Battle - 1721 - June 18 - The Bridgetown Bypass

Ships in Action:
ALLIES:

 Captain Robert Middlemore - HMS Relentless 40

 Captain James Raleigh - HMS Glory 66

 Captain Mort Wilkes - HMS Intruder 52

Seventeen other British vessels, mostly Fifth-rates, with one Third-rate and two Fourth-rates.

ENEMIES:

French fleet comprising twenty-four heavy Fifth-rate frigates.

Action Setup:
The British fleet set sail from an initial position out of Bridgetown harbour, whilst the French fleet approached from the far north-east beyond the protective chain of islands surrounding the fort and port. British forces were commanded by Admiral Bennet, assisted by Commodore Courtney and Commodore Brogsitter. Captain Sir Robert Middlemore was assigned Commodore of Black division, which also contained the HMS Glory and HMS Intruder. A nor'easterly wind was prevalent during the engagement.

The Action Itself:
With no initial sighting of the enemy, the British commanders logically concluded their approach from windward and ordered the fleet to sail away from the port and north. After passing out of the cove and into open water the fleet tacked through the wind and proceeded east in order to take the weather gauge from the enemy, who by this point were sighted south on the other side of the island bearing south-west to besiege the fort guns.

Moving around the island and back into the main cove, the British fleet now found itself in possession of the wind gauge due north-east of the French fleet, which had formed a defensive line at the smoking ruins of the fort. Signal was given for line of battle to be formed, with Red and Black divisions forming the port and starboard sections of a double-line formation, respectively, whilst Green division moved ahead to skirmish and harrass the enemy.

After a terse and lengthy stand-off in which neither side dared make the first move, the French finally despatched a division of six frigates to enter the port and land shore parties. Sighting this detachment, Admiral Bennet seized upon the opportunity to engage the enemy line's reduced numbers and gave the signal for "Close Action". All ships promptly put sheets to the wind, and carrying full press of sail began to charge the enemy line.

The French fleet immediately responded by setting sail south and wearing around a small island to head to port. HMS Relentless, leading Black division's charge, survived the cannon fire of the French rear to pass across their stern and rake a trailing Hercules-class Heavy Frigate. The broadside shot through the French ship's rigging, and her speed slowed she was quickly dismasted and sunk by the fleet. However, the remainder of the French fleet was able to reach the port and put ashore with landing parties.

The British pursued with all haste, Captains leading their own men to the opposite side of the port to meet the French in battle. Finding the Garrison Commander they formed a protective ring around him, awaiting the French charge. When it came, the clash of steel and spilling of blood showed British superiority as French captains began to fall and their forces pushed back. Then, suddenly, the fighting stopped as the French felled the port's governor. Seeing that the garrison and administration of Bridgetown had been bloodily annihilated, and that the port was in essence lost, the futility of further fighting brought about a British surrender. The usual gentleman's agreement was followed in which British captains and crews were allowed to return to their ships and leave port without molestation.

The Result:
Bridgetown captured by the French.

British losses consisted of a single Gallant-class frigate which became detached and isolated from the fleet early during maneouvring, turning from the rear of the line and heading to the French fleet on its own. It was promptly attacked and sunk by a single French frigate. The loss, while avoidable, was due completely to incompetence and disobedience on the part of its captain. A single British captain in Black group was also wounded in hand-to-hand fighting inside the port, but again, this was due to his own recklessness in straying ahead of the British formation.

French losses consisted of a single Hercules-class heavy frigate raked and dismasted by the British charge.

Given that the British fleet was outgunned and outnumbered by an enemy initially in possession of the wind gauge, it is fair to say that despite the loss of the port, performance in fighting on sea and on land was generally excellent. Shrewd tactics took the initiative away from the French, and forced them to respond cautiously and defensively. Had they been allowed to act offensively, no doubt British ships would have been lost. The battle within the port was also swinging decisively towards the British forces when the haphazard loss of the Garrison Commander forced a resolution.

All in all, the French did not deserve nor earn their victory, but they achieved it nonetheless.

Additionally, all St George Squadron captains present acted professionally, efficiently, and effectively. Orders were followed precisely and seamanship was top-notch.

Lessons Learned:
When a defensive battle carries over into land fighting within the port, an eye must be kept on the Garrison Commander at all times, and he must be protected at all costs, and his attackers focused upon as a primary target.