On 20 June 1783 the French fleet of Pierre André de Suffren fought the British fleet of Sir Edward Hughes off Cuddalore, on the Coromandel coast of India. Peace had been agreed in Europe but had not reached India, so the battle was the last of the war in the region.
A fleet battle
The British had 18 ships of the line against 15 French. The French lost 102 killed and 386 wounded. The British lost 99 killed and 434 wounded.1
The battle is generally considered a victory for Suffren, although no ships were seriously damaged. The British withdrew to Madras.
News of peace
News of the preliminary peace arrived on 29 June, and hostilities were suspended on 2 July.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Cuddalore?
It was fought on 20 June 1783 in the Bay of Bengal, off Cuddalore on the Coromandel coast of India.
Who won the Battle of Cuddalore?
It is generally considered a French victory for Suffren, though no ships were seriously damaged and the British withdrew to Madras.
Why was it the last battle?
Peace had been agreed in Europe but had not reached India, so the battle was fought before news of the preliminary peace arrived.
Notes
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