Battle of the Chesapeake

The naval battle against the Chesapeake Bay ( also known as Battle of the Virginia Capes ) was held on September 5, 1781 between a British and a French fleet during the American War of Independence instead. The fight itself was insignificant, but the consequences were of great importance. After the British had lost control of the bay, they surrendered at Yorktown, which in fact led to the end of the American War of Independence.

Prehistory

A strong French fleet under Admiral de Grasse had been sent from France to the West Indies to North America. The admiral told George Washington to sail into the Chesapeake Bay to support the local operations of the allied armies. Previously was retracted under Admiral Hood in the bay on August 25, an English fleet, which sought in vain there after the French fleet. Hood went back to New York. There he united with the fleet under Admiral Thomas Graves. Both had of the movements de Grasses no knowledge, but learned that another French fleet to the south may have been en route to the Chesapeake Bay. Under the command Graves are now united British fleet sailed back to the bay, where she arrived on 5 September. On August 28, however, the French fleet had already arrived. She brought among other gain for the French army.

Course

The British fleet arrived at the Chesapeake Bay on 5 September. The French admiral was holding a battle in the bay for problematic and had his fleet sail in the open Atlantic. There he awaited the condition laid down in line of the enemy fleet. It developed a two-hour battle. Here, six British ships were badly damaged. Of these, one was later completely lost. On the French side, five ships suffered significant damage. The French lost 221 and the British 336 men. The fight had to be stopped because of the gathering darkness. In the following days, the two fleets moved within sight of each other. But the fight was not resumed.

Follow

De Grasse led his fleet on September 8, back to the bay and blocked it. Admiral Graves broke on 10 September from the pursuit of the French fleet and returned to New York to make his ships repaired. Thus he left the control of the Chesapeake Bay to the French. The French fleet brought the troops of George Washington and Rochambeau of the northern bay to Williamsburg.

So the battle was insignificant as such, but it had lasting consequences. The British army under General Cornwallis was completely surrounded on land by the Continental Army and the French, and had no more Seeunterstützung. Gain could not be landed. Also, could not be evacuated with the help of the fleet the 5,000 soldiers of the General. In contrast, another French fleet could bring supplies and guns. Without mastery of the Bay Cornwallis would have had the chance to escape with his troops and to unite with other forces. After six weeks of confinement Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. In order for the American War of Independence was in fact ruled in favor of the Americans.