Battle of Cádiz (1640) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cádiz (1640)
Part of the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659)
Date 21 July 1640 (Julian calendar) Location Bay of Cádiz Result French victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire	France
Commanders and leaders
Jerónimo Gómez de Sandoval	Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé
Strength
10 galleons, 1 patache	24 galleons, 12 fireships
Casualties and losses
1 galleon burned, 1 patache sunk	Unknown

The Battle of Cádiz (1640) was a naval battle that happened on July 21, 1640. It was part of the Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659). This battle took place near the coast of Cádiz, a city in Spain.

In this fight, a French navy group led by Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé attacked a Spanish convoy. This convoy was a group of ships carrying valuable goods, including silver, from the Americas.

What Happened at Cádiz?

The battle happened right in front of the city of Cádiz. The French commander, Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé, used a new way to attack. He made his ships attack the Spanish convoy from both sides at the same time. This was a surprise tactic.

The Ships and Commanders

• The French fleet had 24 large ships called galleons and 12 fireships. Fireships were old ships filled with flammable materials, set on fire, and sent towards enemy ships to burn them.
• The Spanish convoy was protected by 10 galleons and 1 small ship called a patache.
• The French forces were led by Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé.
• The Spanish forces were commanded by Jerónimo Gómez de Sandoval.

Outcome of the Battle

Even with the clever French attack, the Spanish convoy managed to mostly complete its journey. Most of its valuable cargo, including silver, reached its destination safely.

• The Spanish lost one galleon, which was burned.
• They also lost one small patache ship, which sank.
• The French losses are not known.

Although the Spanish lost some ships, the French did not stop the convoy from delivering its important goods. This battle was a small but interesting part of the larger Franco-Spanish War.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Cádiz (1640) para niños