GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE 1794
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2015 5:00 pm
GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE 1794. In the north Atlantic a British fleet of 33 ships under Admiral Lord Howe (1726-1799) defeated French fleet, 41 ships under Admiral L Villaret de Joyeuse (1754-1812) It was the first major encounter of the Revolutionary War (1793-1801). A tactical success (Howe took six prizes and sank a seventh French ship of the line) without the loss of a single British ship, it was nevertheless a Strategic failure as the convoy the French were covering got through with its cargo, chiefly American grain, to the relief of a starving France. Nevertheless the action was hailed as a great victory in Britain and Howe returned to a hero's welcome. - Equitorial Guinea 1976. 5e. NC. Ras AI Khaima 1972. 50d. NC (K R Berry)