Action of 24 February 1780

Action of 24 February 1780
Part of the American War of Independence

Plan of the movements made by the French ship Prothée to protect its convoy while it is attacked by several English ships off Madeira on 24 February 1780.
DateAction of 24 February 1780
Location
Result British victory
Belligerents
 Great Britain  France
Commanders and leaders
Robert Manners Du Chilleau de La Roche
Strength
3 ships of the line 2 Ships of the line
2 Frigates
Convoy of 20 transports
Casualties and losses
Unknown 1 ship of the line captured,
3 transports captured &
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]

  1. ^ Winfield pp 74
  2. ^ Roche, vol.1, p.365