A British naval victory over a larger Spanish fleet that secured British access to the Mediterranean during the War of the First Coalition.
Key Facts
- Date
- 14 February 1797
- British commander
- Admiral Sir John Jervis
- Spanish commander
- Admiral José de Córdoba y Ramos
- Conflict
- War of the First Coalition (French Revolutionary Wars)
- Outcome for Córdoba
- Dismissed from Spanish navy, banned from court
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Britain and Spain had recently entered into open war during the broader French Revolutionary Wars and the War of the First Coalition. The Spanish fleet sailed in the Atlantic off Cape St. Vincent, southwest Portugal, bringing it into contact with a British naval force operating in the region.
On 14 February 1797, a British fleet under Admiral Sir John Jervis engaged a larger Spanish fleet commanded by Admiral José de Córdoba y Ramos off Cape St. Vincent. Despite being outnumbered, the British forces decisively defeated the Spanish in a fleet action, demonstrating tactical superiority over their opponents.
The British victory secured continued British access to the Mediterranean Sea. Jervis and his officers received recognition and rewards for their conduct. The defeated Spanish commander Córdoba was dismissed from the navy and forbidden from appearing at court, reflecting the severity of the Spanish defeat.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Admiral Sir John Jervis.
Side B
1 belligerent
Admiral José de Córdoba y Ramos.