Battle of Quiberon Bay, 1759: Britain's Other Trafalgar

Alfred Thayer Mahan considered the Battle of Quiberon Bay (20 Nov 1759) as significant as Nelson's victory in 1805, as it thwarted a French invasion and saved Britain from invasion. The battle is relatively obscure, with no Quiberon Square or Hawke's column, and was fought in terrible weather. Professor Nicholas Tracy studies the battle and its strategic consequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned naval theorist, regarded the Battle of Quiberon Bay (20 November 1759) as equally significant as Nelson's triumph in 1805, labeling it as the "Trafalgar of this war" [the Seven Years War]. In fact, it may have been even more crucial. In 1759, Britain was significantly less well-defended, with virtually no regular troops stationed at home, and the threat of a French invasion was more tangible and imminent. When the British fleet, led by Admiral Hawke, encountered the French ships of the line under Admiral Conflans, the latter were en route to rendezvous with the invasion troopships gathered at the mouth of the Loire. Despite this, the battle and the admiral remain relatively obscure, lacking a prominent landmark such as Quiberon Square or Hawke's Column. The battle itself unfolded in challenging weather conditions, as the French attempted to leverage their local knowledge by heading towards Quiberon Bay, assuming the British would not venture into its treacherous shoals under such conditions. Hawke, however, pursued the French ships with full sail, and the French ships were devastated, with many destroyed, captured, run aground, or scattered, resulting in the loss of only two British ships that ran aground. This decisive victory thwarted the French invasion plans.

Professor Nicholas Tracy has dedicated his studies to examining the battle and its strategic implications, particularly in the context of the war for North America. His research sheds light on the importance of this encounter in shaping the course of the conflict and its ultimate outcome. The Battle of Quiberon Bay stands as a testament to the bravery and skill of the British naval forces, as well as the strategic brilliance of Admiral Hawke. It serves as a reminder of the pivotal moments that can change the course of history and the significance of understanding the past to inform our decisions in the present.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399014496