Sugar Wars Chapter 1; Martinique part 2

Opening moves sees the fleets engaging South of Martinique 

The British opted for 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.

The French opted to 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.

Below is the Admiral De Montiel's total unbiased version of the engagement.

Monseigneur, 

It is my privilege to write you this report after an action. 

It was on June 1st that my squadron finally approached the island of Martinique. Although we had been at sea for a long time, the ships and crew were in fine condition, although we al yearned to enter the port of Martinique. 

In our hopes to evade the English blockading squadrons we had taken the somewhat longer southern route. It turned out however that les rosbif had anticipated our move. Upon approach to Martinique on an eastern course through the southern channel a squadron of les goddams of equal strength was waiting for us to the west. This squadron was commanded by the brothers Evers (no relation to the famous Dutch admiral Cornelis Evertsz as we will see). 

As we had the weather gauge, the prevailing wind coming from the northeast, it was my decision to attack. We formed a line of attack with my flagship in the lead, followed by the other 3rd rates, then the 4th rate and finally the two frigates. The English also formed a some what let us say less common battle line with the order the reverse of ours. 

For a time we sailed in these two lines, edging closer to each other until we came into cannon range. It was our third rates that opened fire first on the enemy third rates. However due to the extreme range negligible damage was done. Les goddams returned fire with the same result. This went on for a while, neither side inflicting much damage. 

As our frigates were in the rear, facing the enemy third rates I ordered them to the front of the column, using the other ships as cover. Our fourth rate could not do the same, as she was hit and lost speed as a result of the manoeuvring required. It was at this point that my flagship scored a direct hit on one of the enemy frigates, which as a result was sunk. Their fourth rate eventually also took a big hit. 

It was at this point that a gap developed in our lines, the fourth rate and two of the third rates lagged behind because of fire taken and the resulting manoeuvring. I ordered my flagship and the two frigates, which had caught up by this time to the heading northeast. Les rosbif sought to take advantage of this gap and turned their third rates on a heading directly to our line, aiming at the gap. 

It then happened that the ships, the fourth rate and the remaining frigate in the lead of the line were sunk in rather quick succession. In return our fourth rate took some serious damage when it come under fire from the three enemy third rates. Through skilful manoeuvring however the captain avoided being sunk. 

Rosbif morale at this point was in tatters. In a desperate attempt  to turn the tide of the battle one of their third rates turned towards my flagship, trying to inflict lethal damage from very close range. Seeing the opportunity I ordered my flagship towards the English ships in an attempt to board it. However les goddam managed to evade. At this point our fourth rate took a direct hit from an enemy third rate. She was seriously damaged, but not out of action yet. My flagship then opened up on the rosbif third range at very short range a managed to inflict considerable damage. 

Les goddams, their morale broken, turned away and fled with their tails between their legs. As our supplies were low after the long voyage to Martinique it was my decision not to pursue. 

We later heard that the enemy admirals had a falling out during and after the engagement. This might very well have contributed to the success of our forces. It is my understanding that the senior English admiral has sent a message home underestimating the losses incurred. Do not believe it, monseigneur, les goddams lost their two frigates and the fourth rate. 

This concludes my after action report.

Yours truly,

Admiral De Montiel""

The British lost Prince William (4th rate) and Isis and Cornet (both frigates).  The fleet retires to Antigua and absorbs the Antigua squadron.  The French fleet moves into Fort Royal and absorbs Martinique squadron.

End of chapter one positions