Battle - 1720 - October 1 - Port Battle to Defend Riding Rocks

Ships in Action:
ALLIES:

Virgil Kyle - HMS Thorn ('Algiers' Refit Polacre)

-19 other British ships, consisting of fourth-rates as well as fast and heavy frigates

ENEMIES:

-French fleet consisting of 19 vessels, mostly smaller, lighter frigates, with a few heavier frigates and fourth-rates

Action Setup:
Prior to the battle for Riding Rocks, I was just finishing up a patrol in the contested waters outside Port-of-Spain with the fine captains of the Royal Secret Service. Having just sunk a 12-ship maneuvering fleet, we all steered into the port proper to rest and prepare for more action. It was at this time that I was yet again contacted by the Admiralty as to the pending attack on Riding Rocks by the French. This time, I was expecting the news, and after checking with my fellow captains as to the viability of my entering battle with my newly-refit HMS Thorn, I made all haste for the Bahamas, and my latest meeting with the wily French.

On arriving in the ready room, I found it relatively calm and orderly, considering the situation. Things definitely seemed to be much more organized than in my last port battle. Although sailing a lightly armed and armored polacre, it was decided that my ship's speed and maneuverability would best serve the scouting element of our defense fleet, designated 'Green Group'. The fleet entered the battle from the south, with the wind coming from the northeast, and we quickly went about the work of defeating the enemy!

The Action Itself:
Upon entering the battle, my squadron was ordered to scout ahead and report the position of the enemy fleet, while the rest of the fleet assumed the line of battle. We quickly spotted the French fleet forming at the northeastern entrance to the harbor, and we relayed this to our commander. The snapshots at the end of this report illustrate what happened from that point on. Although our main battle line took a heavy beating throughout the battle, as can be seen in the images below, my group's leader, Auria Hellion, wisely informed us to move into position on the rear of the enemy's line, where we caused a great deal of havoc, sinking multiple fourth-rate ships of the line and a couple heavy frigates. I definitely think that will be the last time the French put their heaviest ships at the rear of their battle line! As our group savaged the hindquarters of the enemy battle fleet, though, the center of our battle line endured a terrible fuscillade. As the chatter grew increasingly frantic, I privately feared for the fate of our fleet...

The Result:
Victory!

Yet again, a French challenge to our supremacy was thwarted! Unfortunately, though, we did suffer more casualties this time around then before. Well, ONE casualty - Captain Mauritius Hunter. The final numbers, though, are quite satisfying: They sunk one of our ships, but we sunk 17 of theirs! The last two wisely surrendered.

Just another day's work for the captains of the British Empire ;)

Lessons Learned:
This was my third port battle, and interestingly enough, it does feel like I'm becoming quite the old hand at them. In this battle, the French performed quite admirably, considering. Even after my group had sunk the first of their ships at the rear of their line, the next captain in line did NOT break formation, despite his grave predicament. Kudos to that stalwart fellow! May he rest in peace. However, it was during this battle that I saw the damage that could be caused by a group of fast frigates who cross behind the improperly-covered rear of an enemy's line of battle. Woe betide the commander who allows such a thing to happen. We must guard against this tactic being used against our own forces in the future, or I suspect we shall suffer the same fate as these poor Frenchmen.

Misc.
The following is a slide-by-slide depiction of the events of battle. Note the wind direction, as well as the position of Green Group.