Battle of Restigouche
Appearance
Battle of Restigouche | |||||||
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Part of the Seven Years' War French and Indian War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Britain | France | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
John Byron | Francois Chenard de La Giraudais | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
3 ships of the line 2 frigates |
1 frigate 7 merchant vessels 400 sailors and marines |
The Battle of Restigouche was a naval battle fought during the French and Indian War between elements of the Royal Navy and the small flotilla sent to relieve New France after the fall of Quebec. Cornered by the British in Chaleur Bay, the French under La Giraudais sailed further inland to the mouth of the Restigouche River, hoping that the deeper draft British ships would not follow. When this proved to be incorrect, La Giraudais turned his flagship Le Machault broadside, sank some of his schooners to prevent passage and fought it out. After 6 days, La Giraudais scuttled two of his ships and slipped away into the woods. After hearing of the fall of Montreal some weeks later, the small force surrendered.