A small French division delayed a superior British squadron long enough to save most of a convoy near Martinique, earning formal praise from the opposing admiral.
Key Facts
- Date
- 18 December 1779
- British ships of the line
- 13 ships
- French ships of the line
- 3 ships
- Annibal engagement duration
- 90 minutes solo
- Transports taken or beached
- 10–11 vessels
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A British squadron under Admiral Hyde Parker pursued a French convoy commanded by Joseph de Flotte near Martinique in December 1779. To protect the convoy's retreat, French Admiral Lamotte-Picquet's small division moved to intercept the numerically superior British force.
The 74-gun Annibal, under Lamotte-Picquet, engaged the 13-ship British squadron alone for 90 minutes near Martinique on 18 December 1779. She was eventually joined by the two 64-gun ships Vengeur and Réfléchi, and the three French vessels collectively blocked the British advance.
Ten to eleven transports were captured by the British or beached to avoid capture, but the majority of the convoy, along with the escorting frigate Aurore, escaped. The French division returned safely to anchorage, and Admiral Hyde Parker sent Lamotte-Picquet a formal letter of congratulation.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Lamotte-Picquet, Joseph de Flotte.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hyde Parker.