First Battle of Cape Finisterre (1747)

BelligerentsGreat Britain FranceCommanders and leadersGeorge Anson Pierre de la JonquièreStrength 14 ships of the line
1 frigate
1 sloop
1 fireship 4 ships of the line
8 frigates
4 corvettes
30 merchantmenCasualties and losses 520 killed or wounded 800 killed or wounded
3,000 captured
4 ships of the line captured
4 frigates captured
4 corvettes captured
6 merchantmen captured

The First Battle of Cape Finisterre (14 May 1747) was waged during the War of the Austrian Succession. It refers to the attack by 14 British ships of the line under Admiral George Anson against a French 30-ship convoy commanded by Admiral de la Jonquière. The French were attempting to protect their merchant ships by using warships with them. The British captured 4 ships of the line, 2 frigates, and 7 merchantmen, in a five-hour battle in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre in northwest Spain. One French frigate, one French East India Company warship, and the other merchantmen escaped.