmen?"

Less than an hour after this conversation, the flagship Royal George had put to sea, and at first light the next morning the masthead lookout shouted out "Sails on the Port beam to herald the arrival of the Frigate Concorde and most of the rest of the Admiral's scattered Squadron.



Less than 40 minutes later Commander Farthing of the Frigate Concorde was ceremonially piped aboard the flagship, and having doffed his hat to the colours was ushered down to the Admirals day room by the Flag Captain Josiah Pennyman.

Having delivered his observations of the situation of the French Squadron, it was obvious to all the captains assembled that the change in the wind direction had in fact played into their hands. The off shore wind had lured the French out at long last, when all other ploys by the British Captains had failed, and the onshore wind now blowing had them clawing their way along a Lee shore with the British not only to windward but with the breeze blowing off their Starboard aft quarter. If all went well they should sight the French not long after four bells of the forenoon watch, and may the Devil take the hindmost.



Bligh.