Aug 01 2008
On This Day 210 years Ago…
Battle of the Nile - 1798
Location: Aboukhir Bay, Egypt
On this date in 1798, a British fleet of 14 ships of the line and one sloop under Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged a French fleet of 14 ships of the line, 4 frigates, and some smaller vessels under Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys D’Aigalliers anchored in defensive positions in Aboukhir Bay.
Despite the French preparations, the British fleet was able to cut the French line at one end, and thus engage from both sides. The result was a stunning victory for the British, destroying 3 French ships of the line and 2 frigates, and capturing 9 ships of the line. This defeat was a blow from which Napoleon’s navy would never truly recover.
The Battle of the Nile, August 1st, 1798 by Luny Thomas
