The time is May 20, 1756. French and British squadrons meet off the island of Minorca as English Admiral Byng is attempting to relieve the siege of that island. The ships are WarArtisan 1/900 paper kits.
2:00 PM… the fleets approach at an oblique angle, the French under easy sail awaiting the English attack.
As the afternoon wears on the English continue to close, having the wind advantage. Byng orders the fleet to close and engage opposite numbers.
The Van and the lead ship from the center obey the signal and bear up to close faster. The 6th ship in the English line has her for topmast shot away, causing a traffic jam in the center and rear. Byng's flagship is 3rd from the rear. No other English ship endeavors to close.
The five lead English ships close to pistol range, getting very cut up in the process. The center and rear continue to hover at long range. Byng is encouraged by his officers to close, and declines, citing the fact that 12 years earlier Matthews was cashiered for closing in almost exactly the same situation. Eventually the French bear off and leave the battered English behind. The English hold a council of war and decide there is nothing further to be done, and haul off for Gibraltar and infamy, as Byng is court-martialed and shot for failure to do his utmost.
Beauty shot of French ships.
The French Line.
