ABSTRACT
In 1672 he commanded the Sage, 50, under d’ESTREES, at the battle of Solebay, and the next year commanded the Sans Pareil, 58, in the three battles against the Dutch that summer. 1675 saw him back in the Mediterranean, fighting the Spanish, and being promoted for his part in the taking of Augusta. In 1679, once again in the Sans Pareil, he was shipwrecked on Belle-Isle, en route from Toulon to Brest. He then became one of COLBERT’S advisors, taking a particular interest in ship construction and the training of young officers. After promotion in 1682 he spent the next six years in the Mediterranean. 1689 saw him back in the Channel, and in 1690, with his flag in the Soleil-Royal, 106, he met TORRINGTON’S HERBERT’S Anglo-Dutch fleet off Beachy Head, and beat them. Although the Allies lost only one small ship, their losses in men were far higher, they had to scuttle a number of ships following battle damage, and they withdrew to the Thames, leaving Tourville master of the Channel. But the French did not follow up their success with an invasion until 1692, when Tourville was given an inadequate fleet, in a badly prepared expedition. Off Barfleur, they met Russell, and the tables were turned. Few ships were sunk in the battle, but many were lost afterwards, including the badly mauled Soleil-Royal which ran aground off Cherbourg, where the British burned her. Twelve more ships took refuge in the Bay of La Hogue, and were destroyed by British raiding parties.
