Coromandel Task Force
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This article relates to the 1st Carnatic War
Background
Although England and France were at war during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48), in the beginning their respective trading posts in India were on friendly terms. When Joseph-Francois Dupleix was appointed governor-general of all French establishments, he had ambitions to oust the British and build French influence.
British military forces were very few and the French were able to capture Fort St George (and thereby Madras) in September 1746. When news reached Britain a fleet was assembled under Admiral Edward Boscawen to transport a task force to counter the French.
Boscawen's Fleet
| Ship | Guns | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| Namur (flagship) | 74 | S. Marshall |
| Vigilant | 64 | William Lisle |
| Deptford | 60 | T. Lake |
| Pembroke | 60 | T. Fincher |
| Ruby | 50 | Jos. Knight |
| Chester | 50 | Richard Spry |
| Deal Castle | 24 | J. Lloyd |
| Swallow | 16 | J. Rowzier |
| Basilisk (bomb) | 8 | William Preston |
| Apollo (hospital) | 20 | Robert Wilson |
| Exeter | 60 | Harry Powlett |
| York | 60 | Tim. Nucella |
| Harwich | 50 | Ph. Carteret |
| Preston | 50 | William Adams |
| Lively | 20 | N. Stevens |