Home

Honour - 'Mahonesa' 1796


Date - 13 October
Type - Single Ship or Boat Service Actions
Conflict - French Revolutionary War; 1793-1803

 
Description The action took place off Cartagena.

AT daybreak HMS Terpsichore sighted am unknown frigate heading towards her. Terpsichore was sailing with a reduced crew having left 30 in hospital at Gibraltar and with more than another 30 sick aboard, none of whom were strong enough to work the ship. Therefore the British ship was not ready to initiate an engagement but unwilling to leave.

At0930hrs with the stranger within hailing distance Terpsichore fired one gun to ascertain the strangers intentions, which then returned a full broadside, and the battle began.

After 1hour 20 minutes the Mahonesa tried unsuccessfully to break off the action and after another 20 minutes struck her colours.

Mahonesa lost 30 killed and 30 wounded out of 275 aboard. Terpsichore lost none killed and 4 wounded out of 182 aboard.

 

 
 
HM Ships
Terpsichore         
         
 
This page last edited - 08 April, 2013.

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.