Battle of Trinquemalay

The Bataille of Trinquemalay takes place from August 25th to September 3rd, 1782. Trinquemalay or Trincomalee is a bay with a port located on the coasts of the island of Ceylon.

The terrestrial battle (25- August 31st, 1782)

After supplybeing supplied, the Baillif de Suffren arrives by surprised in front of Trinquemalay, the east coast of Ceylon, the August 25th 1782. The troops are unloaded, of night, at one o'clock in the morning on the beaches, out of reach batteries of the fort of the British port. Suffren takes the command. Mr. d' Agout, the lieutenant-colonel of the Third Legion of Foreign Volunteers of the Navy, is responsible for the infantry and some elements of cavalry, Duvis, of the genius, Mr. Fontaine, of artillery. August 30th, 1782, the battery of Andre de Rambaud opens fire. the balls make effect on the walls Suffren note in its Log book , of September 1st 1782. With its 1.272 soldiers, it takes Trinquemalay on August 31st. This surprised action makes it possible Suffren to have a port for its squadron in the area. Leaving an enough important quota to defend the port, Suffren and its squadron await apart from the port the attack of Hughes.

The maritime battle (September 3rd, 1782)

The squadron of Hughes arrives in front of Trinquemalay. Suffren launches the attack ardently. However, the French only manages to destroy only some ships. The formation of combat more ordered of the English makes than the combat turns to the advantage of the English. The combat finishes late in the evening. The flagship Héros of Suffren is strongly damaged. The admiral must flee after having undergone heavy losses: 82 died and 255 wounded. The English have only 51 killed.

The Monsoon being profiled at the horizon, Suffren decides, after a news short stopover with Gondelour where it leaves the troops, to go to winter in vast bay of Achem, with Sumatra. The English leave to them-also to winter with Bombay.

But after this failure, Suffren sends six of its captains as prisoners to the Ile de France.

Involved fleets

English

Superb , 74, Hero , 74, Sultan , 74, Burford , 70, Monarca , 70, Eagle , 64, Exeter , 64, Magnanime , 64, Monmouth , 64, Sceptre , 64, Worcester , 64, and Isis , 50.

France

Hero , 74, Year , 74, Illustrates , 74, Orient , 74, Artésien , 64, Ajax , 64, Shining , 64, Bizarre , 64, Sévère , 64, Sphinx , 64, Vengeur , 64, Saint Michel , 60, Flemish , 50, Hannibal , 50, and Comforting , 36.

Notes and references of the article

Random links: