to sea until the beginning of April, leaving behind a number of ships which had mutinied for overdue pay. Herbert's fleet of 19 ships sailed on 4 April; it was off Cork by 12 April, seeking to intercept enemy vessels. The French fleet, consisting of 24 third- and fourth-rate vessels, two frigates, a number of fireships, and transports carrying weapons and supplies for James’s campaign, left the port of Brest on 6 May. As the French approached southern Ireland Herbert's squadron had made offloading supplies at Kinsale impossible, thus forcing Châteaurenault to anchor his fleet in Bantry Bay, joining up with a further three French frigates there. The following morning on 11 May, as the French were landing 1,500 men with money, arms and ammunition, Admiral Herbert’s fleet came into view. The French weighed anchor, and a running battle ensued in the confined waters of the bay. Initially the two fleets opposed each other in parallel lines but Châteaurenault, enjoying the weather gage, drove Herbert from the bay into the open sea. The ensuing battle – which in total lasted four hours – was somewhat inconclusive, but the French had protected the transports which managed to unload. When the French broke off the action late in the afternoon in order to return to the anchorage, Herbert's ships were too damaged to follow, and he had suffered many casualties. Ships involved The French squadron comprised: François 48, Capt. Pannetier Vermandois 60, Capt. de Machault Duc 50, Capt. Colbert-Saint-Mars Fendant 52, Capt. de Réals Saint Michel 56, Chef d'escadre Jean Gabaret Fort 56, Capt. le chevalier de Rosmadec Léger 40, Capt. le chevalier de Forbis Précieux 52, Capt de Salanpart Capable 48, Capt. de Bellefontaine Arrogant 58, Capt de la Harteloire Diamant 54, Capt. le chevalier de Coëtlogon Ardent 66, Capt. Desnos Champmeslin (flagship of Lieutenant-général Louis François de Rousselet, comte de Châteaurenault) Furieux 60, Capt. Desnos Faucon 40, Capt le chevalier d'Hervault Modéré 50, Capt. le marquis de Saint-Hermine Entreprenant 56, Capt. de Beaujeu Courageux 56, Chef d'escadre Job Forant Neptune 46, Capt. de Pallière Arc en Ciel 44, Capt. de Perrinet Excellent 60, Capt. de Lavigerie Sage 52, Capt. de Vaudricourt Oiseau 40, Capt. Duquesne Guition Emporté 42, Capt. Roussel Apollon 56, Capt. Montortier There were also 5 frigates and 10 fireships. The English squadron comprised: Defiance 64, Capt. John Ashby Portsmouth 46, Capt. George St Loe Plymouth 60, Capt.