kc
30-08-2007, 09:29
HMS Barfleur (UK)
Commemorates the decisive victory gained by an Anglo-Dutch fleet over the French off Cape Barfleur in May 1692, more usually, but erroneously spoken of as the battle of La Hogue. The action began on May 19th, and ended on the 24th with the destruction of the enemy’s ships in the Bay of La Hogue. The British force under Admiral Russell, with Admirals Sir Ralph Delaval, Sir Cloudesley Shovel, Sir John Ashby, Hon. George Rooke, and Hon. Richard Carter, consisted of 63 ships of the line and 23 frigates. The Dutch, under Admiral Allemonde with two Vice-Admirals, numbered 36 ships of the line and 14 frigates. The total line of battle was thus 99 ships with 40,675 men and 6994 guns, besides 37 frigates and numerous fire ships. Owing to fog and calms only a portion of this great force was actively engaged. The French under Tourville had only 45 line of battle ships, and the defeat was overwhelming, 15 ships being subsequently destroyed on shore. After the humiliation of Beachy Head two years before, the news that the French fleet was practically annihilated and the threatened invasion by a French force to restore James II rendered impossible, created immense enthusiasm in England. No less than 39 different medals were struck to commemorate the event. Owing to political reasons, five years were allowed to pass before Admiral Russell was rewarded for his services with the Earldom of Orford.
Commemorates the decisive victory gained by an Anglo-Dutch fleet over the French off Cape Barfleur in May 1692, more usually, but erroneously spoken of as the battle of La Hogue. The action began on May 19th, and ended on the 24th with the destruction of the enemy’s ships in the Bay of La Hogue. The British force under Admiral Russell, with Admirals Sir Ralph Delaval, Sir Cloudesley Shovel, Sir John Ashby, Hon. George Rooke, and Hon. Richard Carter, consisted of 63 ships of the line and 23 frigates. The Dutch, under Admiral Allemonde with two Vice-Admirals, numbered 36 ships of the line and 14 frigates. The total line of battle was thus 99 ships with 40,675 men and 6994 guns, besides 37 frigates and numerous fire ships. Owing to fog and calms only a portion of this great force was actively engaged. The French under Tourville had only 45 line of battle ships, and the defeat was overwhelming, 15 ships being subsequently destroyed on shore. After the humiliation of Beachy Head two years before, the news that the French fleet was practically annihilated and the threatened invasion by a French force to restore James II rendered impossible, created immense enthusiasm in England. No less than 39 different medals were struck to commemorate the event. Owing to political reasons, five years were allowed to pass before Admiral Russell was rewarded for his services with the Earldom of Orford.