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MAGNIFICENT
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(74) |
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Built in 1766, Deptford.
Wrecked in 1804. |
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- 1779 Capt. John ELPHINSTONE, with Rear Ad. ROWLEY's fleet off Grenada on 6 July.
The French had occupied the island on 4 July and d'Estaing was lying at anchor off Georgetown when BYRON approached.
BYRON gave the signal for a general chase but then discovered the enemy force was superior; nevertheless he then signalled a close engagement.
The French ships were larger and they were all coppered and the rear of the British line suffered severely from the fire of all the French ships.
d'Estaing escaped to windward and returned to Georgetown while BYRON headed for St. Kitts and anchored in Basse-Terre Roads to refit.
MAGNIFICENT lost 8 killed and 11 wounded. - 1780 With Ad. Sir George RODNEY in action with de Guichen off Martinique on 17 April.
The French had been blockaded in Fort Royal Bay but managed to put to sea on the night of the 15th., they were sighted 8 leagues to leeward of the Pearl Rock and the signal made for a general chase.
The French avoided his first attacking move by wearing together to reverse their line so RODNEY made a signal to bear up in line abreast and close the enemy, but, misunderstanding the signal, the British van continued on and endeavoured to bring the French van to action.
After nearly five hours the French bore up and escaped before the wind, the disunited and crippled British fleet was unable to follow.
Two captains were court martialled and dismissed, although immediately reinstated.
MAGNIFICENT had 1 man killed and 10 wounded. - 1782 Capt. Robert LYNZEE, with Sir George RODNEY which put to sea from St. Lucia within hours of de Grasse sailing from Martinique with a fleet and a convoy for Cap Francois, the news having been passed by means of a chain of frigates.
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