HMS Torbay rescuing survivors of the French Thésée, Quiberon Bay, 20 September 1759 - Oil on canvas by Geoff Hunt RSMA

...to save as many people as we could...

The battle of Quiberon Bay took place towards sunset in stormy weather so bad that two battleships foundered, while during the ensuing night, four others were wrecked. In such conditions, it is extraordinary that HMS Torbay, having been in hot action with the Thésée, which sank, " immediately hoisted out the Boats... to save as many people as we could..." according to her Master's logbook.

The French 74-gun ship had foundered, probably when flooded through her lower gun ports, a fate which but for prompt action very nearly befell Torbay herself. At about the same time (at left in this view), Admiral Hawke's flagship Royal George was in action with her French counterpart, Admiral Conflans' flagship Soleil Royal. Just to the right of these two and racing up to assist her admiral, is the French Superbe, which was about to suffer the same fate as the Thésée.

Oil on linen, signed lower right, framed.

Canvas size: 21 x 30 inches

Frame size approx 26.5 x 35.5 inches (67cm x 90cm)

A larger photo is available on request.