John Elliot (Royal Navy Officer) - Defeating Thurot

Defeating Thurot

Elliot rushed his ships to sea and arrived off Carrickfergus on 26 February, but learnt that the French had already sailed. Elliot's force set off in pursuit, and caught up with them on 28 February. The French force, consisting of the ships Maréchal de Belle-Isle, Terpsichore and Blonde, were brought to battle off the Isle of Man at 9 in the morning. After a close-fought action, Thurot's force was battered into submission, with his ships dismasted and reduced to a sinking condition. Thurot was hit by a musket ball and died during the action, with his body being thrown overboard. Around 300 of the French had been killed or wounded, while British losses amounted to four killed and 15 wounded on Aeolus, one killed and five wounded on Pallas and 11 wounded on Brilliant. Thurot's body was washed ashore at Port William and was buried with full military honours at Kirkmaiden. Among the possessions found on him was a tobacco box of chased silver and engraved with his name, which was presented to Elliot by Sir William Maxwell, who arranged Thurot's funeral and acted as chief mourner. Elliot and his captains received the thanks of both the Westminster and Irish Houses of Parliament, and the freedom of the city of Cork. Elliot's cousin, Thomas Pasley was serving on Aeolus during the battle, and having distinguished himself in the fighting, was promoted to lieutenant of the ship. Both Blonde and Terpsichore were taken into the Royal Navy, while on Elliot's return to Spithead, he was presented to King George II. Songs were written about the battle and images and depictions of it were widely distributed. Years later, in 1804, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson wrote a letter to John Elliot's nephew, then Lord Minto:

I beg you will present my respects to Admiral Elliot; I have had the honour of being introduced to him twenty-two years ago, but never had the pleasure of serving with him; but his action with Thurot will stand the test with any of our modern Victories. —Victory, at sea, 11 January 1804