Historic Naval Battles

Engravings and illustrations depicting historical naval battles, featuring ships in combat and significant maritime events from various centuries.

Battle of Havana between the German gunboat Meteor and the French Aviso Bouvet, Illustrierte Kriegschronik 1870 - 1871, Illustrated War Chronicle 1870 - 1871, German-French Campaign

The USS Wasp boarding the HMS Frolic

Destruction of the privateer Petrel by the St Lawrence 1861. Artist Paul Manzoni

Line engraving of the Four Days' Battle. The Royal Prince, ashore on the Galloper, hauling down her flag. Engraved by W. Niewhoff. Dated 1666

Historical drawing, US-American history, 18th century, the British fleet attacking Fort Moultrie on 28th June 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, Sullivan's Island, Charleston County, South Carolina, USA, North America

Action between Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis 1779 From a 19th century print.

HMS Devonshire exploding during The Battle of the Lizard - 21 October 1707

Lithograph of the action in Fatshan Creek. The boats going in to the attack and the Raleigh's Gig sinking. Lithograph by E. Walker. Dated 1857

ATTACK AND DESTRUCTION OF RUSSIAN WORKS, AT THE ENTRANCE OF BALDER RIVER, RIGA, BY THE COURTLAND SQUADRON

Sudamérica. Guerra entre Chile, Perú y Bolivia. Buques de la escuadra chilena. Grabado de 1879.

Battle of Havana between the German gunboat Meteor and the French Aviso Bouvet, Illustrierte Kriegschronik 1870 - 1871, Illustrated War Chronicle 1870 - 1871, German-French Campaign

Dominic Serres RA, 1722-1793, French, active in Britain (from the 1750s), Warships Passing in the Channel, undated. Watercolor with pen and black ink on moderately textured, medium, cream laid paper.

Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon facing the fire of an English frigate, 1804. Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Drawing by Karl Girardet and Morel Fatio. Engraving by Jean Outhwaite. ""Histoire du Consulat et de l'Empire"" (History of the Consulate and the Empire of France under Napoleon), by A. Thiers. Volume V. Published in Paris, 1845.

'Engagement off Dominica', c1782. Artist: Nicholas Pocock.

The coffin with Napoleon's body is transferred from the frigate 'Belle Poule' to the steamship 'Normandie' in the port of Cherbourg, Napoleon's body is transferred to a steamship near Cherbourg Transbordement du corps de Napol, Victor Adam, (mentioned on object), print maker: Jean Baptiste Arnout, (mentioned on object), printer: Benard & Cie. Lemercier, Paris, 1840 - 1841, paper, h 222 mm - w 308 mm

US Civil War. Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862. Detailed wood engraving from a documentary drawing by Alfred R. Waud, shows the Union squadron bombarding the Confederate forts as the fleet moves up the river to New Orleans. Published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper (BSLOC_2018_8_82)

Egypt, Alexandria. On June 11, 1882, a xenophobic movement breaks out in the city and extends to other cities, causing the murder of 200 foreigners. The conflict arose from the entry of English and French ships into the port of Alexandria. General view of the harbour and anchorage of the foreign squadrons. Drawing by A. Caula. Engraving by Rico. La Ilustración Española y Americana, 1882. Author: Bernardo Rico (1825-1894). Spanish engraver.

Arrival of the King of the French, at Portsmouth, on Tuesday last, October 1844. Louis Philippe is welcomed as he visits Britain. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.

Dutch Man of War, 17th Century

The Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5th 1864. This print shows the old type broadside ship, the improvised paddle gunboat, the ironclad ram Tennessee, which the Confederates built in face of so many difficulties and the primitive monitors which defeated her.

HER MAJESTY'S IRONCLAD STEAMFRIGATE WARRIOR, 40 GUNS

Dominic Serres RA, 1722-1793, French, active in Britain (from the 1750s), Firing a Salute, 1770. Gray ink with gray wash touched with brown ink over graphite on medium, moderately textured, cream laid paper.

'The Fall of Oswego', c1815. Artist: Robert Havell.

Admiral stallion with his squadron strength of the entrance floor, vintage engraved illustration. History of France 1885.

The Battle of Scheveningen was the final naval battle of the First Anglo-Dutch War. In June 1653, the English fleet had begun a blockade of the Dutch coast. On August 10, English and Dutch ships engaged, resulting in heavy damage to both sides. The blockade was lifted, but Dutch Admiral Maarten Tromp's death was a severe blow, leading eventually to Dutch concessions in the Treaty of Westminster.

Helgoländer bergen Waren aus dem Meer, Strandpiraten, Deutschland, Historisch, digitale Reproduktion einer Originalvorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert

American Revolutionary War: Battle of Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, England, 22 Sept. 1779, between the American John Paul Jones and British vessel Serapis under Capt. Richard Pearson. Jones captured Serapis. Print 1780.

War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Western South america with Bolivia and Peru in front of Chile as a belligerants. Peruvian navy. Engraving by Capuz. La Ilustración Española y Americana, 1879.

The defeat of the Spanish Armada,1588. From The History of England, from the earliest records to the year 1802, published 1812.

Capture of the French Frigate La Tribune by His Majesty's Ship The Unicorn on the 8th June 1796 - Nicholas Pocock, 1797

events Fourth Anglo-Dutch War 1780 - 1784 Battle of Dogger Bank 5.8.1781 wood engraving after a copper engraving by M. Scarlett after a drawing by I.F.Reitz 1781,

CAPTURE BY THE CONFEDERATE WARSHIP CSS SUMTER OF TWO FEDERAL MERCHANTMEN, by W.H. Moody, 1887. The Confederate blockade runner and commerce raider flies Argentine flag. She was commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes during the US Civil War (BSLOC_2018_8_53)

View of the batteries off Palembang after the Victory afternoon - 12h. on den 24. July 1821, Nicolas Cammillieri, 1828, Firing of the coastal batteries situated on the river in Palembang in Sumatra by Dutch warships under command of General H.M. de Kock during the Second expedition to Palembang, 24 June 1821. Several Dutch warships are at anchor, center a capsizing ship., draughtsman: Nicolas Cammillieri, (mentioned on object), 1828, paper, pen, brush, h 521 mm × w 735 mm

Destruction of the privateer PETREL by the ST. LAWRENCE. Steel engraving by Robert Hinshelwood, b. 1812; after painting() by Paul Manzoni, copyrighted by Virtue & Co, Illus.: The war with the south / Robert Tomes. New York, Virtue [c1862. Vol. I, between p. 524 and 525, This record contains unverified, old data from caption card, with subsequent revisions, Caption card tracings: Civil War Navy; Ships, USS AIKEN; Ships, USS ST. LAWRENCE; Ships PETREL; United States History Civil War, 1861-1865 Naval operations; Warfare, Naval; Frigates; Shelf.

In the battle mast of a naval cruiser, Germany, battleship, Historical, digital reproduction of an original from the 19th century, Europe

View of the North River from a sloop at anchor a little above Daubbs' Ferry & looking towards New York, 4th Decr. 1778. Robertson, Archibald, approximately 1745-1813. 1778. Drawings. Spencer Collection. Armies , British , To 1799, Military officers , Personal narratives, War in art, United States , History , Revolution, 1775-1783, Campaigns & battles, Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J.), Sailing ships, Dobbs Ferry (N.Y.)

The Bombardment of Algiers (26-27 August 1816). Algiers's bombing, on 26-27 August 1816, with the ships that perform a bombing at night. The bombing of Algiers by the combined English-Dutch fleet, under the command of Lord Exmouth and Baron van der Capelle, was intended to support the ultimatum to support the release of captured sailors and fishermen.

'The Constitution and the Java, c1813. Artist: Nicholas Pocock.

'THE SIDON' STEAMER SHELLING KERTCH

The naval engagement with the Spanish Armada, 1588. From British History in Periods, published 1904.

Fitz Henry Lane, The United States Frigate President Engaging the British Squadron, 1815, 1850 The United States Frigate President Engaging the British Squadron, 1815

In July 1665 Lord Sandwich, commander of the English fleet, took his ships to sea hoping to exploit the recent victory over the Dutch at Lowestoft. His two targets were de Ruyter's squadron bound home from West Africa and the Americas, and a rich VOC convoy, which arrived twice a year from East Indies laden with spice, gems and luxury goods. At that time a single VOC Indiamen could be worth of £250000, which was a quarter of the English crown annual revenues. The VOC convoy arrived in 1665 to Bergen consisted of 60 ships carrying cargo worth of over 11 million guilders.

Emigrant ship, the 'Cospatrick' on fire at sea. On discovery of the fire, the crew tried to extingush the flames, but the wind spread them around the ship. Once the passengers were aware of the fire, panic set in and people tried to save themselves by jumping overboard, many drowning as a result. Some managed to get into the lifeboats, however, only two remained afloat and all the passengers perished. Out of 429 Emigrant passengers and crew of 45, only three people survived. Date: 9th Jan 18

On September 10, 1813, American Naval forces under the command of Oliver H. Perry attacked Robert H. Barclay's British fleet in Lake Erie. In the resulting action, Perry's forces gained a victory and claimed supremacy over the lake, causing the British to evacuate Fort Detroit.

HMS Mediator breaking the boom at Ile d'Aix to allow the fire ships to attack the French Fleet. Battle of the Basque Roads 11th April 1809; Napoleoni

The British prepare to leave New York : a fleet of vessels will take them home, leaving the colonists to fend for themselves as best they can.

Bombardment of Algiers by the United Anglo-Dutch Naval Squadron, 1816, by Gerardus Keultjes, Dutch painting, oil on canvas. The shelling has caused fire in buildings on shore. The object as the strike was the suppress the enslavement of Christians by the North African Barbary states (BSLOC_2016_2_230)

Battle of Navarino. 20 October 1827. Greek War of Independence (1821-32). Coast Peloponnese. Belligerents: Allied forces of British, French and Russian against Ottoman Empire. Allies' victory. Engraving. 19th century.

Digitally restored, Hussars of the French Republic seized the Dutch fleet, which was enclosed by the ice in 1795, Holland, publication from the year 1882, Digitally improved:, Hussars of the French Republic seized the Dutch fleet, which was enclosed by the ice in 1795, publication from the year 1882

The arrival of Napoleon III in Genoa in 1859, print. Second War of Independence, Italy, 19th century.

Destierro de Napoleón I Bonaparte (1769-1821), emperador de Francia, a la isla de Santa Elena en 1815. Grabado de 1880.

Journey of the kings of Spain to Galicia. Alfonso XII (1857-1885) and Maria Cristina de Habsburgo-Lorena (1858-1929). The monarchs disembarking in the port of La Corua on August 13, 1881. Illustration by Riudavets. Engraving. La Ilustracion Espaola y Americana, 1881.

School of William Van der Velde 1663-1707. Pirates attack an English Warship. Oil on Canvas

CAÑONERA CHILENA "COVADONGA" COMBATE DE IQUIQUE -21/5/1879.

A second telegram concerning the death of Captain Brownrigg. of H.M.S. London, has been received at the Admiralty, from which it appears that two of the wounded men, Venning and Tallis, have recovered ; and the third, Massey, is progressing favourably. The dhow was flying French colours, and when the London's boat ran alongside to verify its nationality, the Arab crew fired a volley and immediately boarded the boat, killing, wounding, and driving the crew overboard. Captain Brownrigg made a most gallant resistance, receiving twenty-one wounds, and falling at last, shot through the heart. The dhow, which is stated to have been full of slaves, has since been captured empty; but some Arabs suspected of belonging to the crew have been arrested by the Sultans troops.

Coast Guard Brig in War of 1812. This image depicts artwork of the engagement between the U.S. Coast Guard brig Nancy and the French brig Mehitabel in the War of 1812. Artwork by Hunter Wood.

Battle of Lepanto (Greece,7 Oct 1571), c. 1572 (detail)

The First Anglo-Chinese War (1839-42), known popularly as the First Opium War or simply the Opium War, was fought between the United Kingdom and the Qing Dynasty of China over their conflicting viewpoints on diplomatic relations, trade, and the administration of justice. Chinese officials wished to stop what was perceived as an outflow of silver and to control the spread of opium, and confiscated supplies of opium from British traders. The British government, although not officially denying China's right to control imports, objected to this seizure and used its newly developed military power to enforce violent redress. In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking-the first of what the Chinese later called the unequal treaties-granted an indemnity to Britain, the opening of five treaty ports, and the cession of Hong Kong Island, thereby ending the trade monopoly of the Canton System. The failure of the treaty to satisfy British goals of improved trade and diplomatic relations led to the Second Opium

also known as the 'Great Harry', it carried a complement of 700 mariners, soldiers and gunners Date: 1514

Conquest of Palembang, Sumatra in Indonesia, by Lieutenant-General Baron de Kock, June 24, 1821. Dating: 1857. Measurements: h 75 cm × w 98 cm; d 8 cm. Museum: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Author: LOUIS MEIJER.

Peter travels Europe in quest of knowledge : at Amsterdam a naval battle is staged for his benefit. On his return he will strengthen Russia's maritime resources. Date: 1696

Capture of Forts Jackson and St Phillip Louisiana 1862

ATTEMPTED LAUNCH OF THE IRONCLAD FRIGATE NORTHUMBERLAND AT MILLWALL, UK, 1866

France, Toulon. Fire of the ironclad warship "Richelieu". Scene representing the ship's sinking at 4 a.m. on December 29, 1880. Engraving. La Ilustracion Espaola y Americana, 1881. Later colouration.

The Bombardment of Algiers (27 August 1816) was an attempt by Britain to end the slavery practices of the Dey of Algiers. An Anglo-Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth bombarded ships and the harbour defences of Algiers. Although there was a continuing campaign by various European and the American navies to suppress the piracy against Europeans by the North African Barbary states, the specific aim of this expedition was to free Christian slaves and to stop the practice of enslaving Europeans. To this end, it was partially successful as the Dey of Algiers freed around 3,000 slaves following the bombardment and signed a treaty against the slavery of Europeans. However, the cessation of slavery did not last long.

"Captain Aubert, Comt. le Jean Baptte de Caen," saving the crew of the American brig "Lydia.", circa 1830

Aquatint of the bombardment of Algiers. Print by J. C. Stadler. Dated 1816

The encounter between Cornelis Tromp on the 'Gouden Leeuw'and Sir Edward Spragg on the 'Royal Prince on the night of 21 August 1673, during the Battle of Kijkduin: episode from the Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672-1674). Willem van de Velde the Younger

English Ships Coming to Anchor in a Fresh Breeze, Dominic Serres RA, 1722-1793, French, active in Britain (from the 1750s), late 18th century, Oil on canvas, Support (PTG): 41 1/2 x 65 1/2 inches (105.4 x 166.4 cm), anchor, breeze, cutters (sailing vessels), flags, fleet, full-rigged ships, sailboats, sea, ships, ships of the line, sloops (sailing vessels), water, wind

Burning of the United States' mail-steamer Roanoke, off St. George's, Bermuda, on the 9th of October, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by one of the passengers. 'The captain and crew were surprised by a party of ten men...under the command of Lieutenant Braine, who went through the ship dressed in a naval uniform, exclaiming, "In the name of the Confederate States of America, I demand the surrender of this vessel as a lawful prize," and calling upon Captain Drew, the commander of the Roanoke, to surrender as a prisoner of war. The announcement was immediately followed by the discharge o

An episode of the naval battle of Koge Bugt 1677, the naval battle of Koge Bay was a naval battle during the so-called Schonian War (1674-1679), Historical, digitally restored reproduction from a 19th century original

Infernal machine designed by the Confederates to destroy the Federal Flotilla in the Potomac discovered by Captain Budd on the steamer Resolute - USA Civil War

Troops leaving Wellington, New Zealand, heading for the Boer War in South Africa. 1900

The Raid on the Medway, sometimes called the Battle of Medway or the Battle of Chatham, was a successful Dutch attack on the largest English naval ships, laid up in the dockyards of their main naval base Chatham, that took place in June 1667 during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The Dutch, under nominal command of Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, bombarded and then captured the town of Sheerness, sailed up the River Thames to Gravesend, then up the River Medway to Chatham, where they burnt three capital ships and ten lesser naval vessels and towed away the Unity and the Royal Charles, pride and normal flagship of the English fleet. The raid led to a quick end to the war and a favourable peace for the Dutch.

Lowering security nets around a battleship French naval maneuvers in Toulon, France, illustration from L'Illustration, Journal Universel, No 2255, Volume LXXXVII, May 15, 1886.

Flushing evacuation by the British, boarding patients, vintage engraving. Flushing evacuation by the British, boarding patients, vintage engraved illustration. History of France 1885. Copyright: xZoonar.com/PatrickxGuenettex 10656345

engraving depicting, Spanish treasure galleons attacked by English pirates, circa 1580

Historical drawing, US-American history, 19th century, armored gunboats on the Mississippi river during the Battle of Vicksburg, American Civil War, 1863, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA, North America

The International Naval Festival at Cherbourg: illumination of the French ironclad Magenta - from a sketch by our special artist, 1865. 'The illumination of the fleets...was a spectacle of singular beauty. It began about nine o'clock, at which time a very considerable crowd had assembled...The Magenta commenced the display by exhibiting two powerful electric lights, by the aid of which, though at the distance of about two miles, it was possible to read a newspaper. Occasionally the cone of light proceeding from each of these luminous points was made to sweep across the wide expanse of water, a

Hammer's prisoner's capture, Photo reproduction of a print showing Hammer's capture during the Second German-Danish War, This photo is part of an album., photograph, foto, carte-de-visite, album sheet, reproduction, photos, height 87 mm, width 53 mm, photographer, 1860 - 1880, photographic paper, photo paper, cardboard, albumen print, albumine print, Work conception

THE PORTUGUESE ATTACK ON THE BRITISH AT BEIRA, EAST AFRICA

Naval Attack on the Russian Fort of Petropaulovski, Kamchatka, 1854. Crimean War. French and English warships: 'L'Obligator; Virago; Eurydice, Pique...The Allied squadron in the Pacific has attacked the Russian fort of Petropaulovski in Kamschatka, destroyed two batteries, and taken three vessels...The total number of men killed, wounded, and left on shore, belonging to the...Allies, 209...The action was a very severe one, the English vessels alone are said to have fired 3000 balls. The loss on the side of the Russians was very heavy, but is not ascertained...The object of the fleet, is said

The first capture of Chusan by British forces in China occurred on 5-6 July 1840 during the First Opium War. The British captured Chusan, the largest island of an archipelago of that name. The First Anglo-Chinese War (1839-42), known popularly as the First Opium War or simply the Opium War, was fought between the United Kingdom and the Qing Dynasty of China over their conflicting viewpoints on diplomatic relations, trade, and the administration of justice. Chinese officials wished to stop what was perceived as an outflow of silver and to control the spread of opium, and confiscated supplies of opium from British traders. The British government, although not officially denying China's right to control imports, objected to this seizure and used its newly developed military power to enforce violent redress. In 1842, the Treaty of Nankingthe first of what the Chinese later called the unequal treatiesgranted an indemnity to Britain, the opening of five treaty ports, and the cession of Hon

Detail of The Battle of Bunker Hill; about 1776-77 Oil on panel Winthrop Chandler American; 1747-1790

1700s 1770s SEPTEMBER 23 1779 JOHN PAUL JONES CAPTAIN OF BON HOMME RICHARD DEFEATS HMS SERAPIS

Illustration depicting the German flagship König Wilhelm pulling into Portsmouth for repairs after colliding with the SMS Grosser Kurfürst . Dated 19th Century

EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN Nelson wins decisive BATTLE OF ABOUKIR, destroying 11 of 13 French vessels despite the heroism of Brueys and Dupetit- Thouars

Second days action at Hatteras inlet, drawing, 1862-1865, by Alfred R Waud, 1828-1891, an american artist famous for his American Civil War sketches, America, US

Embarkation of Italian troops travelling to Eritrea from the Arsenal in Naples, Italy, First Italo-Ethiopian War, drawing by M Savini, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXII, No 51, December 22, 1895.

Sea battle by Alexei Petrovich Bogolyubov, oil on canvas, 1860s, 1824-1896, Russia, St Petersburg, State Central Navy Museum, 71x90

Americans throwing the cargoes of the Tea Ships into the river at Boston, Boston tea party

War 1812. USS Constitution in naval battle with HMS Guerriere, Aug. 19 1812. Constitution fires into the burning hulk of the badly damaged HSM Guerriere, as Guerriere fired into Constitution's stern cabin, starting a fire (BSLOC_2019_6_88)

detail from a painting depicting visiting foreign warships in Barcelona, Spain 1888

BOMBARDEO DE BALANGUINGUI - FILIPINAS - 1847. Author: FERNANDEZ MUNOZ. Location: MUSEO NAVAL / MINISTERIO DE MARINA. MADRID. SPAIN.

The naval Battle of Leghorn (the Dutch call the encounter by the Italian name Livorno) took place on 14 March (4 March Old Style) 1653, during the First Anglo-Dutch War, near Leghorn (Livorno), Italy. It was a victory of a Dutch fleet under Commodore Johan van Galen over an English squadron under Captain Henry Appleton. Afterward an English fleet under Captain Richard Badiley, which Appleton had been trying to reach, came up but was outnumbered and fled. The battle gave the Dutch command of the Mediterranean, placing the English trade with the Levant at their mercy, but Van Galen was mortally wounded, dying on 23 March.

The Spanish in Oran's region. During the second third of the 19th century many Spaniards went as farmers to make their fortune in northern Algeria. On June 11, 1881, the men of the Marabout Mohamed el-Arbi, known as Bu-Amena, attacked farmers who were gathering esparto in the Oranian agricultural fields of Khalfalia and Frendah, near Saida (Algeria). It caused panic among European emigrants. Many of them returned to their countries of origin. 9,000 Spaniards did so between 11 and 22 June 1881. Port of Alicante (Spain). Disembarkation of Spanish workers, fugitives from Oran, repatriated by the steamships "Bess" and "Correo de Cartagena". Engraving by Rico. La Ilustracion Espaola y Americana, 1881.

Battle of New Orleans during the USA Civil War

Spanish-American War (1898). Spanish Navy. Battleship cruiser 'Infanta Maria Teresa'. Flagship of the squadron in operations. It was sunk during the naval battle of Santiago de Cuba (3 July 1898). Illustration by A. de Caula. Photoengraving by Laporta. La Ilustracion Espanola y Americana, 1898.

BATALLA NAVAL ENTRE AMERICANOS (PAUL JONES)Y BRITANICOS 1779.

Fire on the Wharves of Algiers shortly after the beginning of the Bombardment by the Anglo-Dutch Fleet, 27 August 1816, Nicolaas Baur, 1816 - 1820

Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905: Russian ironclad 'Petropavlosk' sunk by Japanese torpedo with loss of 600 lives, including Admiral Makharoff or Makarov, 13 April 1904. From 'Le Petit Journal', Paris, 24 April 1904.

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