HMS Crescent, under the command of Captain James Saumarez, capturing the French frigate Réunion off Cherbourg, 20th October, 1793

One of the first actions of the French Revolutionary Wars took place on 20th October 1793. HMS Crescent, a 36-gun frigate, commanded by Captain Saumarez, sailed from Spithead on 19th October to investigate a report that the French frigate Réunion was off Cherbourg. Sighting the enemy the following morning, a furious action lasting two hours resulted in the capture of Réunion without the loss of a single man, whereas the French vessel lost 33 mean and had 48 wounded. Captain Saumarez was knighted for his service.