The Battle of the Cap de la Roque (1803 print).

The Battle of Cap de la Roque was a naval battle that took place on May 22, 1703 between an Dutch convoy protected by captain Roemer Vlacq and a French squadron under Alain Emmanuel de Coëtlogon, during the War of the Spanish Succession. May 22 is the 142nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (143rd 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. ... A convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together for mutual support. ... A Squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or naval vessels. ... Charles II was the last Habsburg King of Spain. ...

During this war the French and Spanish fleet could not face the English and Dutch in an open sea battle and therefore had switched to privateering. The allies were thus forced to protect their merchant convoys.

On May 21 1703 a large merchant fleet consisting of about 110 English and Dutch ships transporting mainly salt, but also wine and sugar, left Lisbon for England. There were five escorting Dutch ships: line ships Muiderberg (50), Gaesterland (46) and Schermer (?) and frigats Rotterdam (34) and Rozendaal (36) under command of captain Roemer Vlacq on board the Muiderberg. Lisbon (Portuguese: Lisboa, IPA: ) is the capital and largest city of Portugal. ...

The next day near Cabo da Roca (fr: Cap de la Roque) they encountered the squadron of Coëtlogon composed of five larger warships : Le Vainqueur , Le Monarque , L'Éole , L'Orgueilleux and La Couronne, all armed with 60 to 90 guns. The lighthouse on Cabo da Roca Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) is a cape that forms the westernmost point of mainland Portugal. ...

Vlacq, after signalling the merchantmen to save themselves, lined up his ships to protect the fleet and engaged the French. The Dutch fought valiantly but the French were too strong and ship after ship had to capitulate.

Vlacq and the Muiderberg fought on until half of the crew was dead or wounded. Vlacq lost an arm and part of his shoulder, but he only surrendered when the main mast came down and the ship was on the point of sinking. The survivors were evacuated and what was left of the Muiderberg was burnt and sank.

Thanks to the sacrifice of Vlacq, the convoy got away intact, meaning this Dutch defeat had little impact on the allied cause.

Vlacq , his men and the four ships were taken to Toulon, were Vlacq died of his wounds on July 17, 1703. Panorama of Toulon area Satellite view Coat of Arms of Toulon view of Toulon harbour around 1750, by Joseph Vernet. ... July 17 is the 198th day (199th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 167 days remaining. ... 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. ...

Alternative name

This battle is sometimes called "The Battle of the Bay of Biscay", but this is geographical not correct, as Cabo da Roca is situated in the southern part of Portugal.

Links

Zeegevecht in de Golf van Biskaje (Dutch)

French account of the battle