Battle of Quiberon Bay
Quiberon Bay, Bay of Biscay
What happened
Admiral Sir Edward Hawke led the British fleet against the French fleet commanded by Hubert de Brienne. In 1759 France planned to invade Britain, and the British navy set out to stop it. Admiral Hawke chased the French fleet into Quiberon Bay on the coast of Brittany during a gale, even though the bay was full of rocks and shallow water. Six French warships were sunk or ran aground, one was captured, and the French admiral set fire to his own flagship, the Soleil Royal, to keep the British from taking it.
Why it matters
Result: British victory. Leaders: Sir Edward Hawke against Hubert de Brienne. Why it matters: The victory ended the French plan to invade Britain. It was one of several British successes in 1759, which became known as the Annus Mirabilis, or 'year of miracles'.
What came next
The British blockade kept up pressure on French ports for the rest of the war.
Did you know?
When his ship's master warned him about the rocks, Hawke replied, 'You have done your duty Sir, now lay me alongside the Soleil Royal.'
Timeline
- 1759 CEFrance plans an invasion of Britain.
- 20-21 November 1759 CEHawke defeats the French fleet in Quiberon Bay.
- 1766-1771 CEHawke serves as First Lord of the Admiralty.