Alceste passed from France to the Kingdom of Sardinia and back to France before her British capture. She was ordered, laid down, and launched in 1780, then commissioned in 1781. Her listed battery comprised twenty-six 12-pounder long guns and six 6-pounders. That light armament left her unable to match Bellona, the 74-gun ship identified as her opponent in the coming action.
Chapter · 34:12-35:23
Alceste's changing owners and light battery
Alceste passed between French and Sardinian service before facing Bellona with a battery centred on 12-pounders.