A violent westerly gale drove Hawke's main force to Torbay after several days of trying to hold station. Robert Duff remained near the transports with five 50-gun ships and nine frigates. The withdrawal allowed reinforcements from the West Indies to join Conflans, who left Brest when an easterly wind opened the route. Hawke could return promptly because his ships were already supplied and their crews ready for sea. Warnings then directed him toward Quiberon Bay. HMS Vengeance reached Duff the night before Conflans and allowed the smaller British squadron to leave before being caught between the French fleet and the forces inside the bay.
Notable Point · 3:20:27-3:24:23
Hawke returns after the November gale
A gale temporarily forced Hawke to Torbay, but the blockade’s warning and supply network let him return quickly enough to pursue Conflans.