Action of 20 October 1778 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 20 October 1778
Part of the Anglo-French War
Action of the French ship Triton against the Jupiter and the Medea
Date 20 October 1778 Location off Cape Fisterra, Galicia Result Indecisive
Belligerents
France	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Gaspard de Ligondès (DOW)	Francis Reynolds James Montagu
Strength
ship-of-the-line Triton	ship-of-the-line Jupiter Frigate Medea
Casualties and losses
13 killed 20 wounded	4 killed 10 wounded

The Action of 20 October 1778 was a naval battle that happened on October 20, 1778. It was fought between a French warship called Triton and two British ships, the Jupiter and the Medea. The fight took place near Cape Finisterre in the Bay of Biscay. It was an inconclusive battle, meaning neither side truly won, because darkness stopped the fighting.

Why the Battle Happened

This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Anglo-French War. This war started because of the War of the American Independence.

When the American colonies fought for their freedom, France decided to help them. France signed a special agreement with the United States in February 1778. This made Great Britain very unhappy. Soon after, France and Britain officially declared war on each other in March 1778.

The Battle Itself

On October 20, 1778, the French warship Triton was sailing in the Bay of Biscay. Its captain was Gaspard de Ligondès. Suddenly, they spotted two British ships. These were the Jupiter, led by Captain Francis Reynolds, and the smaller Medea, led by Captain James Montagu.

Around 5 PM, the ships were close enough to start fighting. The British Jupiter positioned itself on one side of the Triton. The Medea went to the other side. Both British ships began firing their cannons at the French Triton.

Captain Ligondès of the Triton was very clever. He managed to turn his ship so that the same side of his ship could fire at both British ships. After about 30 minutes, the Medea was hit badly below its water line. It had to leave the fight.

Soon after, Captain Ligondès was wounded in both arms. He had to give command of the Triton to Lieutenant de Roquart. The Triton and Jupiter kept fighting for more than two hours. Then, a sudden storm with strong winds and heavy rain arrived. The night became very dark, and the ships could no longer see each other. The battle ended.

What Happened After

The French ship Triton had 13 sailors killed and about 20 wounded. Its hull (the main body of the ship) was hit 50 times. The sails and ropes were also badly damaged. However, Captain Reynolds of the Jupiter said the Triton could still sail.

The British ship Jupiter had 3 sailors killed and 7 wounded. It had to sail to Lisbon for repairs. The Medea had 1 sailor killed and 3 wounded before it left the battle.

Sadly, Captain Ligondès, the brave French commander, died from his wounds in Brest on January 26, 1779.