Action at La Hogue (1692) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Action of La Hogue |
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| Part of the Nine Years' War | |||||||
 The Battle of La Hogue, Adriaen van Diest |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 England Dutch Republic |
 France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Edward Russell Philips van Almonde |
 Anne Tourville |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 14 ships of the line | 12 ships of the line | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | 12 ships of the line destroyed | ||||||
The Action of La Hogue was an important naval battle that happened in May 1692. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Nine Years' War. After a major sea battle nearby, the English fleet chased the French ships. The English, led by Admiral of the Fleet Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford, found many French ships stuck on the beaches near Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in France. They then destroyed these ships.
Contents
What Happened Before
During the Nine Years' War, England and France were fighting. Their navies had a big battle off the coast of Normandy. The French fleet, commanded by Admiral Tourville, had many damaged ships. Strong winds and tides pushed these ships down the coast. The English fleet, led by Admiral Russell, followed them closely.
Three of the most damaged French ships got stuck near Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. An English group, led by Sir Ralph Delaval, attacked and destroyed them there. The other ten French ships, including Tourville's own, were carried further down the coast. On the evening of May 21, they ended up beached outside the small port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.
The Battle at La Hogue
The Scene on May 21, 1692
La Hogue was a very important place for the French. They had gathered an army there, led by King James II, who wanted to invade England. There were also many transport ships ready for the invasion.
Tourville's ships joined two other French ships that had been beached there earlier. The ships were spread out on the wide beaches on both sides of the town.
On the north beach, near the island of Tatihou, were some of the largest French ships. These included Ambitieux (96 guns), Merveilleux (90 guns), and Foudroyant (84 guns). These ships were protected by cannons on Fort d’Islet and other gun platforms on the shore.
On the south beach, near King James and his army, were other French ships like Bourbon (68 guns) and Fier (80 guns). These were protected by Fort St Vaast and more cannons along the shore. Inside a small harbor, behind the town, were the transport ships for the invasion. These were also guarded by many small boats and three large galleys with cannons.
Getting Ready on May 22
The English fleet, led by Admiral Russell, started to arrive on the evening of May 21. More ships joined them over the next two days. Russell quickly set up a special group of ships, led by Rear Admiral George Rooke, to attack the French. However, the English needed to check the water depths around St Vaast and La Hougue first. This took most of May 22. The main attack began the next day.
Russell also prepared his larger ships. They organized boats and crews ready to board the French ships.
First Attack: May 23
At 6 AM on May 23, the English ships were ordered to attack the French ships on the north beach. After some initial cannon fire, small boats were sent out. Around 8:30 AM, an English fireship (a ship filled with flammable materials to set enemy ships on fire) reached the French ship Terrible. The French had left this ship, so the English captain boarded it and set it on fire using materials he found. This was a smart move, saving his fireship for another time.
Other English boats moved in closer to the French ships. Another fireship drew fire from the French cannons, allowing the English to attack the French gun platforms. One English boat got stuck on the shore and was attacked by French horsemen. In a very unusual fight, an English sailor pulled a horseman off his horse with a boathook! The boat was then freed.
As the English pushed their attack, the French resistance weakened. English sailors were able to board and set fire to the five remaining large French ships on the north beach.
Second Attack: May 24
The second attack started at 5 AM on May 24. Admiral Rooke again sent his boats to attack the six large French ships on the south beach. English ships like Deptford and Crown supported them with cannon fire. The English sailors successfully boarded and burned all six French ships.
By this point, the French sailors and soldiers on shore were very discouraged. They had mostly abandoned their ships, offering little resistance to the determined English attack. King James II watched this from his camp. He famously said, "Only my English tars [sailors] could have done such a deed."
Third Attack: May 24
Rooke then saw a chance to attack the transport ships in La Hougue harbor. At high tide, his boats, with two fireships, entered the harbor. They faced cannon fire from the fort and other ships. Both fireships got stuck in shallow water and had to be burned without hitting their targets. However, many transport ships in the harbor were boarded and set on fire. Some transport ships were even captured and taken away. Most of the transports were too far into the harbor to be reached and escaped serious damage.
Result
This marked the end of the battle. It was a big success for the English and Dutch fleets. Twelve French warships and several smaller ships were destroyed. The English had very few losses. This battle also ended any hopes King James or the French King Louis had of invading England that year.
Ships Involved
English Ships: About 30 ships of the line were involved. The special "Inshore Squadron" had 15 ships of the line plus smaller support ships.
Some of these ships included:
- Eagle (70 guns)
- Chester (50 guns)
- Greenwich (54 guns)
- Swiftsure (70 guns)
- Deptford (50 guns)
- Woolwich (54 guns)
- Crown (50 guns)
French Ships: 12 ships of the line were destroyed, plus smaller support ships.
Some of these ships included:
- Ambitieux (96 guns)
- Merveilleux (90 guns)
- Foudroyant (84 guns)
- Magnifique (86 guns)
- Terrible (80 guns)
- Bourbon (68 guns)
- Fier (80 guns)
- Tonnant (80 guns)
- St Louis (64 guns)
