Battle of Navarino 1827 • Modern Era
Discovering the battle
20 October 1827 French victory

Battle of Navarino

Greek War of Independence · Bay of Navarino, western Peloponnese (Greece)

Summary

On 20 October 1827 in Navarino Bay in Greece, the Anglo-Franco-Russian combined fleet destroyed the Ottoman fleet. France under Charles X intervened alongside Russians and British to support the Greek War of Independence. Admiral de Rigny commanded the French squadron; naval victory hastened recognition of Greek independence.

Historical context

Under the Treaty of London of 6 July 1827, France, the United Kingdom, and Russia agreed to intervene in the Greek War of Independence to end the bloodshed. A tripartite fleet commanded by Edward Codrington, Henri de Rigny, and Login Van Geiden was sent to the eastern Mediterranean.

Tactics

Allied ships entered Navarino Bay where the Ottoman fleet was anchored. A firing incident triggered general combat. French, British, and Russian ships of the line destroyed or captured 60 of 89 Ottoman ships in hours. European artillery and training superiority was overwhelming.

Consequences

Greece obtained recognized independence in 1830. Navarino was the last great sailing naval battle and one of few French naval victories of the nineteenth century. For France, intervention illustrated Charles X's Mediterranean policy and navy's role in European diplomacy.

Location

Place : Bay of Navarino, western Peloponnese (Greece)
Coordinates : 36.93583333°N, 21.68777778°E

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