The Glorious First of June 1794

Description

As 1794 opened, Revolutionary France stood on a knife's edge of failure. Its army and navy had been shaken by the revolution, with civil war and famine taking its toll on their resources. Seeking to bring a revitalizing supply of food from its Caribbean colonies and the United States, the French government decided to organize a massive convoy to bring the New World's bounty to France. However, in order to succeed in their mission, the French Navy would have to make a deadly crossing over the North Atlantic, an ocean patrolled by the Royal Navy, the most powerful navy force in the world, whose sailors were eager to inflict a damaging defeat on Revolutionary France and win their fortune in prize money. Illustrated throughout with stunning full-colour artwork, this is the full story of the only fleet action during the Age of Fighting Sail fought in the open ocean, hundreds of miles from shore. Taking place over the course of a month, the inevitable battle was to be a close-run affair, with both sides claiming victory. To the French, it was le Bataille du 13 prairial, a notable day in their new, scientific Revolutionary calendar. For the British, it was the Glorious First of June. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 3 Introduction......Page 5 Chronology......Page 8 Opposing Commanders......Page 10 Royal Navy Commanders......Page 11 Marine Nationale Commanders......Page 15 Opposing Navies......Page 19 Royal Navy......Page 20 Marine Nationale......Page 24 Orders Of Battle......Page 27 British Plans......Page 30 French Plans......Page 32 Opening Moves, Autumn 1793 To April 1794......Page 35 Convoy Actions, 2–16 May......Page 39 Escape And Pursuit Of The French Fleet......Page 45 Battle Of 28 May......Page 52 Battle Of 29 May......Page 61 The Glorious First Of June, 30 May To 1 June......Page 68 The Fleets Sail Home And The Convoy Arrives......Page 85 Aftermath......Page 90 The Battlefield Today......Page 92 Further Reading......Page 93 Index......Page 95 Imprint......Page 97