Battle of La Hougue

From 29 May to 4 June 1692 off La Hougue in Normandy, the Anglo-Dutch fleet of Russell and Philips destroyed twelve French ships stranded after the Battle of Barfleur. Tourville, who had fought valiantly against a superior fleet, could not prevent systematic burning of French ships at low tide. Defeat ended the invasion attempt on England and durably weakened Louis XIV's navy.

In the Nine Years' War, Louis XIV planned an invasion of England to restore James II, deposed in 1688. Tourville achieved partial tactical success at Barfleur (29 May 1692) but could not prevent junction of English and Dutch squadrons. Twelve French ships of the line ran aground near La Hougue and Tatihou, vulnerable to allied boat attacks.

At low tide, stranded French ships could not maneuver. English and Dutch sent boats armed with grenades and fireships to burn immobilized vessels. French crews resisted but could not repel repeated assaults. Tourville, with the rest of the fleet, was forced to withdraw without rescuing ships in distress.

France lost twelve ships of the line and abandoned all invasion plans for England. Anglo-Dutch naval superiority was reaffirmed; Louis XIV had to refocus strategy on land fronts. La Hougue marked a turning point in the maritime war and contributed to negotiations for the Treaty of Ryswick (1697), ending the Nine Years' War.