English School, early 19th Century

One of the first actions of the French Revolutionary Wars took place on 20th October 1793. H.M.S. Crescent, commanded by Captain Saumarez, sailed from Spithead on 19th October to investigate a report that the French frigate Réunion was off Cherbourg. Sighting the enemy the following morning, a furious action lasting 2¼ hours resulted in the capture of Réunion without the loss of a single man whereas, the French vessel lost 33 killed and 48 wounded. For his service Captain Saumarez was knighted.