The capture of the Généreux denied French-held Valletta critical supplies, hastening the garrison's eventual surrender in September 1800.
Key Facts
- Date of engagement
- 18 February 1800
- Duration of siege at time
- Eighteen months
- French flagship captured
- Généreux, commanded by Perrée
- French commander's fate
- Counter-admiral Perrée mortally wounded
- Malta's final surrender
- 4 September 1800
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
By early 1800 the French garrison at Valletta had endured eighteen months of siege, blockaded by British, Portuguese, and Maltese forces on land and by a Royal Navy squadron at sea under Lord Nelson. Severe food shortages drove French authorities to organize a relief convoy from Toulon, carrying provisions, armaments, and reinforcements under Counter-admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée.
On 18 February 1800, lookouts aboard HMS Alexander spotted the approaching French convoy southeast of Malta. The British squadron gave chase; HMS Success intercepted Perrée's flagship Généreux and, though badly damaged in the opening exchange, mortally wounded Perrée. The delay allowed the main British force to close in, and Généreux, heavily outnumbered, surrendered. One transport was also taken; the remaining French vessels escaped.
Perrée died shortly after being wounded, and none of the supplies reached the besieged garrison. Deprived of relief and facing worsening odds, the French garrison at Valletta held out seven more months before surrendering on 4 September 1800, ending French control of Malta.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Lord Nelson, Lord Keith.
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean-Baptiste Perrée.