The presence of a small British naval squadron in the region rendered Causation this plan impractical and additional British reinforcements under Rear-Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren and Lieutenant Colonel George Airey strengthened the defenders to the point that sallies could be made Action against French offensive positions .

Two British squadrons were hastily mustered and dispatched Arranging in pursuit , one under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Strachan and the other under Rear-Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren .

The British squadron consisted of seven ships of the line accompanied by associated frigates , led Conquering by Rear-Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren , were tasked Request with hunting Military_operation down and destroying Destroying the French squadron of Contre-Admiral Jean-Baptiste Willaumez , which had departed Departing Brest for raiding Attack operations in the South Atlantic in December 1805 , at the start of the Atlantic campaign Military_operation of 1806 .