Howe chose the fast HMS Caesar to lead an attack through the French line, but Captain Anthony Molloy remained at long range. A second order produced another evasive turn that threw the following British ships into confusion. HMS Queen tried to perform the task Caesar had left undone and became the target of concentrated French fire. Captain John Hutt, Admiral Alan Gardner's valued flag captain, was mortally wounded while Queen struggled past the enemy line. The failure converted one captain's hesitation into damage, casualties, and anger throughout the British command team.
Chapter · 1:09:12-1:14:19
Caesar's hesitation and Queen's sacrifice
Molloy's refusal to close in Caesar disrupted Howe's attack and exposed Queen and Captain John Hutt to concentrated French fire.