Action of 27 May 1770

Fought during the Russo-Turkish War, 1768-1774, this indecisive battle took place on 27 and 28 May 1770 at the entrance to the Gulf of Nauplia, Greece, when a Russian fleet under John Elphinston engaged a larger Turkish fleet. No ships were lost on either side, and casualties were small.

Elphinston had arrived at Cape Matapan, southern Greece, on 20 May 1770 from Portsmouth and landed his troops on 22 May at Rupino. Hearing that the Turkish fleet was in 2 parts, he decided to attack. After battling bad weather, he sighted the Turkish ships on 27 May at the entrance to the gulf and despite the superior numbers of the Turks (about 10 battleships and some smaller vessels vs 3 battleships, 2 frigates and 4 armed merchantmen) he sailed up before a light SSE breeze to attack. Soon after 5pm "Ne tron menya" attacked the Turkish flagship, and then "Saratov" attacked the Turkish Vice- and Rear Admiral's ships. "Nadezhda" was also in action. Elphinston, in "Svyatoslav", had to chase and fire on the armed merchantmen to get them to fight, but when he did attack the Turks retreated, using their galleys to tow their battleships north. The Russians used their boats to do the same.

On 28 May, soon after 12pm the Turks anchored in line under the guns of the Nauplia batteries. At about 3pm Elphinston attacked, standing up and down the Turkish line, but with little effect. Russian casualties were low.

On 30 May, the Turks began to move, and some Russian captains insisted that they were not bound to attack such a superior fleet. Elphinston had to give in, and during the evening of 31 May as the Turks steadily approached, being towed again by their galleys, the wind rose and the Russians got away.

Ships involved:

Russia (Elphinston)

"Svyatoslav" 80 (flag)
"Ne tron menya" 66
"Saratov" 66
"Afrika" 32
"Nadezhda" 32
"Graf Tchernyshev" 22 (hired British merchantman)
"Graf Panin" 18 (hired British merchantman)
"Graf Orlov" 18 (hired British merchantman)
"Sv. Pavel" 8

Turkey

(details uncertain)
"?" 84 (flag)
4 other 84-gun battleships
2 64-gun battleships
4 54-gun battleships
2 50-gun battleships
a few smaller ships, including galleys

References

*"Naval wars in the Levant 1559-1853" - R. C. Anderson ISBN 1-57898-538-2