With the outbreak of war between the French Republic and Great Britain in 1793 large numbers of privateers were kitted out on both sides of the English Channel. The City of St.Malo was the operational base of a fair number of privateers, or 'corsairs', the most successful being Robert Surcouf. This corsair even preyed on British shipping in the Indian Ocean. Although St.Malo is in Brittany it appears the local population had a strong, independent spirit. They had little attachment to the Bretton peasantry, who where strongly Catholic and sympathetic to a Royal restoration. It appears the residents of St.Malo had only a slight regard for the French Government, as the authorities were hostile to privateering, wanting all who were able to join the French Navy.
My small fleet of privateers are scratch built of plastic card. Worn-out paintbrushes, wood glued into blocks of wood, serving as masts. They are quite robust for game purposes.
With Royal Navy vessels in the making, and a landing party that is already painted and ready, I am looking forward to some interesting scenarios. MGB
