Q&A · 3:41:03-3:41:29

Q&A: What fighting by longboat involved

Fighting could continue after the fleet anchored through boat crews attempting to board enemy ships in darkness.

Battle Of Quiberon Bay Boarding Actions Longboats Night Actions

Watch at this time Full video guide

Question

What did continuing the fight by longboat mean?

Short answer

Armed crews rowed toward enemy ships in darkness and tried to board them after the fleet had anchored.

Notes

Boat crews carried swords and muskets and rowed toward enemy ships after dark. Their aim was to approach quietly and board while the main fleet lay at anchor. That allowed close fighting to continue after large ships had stopped maneuvering. Attempting it in the storm at Quiberon made the work especially dangerous.