Key Facts
- Date
- 16–17 June 1795
- British ships of the line
- 5
- French ships of the line
- 12
- British frigates
- 2
- French frigates
- 11
- Duration of chase
- Approximately 36 hours
Strategic Narrative Overview
Spotted on 16 June, Cornwallis's heavily outnumbered squadron turned away and fled toward open water with twelve French ships of the line in pursuit. By the morning of 17 June, poorly loaded holds had slowed two British ships, allowing the French vanguard to close within range. Rather than abandon his rearguard, Cornwallis counter-attacked, interposing his flagship HMS Royal Sovereign between the two forces, and his squadron made signals suggesting the main British Channel Fleet was approaching.
01 / The Origins
During the French Revolutionary Wars, British Royal Navy squadrons routinely patrolled and raided off the French Atlantic coast. Vice-Admiral William Cornwallis led a small squadron of five ships of the line and two frigates into the waters west of Brittany in June 1795, where he attacked a French merchant convoy and captured several vessels. This provoked Vice-Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse to sortie the main French fleet from port to destroy the British force.
03 / The Outcome
Deceived by Cornwallis's signals into believing the Channel Fleet was near, Villaret de Joyeuse broke off the engagement on 17 June and withdrew to an anchorage off Belle Île. Cornwallis returned to Plymouth with his squadron battered but intact. The French fleet was located by the British Channel Fleet on 22 June and defeated at the Battle of Groix, losing three ships of the line. Cornwallis was widely praised for his courage; Villaret was criticised for withdrawing.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Louis Thomas Villaret de Joyeuse.
Side B
1 belligerent
William Cornwallis.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.