After the transports enter Gibraltar, Howe lures the Franco-Spanish fleet away and changes direction in a maneuver that breaks up the allied formation and discourages an engagement. News of the successful relief helps move France and Spain toward the preliminary peace signed on 20 January 1783. Because communication lags behind diplomacy, firing continues until de Crillon receives the news and sends a vessel under a flag of truce. The siege ends after three years, seven months, and twelve days.
Chapter · 2:24:20-2:26:41
Howe's maneuver completes the relief and peace finally ends the siege
Howe draws the allied fleet away, uses superior handling to avoid a decisive engagement, and leaves Gibraltar secure until news of the January 1783 peace reaches the armies.