The Glorious 1st of June

bantarleton:

Today is the joint anniversary of the Glorious First of June and the Shannon-Chesapeake duel some 19 years later, off the Massachusetts coast. The former was the opening naval action in the 20 years war with Revolutionary/Napoleonic France, and the latter proved to be one of the most important single ship actions of the War of 1812.

Both actions added to the laurels of the respective commanders. Admiral Howe closed his career on a high; having served with distinction in the Seven Years war at Quiberon Bay, conducting the descent upon New York in the early years of the American War, and lifting the Siege of Gibraltar in 1782. He is one of the earlier heroes of the Age of Nelson. 

Captain Philip Broke’s swift and crushing victory over the USS Chesapeake put an end to a string of victories by US frigates over British opponents which punctuated the early part of the War of 1812. The Shannon-Chesapeake duel was the only duel of the war in which neither combatant had a clear advantage in force. His subsequent victory therefore caused a sensation in both Britain and the United States.

It’s also my dad’s birthday.