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Thread: Back to the Indian Ocean.

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    Default Back to the Indian Ocean.

    It had been 20 months since Captain David McBride had departed Bombay and left the HMS Nottingham behind for a full and well needed refit. He had sailed back to England as the most successful captain in the HEIC’s navy, to click his heels in the anti rooms of the HEIC in London. His waiting eventually bore fruit however. After debating his activities and merits in the HEIC boardroom for many weeks they finally agreed to a course of action, and David was now returning to India as the Commodore of the small but highly respected squadron stationed in the Persian Gulf and Oman as far south as the Malabar Coast. To all intents and purpose this position was as senior in the HEIC navy as that of being a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.
    Accompanying him, he took his First Officer from the Nottingham, John Wilkinson, Captain Geoffrey Smithers, destined for the command of the newly commissioned HEIC Bombay, and several of his followers, including his cabin steward, Miles McGinty, and Boatswain John Peel, known to his associates as “Old ding dong” because of his penchant for a good old punch up with the enemy.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:26.
    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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    On a mainly uneventful passage to Bombay their ship watered at the Cape, and it was here that they were informed of a recent rather disturbing occurrence. A Royal Navy Frigate, on patrol off the approaches to Simon’s Town, had been forced to run before a fierce storm far into the South Atlantic, and it was whilst she was beating back that she sighted, and shadowed a French 50 gun ship as it bore up and rounded the Cape bound for the Indian Ocean. This addition to the French Squadron presently marauding out of the Isle de France and Reunion would alter the whole balance of power in that theatre of war. Admiral Sir Joshua Pound in command of the Cape station could not spare any of his hard pressed ships to pursue the interloper. It was thus essential that the HEIC dealt with the situation before any real damage could be done by the French. To this end HEIC Bombay took on supplies in double quick time, and sailed, arriving in Bombay some 23 days later. Commodore McBride, setting out immediately for Bombay Castle to inform the Governor of the developing situation, and to receive his new orders.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:26.
    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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    Within a few days, having received further news from a country ship of having seen a large French warship heading into the approaches to the Persian Gulf, Commodore McBride had dispatched the Frigate HEIC Bombay together with the HEIC Sloop Aurora in pursuit of the Frenchman to discover their intentions.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:26.
    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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    Captain Smithers of the Bombay had been afforded full discretion of action in the orders issued to him. This freedom was a rather two edged weapon in the Gulf, as the many factions and small independent states were in a ferment, and both the French and British diplomatic service were trying to evangel them all to side with their own particular cause, sometimes at the expense of the other states. By supplying aid and arms to one or the other side the French were attempting to destabilise the whole area, whilst the British were attempting to unite the factions against the French interests. This latest French incursion was suspected in Bombay to be a last gasp effort by the French to influence the tribes, by defeating the British and seizing command of the Gulf for long enough to safely dispatch French troops to the area and reverse their waning fortunes in the area. This may even eventually result in a French Army debouching from Egypt overland to invade the Indian sub continent itself in an attempt to wrest power from the British HEIC.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:27.
    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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    For more than two weeks the two ships cruised up the Gulf seeking information about the whereabouts of the French ship to no avail, and then finally when a favourable wind occurred, they turned back towards the Indian Ocean, splitting up to check both sides of the Gulf and rendezvousing once every seven days to exchange information.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:27.
    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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    It was well into the third week when the Aurora encountered a Xebec fishing off the coast. After purchasing most of the fishermen’s catch it was revealed that a large French ship had put into a nearby bay and was careening close to the fishing village from which he had sailed. Captain Cope at once crept up the coast and confirmed that the Frenchman was indeed in the bay. He then hastened back to inform Captain Smithers of his discovery.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:27.
    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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    On arrival at the rendezvous he found the Bombay already there and closed with her as quickly as she could.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:27.
    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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    He then set off in his ship’s gig to apprise Captain Smithers of his news.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:28.
    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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    Both Captains then got underway together to attempt to apprehend the enemy, hoping that he had not had sufficient time to complete the careening and replace all the stores and ordinance before their arrival.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:28.
    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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    Closing with the shore they made for the bay in which the French were secreted.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:28.
    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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    The wind which had been steady for a week took this moment to veer inshore and slacken to little more than a breeze.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:29.
    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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    Fleeing before them they noticed a small sailing boat which bore away into the bay baring news of their imminent arrival.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:29.
    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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    The element of surprise was thus lost as the French Captain received the news. His immediate reaction was to man the capstan, weigh anchor and set sail to meet what he considered to be an inferior foe.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:29.
    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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    The two British ships pressed on along the coast toward the bay, as quickly as the fitful wind would allow.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:29.
    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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    The French 50 got underway and her Captain brought her about to gain what advantage he could from the prevailing wind direction.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:30.
    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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    Having the wind now on his quarter, the Frenchman weathered the headland and progressed out to sea.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:30.
    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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    Despite their best efforts Captain Smithers and his consort were still out of range of the 50 gun ship as it cleared the headland.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:30.
    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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    Seizing his opportunity the French Captain crowded on more sail in an attempt to try and gain the wind gauge from the British.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:30.
    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 Captain Smithers struggled to come up with the Frenchman Bombay came within the range of a small fortification on the headland.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:31.
    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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    The response from the fort was rapid and caught the Bombay amidships.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:31.
    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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    Shrugging off the damage Bombay continued to close the French ship.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:31.
    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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    Rounding up Captain Smithers gave his Master gunner the order to open fire. As he did so the 50 jibed and generously presented its bow to the Bombay’s broadside.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:32.
    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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    Unfortunately it was not quite a full raking shot, but the carefully loaded first double shotted broadside fired at close range still did serious execution on both the French ship’s deck and also its structure.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:32.
    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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    The main result was to restrict the French firepower even before a single shot had been fired in return.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:32.
    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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    The fort however, was making up for these failings with a second round of fire whilst at least the Aurora was still within its range.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:33.
    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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    The result was quite telling by ripping through the Aurora’s deck crew.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:33.
    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.

  27. #27
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    The fitful wind now started to strengthen, and at the same time veered into the South East.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:33.
    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.

  28. #28
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    The wind change caused some consternation amongst all the Captains as they struggled to maintain the positional advantage with all three ships now in such close proximity.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:33.
    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.

  29. #29
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    The new situation gave the 50 the advantage of getting off a first broadside into the still manoeuvring Bombay as it passed through the eye of the wind.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:34.
    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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    The double shotting of the French ship not only hammered Bombay’s superstructure but also ripped through its sails and crew in a hail of destruction.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:34.
    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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    The position also gave Aurora a chance to get off a raking broadside on the stern of the 50, which Lieutenant Cope delivered in fine style.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:34.
    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 had an effect out of all proportion to the Aurora’s normal broadside.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:34.
    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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    Small arms fire from the fighting tops of the three ships also rendered even more casualties amongst the crews.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:35.
    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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    Due solely to the sailing skills of the ships captains the British ships narrowly avoided colliding with each other and the Bombay finally found a clear line of sight on the Frenchman and discharged its Port broadside.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:35.
    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.

  35. #35
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    Although the effect seemed minimal from the British ships viewpoint it was enough to convince the French captain that his advantage was now insufficient to win this engagement, and with no safe position to occupy under the cover of the fort he decided to run for the open sea whilst the British ships were on divergent courses, and Bombay was also hampered by the damage to its sails.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:35.
    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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    Even as the 50 broke away the little Aurora managed a lucky parting shot with her forrard section of guns which brought down the French main top gallant and reduced her speed whilst hasty repairs now had to take place which curtailed the French ships desired speedy exit and negated the damage to Bombay’s top hamper.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:35.
    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.

  37. #37
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    The fort once again came into action as the chase strayed too close. They had by now had chance to heat shot and one ball lodged in the base of the foremast starting a fire aboard Bombay. Captain Smithers rapidly organised a gang to man the pumps and douse the fire whilst also attempting the cooling of the shot. Nevertheless it was a very damaging strike on the Frigate. Only its Teak build preventing the fire from spreading. With a damaged foremast Captain Smithers dared now not set any more sail on that particular mast.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:36.
    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.

  38. #38
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    The quarry beat into the bay, but her captain knew that she would need to come about sooner or later, and with the Frigate out of position there was now only the Sloop standing between them and escape to the open sea.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:36.
    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.

  39. #39
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    The Aurora tried her best to arrest the progress of the French 50 with a lucky shot hitting her rudder, but the return shot also took a toll on the lightly built Sloop.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:36.
    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.

  40. #40
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    Notwithstanding, the chase was now on and Aurora continued to chip away at the 50.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:36.
    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.

  41. #41
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    With the Bombay still struggling to catch up with the chase, the onus had well and truly fallen on Captain Isadore Cope to harry the French ship and slow down her escape.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:37.
    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.

  42. #42
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    She was, however, still taking terrible damage from the more powerful guns of the Frenchman, and how long she could maintain the chase was now very much in question.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:37.
    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.

  43. #43
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    Captain Cope was very reluctant to give the French best and just like a Terrier dog held on as long as he could in order to give Bombay time to make up the lost ground.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:40.
    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.

  44. #44
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    Another round found its mark and no real gain seemed to be bringing the damaged Bombay into range.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:38.
    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.

  45. #45
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    The Frenchman now came onto her best point of sailing.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:41.
    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.

  46. #46
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    In sheer desperation Captain Cope closed to a suicidal range.
    Miraculously the broadsides of both ships failed to hit, and Cope had to give up all hope of preventing the French ship slipping past him and escape to vent its mayhem in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:42.
    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.

  47. #47
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    Realizing that the 50 was slipping out of their grasp Captain Smithers played his final card.
    In a gamble that would ensure the enemy escaped if it failed, he came about to windward lost all way and loosed off his forrard section of guns at extreme range which were all that he could bring to bear. The damage was only moderate.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:45.
    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.

  48. #48
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    Normally it would have been all up with the chase, but this final fling was just sufficient to break the resolve of the French, and to the surprise of both British Captains her flag came tumbling down.

    A dangerous situation to the British hold on the Indian Sub Continent had been averted at least for the present.
    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.

  49. #49
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    BUTCHER'S BILL.


    BRITISH SHIPS
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:45.
    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.

  50. #50
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    THE FRENCH.
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    Last edited by Bligh; 08-10-2021 at 09:46.
    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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