A minor but notable engagement in which a British dispatch ship was captured after the Battle of the Nile, with the French commander's misconduct drawing international condemnation.
Key Facts
- Date of action
- 18 August 1798
- British ship
- HMS Leander (fourth rate)
- French ship
- Généreux (ship of the line)
- Duration of battle
- Approximately 6 hours from 09:00
- Location
- Western shore of Crete, Mediterranean
- Leander recaptured
- March 1799 by Russian squadron at Corfu
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Battle of the Nile on 1 August 1798, HMS Leander was detached by Nelson on 6 August to carry dispatches to Earl St Vincent's squadron off Cádiz. Généreux, one of only four French ships to survive the Nile, separated from the other survivors and intercepted Leander off western Crete.
On 18 August 1798, Généreux attacked Leander in a six-hour battle. Captain Thompson attempted escape, then fought a sustained action, successfully raking the French ship at one point, but was ultimately outgunned and outmanoeuvred. Thompson, wounded and dismasted, surrendered by having his men wave a French tricolour on a pike.
Captain Lejoille's mistreatment of prisoners and looting drew condemnation in Britain, while his exaggerated account earned brief French praise. Thompson and Berry were exchanged, court-martialled, acquitted, and knighted. Leander and many crew were recaptured at Corfu in March 1799 by a Russian squadron. Généreux was eventually captured off Malta in 1800 by Nelson's squadron.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain Thomas Thompson, Captain Edward Berry (passenger).
Side B
1 belligerent
Captain Louis-Jean-Nicolas Lejoille.