Action of 4 January 1781

Action of 4 January 1781
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date4 January 1781
Location
Off Brest
Result British victory
Belligerents
 France  Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
  • Lord Mulgrave
  • Goodall
  • Strength
    4 frigates 2 74-gun ships of the line
    Casualties and losses
    1 frigate captured 1 ship of the line damaged

    The action of 4 January 1781 was a minor battle of the War of American Independence. A French frigate division, departing Brest, met two British 74-gun ships of the line. The frigates tried to flee their stronger opponents, which gave chase. One of the frigates sacrificed herself to allow the others to escape.