The last naval battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought off Cuddalore, India, after peace had already been agreed in Europe.
Key Facts
- Date
- 20 June 1783
- Casualties per side
- ~100 killed, ~400 wounded
- French commander
- Bailli de Suffren
- British commander
- Admiral Sir Edward Hughes
- Peace news arrived
- 29 June 1783
- French flagship
- Frigate Cléopâtre
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the death of French ally Hyder Ali, British forces decided to retake Cuddalore. Troops marched from Madras and siege preparations began. The French fleet under Suffren arrived on 13 June 1783, but a week of uncertain winds prevented engagement. Neither side yet knew that peace had already been concluded in Europe.
On 20 June 1783, Suffren attacked the larger British fleet from his flagship, the frigate Cléopâtre, near Cuddalore. The battle caused roughly 100 dead and 400 wounded on each side without seriously damaging any ships. Suffren's action was generally judged a French victory, and the British fleet withdrew toward Madras.
The British retreat to Madras prevented the landing of reinforcement transports bound for the siege of Cuddalore, effectively ending the siege. A sortie from the town further weakened British forces. Official word of the Treaty of Paris reached Cuddalore on 29 June 1783, formally concluding hostilities and making this the final engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Admiral Sir Edward Hughes, Admiral L.J. Weiland.
Side B
1 belligerent
Bailli de Suffren.