Havoc off Havana

And so our intrepid, time-travelling war reporter swapped the deserts of Syria in the 3rd century AD for the humid climes of the Caribbean I the early 1800s. A British “intelligencer” based in Havana had learnt of a Spanish convoy setting sail for Spain loaded with bullion. The British West Indies squadron was alerted and sent a small, but powerful flotilla to intercept.

The Spanish sailed out of Havana harbour in close formation. One had to ask was this wise for a large merchantmen and inexperienced crews?  The British sailed to intercept, spreading out to attack the front and rear of the convoy. The Spanish escorts swung to intercept but almost immediately took heavy 1st fire, and with inexperienced crews and long-range their return fire was frankly pathetic. Malcolm’s gallant British frigate was soon crossing the rear of the Spanish. One Spanish ship lost control of its rudder and the alarmed captain of the merchantman slowed as he saw the wild manoeuvrings of his inexperienced naval colleagues risk a collision. Very soon one Spanish frigate had been turned to matchwood, and Malcolm managed to grapple and board the merchantman.

The Spanish fleet lurched on taking fire.  They did manage to set fire to Phil’s frigate but his veteran  crew handled it well.  More Spanish catastrophe followed as Dave slowly sailed off the edge of the board and Rob managed to expertly line up his 3rd rate up for a ramming contest with the island. I wonder how that would end. Chris’ 3rd rate was pummelled into submission.

A pretty crushing British victory….

Once again the British easily prevailed over the Spanish. Inexperienced crews are pretty useless and veteran crews worth their weight in gold. The fleets were equally balanced in points but numbers rarely seem to be the deciding factor in Black Seas.

Next week over to Hitchin for what is rumoured to be WAT Arab-Israeli….

Simon