William Cornwallis

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(b. Feb. 20, 1744, Eye, Suffolk – d. July 5, 1819, Newlands Manor, Everton, Milford on Sea )

Gender: M

Vice-Admiral Sir William Cornwallis (1744-1819) was a British naval officer. He is best known for a naval engagement with ships of the French Revolutionary Government that took place off the west coast of Brittany on 16-17 June 1795. His squadron of five ships was heavily outnumbered and attempted to escape, but on being overtaken by the French, turned to engage them and put up a fierce resistance. The French admiral withdrew and Cornwallis was able to return to Plymouth with his squadron battered but intact. The battle became known as “Cornwallis’s Retreat”.

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Mentioned in 2 letters

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