A British naval cutting-out and fireship raid on Dunkirk harbour captured one French frigate and disrupted a French frigate squadron during the War of the Second Coalition.
Key Facts
- Date
- 7 July 1800
- Conflict
- War of the Second Coalition
- French frigates captured
- 1
- French frigates run aground
- 3 (later refloated)
- Key British vessel
- HMS Dart (armed sloop)
- Experimental weapons used
- Yes, tested in combat for first time
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the War of the Second Coalition, the French Navy was largely blockaded in harbour, limiting British offensive options. With a powerful French frigate squadron anchored at Dunkirk, the Royal Navy devised a combined fireship and cutting-out operation to attack them, also using the occasion to test experimental weaponry in combat conditions.
On 7 July 1800, a British Royal Navy force attacked the French anchorage at Dunkirk using fireships, boarding parties, and experimental weapons. The sloop HMS Dart led the most effective assault. The French response was disorganised, and their frigate squadron was thrown into disorder, with several ships cutting anchor cables and fleeing into coastal shoals.
One French frigate was captured and three others ran aground, though all were eventually refloated and returned to service. The French suffered heavy casualties while British losses were minimal. Numerous British officers received promotions and prize money in recognition of their conduct during the operation.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent