Fearless in the Birdcage

HM Brig of War Fearless has been put about to run before a French Frigate that appeared from the Itel estuary.  She has reached her next patrol area, the Isle de Grois, a lair of French Privateers.  The ports at Quimperlay and L'Orient as well as Port Louis are also the source of Privateersmen.  The anchorage in the lee of the island is empty but reaching south towards the northern entrance to Quiberon a sail is sighted.  Captain "Flash" Harry Farthingdale is unaware that this is the other French frigate out from Quiberon, now hunting him.  Fearless turns due south to engage

Having just passed the shoals known as the cats Fearless is pointed directly at the birdcage shoal.  The three sisters rocks are off his port bow.  Its narrow but Captain Farthingdale knows these waters well, but there is a frigate in front and a frigate off table behind him.

Fearless vs Salacia at Les Birvidaux

On table this looks like a miss-match, Fearless is outgunned, but in these confined waters she has to face the frigate.  Salacia was the wife of the sea god Neptune.  Let's hope that not an omen.

The modern chart highlights that these waters are difficult.  The lighthouse was built in 1880, and this was the sight of a major shipwreck in 1917.

The Game

A rare face to face game.  Monsieur Quilpe took command of the Frenchman. 

One of those gangs where I just plain forgot to take photos.  Fearless was critically hit early on, caught on fire and lost a shed load of points before it was stablised.  I should have run for the table edge and attempted to escape but it was a rare face to face game where I kept plugging away, only to end up striking.

The end dice.  Yet another critical.  "Flash Harry" may yet escape and retake his ship!

Fearless on 6 points with marine sharpshooter deployed.  

Short game where the dice hammered Fearless.  The Navy will have its revenge.