A combined Franco-Spanish force had 66 ships of the line and roughly 30,000 troops, while Britain fielded 38 ships of the line backed by regulars and militia ashore. Britain even lost a ship that sailed into the enemy force, but disease reportedly killed or incapacitated about 8,000 people on the allied side. French and Spanish commanders also resisted a landing plan they considered operationally unsound. Fleet size alone could not overcome failures of health, coordination, and operational planning.
Chapter · 5:08-6:31
The Armada of 1779: overwhelming force undone by disease
The Franco-Spanish invasion force greatly outnumbered the British fleet, yet sickness and indecision prevented the planned landing.