Battle of Damietta 1732: The Hospitaller Interception of the Ottoman Convoy
In the early 18th century, the Mediterranean was a theater of constant tension between European powers and the Ottoman Empire. One such encounter occurred in August 1732, when the Knights Hospitaller launched a targeted strike to disrupt Ottoman maritime logistics near Damietta.
The operation began in July 1732, when Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena issued orders to Jacques-François de Chambray. The objective was clear: intercept an Ottoman convoy to weaken the enemy's naval capabilities and seize valuable supplies.
The Naval Engagement
On August 16, 1732, Chambray's squadron located the target. The Ottoman convoy was a significant force, comprising approximately 40 merchant ships. Protecting these vessels was the Sultana, a powerful ship of the line equipped with 70 guns and commanded by Ottoman vice-admiral Kali Michamet.
Chambray executed a strategic split of his forces. He deployed two 60-gun ships of the line, the Saint Antoine and the Saint George, to engage the Sultana in a direct confrontation. Simultaneously, Hospitaller corvettes—smaller, faster warships—were dispatched to attack and scatter the merchant vessels.
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The Fall of the Sultana
The battle was characterized by fierce resistance from the Ottoman flagship. However, the combined firepower of the Saint Antoine and Saint George eventually took its toll. The Sultana was heavily damaged and dismasted, meaning its masts were broken or shot away, leaving it unable to maneuver.
Vice-admiral Kali Michamet initially refused to surrender despite the devastation of his ship. It was not until dawn the following day that the situation became untenable, forcing the vice-admiral to capitulate.
Outcome and Spoils of War
The conclusion of the battle was bittersweet for the Hospitallers. Although the Sultana remained afloat, the crew of the Saint George set the flagship ablaze. This act of destruction prevented Chambray from claiming the vessel as a prize of war.
While many of the captured merchant ships were found to be empty of high-value cargo, the Knights still secured essential military and naval assets. The seizure included cannons, gunpowder, sails, cables, and food supplies, providing a practical victory for the Order.
| Category | Hospitaller Forces | Ottoman Forces |
|---|---|---|
| Commanders | Jacques-François de Chambray | Vice-admiral Kali Michamet |
| Primary Ships | Saint Antoine, Saint George (60 guns each) | Sultana (70 guns) |
| Supporting Vessels | Corvettes | ~40 Merchant Ships |
| Outcome | Victory; seized supplies | Flagship destroyed; convoy disrupted |
Key Facts
- Date: August 16, 1732.
- Location: Near Damietta.
- Key Figures: Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena and Jacques-François de Chambray.
- The Flagship: The Sultana was a 70-gun ship of the line.
- Tactics: Heavy ships engaged the flagship while corvettes targeted merchant vessels.
- Losses: The Sultana was dismasted and eventually burned.
- Seized Goods: Cannons, gunpowder, sails, cables, and food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who ordered the attack on the Ottoman convoy?
The attack was ordered in July 1732 by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who instructed Jacques-François de Chambray to carry out the interception.
What happened to the Ottoman flagship, the Sultana?
The Sultana was heavily damaged and dismasted during the fight. After Vice-admiral Kali Michamet surrendered at dawn, the crew of the Saint George set the ship on fire.
Did the Knights Hospitaller capture any valuable cargo?
Many of the merchant ships were empty of valuable cargo; however, the Knights successfully seized military equipment including gunpowder, cannons, sails, and cables, as well as food supplies.
How did Chambray divide his forces during the battle?
Chambray used his two 60-gun ships of the line, the Saint Antoine and Saint George, to fight the Sultana, while using corvettes to attack the accompanying merchant ships.
Why wasn't the Sultana claimed as a prize?
The Sultana could not be claimed as a prize because it was set ablaze by the crew of the Saint George shortly after the surrender.