Q&A ยท 3:30:31-3:30:46

How the French captured Swiftsure

Swiftsure's capture illustrates what happened when a lone British third rate met a stronger squadron.

Question

How had the French captured ships that previously belonged to the British?

Short answer

Swiftsure was surrounded and overwhelmed by several ships under Ganteaume.

Notes

Swiftsure is the example offered of a British ship captured before Trafalgar. Ganteaume's force surrounded her with several ships, concentrating multiple third rates against one British third rate. The capture depended on local numerical superiority.