The Disruption of H.M.S. Flora’s Convoy, 1776

Abstract

The 1776 attempt to convey the 42^nd and 71^st Regiments from Scotland to America illustrates the problems inherent in transporting troops across the Atlantic during the American Revolution. Comprising 33 transports escorted by HMS Flora, the convoy scattered in a storm off the Scilly Isles on 5 May.   While 9 transports reformed with Flora 24 continued towards Boston independently, with 6 of them captured. The loss of these vessels and the 571 men and equipment aboard was a result of poor communication, bad weather, poor judgement, and shortcomings in the British blockade of Boston.

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Filed under: Atlantic | American Revolution
Subjects include: Administration | Logistics | Navies | Strategy & Diplomacy