Battle of Grenada
American War of Independence (Caribbean theater) · off the island of Grenada, Caribbean Sea
Summary
The naval Battle of Grenada is a French victory that allows d'Estaing to maintain control of the Caribbean and support French and American operations against the British.
Historical context
On 2 July 1779, Count d'Estaing landed 1,200 soldiers in Grenada and took the island in two days, the British garrison surrendering with 700 prisoners. On 6 July, Admiral Byron arrived with a reinforcement convoy unaware the island was already French and engaged in the naval battle offshore.
Tactics
The two squadrons fought in two parallel passes with fierce cannonades; d'Estaing deployed his fleet in tight formation and used the wind. French ships in the lead line, notably Languedoc, suffered heavy damage but repelled Byron's disorganized attack.
Consequences
The naval battle of 6 July was a tactical French victory: Byron, with four ships disabled, had to withdraw, but d'Estaing did not exploit his advantage and let the British squadron escape. Capture of the island temporarily consolidated French presence in the Antilles.