Converted merchant hulls carrying mortars moved close enough to bombard Le Havre, start fires, and create the appearance of a larger landing threat. The immediate purpose was strategic distraction rather than occupation: French troops held on the coast could not be used elsewhere. Rodney returned to the operation, though the first bombardment was the most successful. The episode shows how a naval force can produce a land effect without seizing a port, provided the enemy must treat the amphibious threat as credible.
Notable Point · 1:00:21-1:01:39
Bombarding Le Havre to distract French forces
Rodney's first flag command uses close-in bomb vessels at Le Havre to threaten an amphibious attack and divert French land forces.