Conflict: | Action of 24 February 1780 |
Partof: | the American War of Independence |
Date: | Action of 24 February 1780 |
Place: | Off Madeira |
Result: | British victory |
Commander1: | Robert Manners |
Commander2: | Du Chilleau de La Roche |
Strength1: | 3 ships of the line |
Strength2: | 2 Ships of the line 2 Frigates Convoy of 20 transports |
Casualties1: | unknown |
Casualties2: | 1 ship of the line captured, 3 transports captured &<br>1,000 prisoner of war |
The action of 24 February 1780 was a minor naval battle that took place off the island of Madeira during the American Revolutionary War.[1] A French convoy was intercepted and pursued by a British Royal Navy squadron ending with the French 64-gun ship Protée being captured along with three transports.[2]
On 16 February 1780, a French convoy with troops and ammunition bound for India departed Lorient escorted by the 64-gun ship of the line Protée with Ajax, Éléphant and Charmante.[2] Protée, under Captain Du Chilleau de La Roche, was the flagship of the convoy.[4]
Hopelessly outnumbered and out-gunned, Protée struck while Charmante returned to Lorient, arriving there on 3 March.[5] Three merchantmen were also captured.
For the British the booty was substantial, as well as the three transports, Protée was carrying £60,000 worth of silver with the prize money subsequently shared.
Protée was commissioned in the Royal Navy as the third rate HMS Prothee.
. Onésime-Joachim Troude. 1867. Challamel ainé. Batailles navales de la France. French. 2.