At Cape St Vincent in 1780, George Rodney brought eighteen ships of the line against Juan de Langara's nine. Once he was sure no larger Spanish fleet was nearby, he ordered a general chase down the Spanish fleet's lee side. That position prevented the Spanish from opening their lowest and heaviest gunports, while copper-sheathed British hulls helped close the distance. Terrible drove into the largest group she could reach and recorded six killed and twelve wounded, among the heaviest British casualties of the action. Britain captured four ships of the line and destroyed another.
Notable Point · 1:04:19-1:10:45
Terrible and Rodney's victory at Cape St Vincent
Terrible's next battle contrasts Ushant's divided command with George Rodney's aggressive interception, lee-side chase, and defeat of a smaller Spanish fleet.