What was the Battle of Flamborough Head?

The Battle of Flamborough Head, which took place under Bempton Cliffs on the evening of 23rd September 1779 during the American War of Independence (1775-83), is one of the most celebrated naval actions in US history despite its relatively small size and considerable dispute as to who actually won!

A Franco-American Squadron of four ships, including the Bonhomme Richard under the command of John Paul Jones, attempted to attack a large convoy of merchant vessels laden with essential supplies for the UK Government but the two British Royal Navy escorts, the HMS Serapis commanded by Captain Richard Pearson, and the Countess of Scarborough commanded by Captain Thomas Piercy engaged the Americans despite being outnumbered and outgunned two-to-one, thereby enabling the convoy to escape to relative safety beneath the “new state-of-the-art” cannons of Scarborough Castle.

In the ensuing battle, in which over 400 men and boys were killed and injured, John Paul Jones captured HMS Serapis and The Countess of Scarborough whilst his own ship, the Bonhomme Richard, was badly damaged and later sunk.

This was also the famous battle where the immortalised words of John Paul Jones were meant to have been declared when asked to surrender he replied, “Surrender? I have not yet begun to fight!”, which every American child is taught at school.

The US Navy still has warships in its fleet called the “John Paul Jones” and “Bonhomme Richard”.

Debate continues to this day as to who emerged victorious:- John Paul Jones for his daring and capture of the Serapis, or Captains Pearson and Piercy for their heroic protection of the convoy which escaped unscathed. Both America and Great Britain attest that their missions were accomplished.

The battle is of particular importance in both the United States and France, which interest will increase year on year as we approach the 250th anniversary of the battle in 2029.