Action of 13 August 1780 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 13 August 1780
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date 13 August 1780 Location Off the Old Head of Kinsale Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
John MacBride	Robert Sutton de Clonard
Strength
2 ships 1 third rate 1 fifth rate	1 Ship of the line Privateer
Casualties and losses
3 killed & 21 wounded	1 ship of the line captured 21 killed & 35 wounded 590 captured

The Action of 13 August 1780 was a small naval battle. It happened off the coast of Ireland near a place called the Old Head of Kinsale. In this fight, a large French privateer ship named Comte d'Artois battled two ships from the British Royal Navy. This event took place during the American Revolutionary War.

A privateer was like a private warship. It was owned by individuals or groups, not by the government. These ships had permission from their government to attack enemy merchant ships. They would capture these ships and their goods. This was a way to disrupt enemy trade and make money.

Background to the Battle

The American Revolutionary War was a big conflict. It involved Great Britain and its American colonies. France and other European powers also joined the war. They supported the American colonies. Naval battles were very important during this time. They helped control trade routes and supply lines.

Admiral Rodney's Return

Earlier in 1780, a British admiral named George Rodney had a big success. He helped the city of Gibraltar get supplies. He also captured some Spanish ships. After these victories, Admiral Rodney's fleet sailed back to Britain. This happened in March 1780.

Watching the Irish Coast

One of the ships from Rodney's fleet was HMS Bienfaisant. Its captain was John MacBride. This ship was given an important job. It had to patrol the Irish coast. Its mission was to look for any French or Spanish warships. They wanted to know if enemy fleets were moving in the area.

Hunting the Privateer

In early August 1780, reports came in. A very large French privateer was sailing near the Irish coast. This ship was the 64-gun Comte d'Artois. It had sailed from Brest, a French port. The British decided they needed to deal with this ship right away. Captain MacBride was ordered to find and capture the Comte d'Artois. He was joined by another British ship, HMS Charon. The Charon had 44 guns.

After searching for several days, they finally saw a ship. It was early on August 13. This mystery ship was chasing some British merchant ships. These merchant ships were leaving the city of Cork.

About the Comte d'Artois

The Comte d'Artois had an interesting history. It was first built in 1759. It was an Indiaman ship. This meant it was used by the French East India Company for trade. In 1767, it was turned into a hulk. A hulk is an old ship used for storage or repairs. But in 1780, it was sold. It was then made into a privateer warship. From May 1780 until this battle, it was commanded by Lieutenant Chevalier Robert Sutton de Closnard.

The Battle Begins

Captain MacBride sailed his ship, Bienfaisant, closer to the unknown vessel. The other ship raised English flags. This was a common trick in naval warfare. Both ships got very close. They were so close that they were "within pistol shot." Captain MacBride needed to be sure of the ship's identity. He communicated with the other ship.

At this point, the two ships were almost touching. The Bienfaisant was near the front of the Comte d'Artois. Because they were so close, neither ship could use its main cannons. Instead, both crews started firing muskets at each other. Captain MacBride then managed to move his ship. This allowed his main cannons to be used. Then, a full battle began.

Outcome of the Fight

The battle lasted for about an hour and ten minutes. Finally, the French ship surrendered. It was indeed the Comte d'Artois. It was a private warship with 64 guns. It had a very large crew of 644 men. Its commander, Closnard, was slightly hurt.

The French ship suffered many losses. Twenty-one of its crew members were killed. Thirty-five more were wounded. The British ship Bienfaisant had three men killed. Twenty men were wounded. The other British ship, Charon, joined the fight near the end. It only had one man wounded.

Two other British frigates, Licorne and Hussar, also arrived late. Because they were there, they shared in the prize money. Prize money was a reward given to crews for capturing enemy ships. The British Royal Navy did not keep the Comte d'Artois for its own fleet.

This capture had a strange follow-up. Just over a year later, the Bienfaisant captured another privateer. This new ship was named Comtesse d'Artois. It was a different ship, but had a very similar name.