is contingent and not decided by individual geniuses, but often by luck.

Hawke's official account of the battle is full of justifications for his actions and, more importantly, his losses. The truth is that Hawke risked his fleet and his men, and that history – especially the history of naval battles, with so many elements beyond human control –

The British victory at Quiberon was remarkable. But it is easy to tell the story of a brave naval officer who, against all the odds, chased down an enemy fleet when he was fortunate enough to be able to win a daring battle.

neither fleet knew exactly how many enemy ships they were facing, as Hawke himself admitted in his report: “The manoeuvres of the enemy crowding away on the 20th prevented our being able to reckon their number exactly“.

When the battle began, Hawke was miles away from his van and had no idea what was going on. The French Thésée was taken out of action by squalls that hit the ship, a danger also faced by the British Torbay. Nearly 3,000 men were killed or wounded in what was described by contemporaries as chaotic:

Against the advice of his officers and helmsman, he chased the French into an unfamiliar narrow and shallow bay with no room to manoeuvre, risking his entire fleet. 3 British ships collided damaging each other.

Thanks!

I’d like to be added as well if there’s still space, thanks! :)

Hi Kate, could you add me, please? Thank you 🙏

Thanks :)

Hi, could you add me please? Thank you!