The British naval relief force ended the French siege of Quebec City, securing British control of New France during the Seven Years' War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 16 May 1760
- Theater
- French and Indian War (Seven Years' War)
- Location
- North shore of the Saint Lawrence River, near Neuville, Quebec
- French commander
- Jean Vauquelin (naval); Chevalier de Lévis (land)
- Outcome
- British victory; French siege of Quebec City lifted
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the British occupation of Quebec City in September 1759, a French force under Chevalier de Lévis began besieging the city in April 1760, with French ships commanded by Jean Vauquelin supporting the siege along the Saint Lawrence River. A Royal Navy relief force was dispatched to break through and resupply the besieged British garrison.
On 16 May 1760, the Royal Navy relief force forced a passage through ice on the Saint Lawrence River near Pointe-aux-Trembles and engaged the French fleet in a combined naval and land battle. The British warships destroyed or captured the French vessels under Vauquelin that had been supporting the French siege operations against Quebec City.
The destruction of the French naval support compelled Chevalier de Lévis to abandon the siege of Quebec City and withdraw his forces. This effectively ended French attempts to retake Quebec, consolidating British control over the city and accelerating the broader conquest of New France.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean Vauquelin, Chevalier de Lévis.