Ferrol Expedition (1800)

Date	25–26 August 1800
Location	Ferrol, Spain
Result	Spanish victory

Belligerents

Great Britain

Spain

Commanders and leaders

Strength

15,000 soldiers
5 ships of the line
and an estimated 80-115 ships.

2,000 to 4,000 soldiers
6 ships of the line

Casualties and losses

English sources: 16 dead, 68 wounded. Spanish sources: 1000 dead, 800 wounded

37 dead, 102 wounded

The Ferrol Expedition (or Battle of Brión) took place on 25 and 26 August 1800, and was an unsuccessful British attempt to capture Ferrol from Spain. Ferrol was a major Spanish naval base with a shipyard for shipbuilding and dry dock for repairs.

The primary object of the British expedition and fleet of 109 ships during the year 1800 was the conquest of Belle Île but the defences appeared too strong. The expedition therefore proceeded to the coast of Spain, where it arrived on 25 August.

After a heavy cannonade against a small Spanish fort of eight 24-pounder cannon by the British ships of the line HMS Impetueux with 74 guns, HMS London with 96 guns, HMS Courageux, HMS Renown and HMS Captain, each with 74 guns, under the superintendence of Sir Edward Pellew, the British effected a landing at a small opening near Cape Prior. The army commander was Lieutenant-general Sir James Pulteney. The force landed consisted of seven British regiments, one of two battalions, and the rifle-corps totaling 8,000 troops and 16 field pieces.

The Spanish defenders of Ferrol were: Don Francisco Melgarejo (a Naval Engineer), commander of the naval department; Juan Moreno, commander of the squadron stationed in the harbour; Don Francisco Xavier Negrété, captain-general of the province; and Field Marshal Count Donadio, who commanded the fortifications that protected the coast. The Spanish ship of the line were: Real Carlos and San Hermenegildo, each 112 guns; San Fernando, 96 guns; Argonauta, 80 guns; San Antonio and San Agustín, each 74 guns.

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Wikipedia