Battle of Lissa

Significance

The 1811 Battle of Lissa resulted in a British frigate squadron under William Hoste defeating a combined French and Venetian fleet commanded by Bernard Dubourdieu. French and allied casualties totaled 700 against 145 British, indicating a decisive engagement in terms of human cost. The battle demonstrated British frigate capability in Adriatic waters during the Napoleonic Wars, where maintaining naval presence was critical to contesting French control of the eastern Mediterranean littoral. The lopsided casualty figures suggest the French-Venetian force suffered severe losses, limiting their operational reach in the region.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (2)