Minor naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, in which a British frigate defeated and captured a French frigate
A British frigate captured a French supply ship bound for Martinique, contributing to the eventual fall of the island in early 1809.
Key Facts
- Date
- 10 November 1808
- French casualties
- Over 130 killed, including the captain
- Battle duration
- More than six hours
- French ship
- Thétis, carrying flour and military supplies
- British ship
- HMS Amethyst, inshore squadron
- Soldiers aboard Thétis
- Over 100, destined for Martinique garrison
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Britain's blockade of French Biscay ports aimed to strangle French trade and sever communications with overseas colonies. The French frigate Thétis attempted to slip out of port carrying flour, military supplies, and over 100 soldiers to reinforce the isolated garrison on the West Indian island of Martinique, which was suffering from critical shortages.
Before Thétis could clear the French coast, she was intercepted by the British frigate HMS Amethyst on patrol. A battle lasting more than six hours ensued in the Bay of Biscay. Amethyst used heavy and accurate gunfire to prevent the soldiers aboard Thétis from boarding, killing over 130 French personnel including the captain, before the crew stormed and captured the French vessel.
The loss of Thétis deepened the supply crisis for Martinique's defenders. Although a second frigate broke through in December 1808, British forces invaded and captured Martinique in January 1809. Other French colonies fell over the following two years as the blockade severed French overseas communications. HMS Amethyst went on to capture another French frigate, Niémen, in April 1809.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Michael Seymour.
Side B
1 belligerent