Action of August 1702

Action of August 1702
Part of the War of the Spanish Succession

The injured Benbow continues to order the attack
Date19–25 August 1702 O.S.
Location
Off Santa Marta, New Kingdom of Granada
11°14′17″N 74°12′18″W / 11.23806°N 74.20500°W / 11.23806; -74.20500
Result Indecisive[1]
Belligerents
 England  France
Commanders and leaders
Kingdom of England John Benbow (DOW) Kingdom of France Jean du Casse
Strength
7 ships of the line 4 ships of the line
1 frigate
4 sloops
1 transport
Casualties and losses
1 ship damaged 1 ship captured

The action of August 1702 was an inconclusive naval battle that took place from 19 to 25 August 1702 O.S. between an English squadron under Vice-Admiral John Benbow and a French under Admiral Jean du Casse, off Cape Santa Marta on the coast of present-day Colombia, South America, during the War of the Spanish Succession.[2] Benbow vigorously attacked the French squadron, but the refusal of most of his captains to support the action allowed du Casse to escape. Benbow lost a leg during the engagement and died of illness about two months later. Two of the captains were convicted of cowardice and shot.

Benbow's resolution to pursue the French, in what proved to be his last fight, proved irresistible to the public imagination. The events of the fight inspired a number of ballads, usually entitled Admiral Benbow or Brave Benbow, which were still favourites among British sailors more than a century later.[3]

  1. ^ Falkner, James (2015). The War of the Spanish Succession 1701-1714. Pen & Sword Military. p. 34. ISBN 9781781590317.
  2. ^ John B. Hattendorf, ed., "Benbow's Last Fight: Documents relating to the Battle of Cape Santa Marta, 19-24 August 1702," in N.A.M. Rodger, ed., Naval Miscellany, vol. 5. Publications of the Navy Records Society, vol. 125. (London: Naval Records Society, 1984), pp. 143-206.
  3. ^ "Admiral Benbow Art". Retrieved 2 December 2006.