The Royal Navy's War 1973-1807 (1) Flashcards
When did Admiral Hood seize Toulon? What were the effects of this?
- August 1793 Hood seized Toulon commanding the Mediterranean fleet
- This was a main French naval base in the Med
- The French army forced him to leave in December but he managed to destroy a large number of French ships
Before the Battle of the Glorious First of June, what did the RN blockade?
- The RN blockaded French ports on The Atlantic coast, especially in Brest
- Lord Howe of the blockading fleet was made aware of a grain convoy returning to France from the USA
When did Lord Howe confront the French grain convoy? (Think about the name of the battle)!
1st June 1794 the two fleets met 400 miles out in the Atlantic
What are the key stats from the Glorious First of June Battle?
- French 26 vs British 25 ships of the line
- Howes fleet captures or sank seven enemy ships
- 7000 French Sailors died, 1200 British Casualties
Why was the Battle of the Glorious First of June not a complete success for Lord Howe?
The French grain ships reached France and their cargoes helped avert a famine
Who took control of the Mediterranean fleet instead of Hood and what was his characteristics?
1795 - Sir John Jervis
- Jervis latched inefficiency and wanted to whip the fleet into shape
- He created excellent relations with officers like Nelson whom he trusted and respected
When did Netherlands and Spain switch sides? What were the effects on the British?
1796 they switched sides
- The RN faced far too many ships, their main fleet was stationed at Spithead only leaving 15 to blockade Brest
When did things seemingly get out of hand for the RN after Netherlands and Spain switched sides?
- December 1796 44 French ships carrying 14,000 troops broke out and sailed from Brest towards Ireland
- Luckily after a week of gales the French fleet abandoned the mission and returned to Brest
What caused the Battle of Cape St Vincent?
- Jervis stationed the bulk of his force off Càdiz facing the main Spanish fleet
When did the Battle of Cape St Vincent kick off?
- 14th February 1797 Jervis encountered a Spanish fleet almost double the size of his own
- Jervis attacked and his ships cut through the enemy line
What role did Nelson play, and was it justified that he became the darling to the RN because of this?
- He played a major role and acted courageously by boarding and capturing the much larger San Josef, leading to him getting great recognition
- He took away from other commanders like Troubridge, Cuthbert, Collingwood and Saumarez
- Jervis had captures 4 ships driving them back into Càdiz was ennobled Earl of St Vincent
How did the Spithead Mutiny begin?
16th April 1797 Admiral Lord Bridport ordered the fleet at Spithead to sea
- The crews refused the admirals command
What were the main points of concern for the sailors carrying out the mutiny, how did the gov respond?
- Pay
- Quality of food
- Brutal officers
- Many officers sympathised and a petition was sent to the Admiralty and the gov made concessions and said they would raise wages
How did the mutiny grow from Spithead?
7th May the petty officers presented their demands In a reasonable manner
- Lord Howe dealt in person, entertaining them at a banquet 15th May and re-established trust with individual ships
When did Nore mutiny?
12th May 1797, they had more serious demands:
- Power of veto over officers, longer leave and pardon for all deserters
- Mutineers were joined by the North Sea Fleet who was responsible for blockading the Dutch Navy
When did Nore mutiny?
12th May 1797, they had more serious demands:
- Power of veto over officers, longer leave and pardon for all deserters
- Mutineers were joined by the North Sea Fleet who was responsible for blockading the Dutch Navy
How did the Nore Mutineers attempt to get what they want and how did the government react?
- Attempted to blockade the Thames refusing entry to merchant ships
- Pitts government tried to isolate and starve the mutineers
What was the result of the Nore mutiny?
- Mutiny ended mid-June,
- Richard Parker, the leader, and 28 others were hanged
When was the Battle of Camperdown?
11th October 1797, Admiral Lord Duncan of the North Sea Fleet
- 16 ships of the line encountered a similar number of Dutch ships off the coast
What happened at the Battle of Camperdown?
- Duncans ships formed two unevenly sized divisions and smashed the enemy line
- 11 battleships and 3 frigates were captures
Why did Britains future still look bleak despite the victory at the Battle of Camperdown?
- Country continued to be threatened by French invasion
- Austria made peace in 1797 with France, Britain had no major ally
- A French army and fleet at Toulon was preparing to sail and no one knew where
What did the British Gov do to find out what the French fleet at Toulon was doing?
- They did not want to deprive the Channel fleet of strength to fend off invasion
- Nelson with three ships of the line and three frigates was sent to the Mediterranean to find out more
Prior to the Battle of the Nile where did Napoleon go and why?
- May 1798 Napoleon left Toulon with 13 battleships and 280 transports with 50,000 men
- He wanted to threaten Britains trade and hold of India
How did Nelson figure out Napoleon was going for Egypt?
- in June Napoleon reinforced his fleet with 11 ships of the line and Nelson heard rumours that the French had taken Malta
- He therefore set for Egypt arriving in Alexandria on the 29th June, unfortunately Napoleon arrived on the 1st July
