Spanish ships are pirating the campaign's trade with India. Their force includes two second rates, a fourth rate, and three fifth rates, making it stronger than the local British presence. Fifth rates would normally handle this protection mission while the larger battle fleet served elsewhere. The problem is matching escorts to raiders without tying down the navy's heaviest ships on every trade route.
Notable Point · 3:08:55-3:09:42
Matching frigates to commerce-protection missions
A strong Spanish raiding force in the Indian trade lanes prompts a lesson in why fifth rates suit commerce protection better than committing the main battle fleet.