Action of 17 June 1778

Action of 17 June 1778
Part of the American Revolutionary War

Combat de la Belle Poule et de l'Aréthusa by Auguste-Louis de Rossel de Cercy
Date17 June 1778
Location
23 miles (37 km) south of The Lizard
Result See Aftermath
Belligerents
 Great Britain  France
Commanders and leaders
Kingdom of Great Britain Augustus Keppel Kingdom of France Jean Clocheterie
Strength
  • 3 ships
  • 2 frigates
  • 1 corvette
    • Casualties and losses
  • 1 ship damaged
  • 44 casualties
    		•
  • 1 frigate captured
  • 1 corvette captured (both later released)
  • 102 casualties [Note 1]

    • The action of 17 June 1778 also known as the Fight of Belle Poule and Arethusa was a minor naval action that took place off the coast of France between British and French frigates. The action was widely celebrated by both France and Great Britain and was the first between the two naval forces during the American Revolutionary War before a formal declaration of war was even announced.[2]

    1. ^ Cunat (1857), p. 380.
    2. ^ Syrett (1998), p.36


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