The Battle of Bantry Bay – 20th December 1796

Introduction and Background

In 1796 the French Navy was a shadow of its former glorious self. The revolution, so extreme and so bloody, had
deprived the service of many of its best officers. Morale was low and so was the fighting ability of many vessels.
Yet despite this, French revolutionaries, their passions raised by Irish exiles who sang of the possibility of inciting
rebellion in Ireland, thought they could defy the strongest navy on the planet – and some of the roughest seas –
and embark on a huge naval and military expedition mission that would involve an amphibious landing some
15,000 men on the wintry shores of southern Ireland.

Theobald Wolfe Tone

The destination was Bantry Bay and among the men on board the ships was Wolf Tone, Irish lawyer and exiled
revolutionary, heading home to Ireland to raise forces against the British.

The Armee d’Irlande – Irish Officer (centre), Infantry Officer (right), and French Marine Private (left)
The expedition, under General Louis‐Lazare Hoche and Vice Admiral Morard de Galles consisted of seventeen
ships of the line, thirteen frigates, five corvettes, two gunboats and six transports and almost 15,000 men – as
well as arms, money and clothing for the rebels that they felt would flock to their colours. Hoche’s second in
command was an up and coming young officer named Emmanuel Grouchy, a man whom history would never
forgive for not marching to the sound of the guns at Waterloo some 17 years later.

A fine place to land

The fleet set sail in mid‐December 1796. They had a cunning plan and had settled on an excellent landing site. The
anchorage at Berehaven, on Bantry Bay would have been the ideal place for a fleet to land troops, provided they
could give the Royal Navy the slip. The harbour offered many attractions for a landing. In his 1916 text Early Irish
History and Antiquities and the History of West Cork O’Halloran describes the Berehaven anchorage thus:

“It lies between Beare Island and the mainland, and is seven miles long, and from one to four wide. It is of
considerable depth, having 2,900 acres covered with from six to fifteen fathoms at low water spring tides; and
1,900 acres with over five fathoms at low water. It has two entrances, one at the east, the principal one, which is
well lighted by two lighthouses, and one at the west, which is of considerable width and great depth, so that
sailing ships may go in and out in any weather….The harbour presents many advantages for trade purposes. It lies
well for vessels trading with Western and Southern Europe, also the West Indies and America. Some centuries ago
it was a busy place, and ships from France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal brought their merchandise hither—wines,
brandy, etc., and carried home wool, fish, etc”.

But for all their planning and rational thinking this was not a good time of the year to plan a campaign. The
December weather in the English Channel, whilst useful for keeping Admiral Colpoys’ fifteen Royal Navy ships off
station, was notorious for the frequency and strength of easterly gales, and this was to prove the downfall of the
expedition.

Another fine mess

The fleet set out ‐ in disorder from the beginning – and things soon got worse. Much to Tone’s annoyance, the
weather, the seas and incompetent French seamanship soon made the unlikely look impossible. Strong winds
were blowing. Much of the fleet was scattered in the bad visibility and bad weather. Slovenly handling in these
conditions made matters worse. Two 74 gun warships, the Seduisant and the Nestor were lost within days of
leaving Brest with terrible loss of life. Two more followed on arrival off Ireland when the Surveilant had to be
scuttled in Bantry Bay and the Impatient was wrecked off Sheepshead. The frigate Tartare was captured by the
Polyphemus and brought into Cork harbour; the Ville d'Oriente, with 400 hussars on board, was taken into Kinsale
by the Unicorn. The transports fared just as badly, particularly the Justin which foundered at sea and all on board
perished. There were one or two brighter points though. The 74 gun vessel Droits de l'Homme, for instance,
arrived at Bantry Bay and cruised off the coast, capturing the brigs Cumberland and Calypso. But the victory was
short lived and the Droits de l’Homme was, of course, famously engaged by Sir Edward Pellew’s 44 gun frigate
Indefatigable just two weeks after the failure of the Bantry Bay landing in an action that saw the French ship run
ashore.

Tone’s frustrations about all of this – much of which was of course unknown to him at the time ‐ are clearly seen
from his diaries. On the 18th December he wrote

“December 18th.—At nine this morning a fog so thick that we cannot see a ship's length before us. Hazy weather,
master Noah, damn it!.....This damned fog continues without interruption. I asked General Cherin what we should
do in case they did not rejoin us. He said that he supposed General Grouchy would take the command with the
troops we had with us, which, on examination, we found to amount to about 6,500 men. The Captain has opened
a packet containing instructions for his conduct in case of separation, which order him to cruise for five days off
Mizen Head, and, at the end of that time, proceed to the mouth of the Shannon, where he is to remain three more,
at the end of which time, if he does not see the fleet or receive further orders by a frigate, he is to make the best of
his way back to Brest."

In the end, just seventeen ships made the Mizen Head rendezvous by 19 December, and on 22 December, by
which time more had gathered, 15 ships carrying 6,400 men entered Bantry Bay. But still the weather made
landings impossible, and the French knew that before long the Royal Navy would be breathing down their necks.
Tone, whose ship had made it to the Bay, was downcast:

“December 22nd.—This morning, at eight, we have neared Bantry Bay considerably, but the fleet is terribly
scattered; no news of the Fraternité. . . . Two o'clock; we have been tacking over since eight this morning, and I am
sure we have not gained one hundred yards; the wind is right ahead, and the fleet dispersed, several being far to
leeward. ... At half‐past six, cast anchor off Bere Island, being still four leagues from our landing place”

The terribly weather continued, and so did Tone’s misfortunes. His journal entries for that time show a man
frustrated at each turn. On the 26th December he wrote:

“Notwithstanding all our blunders, it is the dreadful stormy weather and the easterly winds, which have been
blowing furiously and without intermission since we made Bantry Bay, that have ruined us”.

A few days later it was clear that all was lost:

“December 29th.—At four this morning the Commodore made the signal to steer for France; so there is an end of
our expedition for the present, perhaps for ever.”

So the rebellion never was. By the middle of January, just over thirty of de Galles’s original fleet of forty three had
made it safely back to France. In all, the weather claimed seven ships, the Royal Navy six. But who knows what
might have happened had the weather been different and if Wolf Tone and his French colleagues had been
blessed with better luck?
Bantry Bay Scenario for KMH
This scenario allows us to create an encounter that never was. On the one side, French Sans Culottes, buying time
for their transports to slip inshore to commence landing men and equipment. On the other, the Jolly Jack Tars of
the Royal Navy, outnumbered and outgunned, but with the tenacity and close hauled skill needed to force the
day….

French Fleet
The French fleet for the scenario includes one 80 and five 74s, two frigates and four transports, although of
course this could be varied to suit whatever models you have available (provided you keep the game in balance!)

Commodore Jaques Bedout, Patriotic

Indomptable (80) Average Sans Culottes – Flag
Trajan (74) Average Sans Culottes
Pluton (74) Average Sans Culottes
Tourville (74) Average Sans Culottes
Eole (74) Poor Sans Culottes
Mucius (74) Poor San Culottes

Plus Frigates
Tartu (40) (Average Sans Culottes)
Surveillante (32) (Average Sans Culottes)

Plus Troopships:
Justine Merchant ship, 309 tons (1 x 8‐pdr, 1 x 4‐pdr, 1 x 10” mortar and 2 x 8” Mortar) captured off Ireland by
HMS Polyphemus (64) with 465 soldiers.
Ville de Lorient French EIC flute, 525 tons (2 x 12‐pdrs, 22 x 6‐pdrs and 4 x 3‐pdrs) captured off Ireland by HMS
Doris (36), Unicorn (32) and Druid (22) with 431 soldiers (French Hussars).
Suffren Merchant ship, 600 tons (24 x 8‐pdrs) Captured with 202 soldiers.
Fille Unique Flûte, 700 tons (26 x 12‐pdrs)

The French must get all four transport through to Bear Haven. The transports have a broadside factor of 1 dice.

The British Fleet

At the time of the campaign, Brest was under observation by the Royal Navy’s inshore squadron, under Captain
Sir Edward Pellew. It consisted of four frigates, Pellew himself in the Indefatigable, a 44‐gun heavy frigate, as well
as the Revolutionnaire (a French prize taken into British service), the Phoebe, and the Amazon. When Pellew saw
the French emerge he sent off the Revolutionnaire to alert Admiral Sir John Colpoys, who with fifteen of the line
would have normally been closer inshore, but who had been blown off station by the same strong easterly winds
that facilitated the French departure. In this scenario we assume that Pellew, aggressive as he was, moves into
action with the French ships he has been stalking, as the top gallants of Colpoy’s vanguard draw up behind.

The Inshore Squadron, Commodore Sir Edward Pellew, Intrepid

Indefatigable (44) (Elite Jolly Jack Tars) ‐ Flag
Phoebe (36) (Elite Jolly Jack Tars)
Amazon (36) (Average Jolly Jack Tars)

Elements of Colpoy’s Squadron, Commodore Sir James Saumarez, Intrepid

Orion (74) (Average Jolly Jack Tars) ‐ Flag
Majestic (74) (Elite Jolly Jack Tars) (Fast Sailor)
Swiftsure (74) (Average Jolly Jack Tars)
Colossus (74) (Average Jolly Jack Tars)

The British squadrons must prevent the French from getting their transports through to Bear Haven.
Table set up

The table should be set up as shown on the map, which assumes a 6’ by 4’ table, although this is flexible
depending on the size of your own gaming table. The French ships may deploy anywhere in the SW quadrant of
the table and must do so before the British entry point is declared.

Exact locations depend on table size, but the French transports should start the game no closer than 30” from the
entrance to Bear Haven.

Initial progress will be against the wind, so this will be a slow and dangerous voyage where the transports will
look to the larger ships for protection. For the British, Pellew’s Inshore squadron enters on turn one, with
Saumarez’s reinforcing force entering on Turn 4.

Both these forces enter from the same position as shown on the map.

No shore batteries are provided in this scenario but adding them might prove an interesting challenge for the
French player.

Chits
This scenario will require the following chits:
Wind Change Test French Squadron 1 Fire
Fire Test French Squadron 2 (Transports) Move
Steering Damage Test French Squadron 2 (Transports) Fire
Boarding Party British Squadron 1(Pellew’s) Squadron Fire
Strike Test British Squadron 1 (Pellew’s) Squadron Move
Getting Choppy Test British Squadron 2 (Saumarez’s) Squadron Fire
French Squadron 1 Move British Squadron 2 (Saumarez’s) Squadron Move
Troop Transports
I would suggest treating the troop transports similarly to merchantmen. The small ships were crammed full of
troops that would preclude fighting them as small men of war, and most of their guns have been removed to
accommodate those troops, therefore their crews are very unlikely or unwilling to opt to get into a fight with a
British frigate or ship of the line. Therefore I would use rule 12.3 concerning merchant vessels striking to enemy
warships.

If unaccompanied by a friendly warship, merchant vessels/ troop transports will strike as soon as the foe closes to
within close range. If with an escort they will strike as soon as they receive a full broadside. If they get a partial
broadside they have a 50% chance of striking.

Squadron/Fleet Morale
Fleets never fought to the last ship, just as armies never fought to the last battalion. After a number of ships had
been lost, one side would try to break off the action and retreat to the nearest friendly port. At that point, the
victors would usually be too tired, too badly damaged, or too disorganized to pursue (common phenomena
among land armies also). The battle would end with the victors in possession of “the field” and some of the
enemy’s ships

Battle Fleets Preservation Point Values (P.P.V.):

Each ship in a fleet or squadron has a preservation point value as follows:

Flagships, regardless of ship size 3

Two‐deckers, including 50s and razees 2
Frigates or corvettes 1

Preservation Level:
The preservation level of a fleet/squadron is the proportion of the total preservation point values the fleet can
lose without trying to disengage and retreat. If not specified in the scenario, the level varies by period and
nationality as follows:

Nationality FRW & Napoleonic (1793–1815)

British 50%
French 30%
These differences reflect both general national fleet morale levels and differences in doctrine
(both the French and the British were more cautious before 1793;
after that date, the British became increasingly daring in seeking decisive actions).

Whenever the total preservation point value of ships lost or dismasted exceeds a fleet/squadron’s preservation
level, all the ships in that fleet/squadron must test take a retreat test and if passed repeat when a ship in the
fleet/squadron takes a new level of damage (see Damage States) or strikes. The ship’s entire preservation level is
counted if the ship strikes, sinks, burns up, explodes, or is captured by boarding. One less than the ship’s
preservation value is counted if the ship is dismasted (loses all rigging squares). The extra point is added if a
dismasted ship strikes, etc., later.

Retreat Test:
Roll a d6 and add the commander of that fleet or squadron Command Rating (CR). The Fleet or Squadron breaks
and disengages on 4 or less. 1 is always a failure. Disengaged squadrons must move to exit the table and may not
fire unless enemy ships fire at them.

Admiral/Commodore Command Rating (CR)

Inspirational +2
Intrepid +1
Patriotic 0
Lamentable ‐1

I would suggest treating the French as once force, accepting that the transports will break off if their escort does,
thus the French have a force PPV total of one flagship (3), five third rates (10) and two frigates (2) for a total PPV
of 15 x 20%, means they will test to break off when they have lost vessels totalling 3 PPV.
For the British, I would suggest treating each squadron separately but having the effect on the force as a whole if
one of them should decide to break contact.

Thus the British PPV totals would be for Squadron One (Pellew) one flagship (3), two frigates (2) for a total of 5
PPV x 50% meaning the squadron would test when they had lost ships to the value of 2.5 PPV or more adding one
to the test for Pellew’s Command Rating

For Squadron Two (Saumarez), they have one flagship (3) and three third rates (6) for a total of 9PPV x 50%
meaning the squadron would test when they had lost ships to the value of 4.5 PPV or more adding one to the test
for Saumarez’s Command Rating.

The British fleet as a whole has a total PPV of 14, meaning they would test on the unlikely loss of ships to the
value of 7 PPV adding one to the die for either commander making the test.

Game End Effects:

Winning side is the last side whose Fleet Morale breaks or the last side with an unbroken squadron on the table.

If neither side has an unbroken squadron at the end of a turn then game is a draw.

Losing side – roll a d6 for any ships that have suffered Heavy Damage. They founder and sink on a 1 or are
captured by the enemy if they have any ships of the same rate or larger that are not more than Light Damage.

Damage States/Definition
0% Level – The ship in its undamaged state. Most ships will begin a game in this condition.
Intact
Ships that are damaged in battle may not recover to Intact during a game.
Worn 5 – 15 % on Strike Test Table – Minor damage
Light Damage 20 – 25 % on Strike Test Table
Medium Damage 30 – 35 % on Strike Test Table
Heavy Damage 40 plus % on Strike Test Table.
Strike Critical damage and/or crew casualties causes the ship to strike its colours and surrender
Mast Damage Add 10% to Damage State Level per mast lost

Victory Conditions
The French can claim a decisive victory if their fleet morale holds, and thus getting their transports through to
Bear Haven.

For the British, a decisive victory can only be recorded if their fleet morale holds and at least three of the French
74’s are captured or destroyed, plus 50% of the transports.

In the original scenario written by Nick Skinner there was thought of combining this game with a following Sharp
Practice one with the result in this impacting on the number of reinforcements arriving for the Franco‐Irish forces.

This rather presumes that elements of the French force have already arrived at Bear Haven, historically now
under the command of a certain General Grouchy, yes that ‘Grouchy’ as General Hoche and the fleet commander
Vice‐admiral de Galles were still far out in the Atlantic having had their command frigate, Fraternité chased there
by a British frigate only to have to battle their way eastward against the same wind that prevented the Channel
Fleet sortieing out to intercept.

Thus the scenario assumes that these reinforcements and their safe arrival will be enough to convince General
Grouchy to press on with the landing despite his superiors absence rather than calling it all off and sailing away as
he did historically.
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
3rd 30 36 pdr 3rd
28 36 pdr
Rate 32 24 pdr Rate
2000 182’6” 47’ 23’6” 854 1500 30 18 pdr 172’ 44’6” 22’ 700
80 12/6 Bow 12 pdr 74
12/4 Bow 8 pd
guns 4 36 pdr c guns
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
3rd 3rd
28 36 pdr 28 36 pdr
Rate Rate
1424 30 18 pdr 165’6” 43’6” 20’2” 700 1500 30 18 pdr 172’ 44’6” 22’ 700
74 74
12/4 Bow 8 pd 12/4 Bow 8 pd
guns guns
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
3rd 3rd
28 36 pdr 28 36 pdr
Rate Rate
1500 30 18 pdr 172’ 44’6” 22’ 700 1500 30 18 pdr 171’3” 44’ 21’ 700
74 74
12/4 Bow 8 pd 12/4 Bow 8 pd
guns guns
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
26 18 pdr
Frigate Frigate 26 12 pdr
700 8/2 Bow 9 pdr 147’6” 37’6” 15’10” 324 620 134’ 34’6” 14’ 280
40-guns 32-guns 4/2 Bow 6 pdr
4/4 Bow 32 pdr c
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft

? 175
Transpt. 309 En Flûte Transpt. 525 En Flûte
+465 +431
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft

194
Transpt. 600 En Flûte Transpt. 700 En Flûte 150
+202
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
26 24 pdr 26 18 pdr
Razee Frigate
1384 8/4 Bow 12 pdr 160’1¼” 44’5” 19’ 330 884 8/2 Bow 9 pdr 137’1” 38’3¾” 13’5” 271
44-guns 36-guns
4/2 Bow 42 pdr c 4/4 Bow 32 pdr c
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
26 18 pdr 28 32 pdr
Frigate 3rd Rate
926 8/2 Bow 9 pdr 143 38’2” 13’6” 260 30 18 pdr
36-guns 74 1646 170’5” 46’10½” 20’6” 550
6/2 32 pdr c 6/4 Bow 9 pdr
guns
8 32 pdr c
 Gun Actual Ship Size Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men Type Tons Guns Men
Weight Weight
Length Beam Draft Length Beam Draft
28 32 pdr
3rd Rate 3rd Rate 28 32 pdr
30 18 pdr
74 1642 170’6” 46’9½” 20’6” 550 74 1621 30 18 pdr 168’9½” 47’ 19’9½” 550
6/4 Bow 9 pdr
guns guns 14/4 Bow 9 pdr
8 32 pdr c
 Gun Actual Ship Size
Type Tons Guns Men
Weight
Length Beam Draft

3rd Rate 28 32 pdr

74 1717 30 18 pdr 172’3” 48’ 20’8¾” 550
guns 14/4 Bow 9 pdr