Battle of Ushant (1781) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Ushant
Part of the American Revolutionary War
A portrait of Richard Kempenfelt, Tilly Kettle
Date 12 December 1781 Location Off Ushant, Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Richard Kempenfelt	Comte de Guichen
Strength
12 ships of the line	19 ships of the line 110 transport ships
Casualties and losses
Light	1,620 captured 21 transport ships captured

The Second Battle of Ushant was a naval battle fought between French and British fleets near Ushant. Ushant is an island off the coast of Brittany, France. This battle happened on December 12, 1781, and was part of the American Revolutionary War. It was an important moment where the British managed to disrupt French plans to send help to their forces overseas.

What Led to the Battle?

On December 10, 1781, a large French convoy (a group of ships traveling together) left Brest. This convoy was carrying soldiers and supplies for French colonies in the East and West Indies. It was protected by 19 powerful warships called ships of the line. These ships were commanded by a French admiral named Comte de Guichen.

The very next day, another French squadron (a smaller group of warships) left Cadiz, Spain. This squadron was led by Bussy-Castelnau. It was supposed to meet up with Guichen's main fleet.

Meanwhile, the British knew about this important French convoy. They sent their own squadron of 12 ships of the line to stop it. This British fleet was led by Rear Admiral Richard Kempenfelt on his ship, HMS Victory.

The Battle Unfolds

On December 12, Kempenfelt's British squadron spotted the French convoy. They quickly realized that the French escort was much stronger than they had expected.

At first, Guichen's French fleet was positioned downwind of the convoy. This meant the wind was blowing from the convoy towards the French warships. This gave the British ships an advantage. They were able to quickly sail downwind and attack the convoy directly.

The British managed to capture 15 ships. These ships were full of French troops and valuable supplies. The French warships could not get there in time to stop them.

Kempenfelt's force was not strong enough to fight all 19 French escort ships. However, the French convoy had taken a big risk by sailing during the stormy North Atlantic season. Soon after the British attack, a strong gale (a very powerful wind) hit the area. This storm scattered the French ships, and most of them were forced to return to port.

What Happened Next?

Only two of the French warships that were meant for the West Indies actually made it there. They arrived with just a few transport ships in time for another big battle, the Battle of the Saintes, in April 1782.

When news of the Ushant battle reached Britain, people in Parliament (the British government) were upset. The Opposition party questioned why such a small British force had been sent against such a large French convoy. This led to an official investigation into how the Royal Navy (the British navy) was being managed.

This event was one of many challenges that eventually led to the fall of the government led by Lord North on March 20, 1782. This change in government helped pave the way for the Peace of Paris the following year. That treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War.

Two French transport ships, the Marquis de Castries and Neptune-Royal, were the only survivors of the convoy. They eventually reached Saint Croix. They were carrying important siege artillery (large cannons used to attack forts) and an artillery company.

Images for kids

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  A portrait of Richard Kempenfelt, the British commander.