Posted on 09/23/2017 12:43:48 PM PDT by Bull Snipe
the Continental Navy ship Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, engages HMS Serapis. After a grueling 6 hours battle, HMS Serapis strikes her colors to the Bonhomme Richard. About half of each ship’s crews are casualties. Bonhomme Richard, despite the crew’s efforts, sinks from the heavy damage received during the battle. Captain Jones sails the damaged Serapis to the Netherlands for repairs.
The stuff of great motion pictures!
Is there a motion picture of this battle? Should definately bee. Like the story a lot.
>>The stuff of great motion pictures!
But... is Hollywood even producing any lesser weevils these days?
Seems all their work product is pretty much the same level of weeviltude... it’s hard to see much difference.
An interesting post-battle legal fight came about when John Paul Jones sailed the captured Serapis into the neutral port of Texel (Netherlands) without a 'National Ensign' as the one on the "Bonhomme Richard" had been blown away in the battle. The British representatives wanted to claim that this lack made the action a case of piracy, subjecting the winners to imprisonment and possible execution. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams quickly got a non-standard replacement ensign to the ship that then allowed the Dutch to avoid that legalism!
This is now known as the "Serapis" or "John Paul Jones" flag.
Thanks, had never heard that.
In addition to this 1959 version, think there was a 1930’s silent version and seem to remember a 1970’s version...?Gregory Peck?
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