A minor frigate duel during the Glorious First of June campaign in which HMS Carysfort recaptured the recently seized British ship Castor.
Key Facts
- Date
- 29 May 1794
- Duration of engagement
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Castor seized by French
- 19 May 1794, Bay of Biscay
- British frigate
- HMS Carysfort
- French frigate (ex-British)
- Castor
- British commander
- Captain Francis Laforey
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Atlantic campaign of May 1794, the French battle squadron seized the British ship Castor on 19 May in the Bay of Biscay and converted her to French service. While the main fleets manoeuvered, Castor was detached to pursue a Dutch merchant vessel, bringing her into the path of the independently cruising HMS Carysfort.
On 29 May 1794, Captain Francis Laforey aboard HMS Carysfort attacked the larger French frigate Castor. After an engagement lasting one hour and fifteen minutes, Carysfort forced Castor's captain to surrender. British prisoners of war were found below decks, confirming the ship's recent capture from Royal Navy hands.
Castor was retaken to Britain. A prolonged legal dispute followed between Captain Laforey and the Admiralty over prize money entitlement; Laforey ultimately prevailed, aided by testimony from the defeated French captain. The episode did not hinder Laforey's career: he later served at the Battle of Trafalgar and rose to become a prominent admiral.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain Francis Laforey.
Side B
1 belligerent