Battle of Saint Kitts

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Battle of Saint Kitts (Battle of Frigate Bay)

The Battle of Saint Kitts was a naval fight that took place on January 25–26, 1782, off Basseterre in the Caribbean. It happened during the American Revolutionary War and the ongoing Anglo-French War.

What happened
- British fleet under Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood faced a larger French fleet commanded by Comte de Grasse.
- The French attacked the British-held islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis with many ships and soldiers, starting the siege of Brimstone Hill on January 11.
- On January 22 Hood sailed from Antigua with about 22 ships of the line to help, while the French had more ships and a stronger force.
- On January 24 the British captured a French cutter carrying supplies for the siege.
- At dawn on January 25, Hood lured the French away from the land, anchored his fleet near Basseterre, and prepared for action.
- The French attacked the British on January 26 three times but were repulsed.

Casualties and losses
- British: about 72 killed and 244 wounded.
- French: about 107 killed and 204 wounded; one French cutter was captured.

Outcome
- The naval battle ended in a British victory, and Hood’s fleet tied down the French at sea while the land action continued.
- Despite the naval success, the French siege of Brimstone Hill eventually succeeded, and Saint Kitts and Nevis surrendered on February 12.
- Hood left the area on February 14 and joined forces with Admiral George Rodney.