A British defeat in the opening engagement of the Algeciras campaign that directly set the stage for the subsequent Second Battle of Algeciras.
Key Facts
- Date
- 6 July 1801
- British ships of the line
- 6 ships
- French ships of the line
- 3 ships
- British ship captured
- HMS Hannibal surrendered after grounding
- Spanish reinforcements arrived
- 12 July 1801
- Outcome
- British defeat; French squadron driven ashore but not destroyed
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A French squadron under Counter-Admiral Linois had anchored at Algeciras en route to Cádiz, where it was to join Spanish forces for combined operations against Britain. Rear-Admiral Saumarez, commanding the British blockade squadron off Cádiz, sought to destroy the French ships before they could unite with the Spanish fleet and pose a greater threat to British operations in the Mediterranean.
On 6 July 1801, Saumarez led six ships of the line into Algeciras Bay to attack the anchored French squadron. Despite initial damage inflicted on the French ships, light winds and shallow shoals caused HMS Hannibal to ground under heavy fire. The remaining British ships were forced to withdraw, and Hannibal's captain surrendered after sustaining fire for an additional half-hour, giving France a tactical victory.
Both sides undertook urgent repairs in the days following the battle. A Spanish squadron arrived at Algeciras on 12 July to escort Linois's ships, prompting Saumarez to attack again at the Second Battle of Algeciras. Although the British inflicted heavy losses on the Spanish rearguard in that engagement, they again failed to destroy the French squadron.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Rear-Admiral Sir James Saumarez, Captain Solomon Ferris (HMS Hannibal).
Side B
2 belligerents
Counter-Admiral Charles-Alexandre Léon Durand Linois.