Thomas Whitcombe (London c. 1752-1824)

HMS Crescent, under the command of Captain James Saumarez, capturing the French frigate Réunion off Cherbourg, 20th October, 1793

Details

Thomas Whitcombe (London c. 1752-1824)
HMS Crescent, under the command of Captain James Saumarez, capturing the French frigate Réunion off Cherbourg, 20th October, 1793
signed with initials and dated 'T W 1796' (lower right)
oil on panel
10 1/8 x 14 5/8 in. (25.7 x 37.2 cm.)

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Lot Essay

One of the first actions of the French Revolutionary Wars took place on 20th October 1793. HMS Crescent, a 36-gun frigate, 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 two hours resulted in the capture of Réunion without the loss of a single man, whereas the French vessel lost 33 mean and had 48 wounded. Captain Saumarez was knighted for his service.

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