Glorious First June - the aftermath

After the first 10 turns Admiral "Colin" Bouvet had taken a hammering, and Admiral "Sean" Barrade had failed to hit anything.
Then Admiral "Peter" Graves split his squadron in half, allowing Barrade to concentrate on half his ships leaving the other half unengaged, they escaped the battle unharmed. This left Admiral "Kevin" Howe running the complete gauntlet apart from his Flagship, losing a lot of ships, as did Admiral "Tony" Villaret-Joyeuse.

Emerging from the firefight, Admiral Bouvet fought half of Admiral "Kevan" Hood's squadron with his whole squadron while Admiral Barrade picked off Admiral Howe's remaining ships.

The end of the battle with disabled and burning ships scattered over the ocean while individual squadrons pursue the remnants of their foes.

While the French lost slightly more ships, the battle was deemed a minor French victory because the massive damage to the British fleet would most likely prevent it intercepting the French convoy. This didn't stop Admiral Howe claiming a significant British victory - his flagship was one of the few undamaged British ships!

Glorious First June - the battle

Left of picture are the lead ships of Admiral "Sean" Barrade. Next in line is the squadron of Admiral "Tony" Villaret-Joyeuse and in the lead is that of Admiral "Colin" Bouvet. The lead British squadron of Admiral "Peter" Graves is top centre followed by Admiral "Kevin" Howe, top right. Admiral "Kevan" Hood's squadron is following just off picture.

The lead French squadron, commanded by Admiral "Colin" Bouvet continued on its course, taking on the lead British squadron of Admiral "Peter" Graves, then Admiral "Kevin" Howe, by which time he had sustained considerable damage. Admiral Graves and Howe attempted to break through the French centre commanded by Admiral "Tony" Villaret-Joyeuse without much success, however Admiral Villaret's squadron was heavily engaged and suffered accordingly. Meanwhile Admiral "Kevan" Hood split his squadron to cover the French ships approaching from the north.

Glorious First June 8.15am

8.15am. The wind remains NNE. A squadron of five French SOLS has been spotted to the north making 9 knots.

The French fleet carried out a preplanned 180 degree turn to port in succession. At the same time, the British fleet turned west at 6 knots. The French are in considerable disorder after making the turn and are attempting to reorder their line, heading ESE at 4 knots.

The fleets are about to engage.

Glorious First June 8am

8am. The wind is still increasing but remains NNE. The French fleet turned WNW into a single line, its frigates moving to the south of the line. Meanwhile the British fleet turned west then WNW on a parallel course. The French are making 4 knots, the British 4.6 knots. The separation between the fleets is now only just over one mile.

.......Don't forget, your chance, Sunday 25th Feb!?

Glorious First June 6am

Both fleets continued sailing NNW until dusk, at which point the British fleet reformed into a single line. They continued cautiously during the night, the British slowly overhauling the French and the frigates becoming somewhat detached. By dawn on May 29th the separation between the fleets had decreased to 2.5 miles. The wind is freshening and has veered to NNE.

Glorious 1st June, 6pm

6pm: Both fleets are continuing NNW with the wind remaining light NE. The separation between the fleets has decreased to 7 miles.

Glorious 1st of June 1pm

The French fleet continued to the NNW while the frigate Seine was ordered back towards the fleet. The Latona, Niger and Phaeton began to push the Bellone back towards the French fleet. Admiral Lord Howe ordered the fleet to turn N, then NNW. He also ordered Rear Admiral Pasley to rejoin the main fleet. At 1pm, the wind veered back to the NE, so decreasing the ships' speed. The separation between the fleets at this time is 9.5 miles.