American naval expertise and gallantry came as a big shock to the British, who had become used to the Royal Navy ruling the waves.
In the War of Independence (1775-83) the exploits of Scots-born John Paul Jones (1747-92) were particularly daring. On September 23, 1779, Jones was in command of a squadron which took on a frigate, HMS Serapis, protecting a large convoy bound for England from the Baltic, off the Yorkshire coast. This action became known as the Battle of Flamborough Head.
Led by Capt Richard Pearson, the Serapis had engaged Jones’ ship the Bonhomme Richard. Challenged to surrender early in the battle, Jone had issued the famous riposte: “I have not yet begun to fight!”