On 7 October 1571, Don John of Austria led the naval contingents of the Holy League, totaling 208 ships, against the Ottoman fleet of 251 ships. The result was the most decisive naval victory since Actium, over 1500 year before. It was celebrated by Gilbert Keith Chesterton in his poem
Lepanto.
That was quite a fight. Take in 80% of the force (in raw ship count) and still kick butt.
ReplyDeleteSomebody wishes he'd sent a different admiral to lead his forces...
Take 80% of the ship force, but it's composed of several factions, each of which would benefit greatly if another faction took heavy losses. Go up against a unified fleet, and still kick butt.
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