Cochrane versus Willaumez at Tortola
July 6th, 1806
Background
The two squadrons described below actually did encounter one another on the 6th of July, 1806 in the waters off the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas, although no action ensured. British Admiral Cochrane, responsible for the very valuable Jamaica Convoy soon to arrive in the nearby anchorage at Tortola, did not wish to risk battle with the powerful French force. French Admiral Willaumez had orders to avoid pitched battle and, more importantly, was responsible for preserving the health of the impetuous Jerome Bonaparte, younger brother of Emperor Napoleon and captain of one of his ships. A half-hearted French pursuit was broken off and the moment slipped into historical obscurity.
This scenario assumes that Admiral Willaumez has been goaded into attacking by the hot-headed Jerome.
French Order of Battle
80 Foudroyant
74 Veteran
74 Cassard
74 Impetueux
74 Patriote
74 Eole
Foudroyant – Flagship of Admiral Willaumez.
Veteran – under command of Captain Jerome Bonaparte.
British Order of Battle
74 Northumberland
74 Elephant
74 Canada
64 Agamemnon
Northumberland – Flagship of Admiral Cochrane.
Tactical situation
Lay out the table with the long dimension running E-W. Beyond the northern side of the table are the shallow coastal waters of St Thomas Island. The entrance to Tortola anchorage lies to the East.
The wind is Moderate, blowing out of the South.
The British squadron may start the game anywhere in the center third of the north half of the table, in good order, in any formation and at any sail setting desired by its commander.
The French squadron may start anywhere in the SW quarter of the table, in disorder, but otherwise in any formation and sail setting desired by its commander. The French ship closest to the British at the start of the game must be Jerome's ship.
French goals
The objective of Admiral Willaumez is to destroy or drive off Cochrane's squadron, while ensuring the physical safety of Jerome Bonaparte. The death or capture of Jerome will end the career of Admiral Willaumez ….. or worse.
Jerome Bonaparte's goal in this engagement is to close with and capture or destroy an English warship. The player controlling Jerome's ship may ignore any orders to the contrary from Admiral Willaumez. However, each time Jerome's ship is obliged to make a morale check, throw 1D10 in addition. A score of 1 indicates that Jerome has been incapacitated and the ship must immediately seek to withdraw from the action. If incapacitated, there is a 50/50 chance of Jerome being killed or suffering a clearly mortal wound.
British goals
Admiral Cochrane must force the withdrawal of the French as a threat to the large and highly valuable Jamaica Convoy which is soon to assemble at Tortola.
Driving off the Opponent
In consideration of the limited time available in a convention game setting, at umpire's discretion, a squadron will withdraw from action and end the game in favor of its opponent upon the occurrence any of the following events -
(a) Loss by capture or destruction of any friendly ship;
(b) Disablement (loss of an entire mast) of any ship, if French;
(c) Death or mortal wounding of either Admiral (as per rule for risk to Jerome above).
Scenario Note
The British side should not be made aware of the involvement of Jerome Bonaparte.
Miscellaneous Notes
This scenario was designed for my Steer to Glory rules with close attention to historical details. As such, armament and tonnage statistics may not transfer easily to other rule sets. For those so interested, the fiddly bits are outlined as follows:
French
> Foudroyant is a large 2300t 80 with 24lbrs on the middle gun deck.
> Veteran, Cassard and Impetueux are large 1900t 74s.
> Patriote and Eole are middling 1800t 74s.
> Morale of all French ships is considered average.
> French gunnery is at one-half British rate of fire and incapable of targeted hulling fire.
> All French ships have meager carronade armaments.
> French are somewhat inferior in shiphandling and maneuver.
British
> Northumberland is a large 1900t 74 with a heavy carronade armament.
> Elephant and Canada are common class 1600t British 74s with no carronades.
> Agamemnon is a typical 1400t 64 with a heavy (for her class) carronade armament.
> Morale of all British ships is considered high.
> British gunnery rate of fire is double that of the French ships and all British ships are capable of targeted hulling fire.
> British are better than the French in shiphandling and maneuver.
Have fun and let me know how things go. Suggestions welcome.
B
explores the Master & Commander starter set for Black Seas.