The naval aspects of the Seven Years War, obscured by that war's far better known land
campaigns and a propensity among buffs of the sailing era to focus all attention upon the Napoleonic period, have been quite neglected by most naval wargamers. This period, however, offers some refreshing alternatives for game scenarios set in the era of the sailing warship. Tactical and material differences of this period versus the Napoleonic period combine to provide a different flavor. An examination of the wargaming potential of this period will certainly broaden the horizons of many gainers.
The Seven Years War found a very different relationship existing between the navies of France and England than that which attended their encounters at the end of the century. When France and England met in battle upon the seas, they met on far more equal terms. In numbers, the navies were closely matched, with the French enjoying the advantage of better designed ships. The French navy was at a high state of efficiency, Louis XIV having ensured that France would possess the finest fleet that its minds and money could create, in order to compete with England and Holland for world domination.
The Royal Navy of this period was only just commencing the great reforms in organization and gunnery drill which were to make them masters of the seas 50 years later. England's only true mark of distinction was the long sea going tradition of its island people.
Differences in Appearance
Warships of this period closely resembled their later counterparts, but they did possess certain differences in appearance. Most ships carried a lateen rig at the mizzenmast rather than a spanker; this vestige of the Elizabethan period did not disappear until later in the century. Hulls were usually varnished, with only the gunwales and the area of the hull between the lower deck gunports and the waterline painted black.
Many ships, however, substituted yellow paint in varying hues for varnish. A popular decorative feature, particularly among French ships, was the painting of black accent stripes along the hull between the rows of gunports. The stern cabins and bows of ships of the line commonly carried a great deal of ornamentation, ranging from paintwork to gilt;
First rates serving as flagships often carried quarterdeck batteries founded in brass, more attractive, expensive, and prestigious than the iron guns of the average ship of the line. The appearance of these ships would have presented a great contrast to the far more austere decor carried by warships of later eras.
More substantial differences existed in the classes of ships and guns found in the line of battle during the Seven Years War. Carronades had not been developed, and the gun rating of a ship was the accurate total of long guns carried. The 64 gun class, although being supplanted by the 74, was still common in all fleets.
Many obsolescent classes were still to be found as well, basically 3rd and 4th rates of 40, 50, 60, and 70 guns. As a rule, the older and poorer the class, the more likely it was to be found on foreign station. It was during this period that British warship design was really found wanting. All British ships tas opposed to frigates) rated from 40 to 60 guns were 2 decked and possessed unusually low freeboard.
As a result, they were unable to fight their lower deck guns in any sort of a seaway. Also, British 80 gun ships, built with 3 gundecks, proved to be poor sailers. The British ceased construction of this class of ships in 1759; not until 1793 was another 80 launched, this being a copy of the far more successful French 2 decked type.
Heavier Broadsides
It was not only in ship design that the French enjoyed superiority. By virtue of their generally larger ship tonnages, their classes invariably carried heavier broadsides. Where British 90's carried 32's, 18's, 12's, and 6's, a French 84 mounted 42's, 24's, and 8's; a French 84's broadside weight was nearly twice that of the British 90: 1159 Ibs to 686 Ibs. This relationship held true in smaller classes as well. British 74's carried 32's, 18's, and 6's, while their French opponent carried 42's, 24's, and 8's. British 64's mounted 24's on the lower deck while French 64's mounted 36's.
Offsetting this disparity in broadside weights somewhat is the fact that the 42 lbr long gun was a ponderous piece of ordnance with a rather poor rate of fire. Proof of this lies in the fact that the French later discarded the 42 lbr in favor of the handier 36 lbr as a lower deck gun. However, it was not until Britain developed and then wholeheartedly embraced the carronade that a parity in absolute weights was achieved.
With the opposing fleets equipped such as they were, it is easier to appreciate the tactics each favored. The French with the handier ships and generally heavier, longer ranged armament naturally preferred to engage at more distant ranges, thus keeping the ability to maneuver. This would maximize their advantages in material.
British Tactics
The British, whose ships were comparatively poorer sailors, and whose guns were of lighter caliber, profitied most by closing. When your opponent is grappled close aboard, sailing qualities mean nothing. Furthermore, at point blank range the French advantage of heavier metal was also negated since a 72 lbr ball would pierce your opponent's bulwarks as easily as the 42 lbr would at such short distances. Then it was the slower rate of fire of the 42 lbr that worked to the French's disadvantage.
Both sides worked diligently at imposing their tactical intentions upon the enemy, but the fleets were so well matched that victory was usually claimed by the side with the heavier broadside, or the fortune of the wind.
Rather than present a tedious chronicle of the naval events between the years 1756 and 1762, I prefer instead to present only selected actions suitable for adaptation to the wargame table. The battles chosen vary in size from single ship engagements which could be played to conclusion in a weeknight up to fleet actions best suited for play at the campaign level.
Each action was chosen for its adaptability to wargaming, the interest or challenge it presents, and, to a lesser degree, its play balance. I have purposely avoided the presentation of strictly constructed scenarios. I believe that there are many tastes in rules and gaming intensity among wargamers. Therefore, I have tried to present the historical facts alone, relying upon the reader to digest them and manipulate them into games pleasing to him.
| SCENARIO 1: RELIEF OF MINORCA, MAY 1756 | |
|---|---|
| BRITISH | FRENCH |
| 90 Ramillies (flag) | 84 Foudroyant (flag) |
| 74 Culloden | 74 Couronne |
| 68 Buckingham | 74 Redoubtable |
| 64 Trident | 74 Guerriere |
| 64 Revenge | 74 Temeraire |
| 64 Intrepid | 64Triton |
| 64 Captain | 64 Lion |
| 64 Lancaster | 64 Content |
| 60 Kingston | 64 Sage |
| 60 Princess Louisa | 64 Orphee |
| 60 Defiance | 50 Fier |
| 50 Deptford | 50 Hippopotame |
| 50 Portland | 44 Junon |
| 40 Chesterfield | 30 Rose |
| 20 Phoenix | 30 Gracieuse |
| Sloops: Dolphin, Experiment, Fortune | 26 Topaze 26 Nymphe |
A French expedition under the command of Admiral M de Galissioniere has seized the entire island of Minorca except for Fort St Phillip, which commands the entrance to Port Mahon. The French have laid siege to the fort, and supplies are running low for the defenders.
A British relief expedition has been dispatched under Admiral John Byng to raise the siege and drive the French from the island. Byng's force shows the hasty nature of its organization. Most of his ships are old and are deficient in crew strength. The ships' marine detachments had to be disembarked at Gibraltar in order to make room for the troops of the relief column. Byng arrives at the island of Majorca on May 16, at which point the scenario should begin.
Comments: This scenario has excellent potential for a mini-campaign. If the British troops can be landed, the campaign can be expanded to the combined arms level. When designing your game scenario, remember that the French do not enjoy the safety of a harbor anchorage for either their warships or their supporting convoy; they will be at the mercy of the weather.
| SCENARIO 2: CAPE FRANCOIS, OCTOBER 1757 | |
|---|---|
| BRITISH | FRENCH |
| 60 Augusta (flag) | 74 Intrepide (flag) |
| 64 Edinburgh | 74 Sceptre |
| 60 Dreadnought | 64 Opiniatre 50 Greenwich (prize) 44 Outarde 32 Sauvage 32 Licorne |
British intelligence has divined that the French are assembling a large convoy in the anchorage of Cape Francois under weak escort. 3 ships are dispatched under Captain Arthur Harris to take the convoy. Unknown to the British, the French escort has been substantially reinforced. At dawn October 21st the British observe 7 French warships, under the command of Admiral Kersaint, beating out of the anchorage.
Comments: Being well outnumbered, the British find themselves in a touchy situation. They must avoid suffering such heavy damage in an engagement that they will be unable to pursue and harass the convoy. The French ideally should cripple the British aloft and drive them well to leeward, so that they will be unable to interfere with the departure of the convoy. The Greenwich, a recently captured prize, would probably be crewed with drafts from the merchant ships and most likely would be a poor performer in battle.
| SCENARIO 3: SOUTHAMPTON VS. PRIVATEERS, JULY 1757 | |
|---|---|
| BRITISH | FRENCH |
| 32 Southampton | 2 sloops of war 2 brigs 1 cutter |
The frigate Southampton, on her way to Plymouth, with the dockyard payroll, is accosted in
the night by 5 French privateers. As 2 of the French vessels are superior in sailing qualities, Southampton must fight.
Comments: The sloops referred to would be 3 massed ship rigged vessels, carrying 14 to 20 guns of 6 lbr to 9 lbr caliber. The brigs would be slightly smaller 2 massed vessels carrying fewer guns. The cutter would certainly carry only a couple of guns of the lightest caliber.
The French force must capture their quarry and escape well before dawn. To be caught against the English shore in the morning when the wind would shift to on-shores would invite certain capture. The evening nature of this engagement means that the wind will be off-shore and that the visibility will be low.
| SCENARIO 4: ENGAGEMENT OFF CEYLON, SEPTEMBER 1759 | |
|---|---|
| British | French |
| 66 Yarmouth (flag) | 74 Zodiaque (flag) |
| 68 Grafton | 74 Minotaur |
| 64 Elizabeth | 74 Comte de Provence |
| 60 Tiger | 70 Centaur |
| 60 Sunderland | 64 Illustre |
| 60 Weymouth | 64 Actif |
| 58 Cumberland | 64 Vengeur |
| 50 Newcastle | 64 Fortume |
| 50 Salisbury | 60 Duc D'Orleans |
| 24 Queensborough | 60 St Louis 60 Duc de Bourgoyne 36 Sylphide 24 Diligente |
Vice Admiral John Pocock and the British East Indies Squadron has finally succeeded in bringing to battle their French counterpart, under the command of the Comte d'Ache. The French are under orders to avoid an engagement and proceed to the relief of Pondicherry. When the British commence the attack, the wind is from the NW, French bearing SE of the British. Pondicherry lies to the North.
Comment: It is important that the French commander operate strictly within the confines of his operational instructions to avoid a heavy engagement. His efforts must be directed towards warding off the British attack while working his way northward.
| SCENARIO 5: THE END OF FRANCE'S IRISH ADVENTURE FEBRUARY 1760 | |
|---|---|
| British | French |
| 32 Aeolus (flag) | 44 Marshal-Belleisle (flag) |
| 36 Pallas | 32 Blonde |
| 36 Brilliant | 26 Terpsichore |
Commodore M Thurot, commander of an audacious French raid upon Ireland in support of Irish rebels opposed to English rule, was withdrawing his remaining ships and troops back to France. Captain Eliot, informed of the sailing of Thurot's force, put out of Kinsale with 3 frigates in pursuit. Eliot finally caught up to the French after a long stern chase. The French realizing that the British ships could outsail them turned to fight, rather than allow themselves to be taken in detail.
Comments: The French force included a large number of sailors and troops, 1245 in all. The Marshal-Belleisle was a 44 gun shhip rather than a frigate and was a slow sailer compared to its companions.
| SCENARIO 5: THE END OF FRANCE'S IRISH ADVENTURE FEBRUARY 1760 | |
|---|---|
| British | French |
| 100 Royal George (flag) | 80 Soleil Royal |
| 90 Union (flag) | 80 Tonnant |
| 90 Duke | 80 Formidable |
| 90 Namur | 800rient |
| 74 Mars | 74 Intrepide |
| 74 Warspight | 74 Glorieux |
| 74 Hercules | 74 Thesee |
| 74 Torbay | 74 Heros |
| 74 Magnanime | 74 Magnifique |
| 74 Resolution | 70 Juste |
| 74 Hero | 70 Superbe |
| 70 Swiftsure | 70 Dauphin Royal |
| 70 Dorsetshire | 64 Dragon |
| 70 Burford | 64 Northumberland |
| 70 Chichester | 64 Sphynx |
| 70 Temple | 64 Solitaire |
| 64 Revenge | 64 Brilliant |
| 64 Essex | 64 Eveille |
| 60 Kingston | 64 Bizarre |
| 60 Intrepid 60 Montagu 60 Dunkirk 60 Defiance 50 Rochester 50 Portland 50 Falkland 50 Chatham | 64 Inflexible |
| Frigates Minerva, Venus, Vengeance, Coventry, Maidstone, Sapphire | Frigates: Hebe, Vestale Aigrette, Calypso, Prince Noir |
Scenario 6:
The British fleet which was blockading the port of Brest had been driven from the French coast by very bad gales. While Admiral Sir Edward Hawke ministered to his wounded ships at Torbay on the southern English coast, the French Admiral M de Conflans was planning to sally out with the Brest fleet in the prospect of taking a weak British squadron of four 50 gun ships and 6 frigates which had been observed in the vicinity of Quiberon Bay.
On 14 November the very same day the British quit Torbay to resume station off Brest, the French fleet departed in search of Commodore Robert Duff's squadron in Quiberon Bay.
Reaching Brest and finding the tenant gone, Admiral Hawke correctly divined the French plan and immediately pursued. Very fortuitously, Hawke found the French before they located Duff. Good fortune reached the point of embarassment when Duff's squadron subsequently appeared on the scene in time to take full part in the action. It being late in the year, the entire squadron was fraught with poor weather. During the battle several ships were lost, and others nearly so, when they attempted to fight their lower deck guns in heavy seas.
Comments: This is another scenario with minicampaign potential, provided that the scope of operations is kept in hand. Begin the campaign with the discovery by the British that the French have left Brest. Allow the British good intelligence of French intentions, but keep the French uncertain of British plans. Center the mini-campaign around the British pursuit of the French fleet down the coast, pointing out the necessity for the British player to come to the aid of his detached squadron as soon as possible.
Unless the scope of possible French objectives is kept narrow, the British player must consider the entire ocean when judging the French designs. This would create a scale far too large to properly administer in a wargame campaign, it would recapture the inclusion of an ever widening group of ancillary forces to either side. Many have said it before, but the repitition only makes it truer: keep the campaign within realistic bounds.
This article will have been a worthwhile effort if it has opened up new vistas for a few readers. There are literally volumes of history awaiting individuals no longer satisfied with the commonplace and the 'popular'. This is your hobby; spare no effort to enjoy it.
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