Battle of Cape Spartel

Battle of Cape Spartel
Part of the American Revolutionary War

Relief of Gibraltar by Earl Howe, 11 October 1782, Richard Paton
Date20 October 1782
Location35°55′33″N 5°54′39″W / 35.9257°N 5.9109°W / 35.9257; -5.9109
Result

Indecisive

  • Retreat of the British fleet[1]
  • Supply route to Gibraltar remains open[2]
Belligerents
 Great Britain Spain
 France
Commanders and leaders
Richard Howe Luis de Córdova
Strength
34 ships of the line
1 frigate
34 ships of the line
Casualties and losses
276 killed and wounded 360 killed and wounded

The Battle of Cape Spartel was an indecisive naval battle between a Franco-Spanish fleet under Admiral Luis de Córdova y Córdova and a British fleet under Admiral Richard Howe. These forces met on 20 October 1782 after Howe successfully resupplied Gibraltar, then under siege by Bourbon forces during the American Revolutionary War.

  1. ^ Fernández Duro p.329
  2. ^ Chartrand pg. 84