Admiral Russell

"The French flagship 'Soleil Royal' as well as the 'Triumphant'

and the 'Admirable' were burned  by the English."

MM

"The Battle of Barfleur was the prelude to a French disaster."

MM

"The French were outnumbered 2 to 1."

MM

Admiral Russell and the Dutch Admiral watched in astonishment as the French fleet of 44 warships made course straight for the allies, with 80 men o'war. An 8-hour inferno of smoke and fire ensued. The French were beaten and turned for home.  When bad weather hit, heavily damaged ships were forced to beach in the shallows off Cherbourg. Only to be annihilated by English fireships. Some of the largest and most magnificent symbols of majesty that have ever been built were destroyed and with them the French bid to command the ocean.