Action of 1781/06/19, 19th June 1781

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Action of 1781-06-19

19th June 1781
Part of : The American War of Independence (1775/04/19 - 1784/01/14)
Previous action : Ulysses vs Surveillante 6.6.1781
Next action : Action of 1781-07-21 21.7.1781
 

Great Britain

 
British Squadron
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Flora (36) 1780-1808
British 36 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
William Peere WilliamsBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1759-1830
Fleet Flagship
Castor (36) 1781-1781
British 36 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
  Captured
Crescent (28) 1778-1781
British 28 Gun
6th Rate Frigate
John BlighBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1759-1783
 Captured
 

Royaume de France

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
La Gloire (32) 1778-1795
French 32 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
 
La Friponne (32) 1780-1796
French 32 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
Henri Pantaléon de Mac NemaraFrench
Naval Sailor
Service 1756-1790
 

Notes on Action


DescriptionTRN4
Following the action on 30th May the three ships repaired their injuries as well as they could, and stood away for England. On June 19th, however, while the Flora was chasing a privateer, a squall suddenly cleared and revealed to her two French frigates, which at once gave chase. The battered appearance of the three British vessels doubtless encouraged the French to confront such formidable odds. Captain Williams did not think it safe to risk an action after the heavy losses he had sustained. He had not much more than three hundred unwounded people to work and fight three ships requiring crews of seven hundred men. The three parted company and steered different courses. The Castor was overtaken by the Friponne, 32, and with only seventy-five British seamen on board, nearly all of whom were at the pumps or working the ship, struck at the first shot. The Crescent had only five men to each gun on her broadside, and but nine Marines to act as a small-arms' party. She offered some resistance, but she, too, had quickly to strike. The Flora alone succeeded in escaping.
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