Monarque
1747
(Aquarius AQ-2130)
- Class: 3rd rate (3m) 74 gun
- Displacement: 1,630 tons
- Dimensions: 168 x 47 x 20 ft.
- Armament: 30 x 36pdr, 30 x 18pdr, 20 x 8pdr
- Complement: 890
- Service: Commanded by Capt de la Bedoyere at the Second Battle of Cape Finisterre, 25 Oct 1747, during the War of the Austrian Succession. Part of an eight-ship escort for a convoy of 250 merchantmen bound for the Antilles under the command of Desherbiers, marquis de l'Etanduere. A British fleet of fourteen ships under command of Adm Sir Edward Hawke pursued and the eight French ships accepted action so that the convoy could escape. Six were captured, including Monarque. Suffren was on board as a lieutenant and stated it was one of the finest actions he ever saw.
Taken into British service as HMS Monarch. On her decks, Adm John Byng was executed by firing squad in 1757, following his court martial for failing to relieve the British garrison at Minorca during the Seven Year's War.
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