A Spanish ship of the line repelled a British squadron in the Gulf of Cádiz, forcing the attackers to withdraw with heavy damage.
Key Facts
- Date
- 25 January 1797
- British squadron size
- 3 frigates and 1 corvette
- Spanish vessel
- San Francisco de Asís (third-rate ship of the line)
- British commander
- George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway
- Spanish commander
- Captain Alonso de Torres y Guerra
- Outcome
- British withdrew; Spanish returned to Cádiz undamaged
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the French Revolutionary Wars, British naval forces were actively operating in Iberian waters against French and Spanish shipping. A British squadron of three frigates and a corvette under the Earl of Galloway encountered the Spanish third-rate ship of the line San Francisco de Asís in the Gulf of Cádiz and moved to attack and pursue her.
On 25 January 1797, the British squadron engaged the San Francisco de Asís in an intermittent but fierce exchange of fire lasting several hours. Despite their numerical advantage in vessels, the British warships sustained significant damage during the action and were unable to overpower the larger Spanish ship of the line.
The British squadron was eventually forced to withdraw due to the damage sustained, while the San Francisco de Asís suffered only minor damage and returned safely to Cádiz. Spanish Captain Alonso de Torres y Guerra was subsequently promoted in recognition of his success in repelling the British attack.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain Alonso de Torres y Guerra.
Side B
1 belligerent
George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway.