Action of 18 March 1748 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 18 March 1748
Part of the War of Jenkins' Ear
A portrait of the British commander Thomas Cotes
Date 18 March 1748 Location Off Cape St Vincent, Atlantic Ocean Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Cotes	Juan de Egues
Strength
4 ships of the line 2 frigates	9 ships of the line 17 merchant ships
Casualties and losses
Unknown	5 merchant ships captured

The action of 18 March 1748 was a sea battle that happened during the War of Jenkins' Ear. In this fight, six ships from the British Royal Navy successfully captured several trading ships. These trading ships were part of a Spanish group protected by nine larger warships.

A Sea Battle in 1748

This battle took place on March 18, 1748, near Cape St Vincent in the Atlantic Ocean. It was a small but important part of a bigger conflict called the War of Jenkins' Ear.

The Fight at Sea

Six British warships were on patrol near Cape St. Vincent. They were led by Captain Thomas Cotes. His main ship was the HMS Edinburgh, which had 70 guns. Other British ships included the Eagle, Windsor, Princess Louisa, Inverness, and the frigate Gax.

The lookouts on the British ships spotted a group of Spanish ships. Captain Cotes decided to chase them. The British ships caught up with the last ships in the Spanish group, and a battle began.

The Spanish group included 17 merchant ships, which were trading vessels. They were protected by nine larger warships, known as ships of the line. These Spanish warships included the Soberbio, Leon, Oriente, Colorado, Brillante, Pastora, Rosario, Xavier, and Galga.

During the fight, the British managed to capture five of the Spanish merchant ships. Three of these were traveling from Cádiz to Vera Cruz, and two others were headed for Cartagena. The rest of the Spanish merchant ships and their protecting warships managed to get away under the cover of darkness. This battle was considered a victory for the British.