Battle of Cape Passaro
Sea off Cape Passaro, southern tip of Sicily, Italy
What happened
A British fleet under George Byng fought a Spanish fleet under José Antonio de Gaztañeta. Spain had seized Sicily, and Britain sent Byng to stop it, even though the two countries were not yet at war. Byng chased the Spanish fleet south along the coast of Sicily and split it in two. Many Spanish ships were captured, including the flagship San Felipe.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the biggest sea battle of the War of the Quadruple Alliance. It cut off the Spanish army in Sicily and weakened Spain's navy.
What came next
Britain declared war on Spain that December. A Spanish plan to invade Britain was scattered by a storm.
Did you know?
Byng had joined the navy as a 'King's Letter Boy' at about 15 and rose to become First Lord of the Admiralty.
Timeline
- 11–12 August 1718Battle of Cape Passaro.
- 29 September 1718The citadel of Messina surrenders.
- 26 December 1718Britain declares war on Spain.
- 1721Byng is made Viscount Torrington.