File:Ushant, 1794 RCIN 735027.c.jpg
The Defence, shown here, was part of the van squadron under the command of Admiral Graves. Having been the first to break through the French line, the Defence was not initially supported by following British vessels and suffered considerable damage while engaging fire with the French ships.
Known as 'The Glorious First of June', this action was also known as the 'Third Battle of Ushant'. The British were commanded by Admiral Richard Howe, 1st Earl Howe (1726-99), and the French were commanded by Admiral Louis-Thomas Villaret de Joyeuse (1747-1812). The British defeat of the French was only a tactical victory, the objective of capturing a French grain convoy was not achieved.