Quiberon Bay: Hawke chases into danger

Conflans chased Duff's smaller squadron and scattered his ships just as Hawke appeared from the west. The British initially approached in line abreast. Hawke then ordered a general chase, coupled with a signal for the first seven ships to form line ahead, keeping an attacking formation at the front of the pursuit. Conflans chose the hazardous bay over an open-water fight, apparently expecting its shoals to deter the British. HMS Warspite fired the opening shots, although Captain John Bentley said he had not ordered them and the gun crews denied responsibility, an episode treated with humor. Hawke overtook the French rear before the whole fleet reached its intended defensive position and forced it to fight piecemeal.