The British assembled more than 200 vessels, with a conservative estimate of roughly 240. The listed components include about 120 transports, 50 merchant ships, 29 ships of the line, 22 frigates, and two hospital ships. The total remains uncertain because some bomb vessels were converted merchantmen and some transports could also serve as fireships. That fleet could dominate the surrounding sea, but a fortified objective required substantial bombardment support for troops ashore. The criticism concerns the balance of capabilities within a large force: deep-draft warships could not replace suitable bomb vessels or engineers able to prepare shore batteries. Medical capacity also proved inadequate for a prolonged tropical operation.
Chapter · 58:33-1:05:44
A large fleet with too little siege support
An expedition estimated at roughly 240 vessels concentrated on sea control while lacking the specialist support needed to reduce Cartagena's forts.