A Bit of a Rum Do off Cadiz

Once again our intrepid reporter rushed across time and the Mediterranean to meet a small Spanish treasure fleet returning from Montevideo to Cadiz in October 1804. Little did they know that the British had their covetous eyes on the gold and silver. Almirante Banks sailed his flotilla onto the table and instead of heading for the safety of Cadiz harbour veered towards the oncoming British. This was going to be interesting. Phil, Tony and Malcolm turned to intercept undaunted by the sight of a Spanish 3rd rate heading towards them. Chris’ flagship ploughed on but with its inexperienced crew found its gunnery less-than effective. Tony and Phil took damage but headed on towards their main prize, the merchantman.

Over on the other side of the table it looked like a small ships war would ensue as a trio of Spanish Brigs emerged from Cadiz harbour to meet their British counterparts. Shots started to be traded but Spanish progress was painfully slow.

Back with the Atlantic fleet, Chris behemoth tried to manoeuvre but found that a large ship, inexperienced crew and frantic changes of course was a lethal cocktail. This looked entertaining. Having been seemingly abandoned by Almirante Banks the merchantman was stopped by a Tony taking a ram and then boarding. Spectacular if unorthodox tactics. Phil then fired into the merchantman administering the coup de grace and also setting it on fire. Watching his inept Admiral finally crash his flagship onto the large island.

 

Dave and his Spanish frigate hove into view pursued by Malcolm.

The Spaniard poured fire into Tony’s stricken frigate and another ship began to blaze.

Back at Cadiz harbour things looked grim for Spain. Two brigs caught fire and sank leaving Rob’s frigate to deal with three British Brigs. Although not sunk it too was reduced to a fireship and would not be welcome in Cadiz’ teeming harbour.

With two brigs, a frigate and the merchantman ablaze, plus the mighty 3rd rate foundering on the rocks, it was a pretty decisive victory for the British at least in numbers of ship losses. However Captain Tony RN had lost his own ship in the process and the gold was last seen slipping into the icy waters of the Atlantic.

After the battle a monster from the deep was detected in the area…

Simon