NAVIGATION

The eight hour battle of Bévéziers or Beachy Head near Eastbourne was a naval engagement fought on the 10th July 1690 and was the greatest French tactical naval victory over their English and Dutch opponents during the Nine Years War. The Dutch lost six ships of the line and three fire ships. Their English allies lost one ship, but the French did not lose a single vessel. Control of the English Channel temporarily fell into French hands, but Vice Admiral Tourville failed to pursue the Allied Fleet with sufficient vigour, allowing it to escape to the mouth of the River Thames. Subsequently criticised for not following up the victory, he was relieved of his command. The English Admiral Torrington did not fair much better. He had strongly advised against engaging the superior French fleet, but had been overruled by Queen Mary and her ministers who issued a direct order to do battle. He was court martialed for his general reluctance, defeatism and performance during the battle and although later acquitted, he was dismissed from the service by King William.