Battle of Saint Kitts

The Battle of St. Kitts took place during the American Revolutionary War between a British fleet under Rear Admiral Samuel Hood and a French fleet under Admiral Comte de Grasse on 25 and 26 January, 1782.

Background

As Hood at the end of 1781 after the Battle of Chesapeake back to the West Indies ( Caribbean Islands) came, he was due to the absence of Rodney's highest-ranking officer of the commander in chief. On January 11, 1782, French troops landed on the island of St. Kitts and included the British troops. De Grasse covered the action with 26 ships of the line.

The Battle

On January 25, succeeded Hood to take a position with his 22 ships of the line between the French squadron and the island. Even during his ships in the harbor were moored, attacked the French. However, after the incoming French ships were given the full broadsides of the English, de Grasse broke off the fight.

On the morning of 26 January, the French undertook to try again. Again, the peak ships were given the full broadsides of the British and were hit hard. After another unsuccessful attempt de Grasse finally broke off the attack. As the British troops were on St. Kitts during the day, Hood left at night unnoticed his position and united with the returned from England Commodore Rodney.

Although Hood's attempt to prevent the capture of St. Kitts failed, was his maneuver of January 25, one of the most brilliant during this war.

Combines with the fleet Rodney was a Frenchman superior force, which was logical then also victorious at the Battle of Les Saintes.

Importance

The actual importance of this battle is often underestimated. A similarity exists with the Battle of the Nile. A fleet at anchor in a bay is under attack. While the British of the French line, however, approached the Nile at a relatively shallow angle Hood has in St. Kitts this prevented by his careful positioning, and the incoming French were - for the time being without even being able to attack - exposed the British broadsides. Hood was later Nelson not only commanders and supporters, but also his friend and mentor.