Neighbor News
Battle of the Capes (aka Battle of the Chesapeake) remembered at Fort Story
On September 5, 1781 a French fleet defeated an English Fleet at the mouth of the Chesapeake
The fate of the British Army at Yorktown was sealed when a French Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Francois Joseph De Paul, the Compte de Grasse, defeated a British fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Thomas Graves. The battle happened just off shore what is now Virginia Beach at the mouth of the Chesapeake. The French victory eliminated the possibility the Army of Lieutenant General Cornwallis could escape by sea. After the French victory, the French off-loaded soldiers, artillery, ammunition and supplies to supplement American and French troops assembling for the siege of Yorktown. Twenty-three days after the French victory at the Battle of the Capes, the siege of Yorktown began. From September 28 to October 19, 1781 the Americans and their allies kept up a relentless artillery siege against British forces. On October 19, 1781 at 10:30am, the British surrendered, effectively ending the Revolutionary War with American Victory.
The 244th Anniversary of the Battle of the Capes was held on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA at the statue honoring Admiral Francois Joseph Paul-Comte de Grasse.
Loudoun County based Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter members Barry Schwoerer and Ken Bonner represented the chapter. Mr. Schwoerer presented the Chapter wreath in honor of the great victory. Guest speaker for the event was French Navy Admiral Pierre Vandier.
