On this day 1 June - The Glorious First of June Pt 5 - The Battle
On the 1st of June 1794, the fleets of Admirals Howe and Villaret de Joyeuse engaged in the battle known as the Glorious First of June, Third Battle of Ushant, Bataille du 13 prairial an 2, or Combat de Prairial. At 9:24 a.m., the two lines began exchanging long-range cannon fire. Admiral Howe planned for each of his ships to turn and cut through the French line individually, effectively separating Villaret’s line in 25 places. While cutting, the British ships were to rake the associated French ships across the bow and stern. Howe’s grand tactic failed due to many of his captains not following his orders, and to the damaged condition of many of his ships. The HMS Defence, under Captain James Gambier, was the first British ship to cut through the French line. Unfortunately for Gambier, the failure of other British captains to follow suit left his vessel in a precarious position with several French ships. Of particular note was the failure of Captain Anthony Molloy of the HMS Caesar. Consistent with his actions on the 29th of May, a few days prior, Molloy refused to obey Howe’s orders, and, instead, ineffectively fired upon the Trajan. The Trajan, however, damaged the Caesar significantly, and proceeded to attack the HMS Bellerophon and other British ships unrestrainedly. After the initial cutting action, several duels started between British and French ships that separated from the pack, while other British ships merely engaged in long-range fire or no action at all, refusing to close aggressively with the French. Similarly, several of the French ships in the rear engaged the British timidly, if at all. By 10:30 a.m., confusion reigned as three distinct engagements were taking place.
Those French ships that escaped Howe’s attack formed a separate force under Villaret’s command. As Villaret returned to fight, Howe met him with a reassembled force of his own. The two new lines engaged each other from a distance, as both fleets fought to gain control of the area, and to secure or capture as many of the dismasted ships as possible. The French admiral eventually abandoned the fight with Howe, and having recovered several of his ships, set sail for France, leaving the remaining ships to the British. Howe turned control over to his Captain of the Fleet, Sir Roger Curtis, and retired to his quarters. The British spent the rest of the day and night repairing their ships and securing their prizes, and set sail for Britain the next morning. Though the day ended with a tactical victory for Howe, the admiral failed to intercept the French convoy, which, on the 12th of June, arrived at France, having lost only one ship, and that due to weather.
Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse:
Admiral Howe:
Map of the Battle’s Location:
Battle Map of the French and British Lines:
The Battle:
For more on today's event:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloriou..._of_June#notea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_...ay_1794#28_May
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Originally Posted by Berthier
Well Bobby keep supplying the acorns me hearty. They will undoubtedly grow someone an Oak tree one day.
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