A small British frigate squadron defeated a much larger Franco-Italian force, securing British dominance in the Adriatic during the Napoleonic Wars.
Key Facts
- Date
- 13 March 1811
- British ships
- 4 frigates
- Franco-Italian ships
- Approximately 12 ships
- French flagship fate
- Sunk
- Other French frigates taken
- 2 captured
- British signal raised
- Remember Nelson
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
France required control of the Adriatic Sea to supply its growing army in the Illyrian Provinces. The British squadron based on the island of Vis had been disrupting French shipping, prompting France to dispatch an invasion force of six frigates, numerous smaller vessels, and a battalion of Italian troops in March 1811 under Admiral Bernard Dubourdieu.
On 13 March 1811, Captain William Hoste commanded four British frigates against Dubourdieu's dozen-ship Franco-Italian squadron near the island of Vis. Hoste raised the signal 'Remember Nelson' before battle. He manoeuvred to drive the French flagship ashore, sinking it, and subsequently captured two other frigates while scattering the remainder of the enemy squadron.
The British victory secured their hold on Vis and continued dominance of Adriatic commerce raiding, hampering French logistics to the Illyrian Provinces. The engagement was widely praised as one of the most brilliant naval achievements of the Napoleonic Wars, celebrated for the disparity in opposing forces and Hoste's tactical skill.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain William Hoste.
Side B
1 belligerent
Admiral Bernard Dubourdieu.