A British blockading squadron captured four of seven French vessels attempting to resupply the West Indies, reinforcing British naval dominance during the Napoleonic Wars.
Key Facts
- French ships in squadron
- 7 (5 frigates, 2 corvettes)
- British ships of the line
- 6
- French vessels captured
- 4
- Duration of chase
- 5 hours
- British commander
- Commodore Sir Samuel Hood
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A French squadron of five frigates and two corvettes departed Rochefort bound for the French West Indies carrying troops and supplies. A British squadron of six ships of the line, maintaining a close blockade of the port as part of the Atlantic campaign of 1806, spotted the French vessels shortly after their departure early on 25 September.
The British ships, led by HMS Monarch and flagship HMS Centaur under Commodore Sir Samuel Hood, pursued and engaged the French squadron after a five-hour chase. The French force split: one frigate was intercepted by HMS Mars, while others attempted to flee south. The main French body exchanged broadsides with the British, inflicting damage and severely wounding Hood before surrendering one by one.
The British captured four of the seven French ships, preventing the planned reinforcement and resupply of French West Indian colonies. Commodore Hood was severely wounded in the engagement, but the outcome further demonstrated British command of the Atlantic and the effectiveness of the close blockade strategy around French ports.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Commodore Sir Samuel Hood.
Side B
1 belligerent