Action of 5 November 1813

Action of 5 November 1813
Part of the Napoleonic Wars
The Blockade of Toulon, 1810-14: Pellew's Action, 5 November 1813, Thomas Luny
Date 5 November 1813 Location Off Toulon, Mediterranean Sea 43°02′48″N 5°59′03″E / 43.0466°N 5.9841°E / 43.0466; 5.9841 Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United Kingdom	France
Commanders and leaders
Edward Pellew	Julien Cosmao
Strength
13 ships of the line	5 ships of the line 4 frigates
Casualties and losses
15 killed and wounded	17 wounded

The action of 5 November 1813 was a brief naval clash during the Napoleonic Wars, between part of the British Mediterranean Fleet led by Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew, and a French force under Rear-Admiral Julien Cosmao-Kerjulien. The engagement took place outside the French port of Toulon.

The clash occurred when a French fleet under Vice-Admiral Maxime Julien Émeriau de Beauverger took advantage of a favourable wind and the temporary absence of the British blockading force, to leave port to carry out exercises. Émeriau abandoned the exercises when the wind changed, but while returning to port his rear came under attack from the recently returned British inshore squadron. The British attack was reinforced by newly arrived ships from the main fleet, but the French were able to escape into Toulon after exchanging cannon fire with the British. Casualties on both sides were light.