Action of 15 February 1783 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Action of 15 February 1783 |
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| Part of the American Revolutionary War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Great Britain |
 France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Robert Linzee |
 Chevalier Clesmaur |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 1 ship of the line | 1 frigate | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Minor | 300 killed or wounded 1 frigate captured |
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The Action of 15 February 1783 was a small but exciting sea battle during the American Revolutionary War. It involved just two ships: the French frigate Concorde and the British warship Magnificent. The British ship was much bigger and stronger. In the end, the British won, capturing the French frigate.
A Chase at Sea
In February 1783, Captain Charles Inglis led a group of British warships, called a squadron, in the West Indies. This squadron included the Magnificent, a large 74-gun ship of the line. A "ship of the line" was a powerful warship. It was designed to fight in the main battle line.
The British ships were sailing near St. Lucia. They heard that a French squadron had left Martinique. So, the British ships went to investigate.
Spotting the Enemy
On February 12, 1783, the Magnificent sailed from Gros Islet Bay. Two other British ships, Prudent and St Albans, sailed with her.
Three days later, the Magnificent spotted a French frigate near Guadeloupe island. A "frigate" was a smaller, faster warship. This French ship was the Concorde, with 36 guns and about 300 sailors. It was commanded by Chevalier du Clesmaur.
The Battle Begins
The Magnificent immediately started chasing the Concorde. As darkness fell around 8:00 PM, the Concorde began firing its stern guns. These guns were at the back of the ship. They were used to slow down a chasing enemy.
But the Magnificent was faster and bigger. By 9:15 PM, the British ship caught up to the French frigate. After just fifteen minutes of fighting, the Magnificent fired a powerful broadside. A "broadside" is when all the guns on one side of a ship fire at the same time. This attack was too much for the Concorde.
The French ship was forced to strike her colours. This means they lowered their flag, showing they surrendered. The Magnificent then took control of the Concorde.
After the Battle
Right after the Concorde surrendered, a fire broke out on its main topsail. This is a large sail at the top of the main mast. The crew had to quickly cut down the mainmast to put out the fire.
About two hours later, the other British ships, Prudent and St Albans, arrived. The Magnificent then towed the captured Concorde to St. John's in Antigua.
The Concorde later joined the British Royal Navy. It served as HMS Concorde until 1811, when it was taken apart.
