AAR - Frigate Action north of Algiers at 38°13'32“N and 2°41'54“E, 5th of March

[William Bush]

Turn 6:



To the great relief of the Spanish and French captains, both ships just contrieve to avoid a collision by the barest of margins. This comes at a price, though, as Ifigenia is taken aback, cannot fire and can only reload, while Courageuse, by avoiding her ally, exposed herself to a raking shot through the front at short range by HMS Orpheus, which caused significant hull damage. HMS Orpheus, pressed to avoid leaving the playing area, has to maneuver in a way that takes her aback as well. Meanwhile, HMS Mahonesa is now reaching on a north-westerly course to rejoin the battle.


Turn 7:



Courageuse has well maneuvered to punish HMS Orpheus with a full broadside to starboard and would likely have been in a good firing position against approaching HMS Mahonesa in the upcoming turn. However, in an audacious maneuver, HMS Orpheus successfully grapples the French frigate at the stern just as she tries to pull away. If that weren't enough, contiuously firing, grape and musketry fire mow down many more of Courageuse's crew. Luck shines on HMS Orpheus, as Courageuse's return fire could have been much worse and even the long-range assist by Ifigenia is of not much help. HMS Mahonesa keeps reaching towards the action. Prospects for Courageuse seem grim.


Turn 8:



Despite its crew having taken grievous losses, Courageuse does press for a boarding action courageously if not recklessly. While HMS Orpheus' hull has taken quite a beating, her crew is still at full strength. Both ships get Entangled.



Courageuse above.




HMS Orhpeus above.




Courageuse and HMS Orpheus continuously fire broadsides at each other, the former with ball, the latter once more with grape to decimate the crew. This and Musketry fire of both ships causes further horrible crew losses on both ships. HMS Mahonesa, intent on finishing off Courageuse this turn, fires at short range through the front covered arc but misses in the excitement. In turn HMS Mahonesa is missed by Ifigenia, who will be out of position to help her French ally.

There is hardly anyone alive on Courageuse, when her boarding party clashed with the much more numerous one from HMS Orpheus. And so, it is the British boarders who won while the Courageuse struck its colors.