After pursuing the combined fleet to the Mediterranean, admiral Nelson catches his prey in cape San Vito off the coast of Sicily
Both fleets advance head on
The british squadron reinforces its port flank, since the wind blows from that quarter it will be asier to manoeuver from there as the rest of the line will be pushed to the right
Second line ships also veer to port
The franco-spanish fleet veers to starboard, presenting their gunports and opening fire
The british also form the combat line
A lively fire is exchanged
However the combined vanguard remains behind
Reforming into a second line
The british van crosses the T of the french rearguard
While the rear also envelops the allied formation
The spanish ships see their firing lanes blocked as the Royal Soveregin lets fly with her guns
A lone spanish ship advances in the vanguard surrounded by foes
Admiral Gravina aboard the Principe de Asturias keeps the honour of Spain afloat (for now)
The lone two decker exchanges broadsides with passing ships
The british rear sees their chance and forms a line to bracket the enemy between two fires
The vanguard punishes the french at pleasure
A british two decker sails to bar the path to the Principe
Under fire by four ships of the line the valiant spanish surrenders
However in one last act of spite it blows herself up, badly damaging the neighbouring foe
A ship of the spanish second line also strikes
Things look grim for the combined van
And rear
In fact another two decker surrenders, pumelled by four brits
In the center a spanish vessel strikes to a damaged Sovereign
The Principe de Asturias is being ground to splinters by passing british ships
The allies's last hope is their second line, that fires on the enemy vanguard
Finally Gravina strikes to the encroaching tars
His surrender marks an ending to the battle as the remaining ships slip away
A bloodless british victory, with five allied vessels surrendered for no loss!
The combined fleet retreats to the Black Sea and all is set for the last turn of the campaign
Excellent looking fleets and impressive battle.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I just love when lots of ships meet in battle
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