The Skirmish of Loch nan Uamh, 1746

The Skirmish of Loch nan Uamh was a significant event that took place in the Scottish Highlands on May 2nd, 1746, during the Jacobite rising of 1745. This battle was fought between the British Royal Navy and French privateers who were supporting the Jacobite rebels. The Jacobite rising of 1745 was an attempt by the supporters of the Stuart dynasty to reclaim the British throne, and this skirmish was an important moment in the struggle between the Jacobites and the British government.

The French privateers, Le Mars and La Bellone, arrived at Loch nan Uamh on April 30th, 1746, following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The privateers raised the French flag after being fired upon by the Jacobites, who mistook them for British-Hanoverian supporters. Le Mars took on board some escaping Jacobites, including James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth and Sir Thomas Sheridan, and anchored in the loch.

On May 2nd, three British ships entered the loch and approached the French privateers. Captain Antoine Rouillé of Le Mars decided to stay at anchor while Captain Claude Lory of the La Bellone set sail. This allowed the Royal Navy’s HMS Greyhound to engage Le Mars in a close-quarters battle that resulted in significant loss of life and panic among the crew. The La Bellone and HMS Greyhound also engaged in battle, with the La Bellone hitting the HMS Greyhound’s main mast and setting fire to her hand grenades. The French ships eventually escaped but another French ship returned in September and rescued the Jacobite leader Charles Edward Stuart, who had been in hiding.

The Skirmish of Loch nan Uamh was a significant moment in the Jacobite rising of 1745, as it showed the power of the British Royal Navy against the French privateers. The battle was also a testament to the determination of the Jacobite rebels, who continued to fight for their cause even after the defeat at Culloden. Despite the outcome, the skirmish was a demonstration of the bravery and tenacity of the Jacobite supporters, who fought to reclaim their rights and establish a new dynasty.