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BATTLE // April 10, 1795

Action of 10 April 1795

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Significance

The action of 10 April 1795 was a minor episode within the broader British blockade of Brest, the principal French Atlantic naval base during the Revolutionary Wars. A French frigate squadron intercepted by Rear-Admiral John Colpoys's battle squadron split under pressure of superior numbers, with one vessel, Gloire, eventually brought to action by HMS Astraea. The outcome demonstrated the operational grip the British blockade maintained over French naval movements out of Brest, constraining the ability of French squadrons to operate freely in the Atlantic approaches. The engagement produced no recorded strategic consequence beyond the capture or defeat of a single frigate, but it illustrates the attrition the blockade imposed on French naval assets through repeated interceptions of this kind.

Tactics

Colpoys's squadron intercepted the French frigate force and pressed it with numbers sufficient to force the French to split up, each vessel attempting to divide and outrun British pursuit. HMS Astraea separated from the main force to follow Gloire, bringing her to a single-ship engagement that lasted just under an hour. Though the two frigates were roughly equal in size, the British ship prevailed decisively, suggesting a significant disparity in gunnery effectiveness or crew readiness despite the nominal equality of the vessels.

Commanders (1)

Great Britain

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Last verified June 2026
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