Hold Fast

Scenario I: French Honor and Glory

by Timothy S. Gerritsen

SHIP-TO-SHIP AND SQUADRON-TO-SQUADRON ENGAGEMENTS

OVERVIEW

The following scenarios are just a handful of the many battles, famous and infamous, that exist in the historical record. The scenarios are listed historically by when the battles took place. It is important to note that the ship diagrams listed are not permanent listings of the outfit of the ships that were involved, just a listing of how they were outfitted for that particular battle. After the scenarios there is a chart of `standard' types of ships that represent common outfits of that particular type as well as a blank ship diagram. Players are encouraged to use this diagram as the basis for new scenarios, either based on historical fact, or to create truly hypothetical scenarios.

Scenario I: French Honor and Glory

October 6th, 1779
England vs. France

HMS Quebec (32 Gun 5th Rate carrying 28 guns) vs. Surveillante (32 Gun 5th Rate)

OVERVIEW

France had been in a nearly perpetual state of war at sea with England for most the latter half of the 20th century. While the American Revolution was occurring on the far side of the Atlantic, French ships kept up the pressure near to home by raiding British commerce near to home. This scenario represents a classic single ship action between two closely matched French and British frigates off the coast near Brest. Both were frigates of the old style, rated at 32 guns, though Surveillante was one of the few ships at that time fitted with a copper bottom to prevent marine growth. Quebec, under Captain Farmer, was hell bent on proving her honor, while Du Couedic on the Surveillante was equally set for battle.

Setup: Open Ocean
Wind Direction: SWa

Place the Quebec 6" to the Northwest of the Surveillante, heading SE at a speed of 3. Place the Surveillante 6" to the Southeast of the Quebec, heading NW at a speed of 3.

AIM:

English: No restrictions.
French: No restrictions.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME:

The two vessels proceeded to batter one another apart, neither willing to strike their colors despite crippling damage. Both ships became disabled wrecks until finally Quebec caught fire and blew up, killing nearly all aboard, including Captain Farmer, whom Nelson had served under. It was a French victory, but at a terrible price, as Du Couedic died a few days later from wounds sustained during the battle.

Hold Fast Rules for the Age of Sail

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© Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum
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