#brest harbor

21 July 1801

The cutting-out of the French corvette La Chevrette took place on this day in maritime history, 21 July 1801. This once famous incident occurred during the Napoleonic Wars, at a point when Britain feared a French invasion. Four British frigates were watching the enemy fleet at the entrance to Brest Harbour, Brittany. On the night of 21 July, their boats, manned by volunteers and with oars muffled, set out to board La Chevrette but the French were armed and waiting. After a fierce battle the smaller British force captured the ship, her captain was killed in one-to-one combat, and La Chevrette taken in triumph to Plymouth. The fact that the British were able to take La Chevrette is perhaps evidence of the futility of their feat. After all, how could a French fleet unable to guard its own ships in its own harbor mount a successful invasion?

The painting above is ‘The Cutting-Out of the French Corvette La Chevrette’ by Philip James de Loutherbourg. (1802).