Richard Strachan's squadron brought an 80-gun ship, three 74s, and several frigates against Dumanoir's 80-gun ship and three 74s. The nominal battle-line totals appeared roughly equal, but the British squadron also included several frigates. Fighting began early on 4 November and ended by mid-afternoon with all four French ships captured. Each prize entered British service, turning the action into a complete operational loss for France. Cape Ortegal removed the force that had escaped Trafalgar and shows why pursuit and follow-through belong to the campaign's outcome as much as the famous battle itself.
Chapter · 37:36-40:17
Cape Ortegal completes the campaign
Strachan's complete capture of Dumanoir's four ships shows why the campaign continued after Trafalgar itself.