Lot Essay
The battle fought on the Glorious First of June, 1794, was the first fleet action of the Napoleonic Wars but ended in a tactical rather than a decisive British victory.
Admiral Lord Howe's orders were to prevent a large grain convoy from the America's reaching France, where there were serious food shortages as a result of the Royal Navy's blockade. The French fleet, under Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse, had put to sea specifically to counter this threat and to escort the convoy home. After several weeks of patient patrolling, Howe finally sighted the French warships on 28 May, whereupon a running fight lasting three days ensued, with the French having the advantage of heavy weather. Early on 1 June, with the weather much improved and the two fleets about four miles apart, Lord Howe seized the weather gage and attacked. His strategy was not entirely successful but nevertheless, six French ships-of-the-line were taken as prizes and a seventh, Le Vengeur du Peuple, was sunk after a tremendous duel with H.M.S. Brunswick. Joyeause's flagship Montagne was severely damaged, suffering 300 men killed, and yet, despite these losses, his objective - the protection of the convoy - was achieved. Every merchantman in it, each laden with precious food supplies, escaped Howe's clutches whilst the fleets were engaged and reached the French mainland safely.
Admiral Lord Howe's orders were to prevent a large grain convoy from the America's reaching France, where there were serious food shortages as a result of the Royal Navy's blockade. The French fleet, under Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse, had put to sea specifically to counter this threat and to escort the convoy home. After several weeks of patient patrolling, Howe finally sighted the French warships on 28 May, whereupon a running fight lasting three days ensued, with the French having the advantage of heavy weather. Early on 1 June, with the weather much improved and the two fleets about four miles apart, Lord Howe seized the weather gage and attacked. His strategy was not entirely successful but nevertheless, six French ships-of-the-line were taken as prizes and a seventh, Le Vengeur du Peuple, was sunk after a tremendous duel with H.M.S. Brunswick. Joyeause's flagship Montagne was severely damaged, suffering 300 men killed, and yet, despite these losses, his objective - the protection of the convoy - was achieved. Every merchantman in it, each laden with precious food supplies, escaped Howe's clutches whilst the fleets were engaged and reached the French mainland safely.