Second Battle of Algeciras: British defeat French and Spanish

Background. The battle occurred during the Algeciras campaign of the Second Coalition. Following the First Battle of Algeciras on 6 July, in which the British force was becalmed and battered, suffering heavy casualties and losing the 74-gun ship HMS Hannibal, both sides called for reinforcements. The French received support from the Spanish fleet at Cádiz, which sent six ships of the line to escort the French squadron to safety. The British squadron, having effected hasty repairs, set off in pursuit.

Engagement. The battle was fought in the Gut of Gibraltar. HMS Superb, under Captain Richard Keats, played a crucial role, almost singlehandedly causing the destruction of two Spanish three-deckers and the capture of a French 74. A second stage developed as HMS Venerable attacked the rearmost French ship Formidable, commanded by Captain Amable Troude.

Aftermath. After the battle, HMS Venerable was towed back to Gibraltar for repairs. The rest of the British squadron resumed the blockade of French and Spanish ships in Cádiz. The victory restored parity in the region. Heavy casualties inflicted on the Spanish contributed to a weakening of the Franco-Spanish alliance, leading to the Treaty of Amiens in March 1802.