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This action took place from August 19–25, 1702 (old style) between an English squadron under Vice-Admiral John Benbow and a French under Du Casse, during the War of the Spanish Succession. Charles II was the last Habsburg King of Spain. ...
Ships Involved
Benbow's Squadron - Breda, 70, Captain Fogg (flagship)
- Defiance, 64, Captain Richard Kirby
- Greenwich, 54, Captain Cooper Wade
- Ruby, 48, Captain George Walton
- Pendennis, 48, Captain Thomas Hudson
- Windsor, 48, Captain John Constable
- Falmouth, 48, Captain Samuel Vincent
Du Casse's Squadron Several ships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Defiance: Defiance was a 3rd rate ship of the line of 74 guns. ...
Frigate is a name which has been used for several distinct types of warships at different times. ...
A sloop-rigged J-24 sailboat In sailing, a sloop is a vessel with a Fore-and-aft rig. ...
Course of Battle On August 19, 1702, Benbow's squadron encountered the French along the coast of Hispaniola, near the mouth of the Rio Magdalena. He ordered his squadron to engage, but Defiance and Windsor being astern and showing no great haste, had to be ordered to make more sail. Benbow intended to wait for Defiance to come up; but Falmouth opened the engagement by attacking the frigate, and Windsor a ship abreast of her, at four o'clock. Breda joined in, but Defiance and Windsor broke off after a few broadsides and left the Breda under fire from the French, the battle continuing until nightfall. Breda and Ruby pursued the French all night, while the rest of the squadron straggled. Pursuit continued through the 20th, with the Breda and Ruby firing chase-guns as they could. Engaging again on the morning of the 21st, Ruby was badly damaged; Defiance and Windsor refused action, though abreast of the last French ship. The Greenwich had now fallen five leagues astern. On the 22nd, Breda captured the galley Anne, originally an English ship captured by the French, and the damaged Ruby was ordered to return to Port Royal. During the night of the 24th, Benbow engaged one of the enemy ships alone and had his right leg wrecked by a chain shot, returning to the quarter-deck as soon as it could be dressed. Flag-Captain Fogg ordered the other captains of the squadron to keep the line of battle; in response, Captain Kirby of Defiance came aboard and told Benbow, "You had better desist, the French are very strong." Finding the other captains largely of the same opinion, Benbow broke off and returned to Jamaica. August 19 is the 231st day of the year (232nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ...
Events March 8 - William III died; Princess Anne Stuart becomes Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland. ...
Early map of Hispaniola The island of Hispaniola (from Spanish, La Española) is the second-largest island of the Antilles, lying east of Cuba. ...
Port-Royal was a Cistercian convent in the Vallée de Chevreuse southwest of Paris that launched a number of culturally important institutions. ...
Aftermath Benbow received a letter from Du Casse after the engagement: Sir,
I had little hopes on Monday last but to have supped in your cabin: but it pleased God to order it otherwise. I am thankful for it. As for those cowardly captains who deserted you, hang them up, for by God they deserve it.
Yours
Du Casse Such was indeed his course: Benbow held courts-martial upon his captains upon their return. Captains Kirby and Wade were found guilty of cowardice and sentenced to be shot; Wade was said to have been drunk throughout the engagement. Captain Constable was cleared of the charge of cowardice, but was convicted on other charges and cashiered. Captain Hudson died before he could be tried. Captains Fogg and Vincent were charged with having signed a paper with the other captains of the squadron, stating they would not fight, but they represented this as a device to keep Captain Kirby from deserting; Benbow testifying in their favor, they were merely suspended.
Benbow's leg was amputated; but a fever developed, doubtless abetted by the low conduct of his captains, and he died on November 4, 1702. Kirby and Wade, and Constable were sent to Plymouth aboard HMS Bristol, where their sentences were confirmed by the Lord High Admiral. Kirby and Wade were shot onboard Bristol on April 16, 1703. Fogg and Vincent were permitted to return to the service. November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 57 days remaining. ...
Events March 8 - William III died; Princess Anne Stuart becomes Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland. ...
Smeatons tower on the Plymouth Hoe Plymouth is a city in the Westcountry of England, situated at the mouths of the rivers Plym and Tamar in the traditional county of Devon. ...
Prince George of Denmark Prince George of Denmark (April 2, 1653 - October 28, 1708) was the Prince consort of Queen Anne of Great Britain. ...
April 16 is the 106th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (107th in leap years). ...
Events February 2 - Earthquake in Aquila, Italy February 4 - In Japan, the 47 samurai commit seppuku (ritual suicide) February 14 - Earthquake in Norcia, Italy April 21 - Company of Quenching of Fire (ie. ...
References - RN Ships of the 18th Century
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