Sugar Wars Chapter 1; Martinique

Initially deployment The French fleet is in the Atlantic while the British fleet is blockading Martinique

Introduction:

After several grueling months at sea the French fleet are approaching the Caribbean. The fleet is escorting the annual trade convoy.  Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, the British fleet is disrupting French trade by blockading Fort Royal and keeping the Martinique squadron stuck in port.

French Briefing

The French fleet is low on supplies and needs to rest and refit. Their initial objective is to enter Fort Royal in Martinique. The Northern approach to Martinique in the normal approach route. The Southern route is also accessible but sometimes encounters storms.  

French Options 

Option 1:   

Take the Northern approach with de Grasse’s squadron in the van, de Bougainville’ squadron in the centre, de Monteil’s squadron in the rear.

Option 2:

Take the Northern approach with de Bougainville’ squadron in the van, de Monteil’s squadron in the centre, de Grasse’s squadron in the rear. 

Option 3:

Take the Northern approach with de Monteil’s  squadron in the van, de Grasse’s squadron in the centre, de Bougainville’ squadron in the rear.

Option 4:

Take the Southern approach with de Grasse’s squadron in the van, de Bougainville’ squadron in the centre, de Monteil’s  squadron in the rear.

Option 5:

Take the Southern approach with de Bougainville’ squadron in the van, de Monteil’s squadron in the centre, de Grasse’s squadron in the rear. 

Option 6:

Take the Southern approach with de Monteil’s squadron in the van, de Grasse’s squadron in the centre, de Bougainville’ squadron in the rear.

British Briefing

The British fleet is currently at Fort Royal blockading the Martinique squadron. They have received word the French trading convoy with escort is expected to arrive in the Caribbean. The Fleet’s objectives is to blockade the Martinique squadron to prevent it affecting British shipping and to intercept the French trade convoy.  The Northern approach is the safest way into the Caribbean but the French may try a more risk approach from the South.

British Options

Option A:

Hood’s squadron moves North to search for the trade fleet, Drake’s squadron maintains the blockade at Fort Royal, Affleck’s squadron moves South to search for the trade fleet.

Option B:

Drake’s squadron moves North to search for the trade fleet, Affleck’s squadron maintains the blockade at Fort Royal, Hood’s squadron moves South to search for the trade fleet.

Option C:

Affleck’s squadron moves North to search for the trade fleet, Hood’s squadron maintains the blockade at Fort Royal, Drake’s squadron moves South to search for the trade fleet.