Battle of the Basque Roads

The Battle of the Basque Roads was a naval battle of the Peninsular War during the Napoleonic Wars. On the night of April 11 1808 Captain Thomas Cochrane led a British fireship attack against a powerful squadron of French ships anchored in the Basque Roads. In the attack all but two of the French ships were driven ashore. The subsequent engagement lasted three days but failed to destroy the French fleet.

Related Topics:
Naval battle - Peninsular War - Napoleonic Wars - April 11 - 1808 - Thomas Cochrane - Fireship - French - Basque Roads

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Cochrane accused the British commanding officer, Admiral James Gambier, of being reluctant to press the attack. Gambier demanded a court-martial, and was duly exonerated; Cochrane's career in the Royal Navy came to an end. The French Navy continued to operate against the British from the Basque Roads until the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Related Topics:
James Gambier - Royal Navy

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