Random Historical fact

[Oberon]

Here's something I just spotted in my Uncles small weather article on page 4 of todays Daily Mail.

"In January 1795, the Dutch fleet lay trapped between the frozen waters of the IJssel Meer and an ice jam blocking its entrance to the ocean. The ships became frozen in and an icy fog then shrouded the area. In a bold move, on January 23, Louis Joseph Lahure of the French army sent just 128 cavalry-men against 15 heavily-armed vessels, riding unseen across the frozen sea. Lahure shouted to the surprised admiral to surrender.
'Yes,' said the admiral 'But join me for dinner first.'
This remains the only occasion when a fleet at sea has been captured by cavalry."

[Abraham]

The story seems unlikely to me for two reasons:
1. I've never heard of it;
2. The "IJsselmeer" (Lake IJssel) only does exist since the Afsluitdijk was finished in 1932 and a fresh water lake existed. Before it was called the Zuiderzee"(South Sea) and a bay with salt water and tides.

Furthermore it seems highly unlikely to me that a Dutch Admiral would send an invitation for a dinner onboard his ship and even more unlikely that a French Army Commander would accept such an invitation at any price...


Perhaps Dutch Sea Lord Drebbel could shred some light on this question?

[Gorduz]

cool

[Oberon]

http://www.napoleon-series.org/milit...s/c_jonge.html

More info

[Abraham]

Originally Posted by Oberon

http://www.napoleon-series.org/milit...s/c_jonge.html

More info

Thanks Oberon for checking out the facts of this potentially humiliating episode of the Dutch Navy.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Abraham

Thanks Oberon for checking out the facts of this potentially humiliating episode of the Dutch Navy.

No probs, I'll be sure to reprimand my Uncle about it on the behalf of Holland when I next see him.