British Fleet Captures French Frigate Squadron

June 18th, 1799

June 18th, 1799

British Fleet Captures French Frigate Squadron
How Long Ago?

225 years, 8 months, 25 days ago

Location

Mediterranean Sea

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

French Revolutionary Wars

People
  • Jean-Baptiste Perrée
  • Lord Keith
Links & References
Tags

British Fleet Captures French Frigate Squadron

A frigate squadron led by Rear-admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée was captured by the British fleet under Lord Keith in a significant naval engagement. The clash occurred as part of ongoing maritime conflicts between the British Royal Navy and the French Navy during the late 18th century. The British, seeking to maintain naval supremacy, intercepted the French vessels in a battle that showcased the tactical prowess of naval forces during this turbulent period of the French Revolutionary Wars.

Rear-admiral Perrée led the French squadron.

Lord Keith commanded the British fleet.

The engagement was part of the French Revolutionary Wars.

The outcome reinforced British naval dominance.

What Happened?

The Action of 18 June 1799 marked a critical engagement in the ongoing naval warfare between Britain and France, reflecting the broader conflicts of the French Revolutionary Wars. Rear-admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée commanded a squadron of French frigates that was tasked with patrol and supply roles in the Mediterranean. This squadron included several significant ships that were strategically important for French operations. The British fleet, led by Lord Keith, was actively seeking to engage and undermine French maritime capabilities in the region. The battle unfolded as a direct encounter in which tactical decisions, naval superiority, and the prevailing wind conditions played pivotal roles in determining the outcome.The clash underscored the increasing tension and competition in naval power between the two nations. Lord Keith's fleet, with its well-trained sailors and sophisticated tactics, engaged Perrée's squadron. Despite their valiant efforts, the French were ultimately outmaneuvered and outgunned. The event is noteworthy for the exemplary leadership exhibited by both admirals amidst the complexities of naval combat. The battle ended with the capture of Perrée and his squadron, contributing to the British Royal Navy's ongoing dominance of the seas during this era.

Why Does it Matter?

The Action of 18 June 1799 illustrates the strategic importance of naval supremacy during the French Revolutionary Wars. This engagement not only demonstrated British maritime power but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of the French naval forces. The loss of Perrée's squadron weakened French operations in the Mediterranean and contributed to the sustained British blockade. This incident reinforced the idea of naval superiority being critical for national security and the ability to project military power internationally.

Discover More Historic Events from June 18th

Exploration & Discovery

Submersible Titan Implodes During Titanic Expedition

June 18th, 2023 1 years ago

The Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, imploded in the North Atlantic Ocean while attempting to explore the Titanic wreck. At the time of the incident, five individuals were aboard, including Stockton Rush, the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate. The mission aimed to provide close-up views of the historic ship resting at the ocean floor, but tragically, the submersible was lost shortly after its descent, resulting in the deaths of all on board.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Seismic Activity Rocks Northern Osaka

June 18th, 2018 6 years ago

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Osaka, causing significant impacts and disruptions across the region. The earthquake occurred at 7:58 AM JST, with a depth of approximately 13 kilometers, affecting buildings and infrastructure. Emergency services quickly mobilized to assess damage and ensure public safety, with many residents evacuating their homes. Reports of injuries and service interruptions flooded in from various districts, highlighting the earthquake's intensity.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

June 18th, 2009 15 years ago

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was launched by NASA as a robotic spacecraft intended to explore the Moon. Liftoff occurred at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The primary goal of the LRO was to survey the lunar surface, providing high-resolution images and data that would support future exploration, particularly the planning of lunar missions by astronauts. The mission is part of NASA's larger vision of human and robotic exploration of the Moon and beyond.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire

June 18th, 2007 17 years ago

A catastrophic fire engulfed the Charleston Sofa Super Store, leading to the tragic loss of nine firefighters. The fire broke out in the evening and quickly escalated, creating a chaotic scene. Despite the rapid response from local firefighters, the intense flames and structural instability posed immense challenges. The incident raised questions regarding building codes and fire safety protocols, impacting future regulatory measures.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Kazakhstan's First Satellite, KazSat-1, Launched

June 18th, 2006 18 years ago

KazSat-1, Kazakhstan's first telecommunications satellite, was launched successfully from Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Russian Proton-M rocket. The satellite was designed to provide telecommunications services across Kazakhstan and neighboring regions, aiming to enhance communication infrastructure. The launch marked a significant step for Kazakhstan in developing its space capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign satellites. It symbolized the nation's ambitions in the field of space technology.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Propair Flight 420 crashes near Montreal airport

June 18th, 1998 26 years ago

Propair Flight 420, a regional aircraft operated by Propair, crashed shortly after takeoff from Montréal–Mirabel International Airport. The Beechcraft 1900D was bound for the regional airport in Baie-Comeau. Tragically, the accident resulted in the loss of all 11 individuals on board. Investigation into the crash revealed possible issues related to weather conditions at the time of departure, including low visibility and fog, which likely contributed to the loss of control.

Continue Reading