Main action in the Saintes Passage, 12 April
- When
- 12 April 1782
- Where
- Saintes Passage, between Dominica and the Îles des Saintes
- Part of
- Battle of the Saintes
Rodney's fleet broke the unformed French line; HMS Marlborough opened the engagement and a large French section turned to protect two threatened ships.
On 12 April the French, ranged six to 12 miles distant and not in formation, manoeuvred between northern Dominica and the Saintes in the Saintes Passage. At 7:40 HMS Marlborough under Captain Taylor Penny led the British line, opening battle against the French centre. Rodney attacked two French ships to draw de Grasse back; a large section of the French fleet turned to protect them, and as the wind rose around noon most of both fleets joined the melee. Superior British seamanship and gunnery prevailed in what is considered the greatest British naval victory over the French in the war.
Sources
- Battle of the Saintes Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-22
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