November 20, 1759 · Atlantic Ocean / Brittany Coast Theater
November 20, 1759
The French Atlantic fleet of 21 ships of the line, under Admiral Conflans, attempted to cover a troop transport to support a planned invasion of Scotland. Hawke's British fleet of 23 ships chased the French into Quiberon Bay — notoriously shallow and rock-strewn — in a force 8 gale. Conflans believed no admiral would dare follow in such conditions. Hawke followed. Fighting continued until dark among rocks and breakers. Seven French ships were sunk or captured, 2,500 French sailors killed, and the French fleet destroyed as a fighting force.
Commanders