A tactically indecisive Seven Years' War naval skirmish notable for its connection to Horatio Nelson, whose uncle commanded there on the same date as the Battle of Trafalgar 48 years later.
Key Facts
- Date
- 21 October 1757
- British commander
- Commodore Arthur Forrest
- French commander
- Guy François Coëtnempren de Kersaint
- British ships of the line
- 3 ships
- Notable connection
- Same date as Battle of Trafalgar, 48 years later
- Outcome
- Tactically indecisive; French convoy departed the following month
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A British squadron of three ships of the line under Commodore Arthur Forrest was dispatched to cruise off Saint-Domingue to intercept a French merchant convoy bound for France. Upon arrival, the British discovered that the convoy's escort under Kersaint had been substantially reinforced, making the opposing force considerably stronger.
The French sortied from Cap-Français harbour to drive off the British squadron. Rather than withdraw, Forrest's three ships attacked the numerically superior French force. After several hours of fighting, both sides suffered significant damage. The French eventually broke off the engagement and returned to port, while the British also retired to conduct repairs.
The battle produced no decisive strategic result, but the British officers gained popular acclaim at home for their boldness against heavy odds. The French convoy subsequently departed Saint-Domingue the following month. The engagement gained lasting historical footnote status because Captain Maurice Suckling's nephew, Horatio Nelson, later noted the date coincided exactly with his own victory at Trafalgar in 1805.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Commodore Arthur Forrest, Maurice Suckling.
Side B
1 belligerent
Guy François Coëtnempren de Kersaint.