June 1 - The Glorious First of June

This Day in History: 1 June 2020

 

1 June 1794

 

226 years ago, today, the Fourth Battle of Ushant, more commonly known as the Glorious First of June, was fought. This was the first and largest fleet action of naval conflict between Great Britain and the French Republic during the French Revolutionary Wars. It had been the result of the Atlantic campaign that occurred the previous month, where both sides managed to capture many merchant ships. The British Channel Fleet, commanded under Admiral Lord Howe, had attempted to prevent the passage of a vital French grain convoy, but this was protected by Rear-Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse. The two sides engaged in conflict in the Atlantic Ocean, west of the French island of Ushant.

 

During the battle, Howe subverted naval conventions by ordering his fleet to engage with their immediate opponent. This subsequently was not understood by all of his captains, so the attack was more disorganised than intended. However, his ships were still able to inflict a tactical defeat on the French, but both sides were left shattered and in no state for further combat. Villaret had brought enough time for the French to reach safety, resulting in a strategic success, but allowed the British to conduct a blockade campaign for the rest of the war. Both sides claimed victory, and the press of both nations proclaimed their country's bravery.

 

Want to find out more about the Glorious First of June? Click here for more information, or here for a video with more details on the event.