The tactical story begins with pursuit and maneuver several days before the decisive action. On 9 April De Grasse sent damaged convoy ships toward Guadeloupe under escort while the British caught part of his battle fleet. HMS Alfred exposed her broadside to the approaching French and opened a hard-fought encounter. The locally outnumbered British van waited for Rodney's signal from miles astern, and Captain William Bayne was killed in the fighting. De Grasse broke off before the remaining British ships could join, leaving an inconclusive first clash that shaped the next encounter.
Chapter · 1:13:03-1:18:14
The Saintes begins before 12 April
The tactical narrative begins with pursuit and inconclusive fighting on 9 April, three days before the decisive action.