Crescent HMS 1793
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:56 pm
HMS Crescent off Cherbourg ‑ 1793. Captain Saumarez of the 36‑gun frigate CRESCENT intercepted the French Reunion on 20th October 1793 as she was endeavouring to return to Cherbourg after a commerce‑raiding cruise. CRESCENT, clean out of dock, was the better sailer and brought the Reunion to action at 10.30 am. After disabling the enemy's rudder and shooting away her fore and main topsail yards, the CRESCENT herself lost her foretopmast and came head to the wind, a very disadvantageous position. Saumarez, showing brilliant seamanship, sailed CRESCENT backwards in a three point turn manoeuvre, and came under Renuion's stern, bring her broadside to bear, in which position he could do the most damage. At 12.20 the French officers waved their hats in surrender. During the action, Esperance, a French cutter of 14 guns under sail and sweeps, stood off and did not attempt to join in the action. She is seen to the right. The Reunion had 34 men killed and 84 wounded, the CRESCENT just one man hurt by the recoil of a gun. CRESCENT is portrayed broadside on to the stern of Reunion, near the close of the duel. Captain Saumarez was knighted for this gallant action.
Log Book April 1986
Guernsey SG255 363
Log Book April 1986
Guernsey SG255 363