Battle of Saint Kitts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of St. Kitts
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Hood's anchored fleet repels de Grasse off St Kitts. The Battle of Frigate Bay, 26 January 1782 by Nicholas Pocock
Date 25–26 January 1782 Location Off Basseterre, Caribbean Sea 17°09′N 62°35′W / 17.150°N 62.583°W / 17.150; -62.583 Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Sir Samuel Hood	Comte de Grasse
Strength
22 ships of the line	29 ships of the line 2 frigates 1 cutter
Casualties and losses
72 killed 244 wounded	107 killed 204 wounded 1 cutter captured

The Battle of Saint Kitts, also called the Battle of Frigate Bay, was an important naval battle. It happened on January 25 and 26, 1782, during the American Revolutionary War. This fight was between the British navy, led by Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, and a larger French navy, led by the Comte de Grasse. The battle took place near the island of Saint Kitts in the Caribbean Sea.

Why the Battle Happened

French Attack on St Kitts

In late 1781, Admiral Hood returned to the West Indies. At this time, the French Admiral de Grasse decided to attack the British islands of St Kitts and Nevis. He brought a large force of 7,000 soldiers and 50 warships. Among these ships was the very powerful 110-gun French ship Ville de Paris.

On January 11, 1782, the French began to besiege (surround and attack) the British fortress on Brimstone Hill. Admiral Hood wanted to help the British forces on St Kitts. So, on January 22, he sailed from Antigua with his fleet. Hood had 22 ships of the line, which were large warships. The French fleet, however, had 36 ships of the line, making them much stronger.

The Battle Begins

British Fleet Arrives

On January 24, the British fleet, with its 22 ships, was near the island of Nevis. They found and captured a French ship called the Espion. This ship was a 16-gun cutter and was carrying a lot of ammunition for the French soldiers attacking Brimstone Hill. This was a good start for the British.

Hood's Clever Plan

At dawn on January 25, the British spotted the French fleet. It included a huge 110-gun ship, 28 other large ships, and two smaller frigates. Admiral Hood sailed his fleet towards the French. It looked like he wanted to start a fight right away. This made the French fleet move away from the land.

As soon as the French moved, the wind changed in Hood's favor. He used this chance to guide his fleet into the harbor of Basseterre. This was the same harbor the French admiral had just left! Hood quickly arranged his ships in an L-shape and ordered them to drop anchor. This was a very smart move, as it put his ships in a strong defensive position.

French Attacks Repelled

On January 26, Admiral de Grasse launched three separate attacks on the British fleet. Each time, the French ships tried to break through the British line. The French ship Pluton, led by D'Albert de Rions, was at the front of the French attack. It faced heavy fire from many British ships. One observer described the battle as a "sulphurous hell," with cannons firing constantly. The fighting lasted all day, from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with the main action happening in the afternoon. Despite the French efforts, the British fleet held its ground and pushed them back each time.

Repulse of the French in Frigate Bay, St Kitts, 26 January 1782, oil on canvas by Thomas Maynard

After the Battle

St Kitts Surrenders

Both sides suffered a lot of damage during the battle. The French had more sailors killed and wounded than the British. However, even though Hood had won the naval battle, he could not stop the French army on land. The French continued their attack on Brimstone Hill fortress.

On February 12, after a long siege, the British fortress on Brimstone Hill surrendered. This meant that St Kitts and Nevis were now under French control.

Two days later, on February 14, Admiral Hood left St Kitts. He then joined up with Admiral George Rodney, who had recently arrived.

Battle Facts

• The British fleet had 22 ships of the line. They lost 72 men killed and 244 wounded.
• The French fleet had 29 ships of the line, 2 frigates, and 1 cutter. They lost 107 men killed and 204 wounded. They also lost the cutter they had captured earlier.