The Battle of the Saintes was a British victory during the American Revolutionary War. George Brydges Rodney and Samuel Hood brought thirty-six ships of the line against thirty-three French ships, with the Comte de Grasse and Louis de Bougainville named on the French side. Such a British numerical advantage is presented as unusual for a major naval action of this period. The comparison prompts a joke about Rodney and Hood being unsure what to do with their extra ships. It establishes the opposing fleet strengths before the discussion turns to Whitcombe's depiction of individual vessels.
Chapter · 17:25-18:20
The Saintes and a rare British numerical advantage
Set the Battle of the Saintes inside the American Revolutionary War and see why thirty-six British ships against thirty-three French ships was so unusual.