James Gambier's HMS Defence became the first British ship to pierce the French line on 1 June, passing between Mucius and Tourville and raking both. She then fought successive opponents while isolated beyond the line. Marlborough followed, while Bellerophon and Leviathan, hindered by earlier damage, fought close gunnery actions on the near side with Éole and America. Their inability to break through did not prevent them from engaging. Other British divisions approached more cautiously, leaving Defence without prompt support from much of the centre.
Chapter · 2:14:32-2:20:56
HMS Defence breaks through first and fights alone
Captain James Gambier carried Howe's order through the French line before the rest of the British van and endured several opponents while support lagged.